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Saturday, August 19, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
INTERESTING WORDS AND ALTERNATIVE PHRASES
In our writing, there are many words and phrases we use over and over again. These ‘tired’ words and phrases are guilty of making our compositions boring. If many different pupils in a class use the same words in their compositions, then you would have to use interesting alternative words and phrases to help lift your composition above the mundane.
Why you should use alternative words and phrases:
1. Showcase your vocabulary Over the years, you have picked up and learnt thousands of words and phrases. Put them to use in your writing!
2. Lend maturity to your writing Good writers do not use the same words or phrases over and over again in their writing. As the saying goes ‘variety is the spice of life’, so add ‘spice’ to your writing with a variety of words!
3. Describe different degrees of the same action. Some words such as ‘walk’ and ‘trudge’ may refer to the same action. However, they have a slight difference in meaning. ‘walk’ – generic word for moving from place to place ‘trudge’ – walk in a slow, tired or reluctant manner Since the characters in your story are all different, it is important to use different words and phrases to describe them.
Make your writing VIVID!
By using specific words, you can create clear and colourful word pictures for your reader.
Choose specific nouns: Some nouns are general (car, jacket, animal) and give the reader a vague, uninteresting picture. Other nouns are specific (Mercedes, aviator’s jacket, raccoon) and give the reader a much clearer, more detailed picture.
In the chart that follows, the first word in each row is a general noun. The second word is more specific. Finally, each word at the bottom row of the chart is clearly a specific noun. These last nouns are the types that make your writing clear and colourful.
General to specific nouns
PERSON : Woman, Writer, J.K. Rowling
PLACE : park, theme park, Escape Theme Park,
THING : drink, nutritious drink, vegetable juice
IDEA : Pain, Headache, Migraine
1) Use vivid verbs: Like nouns, verbs can be too general to create a vivid word picture. For eg. The verb ‘looked’ does not say the same thing as ‘stared, glared, glanced, peeked or inspected’.
2) Whenever possible, use a verb that is strong enough to stand alone without the help of an adverb. Verb and adverb - Jerry sat down on the couch. Vivid verb - Jerry plopped on the couch.
3) Avoid overusing the ‘to be’ verbs (is, are, was, were…). Also avoid overusing ‘would, could or should’. Often a better verb can be made from another word in the same sentence. A ‘to be’ verb – Ashley is someone who plans for the future. A stronger verb – Ashley plans for the future.
4) Use active rather than passive verbs. Passive verb – Another strong pass was launched by Mary Kate. Active verb - Mary Kate launched another strong pass.
5) Use verbs that show rather than tell. A verb that tells – Iverson is very tall. A verb that shows – Iverson towers over his teammates.
Select specific adjectives:
Use precise, colourful adjectives to describe the nouns in your writing. Strong adjectives can help make the nouns you choose even more interesting and clear to the reader. For example, when describing your uncle’s new car as a “sleek, red convertible”, you are using adjectives to give the reader a clearer picture of the car.
1) Avoid using adjectives that carry little meaning:
neat, big, pretty, small, cute, fun, bad, nice, good, dumb, great, funny…
Overused adjective – The old house on the square belongs to an architect.
Specific adjective - The dilapidated house on the square belongs to an architect.
2) Use adjectives selectively.
If your writing contains too many adjectives, they will simply get in the way and lose their effectiveness. Too many adjectives – A tall, shocking column of thick, yellow smoke marked the exact spot where the unexpected explosion had occurred. Revised - A column of thick, yellow smoke marked the spot where the unexpected explosion had occurred.
3) Include specific adverbs:
Use adverbs when you think they can help the action in a sentence. For eg. the sentence ‘SpongeBob reluctantly agreed to meet Patrick’ is more specific than ‘SpongeBob agreed to meet Patrick’. However, don’t use a verb and an adverb when a single vivid verb would be better.
Use the ‘right’ words:
The words in your writing should not only be specific and colourful, but they should also have the right feeling, or connotation. The connotation of a word is what it suggests or implies beyond its literal meaning.
Notice how the underlined words in the following passage connote positive, almost magical feelings about the subject, the writer’s hometown: TAHOE WAS A LAZY TOWN, STRETCHED OUT ON ITS HILLS AND ITS FLAT STREETS IN A SUMMER SUN. IT WAS A DREAMY PLACE, ALWAYS GREEN AND LUSH EXCEPT FOR FOUR COLD MONTHS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH YEAR. IT WAS HEAVY WITH LEAFY SMELLS, AND IN SPRINGTIME THERE WAS A PERFUME IN THE AIR THAT MADE YOU DIZZY IF YOU INHALED TOO MUCH.
