Word Work
Identify the denotation and connotation of the word “cheap.” How does the connotation affect its use in marketing?
Denotation: low in cost;
Connotation: can imply low quality or stinginess.
Marketers avoid it to maintain a product’s perceived value.
What strategies does an author typically use to reveal their position without stating it directly?
Tone, word choice, selected evidence, and framing of opposing views.
What’s the difference between a quote being present in an essay and a quote being analyzed in an essay?
Presence means it’s inserted;
analysis explains its relevance, meaning, and how it supports the claim.
List two indicators that a website is not a credible academic source.
No author listed; lots of ads/pop-ups; no citations; biased or sensational language.
What is the goal of SDG 13, and how does it relate to human health?
SDG 13 aims to combat climate change and its impacts; rising temperatures and pollution directly affect respiratory and physical health.
Explain the nuanced difference in connotation between “assertive” and “aggressive.” How does tone influence interpretation?
"Assertive” implies confidence and clarity;
“aggressive” implies hostility.
Tone shapes whether traits are seen as positive or negative.
Identify a universal theme in Fahrenheit 451 or a similar literary text, and explain how it connects to current societal issues.
Danger of censorship;
or the loss of critical thinking.
connects to misinformation, book bans, overreliance on technology in place of meaningful dialogue.
Which sentence better integrates evidence?
A: “Pip changes in the novel. ‘I loved her against reason.’”
B: “Pip admits, ‘I loved her against reason,’ revealing his awareness of how irrational his devotion to Estella is.”
B, because it embeds the quote and includes analysis.
A source includes the author’s name, publication date, and links to research but is published by a corporation selling a product. What should you consider?
Potential bias or conflict of interest;
evaluate whether the evidence is independently verified.
How might bias appear in a media piece that criticizes climate change regulations?
Through selective facts, emotionally charged language, or ignoring scientific consensus.
In context: “She spoke with a candor that startled the audience,” what does “candor” mean, and how does the sentence imply it?
Candor means honesty or openness.
The surprise of the audience implies her honesty was unexpected or blunt.
A text describes a politician as “calculating” and “pragmatic.” What inference can you draw about the author’s tone and possible bias?
The tone may be critical or skeptical, suggesting the author sees the politician as manipulative.
Identify two stylistic issues in this sentence: “The author uses repetition to prove her point, it makes her argument stronger.”
Run-on sentence (comma splice) and vague language.
Could be revised to: “The author uses repetition to reinforce her point, making her argument more persuasive.”
Why is it important to cross-check a fact using more than one source during research?
To confirm accuracy, avoid misinformation, and ensure reliability across perspectives.
Evaluate this claim: “Electric vehicles are the perfect solution to climate change.” What’s misleading or incomplete about this statement?
It’s oversimplified;
while EVs reduce emissions, their production still involves environmental costs, such as mining for batteries.
What does the word “elusive” suggest in this sentence: “The author’s meaning remained elusive despite multiple readings”?
It suggests the meaning is hard to grasp, implying complexity or subtlety in the text.
How does the use of second-person point of view in persuasive writing affect the reader’s engagement and interpretation?
It creates a direct relationship, increases personal involvement, and makes the message feel more urgent or relatable.
Revise this vague claim to include precise reasoning: “The main character is interesting and goes through changes.”
“The protagonist’s transformation from passive observer to active participant reveals the novel’s central message about self-agency.”
• 400: Choose the more appropriate MLA in-text citation for a paraphrased fact from author Sarah Lee, page 57:
A. (Lee 57)
B. (Sarah, 57)
A. Correct format is (Lee 57).
How does the use of stark imagery in climate documentaries (e.g., polar bears on melting ice) shape public perception and urgency?
It uses pathos to evoke emotional responses, increases awareness, and can pressure audiences to act—but may also oversimplify complex issues.
Compare how the connotations of “revolutionary” and “radical” might differ when describing a political movement.
“Revolutionary” often implies positive change and progress;
“radical” can suggest extremism or danger, depending on context.
In a historical speech, the repetition of the phrase “We shall not be moved” appears multiple times. What effect does this rhetorical choice have on the audience’s perception of unity and purpose?
It builds a sense of collective strength and unwavering determination, reinforcing solidarity and emotional impact.
In analytical writing, why is it important to address a counterargument or alternative interpretation? Provide an example.
It strengthens the argument by showing critical thinking and awareness of complexity.
Example: Acknowledging that Lady Macbeth shows strength but arguing that her downfall reveals the limits of power.
DAILY DOUBLE (Worth Twice the Points)
Create a complete MLA citation for this: A New York Times article titled “The Vanishing Glaciers” by Thomas Keller, published online June 5, 2023.
Keller, Thomas. “The Vanishing Glaciers.” The New York Times, 5 June 2023, www.nytimes.com/article-url.
Explain why it’s important to assess the agenda or funding source behind a climate change report or study.
Funding sources can influence findings or presentation of data; understanding the agenda ensures you critically evaluate the reliability and bias of the information.