What the hell is an effective word (Y2)?

[drinkscabinet]

DD1 (Y2) has comprehension homework this weekend. One of the questions is 'what effective words has the author used?' What does that mean? Why can't teachers send a list of the terms they use home to the parents, or at least use technical language I can google??? Argh!!!

She says she has learnt what an effective word is in class but can't remember exactly what it means.

The only thing I can think of is what words has the author used to create a particular affect i.e. to persuade, to create a particular mood etc.

I haven't heard them called effective words before though.

They mean words that fit the situation/character well - eg 'The Giant stomped through the forest.' - stomped would be an effective word for how the giant moved.