Expressive Excess

Worksheet Description

This worksheet introduces the concept of pleonasm, a literary device characterized by using more words than necessary to express an idea, typically to emphasize a point or enhance a description. It provides students with the origin of the word ‘pleonasm’ and explains its purpose in language. The exercise prompts students to write sentences that employ pleonasm to stress the ideas that something is dangerous, expensive, or that a wonderful event has occurred. It’s an exercise in exploring how redundancy can be stylistically effective rather than just verbose.

The worksheet is meant to teach students the deliberate use of pleonasm as a tool for emphasis in writing. By crafting sentences that intentionally use redundant wording, students practice enhancing the emotional or sensory impact of their statements. They learn to distinguish between unnecessary wordiness and the strategic use of pleonasm for dramatic effect. This activity aims to expand their writing techniques and encourages them to consider the effect of their word choices on readers’ perceptions and responses.