This strand focuses on the elements of effective writing. Good writing instruction incorporates multiple performance objectives into an integrated experience of learning for the student. The order of the concepts and performance objectives is not intended to indicate a progression or hierarchy for writing instruction. Instructional activities may focus on just one concept or many.
Concept 4: Word Choice
Word choice reflects the writer’s use of specific words and phrases to convey the intended message and employs a variety of words that are functional and appropriate to the audience and purpose.
Kindergarten
PO 1. Select labels, captions, or descriptors to enhance pictures.
PO 2. Use words, labels, or short phrases that clearly go with picture text.
Grade 1
PO 1. Select words that convey a clear, general meaning.
PO 2. Use a variety of words, even if not spelled correctly, to convey the intended message.
PO 3. Use expressive or descriptive phrases and short sentences, beyond one- or two-word labels.
Grade 2
PO 1. Select words that convey the intended meaning and create a picture in the reader’s mind.
PO 2. Use a variety of words, even if not spelled correctly, to convey the intended message.
PO 3. Use expressive or descriptive phrases and short sentences, beyond one- or two-word labels.
Grade 3
PO 1. Use a variety of specific and accurate words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use descriptive words and phrases that energize the writing.
PO 3. Apply vocabulary and/or terminology appropriate to the type of writing.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language in a variety of ways (e.g., imitating, creating new words, rhyming), although may be inconsistent or experimental.
PO 1. Use a variety of specific and accurate words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use descriptive words and phrases that energize the writing.
PO 3. Apply vocabulary and/or terminology appropriate to the type of writing.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language in a variety of ways (e.g., imitating, creating new words, rhyming), although may be inconsistent or experimental.
Grade 5
PO 1. Use a variety of specific and accurate words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use descriptive words and phrases that energize the writing.
PO 3. Apply vocabulary and/or terminology appropriate to the type of writing.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language where appropriate to purpose.
Grade 6
PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use words and phrases that consistently support style and type of writing.
PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language when appropriate to purpose.
Grade 7
PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use words that consistently support style and type of writing.
PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language when appropriate to purpose.
Grade 8
PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use words that consistently support style and type of writing.
PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language when appropriate to purpose.
High School
PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words and phrases that effectively convey the intended message.
PO 2. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural.
PO 3. Use words that evoke clear images.
PO 4. Use literal and figurative language intentionally when appropriate.
PO 5. Use clichés only when appropriate to purpose.