Getting Specific

This lesson focuses on specific nouns and specific verbs, grammatical concepts that writers use to express information in clear and easy-to-comprehend ways. The lesson spans two class periods. On day 1, students will learn what specific nouns and specific verbs are, examine examples of them, explore how these concepts are used in published writing, and consider their significance. On day 2, students will review key points about specific nouns and specific verbs, use these concepts in their writing, and reflect on the impact of the concepts on the pieces they write. At the end of the instructional process, students will answer an exit question about the importance of specific nouns and specific verbs to strong writing. The lesson's objectives are: students will understand the concepts of specific nouns and specific verbs; students will understand the importance of specific nouns and specific verbs to strong writing; and students will be able to use specific nouns and specific verbs in their writing and reflect on the significance of doing so.