Lesson Topic: Improving Word Choice Grade: 8M

Objectives:
1. Students will be able to identify overused words in their own writing and how to improve
their vocabulary in their writing.
2. Students will be able to vary their vocabulary in their writing through research.
Procedure:
 Pair students up (10 mins max)
o Give each group two different descriptions of the same situation / scenario
 One will be vague and not use sensory details, while the other will be
vivid.
o One will read the description while the other partner draws what they’re hearing.
o Repeat with the other partner.
o Have students share their drawings with the class.
o Ask the students what was different about the descriptions? Which one did they
prefer, or which one was easier to create a picture of it?
 Why? (WORD CHOICE)
 Explain that we have these basic words that overused and don’t add a lot to their writing,
they just fill up space. (draw pyramid on the bored with an example)
 Explain the poster (20 or so minutes)
o Students will draw a commonly overused word from the bag/cup/container
o That word will go on the top of the pyramid because it is generic and can be used
in many situations.
o In the next section, they should use more specific synonyms for their word, then
at the bottom, they should put in high energy words (or very specific words)
 If time allows, have students either share their posters with the class, or copy some of the
words into their notebooks
Materials:
 Examples of overused words
 Posters
 Paper and writing utensils