Word Choice
5 Paper - Extremely Clear, Visual, and Accurate
I picked just the right words for just the right places.
- All the words in my paper fit. Each one seems just right.
- My words are colorful, snappy, vital, brisk and fresh. You won't find overdone, vague, or flowery language.
- Look at all my energetic verbs!
- Some of the words and phrases are so vivid that the reader won't be able to forget them.
3 Paper - Correct, But Not Striking
The words in my paper get the message across, but don't capture anyone's imagination or attention.
- I used everyday words pretty well, but I didn't stretch for a new or better way to say things.
- Most of the time the reader will figure out what I mean, even if a few words are goofed up.
- Occasionally, I may have gone a bit overboard with words that tried to impress the reader.
- My words aren't really specific. Instead of saying, "The sun went down." I should have said, "The sun sagged into the treetops." Or, I wrote, "The ride was so exciting." (How exciting is so exciting?) Better, juicier details were needed!
- There are as many tired out cliches ("Bright and early," "Quick as a wink") as there are new, fresh, and original phrases: "My mother made me feel more special than all her potted plants."
1 Paper - Confusing, Misused Words and Phrases Abound
My reader is often asking, "What did you mean by this?"
- A lot of my words and phrases are vague: "We liked to do things." "We were friends and stuff."
- My words don't make pictures yet. "Something neat happened." "It was awesome."
- Some of my words are misapplication - Oops, I mean misused.
- Over and over I used the same words, over and over, and then over and over again until my paper was over.
From The Student Friendly Guide to Writing with Traits by Vicki Spandel and Ruth Culham (503) 275-9500.