Write with Better Vocabulary
Writing Skills: word choice
Learning how to write is a challenge for ESL students. Learning how to improve writing style in English with better word choices often requires direct teaching of vocabulary. That’s the purpsoe of this 20-minute writing lesson.
BORING ENGLISH WORDS IN WRITING
Writing Solution 1: Better Verbs
Part a. Noticing
The words below are common. They are used a lot in ESL student writing. But, these words are the empty. They take up space and communicate little information.
- are, is
- it is
- had, has
- go
- say
- see
- there is, there are
Part b. Revise
Look at these sentences below. Revise the sentences by changing the boring verbs (the ones in Part a).
- The tour guided said we should not lean on the fence overlooking the falls.
- There is a fat pink pig with a flower hat on the bookshelf.
- The painter came down the shaky ladder and put his can and brush on the floor in anger.
- The driver drove her van down the highway, passing cars on the icy road very dangerously.
- The elementary school teacher could see chalk dust all over the floor and some of it was on her laptop as well as her purse.
- Jason said he had a stomachache after eating the chicken for lunch.
Writing Solution 2: Stronger Verbs
Part c. Notice
Look at these words. Can you name two things they have in common?
- eye elbow knee arm palm
Part d. Revise
Look at these sentences. Remove the boring verbs by using the words in Part d.
- The tourist pushed his way through the Tokyo subway train.
- The US government supplied the soldiers with guns.
- My student put the cheat sheet in his palm after the quiz.
- She looked at the cheesecake with hunger in her eyes.
- The hockey player hot the goalie with his knee and knocked him out. Part c.