The fourth element of the 6 + 1 Writing Traits Word Choice The fourth element of the 6 + 1 Writing Traits

What is word choice? Word choice is choosing words that make your writing strong. Authors must paint a picture for the reader to see. Word choice adds color and energy to your writing

How do I make good word choices? Change boring verbs into colorful ones. Use nouns that make a picture. Choose colorful verbs and strong first Then use adjectives and adverbs

Colorful Verbs Choose verbs that make a picture for the reader. Try not to use is, are, was, and were The day was hot. The July scorched me. It burned my feet on the sizzling sidewalk.

Specific Nouns Nouns are used to show who, what, or where. Use specific/exact Dog – Dalmatian Building – School When using nouns think, could I be more specific?

Adverbs & Adjectives Adverbs describe verbs where, when, or how. nearly, slowly, fast, badly Adjectives describe nouns. red, fat, strong, old, colorful

Choose colorful verbs