"Make Your Writing More Interesting: Using Synonyms Writing Activity" is a multi-step worksheet that encourages students to write more interesting stories by thinking of synonyms for overused words.

The instructions begin by identifying a frequently overused word, such as "cried." Students must look at a word find-style puzzle that asks them to circle words to the right or down, using every letter at least once. Then, they write the words they circled down below. Each of the words they find is a synonym of the word mentioned above.

The second half of the worksheet invites students to practice writing. First, they write something using the overused word, like "cried," at least two times. Then, they rewrite what they wrote, replacing the word with the more colorful synonyms that they listed above.

It isn't uncommon for students to rely on simple vocabulary when writing stories, even if they have a wide vocabulary and are familiar with synonyms. You can encourage your students to write more interesting stories by having them practice using synonyms when they write.

You might start by asking them to write a short story using a specific word at least two times. Then they rewrite what they wrote, replacing that word with two of its synonyms. For example, students might start by using the word "problem," but after revisiting their story, they might replace this word with "quandary" and "dilemma" instead.

It can be helpful to prime students ahead of time so they know what words to pick from. You can provide them with a word bank, or you can ask them to complete a word find-style puzzle where they circle the synonyms and write them down before starting their story.