The following tricks will make your writing come alive with your personal VOICE...
Hyphenated Modifiers – describing a noun, pronoun, verb, or adjective with a series of words “glued” together with hyphens
Example: The teacher shot the class a I-know-this-test-is-going-to-stump-you-all look, as she passed out the quiz.
Magic Three – three groups of words, separated by commas. Each group has its own modifiers. Make sure ALL verbs are in the same tense!
Example: I was scared! My palms became sticky and wet, my back tingled with fear, and my body began to feel weak and cold.
Figurative Language – using comparisons can “spice up” our writing
1. Simile: a comparison using like or as
2. Metaphor: a comparison of two seemly unlike things (not using like or as)
3. Personification: giving human qualities to something inhuman
4. Hyperbole: using an exaggeration that is not totally true, but exaggerates the truth
Example: She was as embarrassed as a kid tripping on the first day of school. She nearly died when the the desk walked right in front of her.
Specific Details – instead of vague descriptions, use sensory details to help the reader visualize the topic
Example: The crowd chanted “Mary” loudly as she walked hesitantly towards the table of pies. She regretted buying a ticket to pie Mrs. Mixon, but it was too late now! She was surprised by how cold the pie tin felt on her trembling hands...
Repetition for Effect – repeat specifically chosen words or phrases to make a point, or to stress certain ideas for readers.
Example: I hate writer's block! I can't think of anything to write. I can't come up with words for this stupid assignment. I can't create anything new. I can't, and so I won't!
Humor – making your writing funny can turn a boring paper into something colorful.
Example: Talking to my kid brother is like talking to a wall. It's pointless! No matter how hard I try, he still looks like I'm speaking a foreign language. He sits there, picking his nose, as if I'm not even there.
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