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From “Grammar Lessons and Strategies”, by Laura Robb, a list of words an eighth grade class resolved to eliminate from their writing when they revise:
- a lot
- bad
- cute
- get
- beautiful
- okay
- make
- go
- say
- went
- come
- do
- pretty
- nice
- stuff
- good
- run
- things
Robb says, “During the year, students and I create a list of words — various parts of speech — to avoid in their writing. I start the list, and in a think aloud, I explain the rationale behind it. Students enjoy bringing candidates before the class, and everyone votes to see which words make the list. I tell them, ‘This year we’ll work together to cull words to avoid in writing. Words on the list are ordinary and don’t appeal to the senses. This list will help you eliminate these words when revising.’”
Choose “strong” words instead. A class of sixth graders made a list of strong alternatives to the word “GO”:
- walk
- ride
- trudge
- amble
- depart
- disappear
- recede
- travel
- journey
- creep
- crawl
- run
- dash
- flow
- roam
- drag
- hike
- march
- parade
- saunter
- stroll
- stride
- meander
Invite students to collect strong verbs from their reading. Spend six to ten minutes three to four times a week gathering these examples for a word wall. Continue collecting over several weeks. Encourage students to use these lists in their writing.
Parents – make a game of this at home. Pick a boring, boring word and see who can come up with the most alternative choices!
source: Grammar Lessons and Strategies”, by Laura Robb. Scholastic Professional Books 2001. ISBN 0-439-11758-5
tutoring in Columbus OH: Adrienne Edwards 614-579-6021 or aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com
