Technical Figurative Connotative Words

Word Choice,: Figurative, Connotative, and Impact

by Adolfo Castellanos

Open Ended

Do Now: What is the difference between figurative ,connotative, and technical meanings?

Multiple Choice

The question, "Which word is a synonym for ________ as it is used in paragraph X" asks you to determine...

• A word that is exactly or nearly the same.

• A word that has the opposite meaning.

• A word that will change the meaning.

• A word that clarifies the meaning.

Multiple Choice

The phrase, "most closely means" in a question requires you to identify...

• something similar to what was shown.

• something different from what was shown.

• a definition that clarifies meaning

• a summary.

Multiple Choice

"What is the technical meaning of the word...?" asks you to identify....

• The dramatic meaning or use of the word

• The personal associations of the writer with a word

• The use of the word within a specific field or subject area

• The literal definition of a word

Multiple Choice

"What is the figurative meaning of the word...?" asks you to identify....

• The dramatic meaning or use of the word

• The personal associations of the writer with a word

• The use of the word within a specific field or subject area

• The literal definition of a word

Multiple Choice

"What is the connotative meaning of the word...?" asks you to identify....

• The dramatic meaning or use of the word

• The personal associations of the writer with a word

• The use of the word within a specific field or subject area

• The literal definition of a word

​AKS 13

9th and 10th Grade: determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper)

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​11th and 12th Grade: determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10)

​What You Can Do...

·     I can identify the meaning of words as I read complex texts.

·     I can identify the purposeful selection of specific words used in variety of texts (newspaper, journal, essay, e.g.) on the same topic or issue.

·     I can use a figurative, connotative, and technical meaning of the same word and analyze the impact of each.

·     I can demonstrate my understanding of words and analyze the impact of their usage in a variety of text.

·     I can identify and analyze the impact of a specific word over the course of the text.

·     I can demonstrate my understanding of the connotative meaning of words, words as they are used figuratively and technically and the impact of the specific usage on an author’s meaning and tone.

·     I can identify an author’s purposeful choice of specific words and analyze the impact of the author’s purposeful shaping of the word by the author through a text.

​Figurative vs Technical vs Connotative

Figurative - In the figurative use of a word, the writer uses a word to create a dramatic effect in the text. In this type, the words do not convey their literal meaning.

​Technical - It is the use of words with technical meanings the writer uses these words to remain confined to a specific field or subject area. These words demonstrate a scientific process, a concept or advancement

​Connotative - These meanings are based on the personal association of the writer with a word. A connotative meaning is either the negative or the positive use of a word depending upon the emotions of the writer.

Open Ended

Notice the use of the word "Therapeutic" in this section of the text. Is the word being used in a technical, connotative, or figurative manner? Explain your answer.

​Your Turn

​Go to Actively Learn and read excerpt from: "Emoticons and symbols aren't ruining language – they're revolutionizing it"

In each section, read the text and highlight for specific words that you deem to be important to understanding the text.

Determine their connotative, figurative, or technical meanings.

​You have two multiple choice questions and one constructed response. This is essential practice to apply what you reviewed and practice related skills for upcoming assessments.