How to improve vocabulary is also learning how specific to be. Writers often hear “use more precise words,” but precision does not mean choosing the narrowest label available. Animal, bird, heron and grey heron can all be correct descriptions of the same creature. The best choice depends on what the reader needs to know, what the writer actually knows and what the viewpoint can naturally notice.
This guide builds a specificity ladder for English vocabulary, creative writing, comprehension and academic explanation. Learners practise moving upward to broader categories and downward to narrower labels, then decide where to stop. The goal is not maximum detail. It is useful resolution: enough lexical precision to carry the distinction that matters without adding unsupported or distracting information.
Within eduKate’s How to Improve Vocabulary ecosystem, this article owns the general-to-specific selection problem. Compress and Expand Meaning changes representational size; Word Boundaries test category edges. Here we ask which level of a category hierarchy should appear in the sentence.
Quick Read: “Dog” Can Be More Precise Than “Golden Retriever”
If Mira sees an unfamiliar dog at a distance, dog may be the most precise label her evidence supports. Calling it a golden retriever because the narrower phrase sounds richer is false precision. If she is close enough to identify the breed reliably and the breed matters to the scene, the narrower label can earn its place.
The fictional eduKateSG workshop cast—Adrian, Jo, Ben, Aisha, Ryan, Mira, Clara and Ethan—appears throughout. Their examples, scenes and exercises are original teaching material.
1. The Specificity Ladder
Build a ladder from broad to narrow: living thing → animal → bird → heron → grey heron. Each downward step adds features and excludes more possibilities. Each upward step removes detail but increases coverage.
Choose the lowest rung that is both justified and useful. If the detail is unsupported, move upward. If the broader term hides a distinction the reader needs, move downward. If a specialist label breaks the viewpoint or audience, translate to a more accessible rung.
2. Eighty Specificity Ladders
Ladder 1: physical object
Route: thing → object → container → bottle → glass bottle.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 2: tool
Route: thing → object → tool → cutting tool → scissors.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 3: furniture
Route: thing → furniture → seat → chair → office chair.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 4: place
Route: place → building → school building → classroom block → science laboratory.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 5: infrastructure
Route: place → transport facility → station → rail station → MRT station.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 6: plant
Route: living thing → plant → tree → fruit tree → mango tree.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 7: animal
Route: living thing → animal → mammal → dog → golden retriever.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 8: animal
Route: living thing → animal → bird → heron → grey heron.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 9: food
Route: food → fruit → citrus fruit → orange → mandarin orange.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 10: food
Route: food → dish → noodle dish → soup noodles → fishball noodle soup.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 11: transport
Route: vehicle → road vehicle → car → electric car → specific model only when relevant.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 12: transport
Route: vehicle → public transport → bus → city bus → route-specific bus.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 13: role
Route: person → worker → teacher → English teacher → Secondary English teacher.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 14: profession
Route: person → health professional → doctor → specialist → cardiologist.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 15: profession
Route: person → artist → musician → instrumentalist → violinist.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 16: genre
Route: communication → message → written message → email → formal request email.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 17: genre
Route: text → prose → narrative → short story → first-person short story.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 18: genre
Route: text → nonfiction → explanation → scientific explanation → mechanism explanation.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 19: sound/action
Route: sound → human sound → speech → quiet speech → whisper.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 20: action
Route: movement → locomotion → walking → effortful walking → trudging.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 21: action
Route: looking → visual attention → brief looking → glance.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 22: emotion
Route: emotion → negative emotion → anger → intense anger → fury.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 23: emotion
Route: emotion → unease → fear → anticipatory fear → apprehension.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 24: emotion
Route: positive state → satisfaction → calm satisfaction → contentment.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 25: process
Route: change → increase → rapid increase → escalation.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 26: process
Route: change → decrease → gradual decrease → decline.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 27: reasoning
Route: relationship → influence → causal influence → contributing factor.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 28: reasoning
Route: support → information support → evidence → strong evidence → proof only where justified.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 29: reasoning
Route: statement → claim → qualified claim → probabilistic claim.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 30: reasoning
Route: difference → contrast → meaningful contrast → statistically defined contrast only in proper domain.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 31: measurement
Route: quality → correctness → accuracy → measurement accuracy.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 32: measurement
Route: quality → exactness → precision → measurement precision.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 33: quantity
Route: quantity → amount → limited amount → scarcity relative to need.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 34: frequency
Route: frequency → uncommon → rare → unique only if one-of-a-kind.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 35: time
Route: age → old → very old → ancient where convention supports it.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 36: finance
Route: currency → money → Singapore currency → Singapore dollar → denomination.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 37: weather
