persuasive writing english ii. denotation vs. connotation
DESCRIPTION
Denotation, of course, is the strict, “dictionary” definition of a word. Connotation, then, refers to the emotions and associations attached to words that may not necessarily reflect the proper definition. If misinterpreted, a poor word choice or recognition of wording would dramatically alter imagery, tone/mood, or even the message of the story. Denotation vs. ConnotationTRANSCRIPT
Persuasive WritingEnglish II
Denotation vs. Connotation
Denotation, of course, is the strict, “dictionary” definition of a word.
Connotation, then, refers to the emotions and associations attached to words that may not necessarily reflect the proper definition. If misinterpreted, a poor word choice or recognition of wording would dramatically alter imagery, tone/mood, or even the message of the story.
Denotation vs. Connotation
Connotation Exercise #1Below are groups of words which are often used to describe people. What are the connotations of the words?
Childlike, Youthful, Childish, YoungDisabled, Crippled, Handicapped, RetardedRelaxed, Laid-back, Lackadaisical, Easy-goingSlim, Skinny, Slender, ThinCheap, Frugal, Miserly, EconomicalYoung, Immature, Juvenile, YouthfulInquisitive, Interested, Curious, ConvivialConfident, Secure, Proud, EgotisticalLovely, Knockout, Beautiful, StunningTalkative, Conversational, Chatty, Nosy
Childish or childlike?
Connotation Exercise #2Read the sentences below. Can you identify the words that have a negative connotation?• Bedford is an uppity neighborhood, but the rents are cheap.• On my flight to Los Angeles, I sat next to this babe. She was
absolutely stunning.• Every morning my neighbor takes his mutt to the park. It always
barks loudly when leaving the building.• You need to be pushy when you are looking for a job.• Bob is quite vocal at every staff meeting. He always speaks.
Persuasive Writing: The Goal
• To influence others, to convince others, or to move others to take action.• To take a stand on an issue or offer
your own interpretation of something
Persuasive Writing Should…
• Defend an opinion or a course of action• Convince a reader to agree with or at least consider an opinion• Offer convincing evidence to support an opinion
Examples• Editorials• Reviews of movies and books• Advertisements
Features• Must include a logical,
persuasive appeal• Tone can be casual or serious
-- but must be reasonable and persuasive• Topic sentence should be a
statement of opinion
• Must be controversial: not everyone would agree
Features• Must be significant,
rather than trivial or highly personal• Must be supportable
with reasons, facts and examples• Support contains specific
information that interests the reader
Language• Should be fair and
unemotional -- watch strong connotations of words• Specific, concrete
language• Consider audience
background and knowledge of the topic -- define unfamiliar terms
Writing
• Consider opposing viewpoint at all times:• Choose a topic you know something about• Prepare by listing evidence for and against
your opinion • Build from least important evidence to
most important