WORD+CHOICE

WORD CHOICE
==With good WORD CHOICE, the writer creates a mental picture for the reader by using words that are specific and accurate. The writer uses strong action verbs whenever possible to //show// the reader what is happening rather than //tell// the reader. The adjectives are as descriptive as possible. The nouns are specific, not general. ==

== Striking words and phrases catch the reader's eye, but the language is natural and not overdone. Slang and clichés are used sparingly, if at all. ==

**WORD CHOICE ** ACTIVITIES

 * The sentences below contain vague, dull, and non-descriptive words and phrases. Rewrite each sentence with better word choice. Remove the vague vocabulary and replace it with words that are more precise and descriptive. **

The man went down the street. She cooked a desert.

The teacher said something to the four boys.

The dog barked at something.

> > > > >
 * I was so happy.
 * The cat made a noise.
 * The child cried when he dropped his ice cream.
 * The man made a good meal.
 * The girl looked nice.
 * We were afraid when we looked down.


 * Word Play **

Language doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Word association games are great poetry starters, for instance. They’re easy to do, and they can lead to some wonderful, personal poetry. Think metaphorically. ..


 * If I were a color, I’d be-
 * If I were a food, I’d be-
 * If I were a city, I’d be-
 * If I were an animal, I’d be-
 * If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be-

Here Today - Gone Tomorrow! **

Identify one word commonly used today that will probably NOT be part of our common vocabulary in 50 years. Create a brief argument for how and why this word will fade from common use.

Word Choice Rubric
way. The words are powerful and engaging. A. Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means. B. Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye and linger in the reader's mind. C. Language and phrasing are natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience. D. Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth. E. Choices in language enhance the meaning and clarify understanding. F. Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot.
 * 5** Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural

figure out the writer's meaning on a general level. A. Words are adequate and correct in a general sense, and they support the meaning by not getting in the way. B. Familiar words and phrases communicate but rarely capture the reader's imagination. C. Attempts at colorful language show a willingness to stretch and grow but sometimes reach beyond the audience (thesaurus overload!). D. Despite a few successes, the writing is marked by passive verbs, everyday nouns, and mundane modifiers. E. The words and phrases are functional with only one or two fine moments. F. The words may be refined in a couple of places, but the language looks more like the first thing that popped into the writer’s mind.
 * 3** The language is functional, even if it lacks much energy. It is easy to

words to convey specific meaning. A. Words are so nonspecific and distracting that only a very limited meaning comes through. B. Problems with language leave the reader wondering. Many of the words just don’t work in this piece. C. Audience has not been considered. Language is used incorrectly making the message secondary to the misfires with the words. D. Limited vocabulary and/or misused parts of speech seriously impair understanding. E. Words and phrases are so unimaginative and lifeless that they detract from the meaning. F. Jargon or clichés distract or mislead. Redundancy may distract the reader.
 * 1** The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary or has not searched for

//sources:// http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/wordchoice/menu.html