Which Word Works?

Objective: I can determine the meaning of words and phrases and how word choice affects text meaning and tone.

Key Vocabularymeaningfigurativeconnotativeword choicetoneimpact

Essential Questions1. What is the difference between

figurative and connotative meaning?

2. How do I determine word/phrase meaning?

3. What is tone? 4. How is tone affected by word

choice?

Key Vocabularymeaningfigurative connotativeword choicetoneimpact

➡ what is intended to be, significance➡ the “nature” of a meaning, figure of

speech➡ suggestive or secondary meaning➡ the act of choosing words carefully➡ expressing feeling or “spirit”➡ influence

CONTEXT CLUESContext clues:are the words, phrases, or

sentences around or near an unfamiliar word that help you understand its meaning.

Notes on back of foldable

Sample questionsNow, let’s work through 6 examples together.

On the back of your foldable, fill in the answer you think is correct. The next slide will tell you the actual answer, make a correction if needed. Copy the Justification (written in blue) in the box as well.

Sample Question 1 The beams from the sun made the diamond sparkle. What is the meaning of the underlined word in the

sentence above? A. Widest parts B. Planks of wood C. Bright smiles D. Rays of light

Use context clues and think carefully about the sentence’s message to figure out which meaning is being used.

Answer: D

Explanation: The word “beams” has many meanings. All of the

answer choices are definitions of the word. However, in this sentence, “beams” means “rays of light.” The correct answer is D. The reader can tell that this definition is being used because the beams are coming “from the sun.” Also, the beams are making “the diamond sparkle.” Looking at context clues helps the reader figure out the meaning being used.

Sample Question 2

As she collected her prize money, Kayla could not believe her stroke of luck.

In this sentence, the word stroke means A. A movement of a pen or pencil B. A blow from a fist or hammer C. A sudden or chance happening D. A gentle and soothing touch

Answer: C

Explanation: The word “stroke” has many meanings. All of the

answer choices are definitions of the word. However, in this sentence, “stroke” means “a sudden or chance happening.” The correct answer is C. The reader can tell that this definition is being used because Kayla “couldn’t believe” her luck. Her winning the “prize money” came as a surprise to her. It was “sudden.”

Sample Question 3

Katie appeared infallible in math class because she had never gotten a problem wrong.

What does infallible mean?a.wrongb.incorrectc.never wrongd.mistaken

How did you come up with the correct answer?

Did you look at the context clues in the sentence?

Did you notice the words “had never gotten a problem wrong”?

Answer: C

Sample Question 4

The tornado annihilated the whole town to the point that nothing was left standing.

What does annihilated mean?constructeddestroyedcreated

The correct answer is “b – destroyed.”

MULTIPLE-MEANING WORDS

A multiple-meaning word is a word that has the same spelling as another word but a different meaning and sometimes a different pronunciation.

MULTIPLE-MEANING WORDSSample Question 5:After our Spanish course(1) on Wednesday, my friend

asked if I’d like to go to the golf course(2). “Of course(3), I’ll go.” I replied. There were so many sand and water traps that it seemed like an obstacle course(4).

The word “course” has multiple meanings. Can you determine each meaning?1. An educational class.2. A specific area to play on.3. In agreement, certainly, definitely.4. Presenting challenges or difficulties.

MULTIPLE-MEANING WORDSSample Question 6:

Jason awoke in the middle of the night in cramped sleeping quarters(1), as he was sharing the room with three other band members. During the second quarter(2) of the football game, Jason was hungry. He went to the snack bar and used his extra quarters(3) to buy an apple. His three friends were hungry too, so he cut his apple into quarters(4).

The word “quarter” has multiple meanings. Can you determine each meaning?

An area to sleep in. One-fourth of a football game. A 25-cent piece. One whole into four equal pieces.

Closure

Write a 5-8 sentence paragraph responding to the following: How does Word Choice affect the tone of my writing? Use an example in your paragraph. This example can be created by you or from a book you have read.