Transcript Word Choice - msmooresclasses

6 Trait Writing – Word Choice
English II
What is word choice?
The purposeful selection and use of words and
phrases that fit audience, purpose, and topic.
Why is word choice important?
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Read the following sentences.
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As she walked through the courtroom she knew that the jury
would find the man who killed her best friend guilty.
As she breezed through the courtroom she was keenly
aware that the panel of people playing God would surely
seal the assassin’s destiny.
You tell me – what was the difference between the
two sentences? Did they have the same meaning?
Why would the author choose these words?
How does an author use word choice?
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Adjectives
Figurative Language
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Similes
Metaphors
Personification
Sensory language
Knowledge of audience
Knowledge of purpose
Sensory Language
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They could taste the fear as they approached
the damp, green field holding the hand of the
player next to them. They knew that today,
even though they smelled victory, would be
their only chance to prove to their fans that
they would dominate all year.
Let’s Talk Adjectives
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Adjectives are words that describe a noun.
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Let’s try it
Look into your book bag or purse or folder.
Take an object out.
Tell the person next to you three words that
describe this object. (15 seconds) – Repeat this
with the other partner.
Share out some adjectives!
Figurative Language
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Simile – Let’s recall what a simile is:
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Metaphor- Let’s recall what a metaphor is:
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Her shirt was as bright as the sun.
He looked like a cat at hunt.
“Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations.“
As he walked by, that clumsy ox knocked the table over.
Personification – Let’s recall what personification is:
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"Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. There was no
one there."
Knowledge of Audience
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Who is your audience?
Why are they
listening/reading your
work?
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To prove someone
innocent or guilty
To entertain
To inform
Knowledge of Purpose
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The author needs to know his/her intent
when writing.
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To persuade
To inform
To entertain
To describe
What does good word choice look
like?
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The writing is clear, original, and precise
The language matches the writer’s purpose and audience
Words are lively and distinctive; new or unusual words are
clear, thoroughly defined, and used correctly
The writer achieves a strong, consistent balance-not inflated,
not simplistic
Powerful verbs give the writing energy and create vivid imagery
Modifiers are used with restraint to enrich meaning, voice, or
imagery, they are NEVER overdone.
Good Word Choice Tips
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Make sure you use words correctly; don’t add an unwanted
meaning. If you need to use a dictionary or thesaurus.
Example: I sprayed the ants in their private places.
Revision: I sprayed the ants in their hiding places.
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Avoid wordiness, be as concise as possible.
Example: I came to the realization that…
Revision: I realized…
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Limit your use of clichés
Example: Last, but not least…
Revision: Lastly…
Questions to ask yourself
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Am I sure what each word I use really means? Am I
positive, or should I look it up?
Have I found the best word or just settled for the
most obvious, or the easiest, one?
Have I chosen the most precise word?
Have I created my own words, or have I simply
borrowed what looked like key ones from the
assignment?
Have I used strong verbs and colorful phrases?
Did I repeat common words too many times?