Wordy Ways

Worksheet Description

This worksheet introduces the concept of circumlocution, also known as periphrasis, which is the use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language to convey a point. It offers a straightforward explanation, followed by prompts that encourage students to craft sentences that exemplify circumlocution. The scenarios provided are relatable situations, such as being lost while driving or not having enough money for a purchase, which require the student to employ circumlocution in their responses. This exercise challenges students to think creatively and expand their descriptive abilities in writing.

The worksheet aims to teach students the art of circumlocution, demonstrating how it can be used intentionally for effect or accidentally, resulting in overly complicated communication. By crafting sentences based on common scenarios, students learn to recognize and utilize circumlocution as a descriptive tool in their writing. The activity also serves to enhance students’ vocabulary as they search for roundabout ways to express simple ideas. Ultimately, the worksheet prepares students to identify and avoid unnecessary complexity in their writing, while also appreciating the purposeful use of circumlocution in literature and rhetoric.