Writing Assignment - Due October 4th

For this week's writing assignment, you will be choosing one of your best pieces of writing from your portfolio.  You will revise (change and improve) the writing to cut out abstract nouns (see your journal entry on abstract nouns), cliches, and weak verbs.  Then you will add some new lines to your piece and resubmit it on Thursday.

Be sure to staple the original to the back of the newly revised piece so that I can compare them. 
Be sure to include the standard  heading in the top left corner of your new paper.
Be sure to be as concrete as you can be - remember the pyramid of abstraction ideas in your journal.

Here are some tips to use if you are revising a poem:

1. Limit or renew clichés
   Clichés are trite and overused phrases but may be effective if you make them fresh.
   You can purposely change the form of a cliche and so revive it.
   Here's an example: “I knew what was pulling my mind’s coattails.” – Maya Angelou
   
   2. Abstract to concrete
   Identify abstract or general nouns and replace them with concrete or specific ones.
   Aim to present words like love, pain, sadness, anger through the physical imagery of the five senses:
   Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste (SSSTT).
   
   3. Action verbs
   Strong action verbs are more powerful than linking verbs in the passive voice. Active verbs and concrete nouns are more lively and persuasive and help concentrate the language. When possible limit the "-ing" form of verbs; this diminishes their power.
   
   4. Compress
   Cut, compress, and shorten. Use few words to say as much as possible. Cut or revise imprecise or indecisive language so what you say is pure and concentrated.
   
   5. Risk
   Dare to experiment. Play with the words. Risk-taking adds originality and spontaneity to your writing.