Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 6–8
Cliches Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 6-8 on cliches, expressions used so often that they have lost their freshness. Students sort eight expressions as cliche or original, then practice replacing cliches with fresh words. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 6–8
Skill Focus
Cliches, figurative language
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A cliche is an expression that was once clever but has been repeated so many times that it no longer feels fresh, such as ‘as light as a feather’ or ‘last but not least.’ Strong writers notice cliches and replace them with specific, original wording that paints a clearer picture. This worksheet helps students recognize stock phrases and write fresher alternatives.
Section A on page 1 gives eight expressions, and students decide whether each is a cliche or original wording. The reference box explains what a cliche is and shows a short Examples block with overused phrases and one fresh rewrite, so the assessed items stay independent of the model.
Section B on page 2 asks students to define a cliche, explain why writers avoid them, rewrite one cliche in fresh words, and supply a cliche of their own with a fresh replacement. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds on idioms and choosing precise words.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and list a few cliches students already know.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask whether they have heard the phrase many times.
Discuss how a specific, original description is stronger than a tired phrase.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Choosing Precise Words Worksheet or the Idioms Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Cliches Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 6-8 on cliches, expressions used so often that they have lost their freshness. Students sort eight expressions as cliche or original, then practice replacing cliches with fresh words. A complete answer key is included.
For Teachers
Teaching this? Here is the full lesson plan
Proverbs and Sayings: Learning Expressions as Whole Phrases — a complete 45-minute lesson plan for Grades 6-8: objectives, warm-up, direct instruction, guided and independent practice, assessment, and differentiation. Free to read, no sign-in required. This resource is one of the student materials it uses.
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