Connotation
Which word has a negative connotation, "slim" or "scrawny?"
Scrawny
What is the definition of "denotation?"
The dictionary definition of a word
Describe the author's word choice in this passage: "Gravely, she stood up and managed to bring herself to the witness stand. She cleared her throat and began to speak. This moment would determine the rest of her life."
Serious
What makes a word an effective word?
A word that is more impactful and powerful than your everyday words
Why does word choice matter?
Word choice allows the author to influence the reader. (May accept other answers).
Which word has a positive connotation, "home" or "shack?"
Home
What is the denotation of the word "shelf?"
a flat length of wood or other rigid material, attached to a wall or forming part of a piece of furniture, that provides a surface for the storage or display of objects. (Will accept other variations)
Describe the author's word choice in this passage: "The teacher paused, rolling her eyes. "Sure, Rayon, I LOVE when you sharpen your pencil in the middle of my lesson. It's my favorite!"'
Sarcastic
Replace the italicized word with a more effective word: "The dog was big."
Humongous; gargantuan; monstrous; etc.
Why might it be important to mind your word choice in an argument?
So you can get your point across; so you won't get in trouble; etc.
Is the connotation of the word "fragrance" positive, negative, or neutral?
Positive (neutral may also be taken)
What is the denotation of the word bare, as in "Her arms were bare."
Not clothed or covered.
Describe the author's word choice in this passage: "This dude named Andrew Dahl holds the world record for blowing up the most balloons . . . with his nose. Yeah. That’s true. Not sure how he found out that was some kinda special talent, and I can’t even imagine how much snot be in those balloons, but hey, it’s a thing and Andrew’s the best at it."
Funny; casual
Replace the italicized word with a more effective word: "She was scared."
Terrified; frozen with fear; fearful; etc.
In what situation might it be important to use $5 words? Explain.
Job interview; essay; impressing someone; etc.
What is the definition of "connotation?"
The feelings or emotions associated with a word
What is the denotation of the word bear, as in "To bear arms."
Carry the weight of; support
Describe the author's word choice in this passage: "But let me tell you, my dad was lying. Wasn’t no sunflowers growing in him. Couldn’t have been. I don’t know a whole lot about sunflowers, but I know they’re pretty and girls like them, and I know the word sunflower is made up of two good words, and that man ain’t got two good words in him, or anything that any girl would like, because girls don’t like men who try to shoot them and their son."
Casual; hurt; bitter
Replace the italicized word with a more effective word: "The trash smelled bad."
horrendous; terrible; appalling; etc.
Why is it important to know the connotations of certain words?
So that you can be sure people understand your message exactly as you intended it. (May accept other answers).
Rank these words in terms of their connotation, from positive to negative: ugly, grotesque, unattractive
Unattractive, ugly, grotesque
Explain the difference between denotation and connotation.
Denotation is the dictionary definition of the word, whereas connotation is the feelings and emotions associated with the word.
Describe the author's word choice in this passage: "She skipped through the meadow, feeling every bit of the fall breeze blow through her curls. The tall grass tickled her legs. She had never felt more alive."
Joyous
Rewrite this sentence and replace all of the boring words with more effective words. (There are 3). "The small boy walked up to the big stage and said his feelings."
Replace small, big, and said
Describe a situation where your word choice has either helped you or harmed you.
Up to the judge