Curated OER
Similes
Similes are a great way to get your writers thinking about descriptive details. They read a brief explanation which covers clichés and the general wording of a simile. Then, learners try a few on their own. First, they complete nine...
Curated OER
What is Figurative Language?
Need a review of literary terms and figurative language? Although text heavy, these slides clearly define frequently used terms and provide color-coded examples.
Curated OER
The Language of Surprise
Aspiring writers complete and discuss fill-in-the-blank cliché expressions, define cliché as a form of predictable writing, take cliché expressions and turn them into new, unpredictable ones, read poetry that illustrates writer's use of...
University of North Carolina
Clichés
When it comes to writing, cliches are as old as dirt. A handout on tired phrases provides examples of cliches, as well as a description of the negative effects they have on a paper. Writers discover specific words and phrases to avoid,...
Schools United to Provide Enhanced Resources Network
AP English Project: Journal of Literary Terms and Devices
To prepare for the AP English exams, individuals are asked to create a notebook of literary terms and devices. The terms must be defined, accompanied by representative artwork, and illustrated by an example drawn for a named source. A...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies 9: High-Advanced Level (GRE)
PLATITUDE : CLICHE :: sage : wise. The power in this word pair analogies worksheet is that learners are directed to build a bridge sentence that expresses the relationship of the words in the original pair. Guided by this bridge...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies 6 (high-advanced level)
Linking words together in an analogy really deepens one's understanding of the word at hand. Use the example provided to guide your advanced English speakers (both native and non-native) in this analogy practice. More than likely, your...
Virginia Department of Education
Editing and Proofreading
This task is best utilized after a rough draft revision is completed. Writers pair-up and identify when the author uses the passive voice, clichés, and wordiness. Basic examples for the revision points are provided for the instructor to...
Curated OER
Cliches, Paradoxes
Clichés, paradoxes, and equivocations are detailed in a short, animated video that defines and illustrates these writing traps. The resource also includes a quiz and the transcript for the video. Users can register to access free course...
Curated OER
Figurative Language
Play a figurative language game! Starting with a review of terms, this presentation quickly launches into a quiz game with hyper-linked answers. Simply click an answer to find out if it's wrong or right. The option to try again is always...
Curated OER
Tower of Babel and Pentecost
Students list positive and negative aspects of a community. In this Tower of Babel and Pentecost lesson, students find examples of pros and cons of communities as they discuss their own communities and the Israelites. Students read...
Curated OER
Poems in Sections: The Mosaic Format
Students explore poetry. They examine metaphors. Students discuss and write examples of "figurative" and "literal" language. They read mosaic poetry. Students write a poem in mosaic format.
Curated OER
Mile in My Moccasins
Students recognize the value of giving to the community by looking at examples of sacrifices and traditions of Native Americans. For this Native American lesson, students given examples of philanthropic deeds of Native American people....
Curated OER
Images and Indirection
Young scholars closely analyze a true event or moments associated with their life, then present the scene, and personal emotions and/or actions generated by that incident in a free verse poem. They learn the difference between words...
We are Teachers
Phrases to Outlaw in Students' Writing
If your writing classroom was the Wild West, what phrases would be "outlawed"? Here is one poster that every writing instructor, and really, any teacher of communication, should have in their classroom!
Curated OER
Improving Descriptive Writing: Painting an Original Picture
Descriptive writing is rich in sensory appeals and paints pictures in the minds of readers. Show young writers how to use an on-line thesaurus and a cliché website to create fresh, descriptive writing. The presentation ends with an...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies: High-Advanced Level
Analogy worksheets are a great way to encourage critical thinking and develop vocabulary. Consider using this resource as enrichment or as a group work assignment. Learners craft a bridge sentence that expresses the relationship between...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies 3
Designed for English language learners, but a good practice activity for all kids, this resource focuses on SAT words like saccharine, pragmatic, and precept. Effective scaffolding is provided here, as the last two questions require the...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies 8 (high-advanced level)
Originally designed for those studying for the GRE, you could also use this worksheet in your advanced eleventh or twelfth grade English classroom. Learners study word pair analogies and then write a sentence explaining why they chose...
Curated OER
Alliteration
Students write and illustrate a sentence which names a letter of the alphabet. The sentence should have subject, verb, describing words, and incorporate alliterative techniques.
Curated OER
Eng 312: Final Exam
When paired with other powerpoints by Don L.F. Nilsen, this final exam covers topics addressed throughout previous lectures (slide 14 specifies which lectures should be reviewed). Teachers could use this presentation to craft their own...
Curated OER
Word Pair Analogies 7: High-Advanced Level (Gre)
Analogies are a great way to develop vocabulary and critical thinking skills. This resource directs learners to craft a bridge sentence that makes apparent the relationship between the first pair of words. They then search for the same...
Curated OER
Introduction to Writing Traits and Writing Strategies
Intended for an audience of teachers, this presentation lays out the six traits of writing, the writing process, and the teaching process for traits and strategies. If you are trying to understand the writing process more fully, you...
Bright Hub Education
How to Write an Essay Introduction
Clichéd and repetitive introductions got you down? Try this lesson on for size! Start off by instructing your class members on techniques for writing introductions and what types of introductions they should avoid. Several general lesson...