LITERACY FOCUS Improving vocabulary If you have to write about something, finding the right word can sometimes be difficult. If you had to describe this cat, which would be most appropriate word? 1 Cute 2 Nice 3 Good 4 Lovely Rank these words in order of suitability (which suits the picture).

Finding the right word… all of these words are synonyms. What is a synonym? A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. You should aim to use these in your writing instead of relying on the same words all of the time.  When you write you have to choose the word which is the most accurate. Sometimes, that is your own personal choice. On the next slide are synonyms for either good, bad or big. In pairs, decide which word is a synonym for each of the above.

Good? Bad? Or Big? Jumbo awesome hefty great repulsive horrible incredible exquisite evil wicked awful super immense wicked ample lucky spacious lovely copious dreadful fantastic admirable ace mean terrible lovely noxious bulky outstanding sizeable fabulous magical beastly vast wonderful positive vile

Pick one of the words you didn’t know before and draw a symbol, picture or cartoon that reminds you of that word. Extension: Look up the words you were unsure of in the dictionary and find out their definition. Mean Admirable

Do any of your words suit these pictures Do any of your words suit these pictures? Choose two for each one OR think of your own – be as adventurous in your use of vocabulary as possible!

In pairs, match the words up In pairs, match the words up. Use process of elimination if you are struggling. Spacious noxious Beastly Awesome Ample lovely a. Despicable or foul b. Inspiring awe c. beautiful d. generous e. animalistic f. much room Now use the words “spacious”, “noxious” and “ample” in three sentences.

Answers. 1f 2a 3e 4b 5d 6c

Using your new vocabulary, choose one writing to persuade or describe task. (Aim to include at least ten of your sophisticated new words.) Draw and write the text for a new perfume or aftershave. Describe a person you admire. (This can be real or imaginary.) Write a letter to your parents or carers to persuade them to let you have a party. Write a facebook profile. Write a letter to your class teacher persuading them to let you leave early. IF YOU WORK IN PAIRS YOU MUST ENSURE YOU BOTH WRITE DOWN YOUR TASK.

Literacy focus Improving your vocabulary. The new target is improving your vocabulary! ALL teachers will be marking your work focusing on improving your vocabulary! YOU should focus and concentrate on using improving your vocabulary accurately! We will be monitoring your work!