Route: weather → precipitation → rain → heavy rain → thunderstorm only with relevant conditions.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 38: geography
Route: water → moving water → river → named river.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 39: geography
Route: landform → elevated landform → mountain → named mountain.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 40: geography
Route: settlement → urban settlement → city → named city → district/neighbourhood.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 41: learning
Route: education → learning activity → practice → retrieval practice → spaced retrieval practice.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 42: education
Route: assessment → test → written test → English test → comprehension section.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 43: language
Route: language → vocabulary → word relationship → collocation → verb–noun collocation.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 44: language
Route: language → word meaning → figurative meaning → metaphorical extension.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 45: language
Route: grammar → clause → subordinate clause → relative clause → defining relative clause.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 46: writing
Route: writing → revision → vocabulary revision → collocation audit.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 47: creative writing
Route: description → sensory description → sound description → specific sound source.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 48: creative writing
Route: character action → hand action → holding → tight holding → gripping.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 49: communication
Route: speech → question → forceful question → interrogation only with sustained/official conditions.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 50: communication
Route: request → strong request → demand → ultimatum only with consequence/condition.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 51: systems
Route: problem → difficulty → constraint → bottleneck when throughput is limited.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 52: systems
Route: failure → error → recurring error → systematic error only when pattern supports it.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 53: learning
Route: resource → learning resource → book → reference book → dictionary.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 54: research
Route: source → information source → primary source → official record.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 55: research
Route: data → numerical data → measurement → repeated measurement → time series.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 56: research
Route: model → representation → conceptual model → causal model only if causal structure is represented.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 57: health vocabulary
Route: health → symptom → pain → headache → migraine only with appropriate basis.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 58: material
Route: material → metal → steel → stainless steel.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 59: material
Route: fabric → textile → cotton fabric → woven cotton.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 60: perception
Route: colour → blue → dark blue → navy blue when shade identification is justified.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 61: perception
Route: light → illumination → dim light → candlelight when source is known.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 62: perception
Route: smell → odour → pleasant odour → floral scent when source/quality supports it.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 63: perception
Route: taste → flavour → sweet flavour → caramel-like flavour only if justified.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 64: perception
Route: texture → roughness → coarse texture → gritty texture when particles are perceived.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 65: degree
Route: size → large → very large → enormous only when scale warrants it.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 66: degree
Route: speed → fast → very fast → rapid where register and dimension fit.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 67: evaluation
Route: importance → important → highly important → crucial only if outcome depends strongly on it.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 68: evaluation
Route: need → useful → necessary → essential only if omission prevents required function.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 69: evaluation
Route: quality → good → effective → efficient only when resource relation matters.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 70: evaluation
Route: problem quality → bad → flawed → invalid only when validity criteria apply.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 71: learning
Route: knowledge → understanding → deep understanding → mastery only with broad reliable control.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 72: learning
Route: memory → recall → delayed recall → independent delayed recall.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 73: vocabulary
Route: word knowledge → recognition → explanation → production → flexible transfer.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 74: reading
Route: reading → understanding → inference → evidence-based inference.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 75: writing
Route: writing → word choice → precise word choice → viewpoint-appropriate precise word choice.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 76: narrative
Route: story → scene → conflict scene → decision scene → irreversible decision scene.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 77: narrative
Route: character → role → protagonist → viewpoint protagonist.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 78: narrative
Route: setting → place → room → classroom → exact corner only if narratively relevant.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 79: narrative
Route: time → period → day → morning → exact minute only if needed.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
Ladder 80: narrative
Route: sound → noise → mechanical noise → rattling → source-specific rattle.
Downward test: Move one rung toward greater specificity. State the new feature you are claiming. If the text, observation or viewpoint does not support that feature, climb back up.
Upward test: Replace the current label with its broader category. Ask what useful information disappears. If nothing important is lost, the broader term may be more efficient.
Writing test: Put two adjacent rungs into alternate versions of the same sentence. Compare reader knowledge, rhythm, register and viewpoint. The narrower label wins only when its extra distinction does real work.
