Word Choice

Language that allows the reader to form a visual image

• connotation

• imagery

• slang

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Language that we use in everyday speech, casual and relaxed

• formal

• informal

• slang

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

Language that is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions; often contains polysyllabic words and sophisticated syntax; used in professional meetings, speeches, academic writings, and so forth.

• formal

• informal

• slang

Tags

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

Which term refers to the feelings that a word evokes - positive, negative, or neutral?

• denotation

• connotation

• shades of meaning

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5B

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The dictionary definition of a word

• denotation

• connotation

• shades of meaning

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Which word carries a more positive connotation?

We saw ________ fauna and flora on our walk through the forest.

• weird

• strange

• interesting

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5B

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

Which word carries a more negative connotation?

The fresh paw prints - that our guide identified as belonging to a black bear - ___________me.

• scared

• terrified

• unsettled

Choose the word which would convey the greatest emotional intensity.

I was _________ when my best friend came back to visit after moving away.

• ecstatic

• happy

• pleased

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Informal language that is ever-changing, and often particular to a certain group, used to create identity and exclude outsiders.

• cliche

• slang

• academic

CHALLENGE: An author's word choice can give us insight into how s/he feels about the topic; we refer to this as _____________. Furthermore, diction can cause the reader/listener to feel certain emotions, thereby creating a certain atmosphere; this we refer to as ______________.

(We covered these terms last week.)

• opinion/tone

• tone/mood

• mood/opinion