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.

Concepts

cliches, word choice, figurative language

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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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

Common Core

W.9-10.4 W.9-10.5 W.11-12.4 W.11-12.5