Why you should use alternative words and phrases:
1. Showcase your vocabulary Over the years, you have picked up and learnt thousands of words and phrases. Put them to use in your writing!
2. Lend maturity to your writing Good writers do not use the same words or phrases over and over again in their writing. As the saying goes ‘variety is the spice of life’, so add ‘spice’ to your writing with a variety of words!
3. Describe different degrees of the same action. Some words such as ‘walk’ and ‘trudge’ may refer to the same action. However, they have a slight difference in meaning. ‘walk’ – generic word for moving from place to place ‘trudge’ – walk in a slow, tired or reluctant manner Since the characters in your story are all different, it is important to use different words and phrases to describe them.
Make your writing VIVID!
By using specific words, you can create clear and colourful word pictures for your reader.
Choose specific nouns: Some nouns are general (car, jacket, animal) and give the reader a vague, uninteresting picture. Other nouns are specific (Mercedes, aviator’s jacket, raccoon) and give the reader a much clearer, more detailed picture.
In the chart that follows, the first word in each row is a general noun. The second word is more specific. Finally, each word at the bottom row of the chart is clearly a specific noun. These last nouns are the types that make your writing clear and colourful.
General to specific nouns
PERSON : Woman, Writer, J.K. Rowling
PLACE : park, theme park, Escape Theme Park,
THING : drink, nutritious drink, vegetable juice
IDEA : Pain, Headache, Migraine
1) Use vivid verbs: Like nouns, verbs can be too general to create a vivid word picture. For eg. The verb ‘looked’ does not say the same thing as ‘stared, glared, glanced, peeked or inspected’.
2) Whenever possible, use a verb that is strong enough to stand alone without the help of an adverb. Verb and adverb - Jerry sat down on the couch. Vivid verb - Jerry plopped on the couch.
3) Avoid overusing the ‘to be’ verbs (is, are, was, were…). Also avoid overusing ‘would, could or should’. Often a better verb can be made from another word in the same sentence. A ‘to be’ verb – Ashley is someone who plans for the future. A stronger verb – Ashley plans for the future.
4) Use active rather than passive verbs. Passive verb – Another strong pass was launched by Mary Kate. Active verb - Mary Kate launched another strong pass.
5) Use verbs that show rather than tell. A verb that tells – Iverson is very tall. A verb that shows – Iverson towers over his teammates.
Select specific adjectives:
Use precise, colourful adjectives to describe the nouns in your writing. Strong adjectives can help make the nouns you choose even more interesting and clear to the reader. For example, when describing your uncle’s new car as a “sleek, red convertible”, you are using adjectives to give the reader a clearer picture of the car.
1) Avoid using adjectives that carry little meaning:
neat, big, pretty, small, cute, fun, bad, nice, good, dumb, great, funny…
Overused adjective – The old house on the square belongs to an architect.
Specific adjective - The dilapidated house on the square belongs to an architect.
2) Use adjectives selectively.
If your writing contains too many adjectives, they will simply get in the way and lose their effectiveness. Too many adjectives – A tall, shocking column of thick, yellow smoke marked the exact spot where the unexpected explosion had occurred. Revised - A column of thick, yellow smoke marked the spot where the unexpected explosion had occurred.
3) Include specific adverbs:
Use adverbs when you think they can help the action in a sentence. For eg. the sentence ‘SpongeBob reluctantly agreed to meet Patrick’ is more specific than ‘SpongeBob agreed to meet Patrick’. However, don’t use a verb and an adverb when a single vivid verb would be better.
Use the ‘right’ words:
The words in your writing should not only be specific and colourful, but they should also have the right feeling, or connotation. The connotation of a word is what it suggests or implies beyond its literal meaning.
Notice how the underlined words in the following passage connote positive, almost magical feelings about the subject, the writer’s hometown: TAHOE WAS A LAZY TOWN, STRETCHED OUT ON ITS HILLS AND ITS FLAT STREETS IN A SUMMER SUN. IT WAS A DREAMY PLACE, ALWAYS GREEN AND LUSH EXCEPT FOR FOUR COLD MONTHS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH YEAR. IT WAS HEAVY WITH LEAFY SMELLS, AND IN SPRINGTIME THERE WAS A PERFUME IN THE AIR THAT MADE YOU DIZZY IF YOU INHALED TOO MUCH.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Describing Feelings and Thoughts
Describing Feelings
Feelings tell readers a lot about the characters in your composition. These feelings can be expressed through their actions and reactions to events. Being able to write about feelings would also give your writing a sense of maturity.
