Transcript Blood and Gore Like You*ve Never Seen Before!

Word Choice 6+1 Traits of Writing
Ruth Culham & Martha Spain
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The beginning of the school year when we
talked about all the writing assignments we
would do; and I explained that I would show
you mentor texts?
This is one of those mentor text.
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Accurate and specific scientific terminology
Voice-filled text so that you, the reader, is
not so overwhelmed by the words
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This is an excellent example for representing
how to write informational text that uses
content-specific words in a way that draws
the reader in and presents ideas in a fresh
and original context.
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“Words are the building blocks of writing. The
use of rich, and precise language engages the
reader in the content of writing and makes
the meaning clear.
We should strive to use language that is not
only functional but also beautiful and
descriptive.”
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“ Word choice refers to writer’s use of words
to explain and describe so that the reader can
picture what the writer is talking about.
When you choose words for your writing, you
want to consider whether they are the very
best words you could use to make the ideas
of your piece come to life.
It’s important to use active verbs, precise
nouns, and colorful, adjectives in order to be
accurate and specific in your writing.”
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“The words paint pictures in the reader’s
mind.
The “just right” words make the message
crystal clear.
The words are accurate, specific, and
powerful.
The active verbs add energy and punch.
The words and phrases have a marvelous
sound.”
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Look in your science textbook, science
magazines, or on the Internet for articles on
how the body works.
May chose from the following topics:
◦ Blood skin bone muscle
◦ nerves digestion respiration
1.
2.
3.
View Power Point one time through
Complete Prereading exercise (look in science
textbook, Internet or scientific magazines for
articles on how the body works).
Using the glossary (in the Power Point, ) and the
Expanding Vocabulary sheet (next slide)
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2.
3.
4.
Record each word that you find,
The sentence in which you found the word
And your best guess about the words meaning
Look up one of those words in a dictionary, glossary,
or other resource and write down the definition
6. Using the Cartoon –Strip Dialogue Sheet
First: Use the word that you looked up in step
3(last slide) number 4,
Second: Create a cartoon that uses that word
in a dialogue between two
characters.
Third: The dialogue should provide enough
context and detail to reveal the
meaning of the word
We will be exchanging/sharing with our classes
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“Read a science picture book and examine how
the writer, Vicki Cobb, uses scientific language
that stretches our vocabularies and is interesting
to us as readers, too.
We’ll use the book Blood & Gore as a model for
our own writing that will showcase strong word
choice using words that are accurate and
specific.”
While reading complete Memorable and Scientific
Phrases & Words sheet
Think about how the information and how the
words are used.
◦ Make a poster, advertising the importance of your topic, such as
skin, blood, bone, muscle, nerves, digestion, or respiration
◦ You should think about how to explain it to people who may not
know a lot of scientific reasons or words that describe this part or
function.
◦ Your poster must include:
 A slogan that captures the importance of this body part function;
 Text written in first person; you should write from the view of this body
part or function
 What will happen if this part or function is not working properly
 At least three fascinating facts or pieces of information about this part
or function; and
 picture of this part of the human body (either dawn or photocopied) or
a chart showing the sequence of the function.
 Highlight, circle, or mark in come way any words or phrases that
specifically explain your topic. These words should tad out on the
poster.
 Please see and use the following worksheet: Poster Writing Activity,
Scoring Guide, and contest voting ballot (next slide).
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We will share tomorrow.
The poster is due on Friday, December 12.
We may have to extend until Monday.