Eliminating Lame Words - Writing Lab Revision Module

In this module, we identify vague, trite words like "really" and "stuff" that drag your writing down to the depths of humdrum and juvenile, and we practice strategies for eliminating them with extreme prejudice. This one-week mini-unit consists of two engaging instructional videos, a daily bellwork routine, a practice activity, and a quiz.

Writing Lab Modules are designed as a way to teach specific writing and revision strategies that can be put to use immediately in students’ writing. Many of these concepts don’t have right or wrong answers, but there are some revision rules-of-thumb that the students can benefit from. While these units cover Common Core concepts, the focus is more practical—it’s not about covering bases, checking boxes, or cramming for state tests; it’s about helping students improve their writing.

The Writing Lab curriculum can be used in a traditional classroom setting, but it is also well-suited for a FLIPPED CLASSROOM or a 1 TO 1 TECHNOLOGY SETTING in which students could watch the instructional video outside of class and then come prepared to ask questions about the bellwork practice pieces.

THIS UNIT'S TOPIC:
This unit focuses on identifying and replacing overused, unspecific words including "very," "really," "things," "stuff," "good," "bad," etc. Students practice specific strategies to remove these lame words and craft more original sentences that communicate meaning more clearly.

INCLUDED IN THIS UNIT:
* 2 instructional videos that introduce new concepts and teach revision strategies with examples
* 4 days of bellwork activities in an interactive PowerPoint
* 1 unit quiz with answer key
* 1 revision practice activity with answer key
* A printable version of the daily bellwork for students who missed a day (or for students who need a physical copy)

For those of you familiar with my TEN-MINUTE GRAMMAR Units, this Writing Lab series is intended as a next level and continuation. New units will be released on a regular basis over the next year until the full curriculum is finished.

CHECK OUT THE OTHER UNITS IN THE WRITING LAB CURRICULUM:

WORD CHOICE BUNDLE:
Reducing Be Verbs
Eliminating Lame WordsAvoiding Word RepetitionVague Pronouns
Inflated Vocabulary
Weakening Statements
Using Word Connotations

Responding to Writing Prompts
Writing Thesis Statements
Improving Thesis Statements ONE
Improving Thesis Statements TWO
Effective Introductions: Creating Context
Effective Introductions: Attention Grabbers
Body Paragraph Structure
Transitions and Connections
Irrelevant and Redundant Ideas
Conclusion Paragraphs



These are hot off the press, so if there is an error somewhere, please let me know and I'll get it fixed right away. I'm excited to hear your feedback. Please leave a review!

Enjoy!

Created by Arik Durfee