3. Forty Specificity Decision Drills
Drill 1: Unknown object at distance
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 2: Known object up close
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 3: Child narrator
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 4: Expert narrator
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 5: General reader
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 6: Specialist reader
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 7: First mention
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 8: Later mention
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 9: Plot-relevant object
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 10: Background object
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 11: Sensory focus
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 12: Action focus
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 13: Emotion label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 14: Emotion evidence
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 15: Movement verb
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 16: Speech verb
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 17: Cause claim
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 18: Evidence claim
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 19: Probability claim
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 20: Quantity claim
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 21: Time reference
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 22: Place reference
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 23: Person role
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 24: Professional title
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 25: Technical process
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 26: Everyday process
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 27: Species label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 28: Food label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 29: Material label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 30: Colour label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 31: Sound label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 32: Texture label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 33: Weather label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 34: Transport label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 35: School subject label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 36: Assessment label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 37: Grammar label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 38: Research label
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 39: Health term
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
Drill 40: Independent ladder
Write a sentence containing a broad category word. Build at least three narrower rungs beneath it and one broader rung above it. For every downward step, name the extra feature being asserted. Do not move downward merely because the narrower term sounds sophisticated.
Now decide what the reader needs. If the extra feature changes action, inference, evidence, imagery or later reference, specificity may earn its place. If it only adds trivia, keep the broader term. If the writer cannot verify the extra feature, move upward.
Rewrite for a different viewpoint or audience. An expert may naturally use a narrower category that a novice would not identify. A child narrator may notice colour and shape instead of technical class. Precision is relative to available knowledge, not prestige.
Finish by running the choice through the Word-Choice Decision System. A category label still has to fit grammar, collocation, register and context.
4. The Bird Outside the Window: An Original Specificity Story
A bird landed on the railing outside the classroom.
“Kingfisher,” Ben said immediately.
Mira looked through the glass. The bird was partly hidden behind a planter. She could see a long bill and a flash of colour, but not enough to identify the species.
“Bird,” she said.
Ben laughed. “That is not vocabulary improvement.”
Adrian turned from the board. “What does Mira know?”
“That it is a bird.”
“What does she know that would justify kingfisher?”
Ben looked again. “Not enough yet.”
The bird hopped into full view. Aisha, who had been photographing birds with her family for years, identified it more confidently and explained the visible features she was using. Mira listened, checked those features and then adopted the narrower label.
“So bird was precise before and less precise now?” Ryan asked.
“It was accurate at both moments,” Adrian said. “But once the narrower distinction became justified and useful, the resolution could increase.”
Ben wrote in his notebook: Do not spend detail you do not possess.
5. False Precision
False precision occurs when a writer chooses a narrow label without enough evidence. It can happen with species, professions, diagnoses, emotions, causal claims, quantities, dates and technical terminology. The word looks informative because it excludes alternatives, but the exclusion is unjustified.
Creative writing can invent facts about a fictional world, but viewpoint still constrains what a character can know. A narrator may know the exact model of a machine; a frightened visitor may only see “a metal box with two red lights.” Both descriptions can be precise relative to their information state.
In factual writing, narrow labels should be supported by sources, measurements or established definitions. If the evidence only supports association, do not descend to cause. If a result is merely unusual, do not descend to unique.
6. Under-Specification
The opposite problem is staying too broad when a distinction matters. “The animal moved” may be inadequate when the fact that it was a dog matters to the next action. “The thing broke” may hide whether a glass cracked, a cable snapped or a hinge failed.
Under-specification often appears in early drafts because broad words are easy to retrieve: thing, stuff, nice, bad, went, did, got. Do not replace them automatically. Ask which missing distinction would improve the reader’s model. Then move down only along that dimension.
This is more disciplined than thesaurus substitution because the writer searches the world or idea before searching the lexicon.
7. Specificity in Creative Writing
Specific nouns can make scenes tangible: cup becomes mug; tree becomes mango tree; vehicle becomes bus. But a story overloaded with exact brands, species, colours and technical labels can feel catalogued rather than observed.
Spend specificity on details that reveal place, action, character, mood or consequence. A mechanic may notice the model of an engine component because it affects diagnosis. A child may notice that the machine “clicked twice and stopped.” Viewpoint decides which rung feels natural.
Use the Observation to Description system when the problem is not vocabulary shortage but insufficient noticing.
8. Specificity in Academic Writing
Academic precision often comes from narrowing relationships rather than nouns. Affects may become increases; related may become positively associated; important may become necessary only when necessity is established.
Terminology should become more specific as the argument requires stable distinctions. Once a technical term is defined, repeating it can be clearer than moving back and forth between broad and narrow labels.
Do not confuse numerical detail with conceptual precision. “Exactly 73.4 per cent” is not automatically more informative if the measurement or sample does not justify that resolution.
