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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, as well as learn tips to keep their ideas fresh.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- Print out a list of overused phrases and have two learners stand at the front of the room and hold a conversation, trying to use as many as possible
- Write a poem using cliches and challenge scholars to replace each one with a different image or phrase
Classroom Considerations
- Not directly addressed in common core, but aligns with standards related to word choice and style
Pros
- Pulls out common language from different types of papers, such as academic writing and application essays
- Includes hyperlinks to additional handouts on brainstorming and evidence, as well as databases full of cliches
Cons
- Lacks excerpts to show cliches in use in various pieces of writing