Rest in Peace Dead Words!

“Dead words,” by my definition, are words students “use to death” in their writing samples. As Language Arts teachers, we can generate a list of such words a mile long. Examples would include: pretty, nice, bad, a lot, and good. This cooperative learning activity is designed to eliminate those repetitious words by providing students with a word bank/wall they can refer to when given a writing assignment.

A lesson plan for grade 7 English Language Arts

By Cynthia Cook

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• become familiar with and the use of a thesaurus.
• understand the concept of a synonym.
• work cooperatively within groups.
• increase vocabulary.
• utilize a word bank/wall.
• improve writing skills.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 hours

Materials/resources

• Thesauruses.
• Two sample papers, one with “Dead Words” and the same paper with the “Dead Words” replaced. These papers can be a student sample or created by the teacher.
• Master List of Words Commonly Used in Students’ Writing Samples. This list may be varied from year to year depending on common words your students are using in their papers at the time. See an example RTF document: Words Commonly Used in Students’ Writing
• Laminated Lists of “Dead Words” for student groups. Each group should have a different list of words. See the JPG file Dead Word List.
• Construction paper tombstones with the initials “RIP” written across the top and a “Dead Word” written in the middle. For an example of what the tombstone should look like see this image.
• Colored word strips.
• Magic markers.
• Glue gun and glue sticks and/or masking tape.
• Plenty of wall space.

Pre-activities

• Review by discussing what synonyms are and allow students to provide examples.
• Introduce the concept of “Dead Words.” Ask students to give examples.
• Introduce activity by reading the example of the paper using numerous “Dead Words.” For an example, see the RTF document Dead Words Sample. Ask students what they notice about the paper. Discuss.
• Reread the same paper, replacing the “Dead Words” (The “Dead Words” should be replaced before beginning lesson.) with improved vocabulary. Ask students what differences they noticed. Discuss.
• You may also wish to ask students which paper they would rather read and why?

Activities

Day 1:

1. Complete Pre-Activities.
2. Place students in groups of no more than 4 or 5.
3. Distribute thesauruses.
4. Give each group a laminated list of “Dead Words.”
5. As a group, students should replace each “Dead Word” with 5 synonyms. (Teacher should check lists for accuracy.)

Day 2:

1. Before students arrive, arrange tombstones in various places around the room.
2. Place students back in original groups.
3. Return synonym lists.
4. Give each group the necessary supplies (colored word strips and magic markers) for placing their synonyms on the colored word strips.
5. When students finish writing synonyms on word strips, allow them to place the strips on the wall around the appropriate “Dead Word” tombstone. Teacher should monitor carefully making sure words are not duplicated. See this image for an example.

Synonym Scavenger Hunt–Followup Activity

1. Bring a stack of 20 to 30 narrative picture books to class.
2. In small groups, have students search picture books for more synonyms the authors use for dead words.

Assessment

Students will demonstrate:

• visible use of improved vocabulary within writing samples.
• vivid descriptions used in writing samples.

Supplemental information

I have attached a copy of common words I’ve found in my students’ writing samples. You are free to use this list, but I recommend you generate a list of your own by noticing “Dead Words” found in your students’ papers. Also attached you’ll find a copy of the handout I give each group. Photographs are attached to give you an idea of what the arrangement might look like on a wall.

Related websites

Colorful Words

Comments

In addition to having a “Dead Word” wall, duplicate the list of synonyms for students to keep in a notebook.

I generally do this activity before Halloween, but anytime is a good time to improve vocabulary and word choice.