WORD CHOICE MATTERS Word Choice is the skillful use of language to create meaning Word Choice is also known as Diction It refers to a writers selection of words determined by a number of factors like ID: 759522
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Slide1
WORD CHOICE
THIS?
OR
THAT?
Slide2WORD CHOICE MATTERS
Word Choice is the skillful use of language to create meaning. Word Choice is also known as “Diction.” It refers to a writer’s selection of words determined by a number of factors like:1. Meaning: The Significance Of Your Idea 2. Specificity: Identification For Sentence Clarity 3. Tone: Attitude Or Character Of An Idea4. Audience: The People You Are Writing For
What is Word Choice?
Slide3At a basic level, writing is comprised of a series of word choices. Essentially, words are the building blocks for that allow us to express our ideas. Therefore, the words you choose affect clarity, tone, attitude, imagery and voice of your writing. 1.Meaning: The Significance Of Your Idea Ex: The king is a fool vs. The king is humorous 2.Specificity: Identification For Sentence Clarity Ex: She owns a “dark” car vs. She owns a “black” car 3. Tone: Attitude Or Character Of An Idea Ex: I am annoyed vs. I am livid 4. Audience: The People You Are Writing For Ex. Presentation for Pre-School Students vs. Presentation for Congressional hearing
WORD CHOICE MATTERS
Why is Word Choice Important ?
Since, we can’t all be like Shakespeare
…
Slide4Common Word Choice Mistakes
Like we saw prior, choosing the right word can really impact the meaning and success of your writing. Many word choice problems exist, but here are some common mistakes to catch and look out for
Repetition:
Occurs when the same words and phrases are repeated in a phrase. Repetition causes a sentence to sound tiresome and monotonous.
Ex. I collected a collection of collectibles
Homonym:
Happens when a word is incorrectly selected because it sounds like another word with a different meaning.
Ex
.
Except or Accept, Effect or Affect, Waist or Waste
Unintended Connotation:
Comes about
when a word is incorrectly selected because it sounds like another word with a different meaning.
Ex.
Her accomplishments were
admiral
I
nformal language:
Word choice error that can make writer sound unprepared or unmotivated.
Ex.
He is pretty hip
Slide5Tips For Improving Word Choice
For Repetition: Consider looking up synonyms of your selected word in a thesaurus. Use words you are comfortable or familiar with.For Homonyms: - Look up the difference between abbreviations (You’re/your)- Know the difference between adjective, adverb, and noun- Idioms (taken for granite -> taken for granted)- Review your spelling (admiral -> admirable) For Unintended Connotation: When in doubt, look up a definition! it is the surest way to ensure you are getting your intended message across. For Informal language: Consider who your audience is and know your genre. Is your writing assignment meant to be academic or informal?
Revise for Clarity! Also, it is always a good idea to read your assignment aloud or have a friend review it for mistakes
Slide6WORD CHOICE MATTERS
Word Choice Practice
Clark _______ (v.) to the finish line. After winning the marathon, he was ecstatic, but _________ sore (adj.).
Potential Answers: Sprinted, Excruciatingly
Alicia decided to__________________ her
trip to
San Francisco
until
November.
retain
retard
postpone
slow
postpone
Slide7Work Cited
Nordquist
, Richard. "Why Good Writing Is All About Good Word Choice."
About.com
Education
.
About.com
, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.
"
The Austin Writing Shop.”
Imprecise and Incorrect Word Choice
.
N.p
.,
n.d.
Web. 28 Apr. 2016.
Wells
, Jaclyn. "Welcome to Purdue OWL Engagement."
Purdue OWL
Engagement
.
N.p
., 23 Mar. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.