Lesson 3: Word Choice and Sentence Fluency
The next two traits create voice, they are word choice and sentence fluency. As you have learned, one of the central traits of a piece of writing is voice. We all use voice when we speak and we even use different voices with different vocabularies and sentence structures everyday. You probably don’t speak the same way to your parents or teachers as you do when you hang out with or text your friends. You would probably adapt your style of speech if you were addressing a two year old or an 80 year old. The stylistic changes that we use when we change our voices usually involve our word choice, our sentence structures and our tone.
Sentence fluency is one of the most important factors in writing. Simple sentences that are clear and easy to read are much better than complex sentences with too many words that the reader can stumble on.
Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style, and are so well crafted that the writer moves through the piece with ease.
Now, let’s go back to the samples from the previous lesson on Ideas, Organization and Voice and now look at Word Choice and Sentence Fluency.
Click here to view the rubric that I will use to mark your next six assignments.
Sentence fluency is one of the most important factors in writing. Simple sentences that are clear and easy to read are much better than complex sentences with too many words that the reader can stumble on.
Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style, and are so well crafted that the writer moves through the piece with ease.
Now, let’s go back to the samples from the previous lesson on Ideas, Organization and Voice and now look at Word Choice and Sentence Fluency.
Click here to view the rubric that I will use to mark your next six assignments.
Assignment 01F: (email to your teacher when finished)
In order to practice developing a voice using Word Choice and Sentence Fluency, try writing a short piece of no more than 300 words where you tell a short story in a voice that is not your own.
You could take a familiar story like a fairy tale and tell it from the perspective of one of the characters - but make sure that that character's personality comes through.
Or tell the story of your last big game from the perspective of your very arrogant and self important running shoe.
Or tell a true story from your childhood, but tell it as the young child you used to be, not the young adult you are now.
The possibilities are endless!