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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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?

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

7. Choose colorful verbs