Word Choice: Unique/Precise Words
Standard:
L.7.5c. Distinguish among connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions)
(e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, and condescending).
Task:
Look through your narratives to find at least five different words that were not precise enough or five
different words that were overused. Highlight those words in yellow in your narratives that you need to
make more precise and write each word at the top of separate synonym ladders. You will then use the
dictionary, the thesaurus, the internet, etc. to find more precise word connotations to better
communicate your thoughts to your reader. Your overused word will be written on the top rung. Then
you will write synonyms on the proceeding rungs of the ladder. Choose a synonym/connotation that
more precisely represents the idea that you are trying to convey. Remember to make sure that you
choose a word that sounds like your voice.
Criteria:


Precise word choice
Voice
Rubric:
Criteria
Precise word
connotations
chosen
2
Always
1
Sometimes
0
Rarely
Word
connotations
chosen always
sound like
student’s voice
Word
connotations
chosen sometimes
sounds like
student’s voice
Word
connotations
chosen rarely
sound like
student’s voice
X5
Voice