By: Amanda Boe’, Cathrine Sirgo, Karrie Fabacher

Word Choice

Definition of Word Choice The use of rich, colorful, precise,

language, that moves and enlightens the reader.

With good word choice you can create a mental picture for your reader if you use words that are specific and accurate.

Word Choice You should use strong action verbs

when ever possible to show the reader what is happening rather than tell the reader.

Striking words and phrases usually catch the readers eye.

Changing Sentences Revise Sentences ex. The room did not smell good.The science lab reeked of something

hideous and rotten. The man went down the street. The teacher said something to the four boys. The dog barked at something.

Describing with Word Choice

You can also describe words to help you think of good words for an assignment.

ex. waterfall: clear misty splashing flowing Thunder storm A cattle stampede

How to use word choice that catches the readers eye

You want your reader to be able to create a mental picture but you have to create images with words not pictures.

QUIZ

Descriptors for Word Choice Use Language that is Natural and not

Overdone.• if you over do it your reader will get

confused. Use Slang and Clinches Very Rarely• you should them altogether if possible Avoid Repetition• don’t use the same word over and over use

the thesaurus to find other ways to say it

Use Words Correctly• if you are not sure about a word look it up in

the dictionary and the thesaurus • Just because words are synonyms does not

mean they are interchangeable Be Concise• us every descriptive words you will get the

meaning across and use fewer words. The fewer words the more likely to keep the readers attention

Use Powerful Action Verbs• write sentences that have subjects doing

something avoid linking verbs use verbs that create specific images in your readers mind

Use specific not General Nouns• be descriptive with your nouns instead of saying

the woman state her name. Use Adjectives as Descriptive as Possible• big, huge, and gigantic mean the same thing but

gigantic is the best choice when describing a Tyrannosaurs Rex

Avoid boring and overused words ex. stuff very totally a lot little big

Show Rather Than Tell• replace linking verbs with action verbs

to “show” rather than “tell” your reader what you mean.

What are the linking verbs?

Word Choice Word choice can be the difference

between writing that is alive and writing that is dead on the page. Words that speak to the senses build images. Words that describe sounds, smells, and tastes awake memories. Where will we find those few well-chosen words to dazzle the minds eye.

ANOTHER QUIZ

The End