Cliché Clinic

Worksheet Description

The “Cliché Clinic” worksheet is designed to educate students about platitudes: overused statements or morals that offer little to no real insight. It distinguishes platitudes from truisms by emphasizing their overused nature in moral topics and provides examples like “Nobody’s perfect” and “Life goes on.” The worksheet invites students to think about why platitudes are commonly used despite their lack of originality and to discuss any potential benefits of using them. This reflective task is not just about identifying platitudes but also understanding their role and prevalence in everyday language.

This worksheet is trying to teach students to recognize platitudes and consider their implications in communication. It prompts students to critically evaluate why these phrases persist in language, despite their simplistic nature. By reflecting on the advantages of using platitudes, students can explore the social and emotional functions they serve. The activity also encourages students to practice their analytical writing skills, as they must explain their thoughts clearly and coherently.