Connotation and Denotation

Goals: Understanding connotation and denotation and then applying that knowledge to some excerpts from the story we read yesterday. 

Agenda: 
Read
Novel Reading Chart
Connotation and Denotation Lesson
Application with a partner. 

Update Novel Reading Chart: 

Open your chart and add what you read today. Don't forget to explain what it means. Implications matter.

Connotation and Denotation Lesson: 
DICTION refers to the specific word choices that authors make.
Often, authors choose specific words because of their CONNOTATION.
Words can be interpreted three different ways.

1. DENOTATION - This is the literal, dictionary definition of a word.

2. CONNOTATION (emotional charge) - Every word has a positive, neutral, or negative connotation or association. 

• "Youth" = positive connotation (or association); "Juvenile" = negative connotation; "Adolescent" = neutral connotation.
• "Request" or "Remind" = positive connotation; "Whine" or "Nag" = negative connotation; "Ask" = neutral connotation.
• "Assertive" = positive; "Bossy" = negative; "Dominant" = neutral.

3. CONNOTATION (symbolic meaning) - Some words have a secondary figurative or cultural association with them. In this case, the word can take on a whole new meaning.

• Snake: An evil, devious or immoral person.
• Chicken: A coward.
• Pig: A vulgar person or slob.
• Sweet: Cool, awesome or fun.

With your partner: 
Complete THIS GOOGLE FORM to look more closely at some of the language from the story we read yesterday. (It's okay if you didn't finish reading it. There are paragraphs on the form of the parts you really need.) 

If you are absent, you are responsible for completing this activity on your own. 

Reminders: 

Finish reading your group novel by 11/7.