Home School Writing Cooperative

Week Six - Word Choice

Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader. Word Choice is where the writer creates a mental picture for the reader by using words that are specific and accurate. The writer uses strong action verbs whenever possible to give the writing energy. The adjectives are as descriptive as possible.
March comes in like a _______ and goes out like a ______."

1) This is ideal for an activity that fits other disciplines in and fits well with a study of weather, clouds, etc. You will also need to do some work with opposites prior to this activity.

2) Begin the activity with a discussion of wisdom in the form of sayings that parents and grandparents pass on to their children and grandchildren: "Look both ways before crossing the street," "Keep to the right," "Fools' names and fools' faces always appear in public places," "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." "Easy come, easy go." The discussion needs to include the idea that there is an element of truth in each of these sayings.

3) Share the adage, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb." Discuss what this might mean (its connection to weather prediction), along with characteristics of lambs and lions that might have led to this saying. You're trying to emphasize the opposite relationship between the traits of the two animals--ferocious vs. timid.

4) Students will now attempt to come up with their own version of the saying showing their understanding of this relationship, and then illustrate their ideas.
Example: "March comes in like soft grass and goes out like a wild buffalo." "March comes in like a feather duster and goes out like a chain saw."

5) These new sayings and illustrations could then be put together as a class book.

• Read the paper all the way through.
• Read the criteria item and enter Y for Yes, N for No, and S for Sort of.
• Mark your score in the space provided.
• Give 1 point for each Y, 1/2 point for each S and 0 points for each N
  

___ ___ This is the best way to say this.

___ ___ The writer's words make pictures in your mind.

___ ___ The writer uses words that are new ways to say everyday things.

___ ___ The writer's verbs are powerful, the writer's nouns and adjectives are specific and precise.

___ ___ Some of the words linger in your mind after you read them.

Homework Week Six

Students will write an exploratory essay on their salvation conversion or their walk with God. It should be at least five paragraphs. Students will also present learning journals to the teacher. They must be neat and ordered.

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