Word Choice and Connotation Challenge

Peter Gonzales

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Word Choice and Connotation Challenge

Evaluate connotative effects in literature

In this lesson, students will explore the connotative effects of an author's word choice in literature. Through a combination of reading, collaborative activities, and discussions, students will learn to evaluate how different words or phrases can alter the meaning and tone of a text. This lesson is crucial for developing critical reading and analytical skills, which are essential for success in AP courses and beyond.

Audience

11th Grade AP Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Word Choice Analysis, Discussion: Connotation in Literature, Reading: Extended Excerpt from 'Pride and Prejudice', Activity: Word Choice Game, and Exit Ticket: Connotation Evaluation

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the concept of connotation and denotation.
Explain the importance of word choice in literature and its impact on meaning and tone.

Step 2

Reading Activity

10 mins

Distribute the extended reading excerpt from 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Ask students to read the passage, focusing on the author's word choice.

Step 3

Collaborative Activity: Word Choice Game

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a set of words and phrases.
Challenge them to replace words in the passage with synonyms and discuss how the changes affect the meaning and tone.

Step 4

Discussion: Connotation in Literature

10 mins

Facilitate a class discussion using the prepared questions.
Encourage students to share their observations from the activity and reading.

Step 5

Worksheet Completion

5 mins

Distribute the worksheet on word choice analysis.
Allow students to work individually to complete the questions.

Step 6

Closure and Exit Ticket

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Distribute the exit ticket for students to evaluate the connotative effects of a word choice in a new sentence.

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Worksheet

Word Choice Analysis Worksheet

This worksheet helps students analyze the connotative effects of word choice in a literary passage.

Identify a word in the passage that has a strong connotation and explain its effect on the tone.

Choose a synonym for a word in the passage and discuss how it changes the meaning.

Discussion

Connotation in Literature Discussion

A discussion to explore the impact of word choice on meaning and tone in literature.

How does the author's choice of words affect the tone of the passage?

Encourage students to consider specific words and their emotional impact.

Can you think of a synonym that would change the meaning of a sentence in the passage?

Guide students to explore how subtle changes in word choice can alter interpretation.

Reading

Extended Excerpt from 'Pride and Prejudice'

A longer passage from 'Pride and Prejudice' to provide more examples of word choice and connotation for analysis.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. 'My dear Mr. Bennet,' said his lady to him one day, 'have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?' Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. 'But it is,' returned she; 'for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.' Mr. Bennet made no answer. 'Do you not want to know who has taken it?' cried his wife impatiently. 'You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.' This was invitation enough. 'Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.'"