REVIEW
TAKS Objective: 1.7.9F
Distinguishing denotative and connotative meanings
These words all have to do with speed, but they create different pictures
in your mind. Perhaps high-speed makes you think of a cartoon character,
topped out a car race, flying an airplane, and supersonic a jet breaking the
sound barrier. What pictures of the word fast come to your mind? How would
you describe them?
Copyright © Lone Star Publishing J. V.
Sometimes writers choose words for their connotative meanings—the images
or associations a word creates in the reader’s mind. Some words have positive
connotative meanings—elegant, for example. Other words have negative
associations—for example, the word rabid. Words with strong connotative
meanings are sometimes called “loaded words” or “power words,” because
they make a big impact.
At other times, writers want to avoid “loaded words,” or words with strong
connotative meanings. Instead, they choose neutral words. The denotative
meaning of a word is its literal meaning, or definition. Some words have
neutral denotative meanings, as the word fast does when compared to the
other words used above.
You can distinguish denotative and connotative meanings by slowing down
to allow pictures to form in your mind as you read or write. If a word creates
a vivid picture, it has strong connotative meanings. If not, it’s probably a
neutral word. If you want to create a vivid image, choose words with strong
connotations. If you want to give an unbiased report, avoid “loaded words.”
For practice, check out the range of words below. Which words in the line
have positive connotations? Which have negative connotations? Which are
the most neutral?
morose...gloomy...depressed...sorrowful...sad...happy...cheery...gleeful...ecstatic
TAKS SPIRALED CONTENT REVIEW
37
PRACTICE
TAKS Objective: 1.6.9F
DIRECTIONS: Read each question and choose the best answer.
1 Which word has the most positive connotations?
A Obligation
B Responsibility
C Requirement
D Privilege
2 Which word has the most negative connotations?
F Control
G Manage
H Restrict
J Crush
3 Which word is neutral?
A Demanded
B Said
C Hinted
D Proclaimed
5 What is the denotative meaning of centralist?
A A tyrannical government that oppresses its citizens
B A single-party system of government in which the state runs the economy
C A higher social order in which work and goods are equally shared
D A supported system of strong national government and weak state power
38
TAKS SPIRALED CONTENT REVIEW
Copyright © Lone Star Publishing J. V.
4 What is the denotative meaning of democracy?
F Rule by the masses
G Government by the people
H The highest form of government
J Freedom and opportunity for everyone
REVIEW
TAKS Objective: 1.7.9F
Distinguishing denotative and connotative meanings
These words all have to do with speed, but they create different pictures in
your mind. Perhaps high-speed makes you think of a cartoon character,
topped out a car race, flying an airplane, and supersonic a jet breaking the
sound barrier. What pictures of the word fast come to your mind? How would
you describe them?
Copyright © Lone Star Publishing J. V.
Sometimes writers choose words for their connotative meanings—the images
or associations a word creates in the reader’s mind. Some words have positive
connotative meanings—elegant, for example. Other words have negative
associations—for example, the word rabid. Words with strong connotative
meanings are sometimes called “loaded words” or “power words,” because
they make a big impact.
At other times, writers want to avoid “loaded words,” or words with strong
connotative meanings. Instead, they choose neutral words. The denotative
meaning of a word is its literal meaning, or definition. Some words have
neutral denotative meanings, as the word fast does when compared to the
other words used above.
You can distinguish denotative and connotative meanings by slowing down
to allow pictures to form in your mind as you read or write. If a word creates
a vivid picture, it has strong connotative meanings. If not, it’s probably a
neutral word. If you want to create a vivid image, choose words with strong
connotations. If you want to give an unbiased report, avoid “loaded words.”
For practice, check out the range of words below. Which words in the line
have positive connotations? Which have negative connotations? Which are
the most neutral?
morose...gloomy...depressed...sorrowful...sad...happy...cheery...gleeful...ecstatic
TAKS SPIRALED CONTENT REVIEW
39
PRACTICE
TAKS Objective: 1.7.9F
DIRECTIONS: Read each question and choose the best answer.
1 Which word has the most positive connotations?
A Challenging
B Difficult
C Impossible
D Unlikely
2 Which word has the most negative connotations?
F Strategy
G Scheme
H Method
J Plan
3 Which phrase is most neutral?
A Signed an agreement
B Made a bargain
C Formed an alliance
D Announced a partnership
5 What is the denotative meaning of eagle?
A Symbol of the United States
B A large bird of prey
C Freedom and power
D Mountain ranges and open spaces
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TAKS SPIRALED CONTENT REVIEW
Copyright © Lone Star Publishing J. V.
4 What is the denotative meaning of revolution?
F Minutemen and redcoats
G Guerrilla warfare
H The rising up of oppressed people against unjust rule
J An uprising or rebellion against a government