Bridging the Gap between Voice and Word Choice

Word Choice Definition: By definition, word choice at its best means precise, colorful, descriptive and expressive language consistently defines the written work. In addition to utilizing impressive or appropriately sophisticated vocabulary, word choice more importantly means students possessing the skill to use everyday words well. When word choice is an asset, the writer communicates not just in a functional way, but also in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.

Striking Language Carefully consider your descriptive powers – think rich details and WOW factor. Go back through your draft and circle any NOUNS that you see. Person, place, thing, or idea

Striking Language Revision Select two different nouns and add two similes of description (as sad as the mourning moon) (like a waterfall of tears)

Striking Language Revision Continued Select two different nouns and add metaphors (The high school was a prison.) (The experience was Jack the Ripper at Halloween.)

Striking Language Revision Continued Select two other nouns and add personification (The moon cried to know the truth.) (The sun smiled at my accomplishment.)

Exact Language Using lively verbs, precise nouns, and accurate modifiers (adjectives and adverbs.) The car vs. the balloon red MINI Cooper Walked to the store vs. dragged myself to the store Smiled vs. smiled half-heartedly Many chances vs. three opportunities to ask her out on a date

Exact Language Revision Go through your draft and UNDERLINE verbs Action and states of being (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been)

Exact Language Revision Continued Select two verbs and add adverbs after them to make them more specific and vivid (words that end in “-ly”) I laughed about what he did. Vs. I laughed maniacally about what he did.

Exact Language Revision Continued Select and REPLACE two verbs in your draft Replace them with more emotionally-specific verbs Walked vs. dragged myself

Exact Language Revision Continued Select two nouns that are circled and REPLACE them with more specific nouns I like sports vs. My favorite sports are lacrosse, basketball, and soccer.

Exact Language Revision Continued Select two nouns and add adjectives to describe them. The waterfall stood in front of me. Vs The crystal, blue Hawaiian waterfall stood in front of me.

Natural Language Making your description sound authentic and real. These are phrases that you add to make your writing more “conversational” and “natural”

Natural Language Revision Add two phrases like the following to your writing: “Clearly” “That’s totally me” “As you can see” “Don’t judge me, but” “Obviously” “You know” “I always do this”

How and Why Valuing Word Choice Makes Your Writing Better Playing with word choice drives: a love of language, a curiosity about words, and a willingness to try new and better things as a writer, even if you make mistakes along the way.

Homework Type up your rough draft, focusing on revising for voice as you do so. Bring the typed draft to class on Monday for 2XH. 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, 2-3 pages (no more/ no less), MLA heading & rough draft title