AP Lang Grammar and Conventions Lesson 5: Word Choice Source: Advanced Language and Literature, Shea, Golden, Balla 2016

Grammar and Conventions #5: Appropriateness – The words you choose in your writing affect how others perceive you and in turn reflect what you perceive as appropriate in a given circumstance. Appropriate language uses language suited to your audience and purpose. Tone – A writer’s attitude toward his/her subject and audience Formal Language – Use of standard English and describes topics taken seriously; elevated tone and avoidance of contractions Jargon – Specialized language used by a group that shares the same knowledge Euphemism – A word or phrase that replaces another word or phrase to make it more palatable Slang – Language used by a particular group of people Activity: Rewrite/add to the following sentence to apply the terms from above. The book is really neat and uses lots of devices.

Grammar and Conventions #5: Appropriateness – The words you choose in your writing affect how others perceive you and in turn reflect what you perceive as appropriate in a given circumstance. Appropriate language uses language suited to your audience and purpose. Exact Words – Good writers employ precise language to say exactly what they mean; this is known as nuance. Conversely, using “sufficient” when you mean “efficient” can derail your writing task. Connotation/Denotation – Denotation is the definition of the word; connotation is the emotional/cultural associations of a word Activity: Change the verb in the sentence to precisely show the connotation of the sentence. Example: Her little brother made faces at her until she screamed. (create a blameworthy tone) Her little brother pestered her until she screamed. The papparazi take pictures of famous people. (create an angry tone)

Grammar and Conventions #5: Appropriateness – The words you choose in your writing affect how others perceive you and in turn reflect what you perceive as appropriate in a given circumstance. Appropriate language uses language suited to your audience and purpose. Clichés – A phrase or saying that has been used so many times it no longer offers meaningful language to engage the reader EX: Dead as a doornail; in any way, shape or form; absolute power corrupts absolutely; Idioms – Expressions or phrases peculiar to a particular group or area. Can enrich writing by adding local color EX: Southern states call all soft drinks “Coke” no matter the flavor; in the Midwest, they ask for “pop” Activity: Discuss – what is the difference among slang, clichés, and idioms?

Grammar and Conventions #5: Putting it all together…. In your journal: Rewrite your personal narrative (yes, even if NOTHING is going to change). As you write, consider the tone, formality, jargon, euphemisms, slang, connotation/denotation, clichés and idioms you might employ to create interest for your reader and hint at your persona. Highlight where you use these choices in diction.