An author’s word choice refers to his or her selection of particular words to
convey meaning and to express specific ideas and attitudes. Like writers of fiction and poetry, nonfiction writers also use vivid language, or strong, precise words. In “A Quilt of a Country,” Anna Quindlen uses strong verbs and precise adjectives to help readers picture descriptions and actions and make the writing more interesting. For example, the sentence Tolerance is a boring word is not very exciting. By contrast, in “A Quilt of a Country,” the author writes tolerance is a vanilla-pudding word, standing for little more than the allowance of letting others live unremarked and unmolested, which is much more specific and vivid.
A. DIRECTIONS: Revise each sentence by replacing ordinary verbs or
adjectives with stronger verbs and precise adjectives. 1. The quarterback almost dropped the ball during the last minute of the game. The quarterback almost relinquished the ball during the last minute of the game.
2. Laura worked at her family’s store every weekend and vacation. Laura toiled at her family’s store every weekend and vacation.
3. We drove through two states to see the autumn foliage.
We navigated through two states to see the autumn foliage. 4. The teacher was disappointed by the lack of class participation. The teacher was disenchanted by the lack of class participation. 5. Ben left his biology book at home yesterday. Ben abandoned his biology book at home yesterday.
6. William bought expensive shoes that are too small. William bought exorbitant shoes that are too small.