Transcript activity 1.10

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is a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward
a subject.
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Is a writer’s or speaker’s choice of words.
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Refers to a subtle difference or distinction
in meaning.
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The implied associations, meanings, or
emotions associated with a word.
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The direct meaning of a word or
expression, as distinguished from the
ideas or meanings associated with it or
suggested by it.
In literature, being able to recognize the
tone of the story or poem or essay is an
important skill in understanding the
author’s purpose (P.I.E). An author who is
trying to create a comedy skit needs to
choose content and language that
communicated humor rather than
sadness. Writer’s purposefully select
diction to create an appropriate tone.
1.
What is the connotation between tone
and diction?
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Connotation can evoke certain feelings that
determine tone.
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The connotation between tone and diction is
that the author’s choice of words (diction)
can create the tone that is portrayed
throughout the piece of writing.
Many words have similar denotations, but one
must learn to distinguish among the
connotations of these words in order to
accurately identify meaning and tone. Careful
readers and writers understand nuances (subtle
differences) in word meanings. This means that
they recognize that words have varying levels
or meanings.
Examples: house, home, abode, estate, shack,
mansion, and hut all describe or denotate a
place to live, but each has a different
connotation that determines meaning and
tone.
2. In groups of three, create examples like
the one above illustrating ranges of words
that have the same denotation but
different connotations.
› Walk, saunter, skulk, slither, march, prance,
stomp
› Talk, argue, converse, interrogate, gossip,
whisper
3. Use one of the examples you just created
to discuss how connotation connections
to tone.
› Readers have certain associations with the
word gossip as opposed to argue, or walk as
opposed to stomp.
› Choosing one word over another implies a
certain feeling or attitude by a writer.
4. On the following page are some common
tone words and their synonyms. Use a
dictionary to determine or clarify each
synonym’s precise meaning. After taking
notes on the denotation of each word,
number the words to indicate the various
levels of meaning, from least intense to most
intense (1=least intense). If your group feels
that two words have the same connotation
and level meaning, give them the same
ranking.
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Angry: upset, enraged, irritated, sharp,
vexed, livid, infuriated, incensed
Happy: mirthful, joyful, jovial, ecstatic, lighthearted, exultant, jubilant, giddy
Sad: poignant, despondent, sentimental,
lugubrious, morose, woeful, mournful,
desolate
Honest: sincere, candid, outspoken,
forthright, frank, unbiased, blunt
Calm: placid, still, bored, composed,
peaceful, tranquil, serene, soothing
Nervous: anxious, apprehensive, hesitant,
fretful, agitated, jittery, afraid
Smart: wise, perceptive, quick-witted, clever,
sagacious, intellectual, brainy, bright, sharp
5. Prepare to present your findings to the class. Use
the outline below to prepare for your
presentation.
› Our group studied words that have the same
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denotation as ________________.
The most intense word is _______________, which
means _________________.
One would feel _______________ if/when
_______________[specific situation].
The least intense word is _____________, which means
___________________.
One would feel _________________ if/when
_____________[specific situation].
Our favorite word is __________________ which means
__________________.
On would if ____________________ if/when
_____________ [specific situation].
6. While other groups present, listen to
comprehend, and take notes. You will
be responsible for applying this
vocabulary in future activities.
7. Which words would you use to describe
the protagonist of the story you wrote?
Why?
8. Which words would be appropriate to
define a hero? Why?