Platitude Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.9-10.5.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

These are worthless statements or a series of them that a blatantly obvious to anyone with a sense of cognitive ability. These types of statements are viewed as filler or exercises in simplemindedness by just about any audience. Most authors do their best to avoid using this type of language at all times. The main reason being that when this type of language is used most readers will be turned off to it. This is why most authors and their editors put a great deal of effort into removing anything that remotely represents a platitude within their body of works. This selection of worksheets will help students learn to identify this type of language and learn how to minimize its use in order to heighten their written pieces.

Platitude Worksheets To Print:

Topic Introduction - This can help you get the conversation started with this concept.

Examples? - You will be given a series of statements that you must evaluate and see how you would classify them.

True or False - Why would you ever want to use this type of language in your everyday? We will explore this.

Complete Them - Which of these words would best be used to complete these statements?

Organizer - This is helpful when exploring the concept as a whole class. What are some words that are related to this concept?

Situations - We will look into instances where it may be helpful to use this language.

Is That an Example? - You will get another series of sentences and statements to evaluate.

Advantages - People use this type of expression all the time in a well-meaning way. Why do you think this is? Are there any advantages to using it?

Cliche - We compare the two very closely related concepts.

Avoiding Using Them - You will rewrite statements. Your revision should convey the same general meaning, but should contain some actual wisdom or insight and not feel trite or overused.

Your Thoughts - We explore your thoughts on the matter.

Visuals - Write a platitude that applies to each picture.

Dialogue - You will use this technique in dialogue aimed a situation of your choice.

Responses - You will now form the second frame of the dialogue, a response.

Comics - You will draw a comic and include this concept within it.

What is a Platitude in Writing?

You might be familiar with the concept of 'cliche'. Just to give a recap, a cliché is an idea or thought based on reality that has been overly used to define a situation or person. Similarly, another phenomenon parallel to cliché is a platitude. A platitude is a trite, overly used phrase or repeated old remark that may be true or not. However, the major difference between a cliché and a platitude is that the later lacks originality and insight.


For example: Follow your passion.


This type of language might have had greater significance when it was introduced, motivating people to follow through what they might have always dreamt about. However, if you continue to use it frequently, it loses its meaning. Like cliche's, it comes off as an half-hearted response.


Here is another example for you: No offense, but...


Why Do You Use This Form of Language?


If platitudes are not appreciated, why do people keep using them? Well, people often use this form of communication to subdue the affect when they find themselves in situations when they are out of words tend to; for example, we are all in this together.


Another reason of using this form of language is to relate to someone's emotions and empathize; for example, time can heal all wounds.


Why Are They Problematic?


Since they lacks originality, writers tend to stay away from using platitudes. If one uses them frequently, it is perceived as oversimplified concepts that lack creativity. It is also considered that the writer is simple-minded. Readers now crave for originality, wit, and imagination rather than wasting time reading what they already know.


Examples of Overused Platitudes


Following are some of the platitudes you might have heard or read many times. Try to steer of these and look for more creative options.


1. God has a plan for you. (Waiting for it to get implemented)


2. It is what it is. (As if we didn't know that)


3. Money can't buy happiness. (Depends upon what's in your bank account)


4. Tomorrow is another day. (You will never forget what happened yesterday)


5. Do what you love. (But does it pay the bills?)


6. The best things in life are free. (Sometimes you pay a heavy price)


7. Live each moment as if it's your last. (And if it's not then be ready for the consequences)


8. All for one, one for all.


If you aspire to become a writer one day, then try to stay away from such phrases to keep your writing fresh and full of personality.