OBJECTIVE:
Writing descriptive sentences about photographs in FREESTYLE mode on piclits.com is an engaging way to practice generating descriptive sentences with a heightened focus on verb word choice.

Verbs are the central element of powerful descriptive sentences. Creating the right verb to convey an action can make the difference between a dynamic descriptive sentence and a flat one.

Verbs can make the action pop off the page.

The most vivid verbs will have connotation or emotional / constructed connotations that evoke a powerful emotional response from the reader. We are going to practice writing descriptive sentences at the top of a photograph in FREESTYLE MODE and listing the connotations of the verb at the bottom of the photograph. This will help us become intentional about the connotations of the verbs were are choosing.

MODEL SENTENCE:
The lightning bugs bespeckled the dusk.
The lightning bugs bespeckled (verb) the dusk.

If you are familiar with the beginner verb choice lesson, you will recall the sentence “The lightning bugs dotted the dusk.” I changed the verb to “bespeckled” because the connotations of bespeckled are artistically arranged, enhanced beauty, celestial, as in bespeckled sky full of stars. I wanted the reader to view the lightning bug scene as an artistic arrangement.

MODEL PIC-LIT:

Notice how the verb “enchanted” has connotations of inspired, enhanced, and awed. I wanted the reader / viewer to see the harbor as enhanced by the soft glow of the yellow moon. And I wanted the reader / viewer to feel the awe and inspiration this photograph evoked for me. One key word choice in the verb accomplished my goal.

GUIDED PRACTICE WRITING PROMPT:

1. Go to piclits.com
2. Sign in with your e-mail and password
3. Select a picture from the gallery of pictures
4. In FREESTYLE mode, generate a descriptive sentence by focusing on your word choice for your verb.
   Indicate the verb in parentheses (verb).
   List the connotations of the verb at the bottom of the photograph.