Distinguish DENOTATION (dictionary meaning) from CONNOTATION (associations) and apply both in argument (CCSS L.6.5.b/c)
Exercise
Difficulty 3
~10 min
eng.g6.s.ex_35
Replace For Connotation Shift
Prompt
Take a neutral paragraph and replace 5 words to shift the connotation toward STRONGLY POSITIVE. Then replace the same 5 words to shift toward STRONGLY NEGATIVE. Same denotation; different connotation each time.
M-6-S-VOC-EX-35-A
Interactive
Physical / non-image
Connotation-shift worksheet with neutral paragraph + 5 highlighted replacement slots × 2 directions (positive and negative). Print-ready 8.5x11.
Answer criteria
type
rubric
rubric
5 positive + 5 negative replacements with denotation preserved = 4; 4 of 5 in both directions = 3; only one direction = 2; <2 = 1
Hints
- The neutral paragraph stays the same; only your word choice shifts.
- Check denotation (use dictionary) before substituting.
Misconceptions to watch
- Replacements change denotation (different word, different meaning).
- Replacements not strong enough in either direction.