9. A Four-Week Specificity Programme
Week one: build ladders from familiar nouns and verbs. Practise moving both directions and naming the feature added or removed.
Week two: audit false precision. Find narrow words in drafts and ask what evidence licenses each extra feature.
Week three: audit under-specification. Find broad words and descend only where the reader needs a distinction.
Week four: switch audiences and viewpoints. Rewrite the same scene or explanation at different lexical resolutions without changing the underlying world.
10. Final Principle: Use the Lowest Rung You Can Defend
A large vocabulary gives you more rungs. Wisdom is knowing where to stop.
Move downward when the narrower word is justified, useful and natural. Move upward when detail is uncertain, irrelevant or inaccessible to the viewpoint. Protect broad words when breadth is exactly what the sentence needs.
Precision is not maximum specificity. Precision is choosing the level that tells the truth at the resolution the reader needs.
11. Eighty Worked Specificity Decisions
Decision 1: thing on desk
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 2: container in bag
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 3: tool in drawer
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 4: seat in room
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 5: building on campus
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 6: tree by gate
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 7: animal across field
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 8: bird on railing
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 9: fruit in bowl
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 10: dish at lunch
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 11: vehicle outside
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 12: bus approaching
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 13: teacher speaking
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 14: doctor in corridor
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 15: musician performing
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 16: message received
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 17: story assigned
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 18: explanation written
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 19: quiet speech
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 20: slow movement
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 21: brief look
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 22: strong anger
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 23: future unease
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 24: calm satisfaction
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 25: increase over time
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 26: decrease over time
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 27: one contributing cause
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 28: support for claim
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 29: probabilistic statement
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 30: measurement correctness
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 31: measurement exactness
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 32: limited supply
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 33: uncommon event
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 34: old artefact
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 35: outdated method
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 36: rain event
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 37: river on map
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 38: city in country
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 39: learning practice
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 40: written assessment
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 41: word partnership
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 42: figurative expression
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 43: clause type
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 44: revision task
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 45: sound in scene
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 46: hand action
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 47: questioning
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 48: forceful request
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 49: process constraint
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 50: recurring error
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 51: reference source
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 52: primary source
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 53: numerical series
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 54: representation
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 55: symptom
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 56: metal
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 57: fabric
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 58: shade of blue
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 59: light source
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 60: scent
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 61: flavour
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 62: texture
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 63: large size
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 64: high speed
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 65: important factor
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 66: necessary component
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 67: good method
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 68: bad argument
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 69: understanding
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 70: recall
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 71: word knowledge
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 72: inference
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 73: word choice
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 74: scene type
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 75: character role
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 76: setting detail
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 77: time detail
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
Decision 78: mechanical sound
Start broad: Describe the referent or idea with a category that you can defend immediately. Then generate two narrower labels and one broader label. For each narrower candidate, list the extra features it asserts.
Evidence gate: Ask how you know those extra features. In fiction, the world may contain them, but the viewpoint must still have access to them. In factual writing, observation, source, definition or measurement must justify the descent.
Usefulness gate: Ask whether the reader needs the narrower distinction now. If it changes inference, action, imagery, reference or argument, keep it. If it adds decorative inventory, move upward.
Language gate: Check whether the selected rung fits register, collocation and sentence rhythm. A technically exact label can still be the wrong communicative choice for a child, character or general reader.
12. Final Workshop: Zoom In, Zoom Out
Choose one paragraph from your own writing and underline five nouns, verbs or evaluative words. For each, draw a three-rung ladder: broader, current, narrower. Read the paragraph once with every word moved upward. Notice what becomes vague. Then read it with every word moved downward. Notice what becomes cluttered, overconfident or unnatural.
Restore each word individually at the resolution the paragraph needs. You may discover that one concrete noun deserves greater specificity while a technical adjective should become broader. Resolution is local; there is no single “advanced vocabulary level” for a whole paragraph.
Run the final choices through the Vocabulary Revision Pass. Protect any ordinary word that already carries exactly the required amount of information.
13. Closing: Precision Is Resolution Under Control
Vocabulary breadth gives you categories. Vocabulary depth gives you the distinctions between them. Writing skill decides which distinction belongs in this sentence.
The narrowest available word is not automatically the most precise. Precision requires enough evidence, enough relevance and the right viewpoint. Sometimes grey heron is the exact word. Sometimes bird is the exact word. Sometimes the scene needs only something moved in the reeds.
Learn to zoom in. Learn to zoom out. Then stop at the resolution where the reader receives exactly the distinction that matters.