WriteTraits WORD CHOICE

Copy On Your Word Choice Title Page Selecting the right synonym to create precise meaning Selecting the right synonym to create precise meaning Using specific, strong words – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs Using specific, strong words – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs Using slang, and clichés sparingly Using slang, and clichés sparingly Getting rid of word clutter Getting rid of word clutter Avoiding repetition Avoiding repetition Using words that create a mental picture for the reader Using words that create a mental picture for the reader

Student Rubric for Word Choice Glue the following rubric on the back of your title page for WORD CHOICE Glue the following rubric on the back of your title page for WORD CHOICE

Student Rubric for Word Choice ValueDescription Place your √ in this column 6  every word contributes to the main idea  I selected word with just the right shade of meaning  I got rid of clutter. Every word counts. 5  Most of my words and phrases are clear.  I use words that have the right meaning for my message.  I got rid of most clutter. I don’t think it’s a problem. 4  My words are usually clear. The reader can figure out my main idea.  A few words should be replaced with more precise synonyms.  My writing has some clutter. I could cut out some words or phrases. 3  My word choice is unclear in many places. The reader might guess my main idea.  Some of my words should be replaced with more precise words.  My writing is cluttered. I used too many words I did not need, or else my descriptions are too sketchy. 2  My words are very unclear. I did not always know the meaning myself.  Many words should be replaced with more precise words.  I do not know for sure whether I used too many words or not enough words. I just wrote. 1  My words are hard to understand. They are vague or I just guessed which words to use.  My message is unclear because I have used words inappropriately.  Maybe I use too many words. I don’t know.

Student Rubric Refer to your rubric at all times Refer to your rubric at all times When you write, keep in mind what a ‘6’ level piece of writing should look like When you write, keep in mind what a ‘6’ level piece of writing should look like

Let’s begin……..a review What is word choice? What is word choice? Word choice is choosing words that can make your writing a masterpiece Word choice is choosing words that can make your writing a masterpiece

Choose One Choose one of the following prompts and write about it in your writing notebook Choose one of the following prompts and write about it in your writing notebook

1. We all eat to stay alive, but everyone has a favorite food. What is your favorite food in the world? What does it look like? How does it smell and taste in your mouth? Describe your favorite food so that your reader can see it and almost taste it as well. 2. Describe the most beautiful scene in nature that you can imagine. 3. Describe your best friend so that the reader can picture him or her. 4. Each season of the year is beautiful in some way. Think of which season is your favorite: winter, summer, spring or fall. Think of what your community looks like during that season. What does it feel like? Is there a smell or taste to it? Describe an outdoor scene during your favorite season of the year. 5. People live in houses, apartments, tents, cabins, trailers,and other buildings. Where do you live? Think of your ideal living place. Perhaps it’s where you live now. What does it look like? Does it have a smell? Describe your ideal living place or the place where you live so that your reader can picture it clearly.

We Had Fun and Stuff Word Choice – Lesson 2

We Had Fun and Stuff What is wrong with the title? Too vague – fun, stuff Too vague – fun, stuff No sense of details or images No sense of details or images

A Typical Teen/Parent Conversation Dad: How was school today? Teen: Fine Dad: What did you learn? Teen: The usual stuff Dad: Where are you going now? Teen: Out Dad: Who with? Teen: Friends Dad: When will you be back? Teen: Later

Now Do You Know Why Your Parents Don’t Understand You? You are avoiding details, hoping mom and dad will not answer anymore questions You are avoiding details, hoping mom and dad will not answer anymore questions Readers don’t get the chance to ask more questions Readers don’t get the chance to ask more questions Readers sit there wondering what you are trying to say! Readers sit there wondering what you are trying to say!

Practise As you read ‘The Cake Mix Doctor’ and ‘Jim the Boy’, underline any words or phrases that are examples of clear, specific or vivid word choice As you read ‘The Cake Mix Doctor’ and ‘Jim the Boy’, underline any words or phrases that are examples of clear, specific or vivid word choice These are 2 entirely different pieces These are 2 entirely different pieces A recipe should be clear and precise A recipe should be clear and precise A description should create strong sensory images (sight, taste, feel, hear, etc.) A description should create strong sensory images (sight, taste, feel, hear, etc.)

Deep Chocolate Almond Cake Stirring constantly Stirring constantly Generously grease Generously grease Excess flour Excess flour Down again Down again Prepared pans Prepared pans

Jim the Boy Desloate barren Desloate barren Eventually Eventually Crossed finally Crossed finally Wide sea Wide sea Simply hold still Simply hold still Bore down Bore down Running go Running go Angry breath of God Angry breath of God

Let’s Revise Revise the 3 vague sentences in warming up First, read and circle any non-specific language you find First, read and circle any non-specific language you find Then, revise each sentence by replacing the circled words with clear, specific language. Make it as vivid and precise as possible. Then, revise each sentence by replacing the circled words with clear, specific language. Make it as vivid and precise as possible. There are NO wrong answers There are NO wrong answers See the example given See the example given

Let’s Share Volunteers?????

Some possibilities 1. Freddie, my best friend, and I stormed to victory, slamming in one goal after another during Tuesday night’s soccer game. 2. The graceful thirty foot boa horrified us as she slid down the tree toward the unsuspecting white rat below. 3. At Hunter Middle School we played quiz sow games during every lunch hour, testing our knowledge of social studies or math; the winners were rewarded with amazing prizes like free pizzas, DVDs and movie tickets.

Things to Do First, on your piece of writing due today, you are to circle vague words First, on your piece of writing due today, you are to circle vague words Replace more precise words Replace more precise words Rewrite the piece in your Writing Notebook Rewrite the piece in your Writing Notebook Secondly, complete ‘Replace Vague Language Assignment’ for homework. Put in the Writing section of your binder. Secondly, complete ‘Replace Vague Language Assignment’ for homework. Put in the Writing section of your binder.