WriteTraits
WORD CHOICE
Copy On Your Word Choice Title
Page
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Selecting the right synonym to create precise
meaning
Using specific, strong words – nouns, verbs,
adjectives, adverbs
Using slang, and clichés sparingly
Getting rid of word clutter
Avoiding repetition
Using words that create a mental picture for the
reader
Student Rubric for Word Choice
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Glue the following rubric on the back of
your title page for WORD CHOICE
Student Rubric for Word Choice
Value
Description
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
2
1
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.
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.
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.
Place your √ in this
column
Student Rubric
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Refer to your rubric at all times
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?
 Word choice is choosing words that
can make your writing a masterpiece
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Choose One
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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
 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?
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You are avoiding details, hoping mom and
dad will not answer anymore questions
Readers don’t get the chance to ask more
questions
Readers sit there wondering what you are
trying to say!
Practise
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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
A recipe should be clear and precise
A description should create strong sensory
images (sight, taste, feel, hear, etc.)
Deep Chocolate Almond Cake
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Stirring constantly
Generously grease
Excess flour
Down again
Prepared pans
Jim the Boy
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Desloate barren
Eventually
Crossed finally
Wide sea
Simply hold still
Bore down
Running go
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
 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
 See the example given
Let’s Share
Volunteers?????
Some possibilities
1.
2.
3.
Freddie, my best friend, and I stormed to
victory, slamming in one goal after another
during Tuesday night’s soccer game.
The graceful thirty foot boa horrified us as she
slid down the tree toward the unsuspecting
white rat below.
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
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First, on your piece of writing due today,
you are to circle vague words
Replace more precise words
Rewrite the piece in your Writing
Notebook
Secondly, complete ‘Replace Vague
Language Assignment’ for homework. Put
in the Writing section of your binder.