Choose words for both denotation and connotation precision (CCSS L.8.5.c)
Exercise
Difficulty 2
~8 min
eng.g8.s.ex_51
Connotation Set Practice
Prompt
For each word set, identify connotation as positive / neutral / negative. (1) thrifty / frugal / cheap / stingy (2) slim / thin / scrawny / gaunt (3) curious / inquisitive / nosy / intrusive (4) determined / persistent / stubborn / pigheaded (5) confident / assured / arrogant / haughty.
Answer criteria
type
classification
correct
nosy
negative
slim
positive
thin
neutral
cheap
negative
gaunt
negative-clinical
frugal
neutral-positive
stingy
negative
assured
neutral-positive
curious
positive
haughty
negative
scrawny
negative
thrifty
positive
arrogant
negative
stubborn
negative
confIDent
positive
intrusive
negative
pigheaded
negative
determined
positive
persistent
neutral-positive
inquisitive
neutral-positive
Hints
- Connotation = emotional/cultural association beyond denotation.
- Synonyms can have very different connotations.
Misconceptions to watch
- Treats all synonyms as identical.
- Misses subtle negative-clinical (gaunt) vs negative (scrawny).