WR082.c
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== Writing Standard 2.c - Level 8
Use vivid and precise language appropriate to audience and purpose.
Contents |
Standard in Kid Friendly Language
Use words that create clear and accurate pictures in your reader's mind; make sure that the words are suitable for your audience (reader(s) and that the words fit your reason for doing the writing.
Standard Unwrapped
KNOW
Know definitions, synonyms, and antonyms for a wide variety of words.
Know the audience.
Understand how purposes differ.
Understand the connections between words and the five senses.
ABLE TO DO
Substitute one word for another of similar but more precise meaning.
Learn new words and their definitions frequently.
Play with words and their meaning.
Understand shades (very small differences) of meaning.
List sensory words.
Instructional Strategies
Create word banks by making lists of similar words. For example, begin with the word "walk" and have students brainstorm how many ways there are to say walk: saunter, stroll, amble, limp, creep, etc.
Game for teaching vivid language
Create a list of RIP (Rest in peace) words. They can be posted in the classroom on or around a tombstone. Include words such as: nice, good, big, little, cold, hot, hard, and a lot. Some instructors have included the word said; however, according to Stephen King, said is often the best choice when an explanatory phrase (he said, she said) is included with dialogue.
Choose and share examples of vivid language from literature. For example, the description of the Ewell house from To Kill A Mockingbird.
Assessment Strategies
Establish point values for words included in word banks.
Assess rough drafts for word choice. Look for examples of change from an ordinary word to one that creates a sensory image.
Resources
Projects and Activities
Have students create word bank pages in a notebook.
