Help students revise overused and vague words with this word choice reference for writing. This no-prep writer's notebook resource gives your students the tools to avoid or replace overused, informal, or weak words with stronger, more precise synonyms—instantly improving their word choice and writing voice.

This resource moves students beyond words like very, bad, sad, and a lot by offering clear, student-friendly alternatives. Perfect for paragraph writing, essay writing, and revision in grades 6-10. Each list focuses on a common writing habit that weakens clarity and shows students how to make stronger choices without overwhelming them. Students learn how to choose clearer, more precise language during the writing and revision process.

Offered in both letter-sized and notebook-sized formats, this printable resource is a must-have for any writing workshop, synonym lesson, vocabulary activity, writing center, or interactive writer's notebook.

What’s Included:

This resource includes multiple formats so you can use it all year in different ways:

• Letter-sized word choice reference pages
• Interactive-notebook sized versions
• Quick-reference inserts for student writer’s notebooks
• Clear, student-facing language
• Ready-to-print and use (no prep)

Post them, print them, or glue them into notebooks for year-long use!

Why Teachers Love It:

• No prep required — print and go
• Students actually use the lists during revision
• Reduces repetitive feedback like “be more specific”
• Supports independent editing and writing conferences
• Clear expectations for formal writing
• Works with any writing unit
• Saves time during grading and revision days

What This Resource Helps Students Do

• Revise overused and vague words in their writing
• Replace very with stronger, more precise language
• Choose words that show how someone feels, not just that they feel bad
• Replace bad with words that explain why something is bad
• Use clearer words for amount, quantity, and frequency
• Develop independence during editing and revision

Why This Works

This resource works because it treats word choice as a revision skill, not a memorization task. Instead of banning words or overwhelming students with vocabulary, it helps them make clearer decisions about meaning, strength, and precision. The student-friendly language, focused lists, and multiple formats allow writers to revise independently while giving teachers a consistent reference to support feedback and writing conferences.