Mini-Lesson

Lively Language

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Students will explore a writing technique.

1. Direct students’ attention to the first paragraph in timeforkids.com news story, Signs of Trouble. The third sentence reads, “In Japan, stock prices fell more than 9% on Monday.” Challenge students to find two other words in paragraph 1 that have about the same meaning as the word fell (plunged and plummeted). Ask students to explain how they know these words have similar meanings.

2. Explain that good writers often use synonyms in order to avoid being repetitive, or repeating the same words. This keeps the writing lively.

3. Follow up by having students review their own writing. Are there words that can be replaced in order to liven up the writing? Have students brainstorm possible replacements and consult a thesaurus, if necessary.