Cracking OPEN General Words Vague Writing Vague writing
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Cracking OPEN General Words
Vague Writing �Vague writing is filled with generalities. �“We were goofing around with my dad’s stuff. ” �Sharp Writing contains specific nouns and specific verbs. �“My cousin and I were sword-fighting with Dad’s hacksaws. ”
General Words �Consider the following words: good, nice, things, stuff, fun. �These words are general words. They have a place in writing BUT they DO NOT paint much of a picture. The reader cannot visualize what you are writing about which makes your story hard to follow. �Example: “My uncle is really fun. ”
Cracking Open General Words �You can crack open a word fun by using a more specific words. �“I had a blast when my uncle took me to a deserted parking lot and let me drive his Jaguar convertible. ” �This sentence creates an image you can see.
Practice Cracking Open General Words �In the following passage, you will find a number of vague, general words. �Read it over and circle the general words in the piece. �Change the general words to more specific word that create a picture in the readers mind.
Practice Cracking Open General Words
Steps to Cracking Open General Words 1. Identify vague or general NOUNS. A noun is a person place or thing. 2. Read the surrounding text. What is the vague noun referring to? 3. Take out the vague noun and replace it with a more descriptive version of the same person, place or thing.
You Try it with Your Own Writing �In your writing circles today, please go back through your last draft and circle the general words. �For the first five minutes of writing, work to change your general words with more specific words. �After five minutes has passed, begin writing on your next topic.
