Download Strategy_Sheet_-_active_voice_and_vivid_verbs_

Strategy Sheet for Creating Vivid Paragraphs
I. Using Vivid Verbs
Directions: Read the following sentences that include dead verbs. Then revise the sentences
using stronger, vivid verbs. You also may add words to the sentence if you need to in order to
bring out the meaning of the original sentence. For example,
the sentence My room is a mess, could be revised to read, Clothes litter the floor of my messy
room.
Sentences (the bold words are the dead verbs):
1. The boy was lonely.
Vivid Verb Revision sentence:
The lonely boy wept in the corner.
The boy mingled only with his silhouette.
2. The calico cat is nice.
The calico cat licked my hand as it purred.
The calico cat curled up into my lap and purred.
3. The skunk is smelly.
The skunk reeked.
The skunk slathered the community with wretched stench.
II. Writing in the Active Voice
Directions: Read the following three sentences. Then, revise the sentences so that the
underlined noun in the sentence becomes the subject of the sentence. For example,
the sentence, The application was completed by the student, would become,
The student completed the application. In the second sentence the word student becomes the
subject of the sentence and actually does the verb action.
Sentences to be revised:
1. Edgar was bewildered by the algebra problem.
The algebra problem bewildered Edgar.
2. The teacher was becoming irritated by Edgar’s complaining.
Edgar’s complaining irritated the teacher.
3. The football was snagged by the diving receiver.
The diving receiver snagged the football.