Word Choice What is Word Choice and why

Word Choice

What is Word Choice and why is it important? • Word Choice means choosing words that can make your writing a masterpiece. • An author needs to “paint a picture” in the mind of the reader. • Good word choice can add color (interest) to your masterpiece.

How do I choose good words? • Change dull, uninteresting verbs into colorful ones. • Use descriptive nouns that create a picture. • Colorful verbs and specific nouns are best, but be sure to use adjectives and adverbs to add flavor to your writing. • Use a thesaurus, but don’t overdo it.

Colorful Verbs • Choose verbs that create a moving picture in the mind of the reader. • Don’t overuse am, is, are, was, and were. – The day was hot. (yawn. . . ) – My feet burned on the sizzling sidewalk on a scorching July afternoon. (better)

Specific Nouns • Nouns are used to show who, what, and where. • When using nouns, be specific. For example: – Use Dalmatian instead of Dog – Use School instead of Building • When choosing nouns, always ask yourself, “could I be more specific? ”

Adverbs & Adjectives • Adverbs show where, when, and how. – nearly, slowly, quickly, badly • Adjectives describe a noun. – green, soft, old, strong, colorful • Use adverbs and adjectives to add more color and detail to your writing. • Don’t overdo it.

Make a Masterpiece! Create a masterpiece using words. Think of words as the paint and the paper as the canvas. By choosing the best, most colorful and exciting words, your writing can be a work of art!

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