• By definition, word choice at its best means
precise, colorful, descriptive and expressive
language consistently defines the written work.
• In addition to utilizing impressive or
appropriately sophisticated vocabulary, word choice more importantly means students possessing the skill to use everyday words
well.
• When word choice is an asset, the writer
communicates not just in a functional way, but also in a way that moves and enlightens
the reader.

• Carefully consider your descriptive powers – think RICH details and WOW factor.
• Go back through your draft and underline any
NOUNS that you see.
• Person, place, thing, or idea

• Select FIVE nouns in your essay and brainstorm a list of adjectives to describe that noun- be
SPECIFIC!
• Example:
• Car
• Apple-red, MINI Cooper with British Union Jack flag side mirrors and a Texas license plate.
• Movie
• Coming-of-age, adventure story called The Goonies

• Go through your essay and highlight the verbs.
• Are your verbs vivid?
• Walked to the store vs. dragged myself to the store
• Have you avoided “be” verbs?
• Am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
• Revise your verbs NOW!!

• Select two verbs and add adverbs after them to make them more specific and vivid
• (words that end in “-ly”)
• I laughed about what he did.
Vs.
• I laughed maniacally about what he did.

• Making your description sound authentic and real.
• These are phrases that you add to make your writing more “conversational” and “natural”

• Add two phrases like the following to your writing:
• “Clearly” “That’s totally me”
• “As you can see” “Don’t judge me, but”
• “Obviously”
• “You know”
• “I always do this”

• Continue editing and revising your college essay for voice!
• New draft due Monday for 1XH!
• This draft should be very different from the first draft!