Denotation and Connotation

1. Denotation and Connotation

2. Denotation • The literal dictionary definition of a word • Not open to interpretation

3. Connotation • The figurative or emotional meaning of a word • Any association that a word might carry

4. Word Choice “You may live in a house, but we live in a home.” The connotation in this sentence is that a “home” is much more than merely the structure of a house.

5. The connotation of a word is often either positive or negative Positive We bought inexpensivesouvenirs at the amusement park. Negative We bought cheapsouvenirs at the amusement park.

6. Which word has a positive connotation? childishchildlike spitsaliva antiqueold-fashioned average mediocre

7. Which words have negative connotations? 2. A (swarm, bunch) of bees filled the air near the hive. 1. The (odor, fragrance) of apple blossoms filled the entire valley.

8. Writing Organization How to write a great paragraph!

9. A paragraph… • Has several related sentences that focus on a single topic or idea. • Is AT LEAST 5-7 sentences. • Should include the following elements to be effective: (you’ll write these down later) • Topic Sentence • Supporting Sentences • A Transitioning Conclusion • Unity and Coherence

10. Topic Sentence • A good topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. • Most often, the topic sentence is the first sentence in the paragraph. As I stepped through the French doors, I knew immediately that I was in a very special place. Flowers and plants were everywhere. Beautiful dark green vines clung to the cream-colored stucco wall behind the patio. The flagstone paving blended perfectly with the surrounding garden walls. In the far corner was a tall, stately, old oak tree that I had climbed when I was a child.

11. Supporting Sentences • Details, examples, or facts should be included to support the topic sentence. As I stepped through the French doors, I knew immediately that I was in a very special place. Flowers and plants were everywhere. Beautiful dark green vines clung to the cream-colored stucco wall behind the patio. The flagstone paving blended perfectly with the surrounding garden walls. In the far corner was a tall, stately, old oak tree that I had climbed when I was a child.

12. A Transitioning Conclusion • A good concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph and leads the reader into the main idea of the next one. As I stepped through the French doors, I knew immediately that I was in a very special place. Flowers and plants were everywhere. Beautiful dark green vines clung to the cream-colored stucco wall behind the patio. The flagstone paving blended perfectly with the surrounding garden walls. In the far corner was a tall, stately, old oak tree that I had climbed when I was a child.

13. Unity and Coherence • Each sentence in the paragraph should focus only on the topic presented in that paragraph’s topic sentence. • All paragraphs should be written in language that the target audience can easily understand. As I stepped through the French doors, I knew immediately that I was in a very special place. Flowers and plants were everywhere. Beautiful dark green vines clung to the cream-colored stucco wall behind the patio. The flagstone paving blended perfectly with the surrounding garden walls. In the far corner was a tall, stately, old oak tree that I had climbed when I was a child.

14. Assignment • You will be answering the following question: What was behind the door? The lady or the tiger? • Write a non-fiction piece explaining which option is most likely, based on inferences and facts from the text. You must cite textual evidence. • This piece should be 2 paragraphs (at minimum). • Must be neatly written in blue or black pen or typed • Typed assignments must be printed or submitted through turnitin.com • I will not accept this assignment through email!