Words carry baggage. In addition to their literal, denotative meaning, words also carry the weight of the associations and connotations attached to the word—the connotations of words writers use to create the tone of a piece. An interactive resource asks young writers to examine the words in several passages and identify the tone.

Concepts

mood, tone, diction, word choice, denotation, connotation, author's purpose

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class generate a list of paired words like the example given in the interactive, one with little connotative meaning and its partner with strong connotative meaning

Classroom Considerations

• Learners must have access to devices with internet if used as a remote learning exercise
• Sixth exercise in the 10-part series

Pros

• Includes assessments that check for understanding
• Targeted words in the exercises are highlighted

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.9-10.4