Graffiti Activity

1. Graffiti Activity In your groups, you will travel around the room writing on the posters that are up on the wall. You are to write down words/phrases that go with the titles of the posters.

2. Writing Precisely • Writing precisely means using words effectively without using clichés or jargon. • Once again, assume that your reader knows nothing about your topic.

3. Clichés • A cliché is an overused phrase that has lost its effectiveness. Thousands of them exist, and all are cultural. Hard as a rock flat as a pancake picture perfect Fat as a pig raining cats and dogs live and learn Last but not least so far, so good Time will tell. Better late than never have the last laugh No news is good news. A crying shame turn a deaf ear Write down on your paper 2 other clichés that you don’t see here.

4. Example • BAD:Always look on the bright side of life. • GOOD:Always have a positive attitude.

5. Jargon • Jargon is the use of words that are overly technical. • These words may be the specialized vocabulary of a certain profession, social group, or area of expertise. • Be sure to consider your audience before you use this kind of language.

6. Example • BAD:The speech clearly demonstrates the linkages between procedures personnel, and objectives. • GOOD:The speech shows the relationship among procedures, personnel, and objectives.

7. Pretentious Words • Writers who use pretentious words try to impress the reader with “big words” or “smart words.” • Often times, the opposite happens. The reader gets discouraged. • Avoid these kinds of words.

8. Activity Pick an area of expertise, such as baseball stats, football formations, computer jargon, math terms, or any thing in which you and your partner are familiar. You and your partner will then write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) about this topic. Write as if your audience is familiar with your topic. Then, redo and revise it by explaining the terms or using simpler words for an audience who is not familiar with your topic.