Eg. Old Mrs Khan beamed with pride as she clapped. That was her son on stage shaking the minister’s hand and collecting the certificate. All her hard work through the years suddenly seemed insignificant. All her sweat and toil was worth this one shining moment of happiness.
Describing Thoughts
People think and have thoughts at every situation. Hence, when you show that your characters are thinking, it makes them seem real to the readers. A short spoken sentence to show the thoughts of a character goes a long way in telling the reader how the character feels.
Eg. Fiona alighted from the bus and walked slowly from the bus stop. She thought the little boy was right. The passengers in the bus were a selfish lot. Fiona tried to imagine herself frail and feeble like that old man. She suddenly felt ashamed at her refusal to give up her seat earlier.
Feelings tell readers a lot about the characters in your composition. These feelings can be expressed through their actions and reactions to events. Being able to write about feelings would also give your writing a sense of maturity.
Eg. Old Mrs Khan beamed with pride as she clapped. That was her son on stage shaking the minister’s hand and collecting the certificate. All her hard work through the years suddenly seemed insignificant. All her sweat and toil was worth this one shining moment of happiness.
Describing Thoughts
People think and have thoughts at every situation. Hence, when you show that your characters are thinking, it makes them seem real to the readers. A short spoken sentence to show the thoughts of a character goes a long way in telling the reader how the character feels.
Eg. Fiona alighted from the bus and walked slowly from the bus stop. She thought the little boy was right. The passengers in the bus were a selfish lot. Fiona tried to imagine herself frail and feeble like that old man. She suddenly felt ashamed at her refusal to give up her seat earlier.
A Good Conclusion
It is important to end your composition well, as the conclusion is the last part your teacher reads before grading your work. The ending of a composition is no less important than the introduction. It provides a proper ‘full-stop’ for your story. This is the part where you re-iterate your main point. It is also where you help the reader feel that your story is complete. Like the introduction, the conclusion is normally rather short, so don’t spend too much time trying to end your story. However, be careful! Ending your story suddenly could leave your reader feeling dissatisfied, so avoid it at all costs.
An interesting conclusion would leave your readers with a lasting impression of your writing and show them what a good writer you are. A good conclusion should end your composition, tying up all loose ends.
Good endings have:
A solution to the problem, preferably the hero taking some action
A satisfactory resolution that is gradually developed. Avoid sudden, easily solved endings.
A great last line that leaves a lasting impression.
AVOID…the 3 Ds
Dying
Dream sequel
Something/ someone that was previously not introduced in the story.
Here are some ways to end your composition creatively:
- ENDING WITH A TWIST
After much investigation, the police discovered that it was Mr Pitt himself who had set fire to his own warehouse.
- PROVERBS/ SAYINGS
As we gazed at the remains of our home, we realized the truth in the saying, “Fire is a good servant but a bad master”. We had learnt our lesson the hard way.
- LIGHT-HEARTED
We gasped as Mandy flung the lid open. We stared at the contents of the box, and then collapsed in helpless laughter. The treasure we had worked so hard for was a pile of old clothes!
- UNEXPECTED FEELING
Help was finally here. The paramedics worked cooperatively and the boy was in the ambulance in less than five minutes. Unfortunately, nothing was done to the woman, whose pot of plant had fallen from the window ledge and hit the boy. I was angry and upset that justice had not taken place.
- HAPPY ENDING
Practically the whole block was invited to the wedding dinner. There was so much happiness and laughter that it was difficult to believe that until recently the two families had been quarrelling so much between them.
- SAD ENDING
The family herded silently into the kitchen, each with his or her own thoughts, trying to cope with the loss. -
- ADVICE
Well, I learnt my lesson. The next time you go swimming, do think twice before showing off. I don’t think you want to end up at the bottom of the pool like I almost did!
- QUESTION
As the finale drew to an end, I could not help but imagine what would have happened if the two arguing lion dancers had continued their argument on stage. Would the lion have fallen? I wondered. That would have been quite a sight!
