1. The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing.
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
The Six Traits
The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing.

2. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
Focus on Word Choice
Good word choice means using specific nouns, strong verbs, and excellent describing words.

3. Good word choice is easy to recognize.
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
Good word choice is easy to recognize.
Read the following story. Are the nouns specific? Are the verbs strong? Are the describing words excellent?
The kid came into the place. He got some stuff at the counter. Then he sat down and watched a show.

4. Good word choice is easy to recognize.
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
Good word choice is easy to recognize.
Now read the final draft. Notice the difference good word choice makes!
The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.

5. What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.
Nouns are words that name people, places, and things. The writer uses nouns that are very specific.

6. What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.
Verbs are action words. The writer uses verbs to show the boy’s actions.

7. What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.
Adjectives are words that describe people, places, and things. The writer uses good adjectives to describe the boy, the snacks, and the movie.

8. What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
What makes the word choice better in the second sample?
The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.
Adverbs describe how an action
is done. The writer uses a good adverb to describe how the
boy bought his snacks.

9. Remember! Good word choice means using specific nouns.
Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice
Remember!
Good word choice means using specific nouns.
Good word choice means using strong verbs.
Good word choice means using excellent describing words, such as adjectives and adverbs.