Mixing Cement
Topic: Concrete Words
Objective: After completing the activity, students will be able to adequately use concrete words in their speeches.
Materials: Half sheet handout
Steps:
1. Explain the definition of concrete words to the class. (Concrete words are words that stimulate some kind of sensory response in the reader: as we read the words, we can imaginatively use our senses to experience what the words represent.)
2. Use the board to go over a few quick examples of concrete words.
a. “monkey” instead of “chimpanzee”
b. “ $1,000,000 instead of “a large sum”
c. “parent-teacher conference” instead of “parent involvement”
d. “camping” and “outdoor activities”
3. Ask the students to notice how the simpler words used during the example are more vivid. Be sure to tell them that in public speaking concrete words are necessary and abstract words will get you nowhere. Using interesting words that are descriptive, specific and concrete make speeches more interesting.
4. Pass out the handouts.
Result: Students must reread the speech that they will present next to check for concrete words. Students should try to replace any abstract words with concrete ones.
Name: ____________________________________
Directions: Read the words listed below and replace the abstract words with concrete ones.
1. Game
2. Fabric
3. Foul smell
4. Chair
5. Plant
6. Good smell
7. Window
8. Fruit
9. Drink
10. Blanket
————————————————cut here ———————————————————-
Name: ____________________________________
Directions: Read the words listed below and replace the abstract words with concrete ones.
1. Game
2. Fabric
3. Foul smell
4. Chair
5. Plant
6. Good smell
7. Window
8. Fruit
9. Drink
10. Blanket
Andee Collinson
09/16/09