- Definition
Elements of style" are the different choices an author or artist makes, like their word choice or use of color, to make their work interesting and convey a message.
Using short, choppy sentences can create a fast, exciting style.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Elements of style are like the spices in cooking — they change how the writing tastes.
Ask your child: What makes this writing sound funny, serious, or exciting?
Common mix-up: Kids may think style is only about neat handwriting. It’s really about how the writing sounds and feels.
Examples
- Using short, quick sentences to sound excited, like telling a friend about recess.
- Using calm, gentle words to sound peaceful, like describing a quiet moment at home.
elements of style is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Language Arts
- Grade 2 Language Arts
- Grade 3 Language Arts
- Grade 4 Language Arts
- Grade 5 Language Arts
+9 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
