Chapter 19

Poll

Which wild combo would you try?

• 1- pizza ice cream

• 2- hot pepper popcorn

• 3-strawberry fries

• 4-cinammon pickles

• 5 cocoa cheese curls

​Chapter 19:
Sol's First Date with Nick

Wednesday, 1/7/2026

Unlocking the Power of Words

Understanding the difference between denotations and connotations is crucial for effective communication. Denotations refer to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, while connotations are the emotional or cultural associations attached to a word. Recognizing and utilizing these nuances can enhance the impact of your message. Let's explore further!

the emotional or cultural meaning attached to it; may vary depending on the situation.

For example:

• light: hope and positivity, truth and understanding, joy and happiness

• dark: sadness and negativity, ignorance and secrecy, fear and uncertainty

Connotation

Its exact dictionary definition.

For example:

• light: (noun) something that makes vision possible

• dark: (adjective) devoid or partially devoid of light; not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light

Denotation

Authors use these distinctions to evoke specific feelings.

Multiple Choice

What is the connotation of the word "whisper"?

• A) To speak softly and discreetly.

• B) To gossip and spread rumors.

• C) To communicate confidential information.

• D) To shout loudly and assertively.

Multiple Choice

The following quote is from Chapter 14, when Sol has entered her bedroom at Ari's house, and it is the end of a day she spent on the beach with new friends. Which of the following choices best describes the connotation of the word warmth as the author intends it here?

• The warmth Sol is feeling may be the effects of the sunburn she got from her day at the beach.

• The warmth here is the feeling of comfort and belonging she is beginning to feel staying in the United States.

• The warmth describes the feelings she has when she thinks about her family and how much she misses them.

​Juxtaposition

Remember that juxtaposition places contrasting ideas side by side.

For example, if you wanted to take a picture to show how dark something was, it would be best to compare it to something bright, like a light. Otherwise, it would just be a dark photo.

Consider the sentence below.

The murky, dark forest transformed as a shaft of bright sunlight pierced the canopy of the trees.

• The darkness of the forest contrasts with the bright sunlight, creating juxtaposition.

When authors choose words like darkness beside words like bright, they create a strong image in the reader's mind.

Chapter 19 Annotations

Match

Authors use purposeful language to develop characters, mood, conflict, and more.

Match each emotion the author is trying to create with the correct excerpt.

support

love

excitement

• support

• love

• excitement

Open Ended

One of the reasons that Nick and Sol get along at work is that they are almost the same age. They bond over some of the things they have in common. The reader also knows that there are differences in their lives, as well.

What is one important thing that Nick and Sol have in common, and what is one thing that is different between them? How does the author use these features to help them connect?

You can start your response with:

-One important thing Sol and Nick have in common is...

-One difference between them is...

-These features help them connect by...

Draw

Circle one of the sentence starters and then finish that sentence.