- FEELINGS/ OPINIONS/ REALISATIONS
Suddenly I realized that Diaz was a true friend. She did not care what race I was; all she cared for was our friendship. She was even willing to quarrel with her cousin for my sake. I hugged her and promised myself that I would be her friend forever.
- RE-EMPHASISING THE MAIN IDEA
We have to understand that this is a serious offence. It can take away innocent lives and leave families devastated. That was what happened to the poor boy and his family.
An interesting conclusion would leave your readers with a lasting impression of your writing and show them what a good writer you are. A good conclusion should end your composition, tying up all loose ends.
Good endings have:
A solution to the problem, preferably the hero taking some action
A satisfactory resolution that is gradually developed. Avoid sudden, easily solved endings.
A great last line that leaves a lasting impression.
AVOID…the 3 Ds
Dying
Dream sequel
Something/ someone that was previously not introduced in the story.
Here are some ways to end your composition creatively:
- ENDING WITH A TWIST
After much investigation, the police discovered that it was Mr Pitt himself who had set fire to his own warehouse.
- PROVERBS/ SAYINGS
As we gazed at the remains of our home, we realized the truth in the saying, “Fire is a good servant but a bad master”. We had learnt our lesson the hard way.
- LIGHT-HEARTED
We gasped as Mandy flung the lid open. We stared at the contents of the box, and then collapsed in helpless laughter. The treasure we had worked so hard for was a pile of old clothes!
- UNEXPECTED FEELING
Help was finally here. The paramedics worked cooperatively and the boy was in the ambulance in less than five minutes. Unfortunately, nothing was done to the woman, whose pot of plant had fallen from the window ledge and hit the boy. I was angry and upset that justice had not taken place.
- HAPPY ENDING
Practically the whole block was invited to the wedding dinner. There was so much happiness and laughter that it was difficult to believe that until recently the two families had been quarrelling so much between them.
- SAD ENDING
The family herded silently into the kitchen, each with his or her own thoughts, trying to cope with the loss. -
- ADVICE
Well, I learnt my lesson. The next time you go swimming, do think twice before showing off. I don’t think you want to end up at the bottom of the pool like I almost did!
- QUESTION
As the finale drew to an end, I could not help but imagine what would have happened if the two arguing lion dancers had continued their argument on stage. Would the lion have fallen? I wondered. That would have been quite a sight!
- FEELINGS/ OPINIONS/ REALISATIONS
Suddenly I realized that Diaz was a true friend. She did not care what race I was; all she cared for was our friendship. She was even willing to quarrel with her cousin for my sake. I hugged her and promised myself that I would be her friend forever.
- RE-EMPHASISING THE MAIN IDEA
We have to understand that this is a serious offence. It can take away innocent lives and leave families devastated. That was what happened to the poor boy and his family.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Beginning a Composition
Here are some alternative ways to begin a composition:
- SOUND EFFECTS
“Arrrrgh!” Jacy shrieked as the spider crawled up her leg. She regretted agreeing to go on the hike. In fact, she had regretted her decision the moment she stepped onto the trail.
- DIALOGUES
“Why did I ever agree to this hike?” Mona sighed. She looked around her. Everyone seemed bright and cheerful. No one seemed to mind their heavy knapsacks or the mosquitoes buzzing around.
- ACTIONS
Shifting her knapsack, Jamie kept her eyes on the trail. It was muddy and full of twists and turns. It looked treacherous, and dangerous. She did not think she could make it all the way to the end.
- DESCRIPTIONS (weather, characters, settings etc.)
Dark clouds drifted across the sky, carried by a gusty wind. Soon, they blocked out the Sun. Britney looked up, worried that an impending storm might turn the hard-packed trail into a river of mud.
- FLASHBACK
Christina’s lips were sore and dry. Licking them, she recalled how the first flames had started. That had been a narrow escape.
- BEGIN WITH THE PRESENT AND GO BACK TO THE PAST
Everytime I hear the song “Reach”, I am reminded of the time I made a fool of myself on stage…
- A STARTLING FACT
I nearly died one Sunday morning. I remember that it was a sweltering day. I had asked Zack and Cody to go swimming with me at the Singapore Swimming Club.
- CLIMAX
“I hate you Mr Crab!” Patrick screamed and dashed out of the classroom in tears. The whole class was silent as they watched Patrick stomp out.
- QUESTION
Have you ever done anything stupid in your life? I mean, something so stupid that it almost cost you your life?
