Download Lesson Title: Improving Word Choice Lesson Overview: The

Improving Word Choice
Grade 7: Lesson 2
Lesson Title:
Improving Word Choice
Lesson Overview:
The purpose of this lesson is to help students determine the meaning of higher-level vocabulary words and
utilize academic vocabulary and precise language in their own writing.
Materials Needed:
PowerPoint Presentation, Text: Weird Invention, Handout, Answer Key.
Standards Addressed:
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain a topic.
Explicit Instruction (steps):
1. Explain to students that in this lesson they will learn why it is important to improve their word choice and
how to incorporate stronger words into their writing.
Modeled Instruction (steps):
1. Review the difference between the vocabulary tiers: Tier 1 words are everyday words that are familiar to
most 7th graders. Tier 2 words are higher level vocabulary words, and Tier 3 words are words that are
specific to a field of study or content area.
2. Also review precise language: Verbs should be vivid: trudged vs. walked; Adjectives and adverbs need to
be specific: critically endangered species vs. some animals; Specialized words should be included to
provide clarity: Neurosurgeons vs. doctors.
3. Have students read Weird Inventions silently.
4. As they read, have them mark the text by circling or highlighting the strong vocabulary.
5. After students read, have them share out their list of words. Record the list so everyone can see it.
6. Explain to students that using strong vocabulary will help them write concisely, interestingly, specifically,
and in a way that evokes emotion and allows the reader to visualize. Explain terms like concise and
redundant in kid-friendly language, i.e. concise means using fewer words to make your point. Select a
word from the list students generated and explain to students how this word meets one of these criteria.
7. Have students read the two sentences. Ask them which uses better word choice. Explain that the
second example is stronger writing because horrid conveys a stronger emotion than simply saying bad.
8. Have students read the two sentences. Ask them which uses better word choice. Explain that the
second example is stronger writing because multifunctional is a more concise way of saying it does a lot
of stuff.
Guided Instruction (steps):
1. Tell students to turn to a partner.
2. Tell students to:
Review the words each of you circled or highlighted while reading.
Compare the words each of you marked with the words on the handout. What do you notice?
Together complete the chart on the handout
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Allow students time to discuss words on each partner’s paper.
Provide definitions for students.
Once all partner groups have completed the charts, have students share their answers in whole group.
Check for understanding and correct any misconceptions
Independent Practice (steps):
Explain to students that they will now practice using strong vocabulary in their own writing.
Tell students:
1. Think about something you know a lot about (skateboarding, gymnastics, music, art, etc.)
2. Write a paragraph about that topic using at least 3 of the words from the chart.
3. Underline the words from the chart in the paragraph.
Explain to students that once they learn strong vocabulary words, they need to add them to their repertoire.
Strong vocabulary makes writing more coherent, concise, and effective. When writing, they should make an
effort to improve word choice by incorporating Tier 2 and 3 words, vivid verbs, and specific adjectives and
adverbs.
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Copyright © 2015 by Write Score LLC