ABSTRACT
Strong narrative writers do not use vague, general terms that are hard to understand. Instead, they incorporate specific, concrete words and phrases that clearly communicate their intended meanings to readers. The Common Core State Writing Standards address the significance of this writing tool, as Standards W.4.3.D, W.5.3.D, W.6.3.D, W.7.3.D, and W.8.3.D identify the use of concrete words and phrases as important to effective narrative writing. In this chapter, we’ll explore the following: what “using concrete words and phrases” means; why this strategy is important to strong narrative writing; an example of a lesson on this concept; and instructional recommendations for helping your students use concrete words and phrases in their own narrative writings. In addition, we’ll examine published mentor texts that use concrete words and phrases especially well and discuss what makes those examples effective.