- PERSONAL FEELINGS/ THOUGHTS
I know that no one will ever believe me, but it is true. I really saw an angel! She had wings like the angels I had seen in pictures and she carried a bunch of flowers. There was a light coming from her. She appeared out of nowhere and assisted me when I needed help.
- PROVERBS/ QUOTES/ HEADLINES
Matt cried as he felt the first hard blows from the principal’s cane. He regretted his earlier actions and finally understood that honesty is the best policy…
- DRAMATICALLY
“Bang!” the door slammed shut and Sheila was left all alone, with the bucket stuck to her foot, clutching the frightened white kitten.
- TRADITIONALLY
There was once a wrinkled old man who walked with a limp. Whenever he hobbled along, all the children would run to hide. All of them, except…
- SOUND EFFECTS
“Arrrrgh!” Jacy shrieked as the spider crawled up her leg. She regretted agreeing to go on the hike. In fact, she had regretted her decision the moment she stepped onto the trail.
- DIALOGUES
“Why did I ever agree to this hike?” Mona sighed. She looked around her. Everyone seemed bright and cheerful. No one seemed to mind their heavy knapsacks or the mosquitoes buzzing around.
- ACTIONS
Shifting her knapsack, Jamie kept her eyes on the trail. It was muddy and full of twists and turns. It looked treacherous, and dangerous. She did not think she could make it all the way to the end.
- DESCRIPTIONS (weather, characters, settings etc.)
Dark clouds drifted across the sky, carried by a gusty wind. Soon, they blocked out the Sun. Britney looked up, worried that an impending storm might turn the hard-packed trail into a river of mud.
- FLASHBACK
Christina’s lips were sore and dry. Licking them, she recalled how the first flames had started. That had been a narrow escape.
- BEGIN WITH THE PRESENT AND GO BACK TO THE PAST
Everytime I hear the song “Reach”, I am reminded of the time I made a fool of myself on stage…
- A STARTLING FACT
I nearly died one Sunday morning. I remember that it was a sweltering day. I had asked Zack and Cody to go swimming with me at the Singapore Swimming Club.
- CLIMAX
“I hate you Mr Crab!” Patrick screamed and dashed out of the classroom in tears. The whole class was silent as they watched Patrick stomp out.
- QUESTION
Have you ever done anything stupid in your life? I mean, something so stupid that it almost cost you your life?
- PERSONAL FEELINGS/ THOUGHTS
I know that no one will ever believe me, but it is true. I really saw an angel! She had wings like the angels I had seen in pictures and she carried a bunch of flowers. There was a light coming from her. She appeared out of nowhere and assisted me when I needed help.
- PROVERBS/ QUOTES/ HEADLINES
Matt cried as he felt the first hard blows from the principal’s cane. He regretted his earlier actions and finally understood that honesty is the best policy…
- DRAMATICALLY
“Bang!” the door slammed shut and Sheila was left all alone, with the bucket stuck to her foot, clutching the frightened white kitten.
- TRADITIONALLY
There was once a wrinkled old man who walked with a limp. Whenever he hobbled along, all the children would run to hide. All of them, except…
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Book Vandals At The Library
Book Vandals At The Library
Characters
Two mischievous boys – selfish, like to vandalise public
property/ like to deface books in the library, despite being caught a few times
and were punished.
Teacher – was in the library borrowing some books, caught
them red-handed – one tearing pages from a book and the other scribbling
graffiti in the book.
Librarian – was informed by the teacher who showed her the
defaced books. She reprimanded the two boys severely and told them that their
form teacher would be informed to call their parents up to pay for the two
books that are damaged.
Place
An air-conditioned library – so cosy and quiet, not crowded
at that time as it was after supplementary lessons when most pupils were
rushing home after a long day of lessons.
The two boys were alone at a deserted corner of the library
sitting down to browse through the books. After reading for a while --- thought
that the pictures of the book could be used for his project work on animals, so
he tore the pages out of that book.
The other boy liked to draw and thought suddenly to draw a
terrifying creature on that book to scare other readers.
Feelings
Did not realise that their acts were seen by a teacher who
happened to walk past them.
Caught red-handed. Face turned lobster-red. Very embarrassed
of their actions. Heads hung low as the teacher reprimanded them and took them
to see the librarian. Again, the librarian explained to them what they did were offences and said that
their form teacher and parents would be informed. They had to pay for the two
books that were defaced.
They were repentant after their parents scolded them in
front of their form teacher. Promised not to vandalise library books again.
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