Make Your Point > Archived Issues > UNCHOREOGRAPHED

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"UNCHOREOGRAPHED" Pronunciation: UN CORE ee uh graft Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “an unchoreographed movement.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The movement was unchoreographed.”) Meaning: Something choreographed is specifically planned out and directed.  So, something unchoreographed just happens spontaneously. It hasn't been specifically planned out or directed. Other forms: choreography, choreograph, choreographer, choreographed How to use it: Call something unchoreographed to emphasize how natural and believable it is, OR to emphasize how messy or sloppy it is. Talk about an unchoreographed crime, dance, event, fight, mistake, movement, party, performance, response, scene, show, speech, etc. You can have unchoreographed excitement, enthusiasm, outbursts, and so on, an unchoreographed display of support or encouragement, or an unchoreographed schedule or unchoreographed free time. Finally, you can say something had an unchoreographed appearance, feeling, tone, nature, simplicity, honesty, etc. In an unchoreographed but unified display of rebellion, the students who were unfairly punished simply did not show up for their assigned detentions. At our regrettably unchoreographed high school choir performances, no one knew when to enter or exit the stage, the songs got out of order, and long pauses between songs made the audience wonder if the show had ended. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "unchoreographed” means when you can explain it without saying “not planned out" or “not rehearsed." Think of what your day-to-day life was like when you were little, then choose one of these options and fill in the blank: Option 1. "My childhood days were largely unchoreographed; I _____." Example: "My childhood days were largely unchoreographed; I ran around playing outside with my sister until we got bored, and we read piles and piles of books together." Option 2. "My childhood days were largely choreographed; I _____." Example: "My childhood days were largely choreographed; I was shuttled to piano practice as soon as school was over, and then to karate before dinner at 7:00pm sharp." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our game for May is:  “What Do These Words Have in Common?” The three words given will have something specific in common. (More than one right answer might be possible, but I've only got one particular answer in mind for each set of words.) I've arranged the questions from easiest to hardest, so today’s should be difficult. By the end of the month, expect some whoppers.   From yesterday: What do these words have in common?: chronic, pathological, apoplectic Answer: All are words with certain meanings in the field of medicine as well as general meanings for everyday conversation. Try this one today: catch-22, quark, beatnik A Point Well Made: Richard Vague, paraphrasing Karen Armstrong: "The idea that religion is separate from politics is a modern and radical innovation." 1. The opposite of UNCHOREOGRAPHED is A. INSPIRED B. ORCHESTRATED C. DISPUTED 2. Unchoreographed celebrations began: _____. A. the game ended in victory and everyone at the tables moved to the dance floor B. the students threw up their graduation caps in unison just like they'd practiced C. the hastily-organized flash mob started exactly as planned Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. A