Connotation and Denotation and Tone

Which of the following statements is the most accurate when it comes to understanding the difference between connotation and denotation?

• The denotation of a word is literal. A word has only one denotative meaning. Connotation refers to the multiple associations of a word.

• Connotation refers to the literal, non-figurative definition of a word. Denotation is the opposite. It refers to the images, emotions, and synonyms associated with a word.

• A word's denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. It is possible for a word to have more than one literal definition. Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the visual and emotional associations with a word.

Which of the following is the denotation for privacy?

• one who seeks social approbation via public attention

• Having an opportunity to be with a limited number of people

• State of seclusion through personal choice

Which of the following has the most positive connotation?

• carefree
• lazily
• hastily

Read the following passage. Answer the question that follows.

"I was only six months old and I was suppose to croak during the surgery. And, even if I survived the mini-Hoover, I was suppose to suffer some serious brain damage during the procedure and live the rest of my life as a vegetable . . .I draw because words are too unpredictable. I draw because words are too limited. But when I draw a picture, everybody can understand it . . .I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny lifeboats."

What effect does the word "lifeboats" have on the overall passage?

• By using the word "lifeboats," the author is able to take create an overall comical situation

• By using the word "lifeboats," the author is able to transform the tone of a the passage because he takes if from a semi-comically grotesque situation to one that ends on a positive note.

• The author uses the word "lifeboats" in a very denotative way to convey a serious overall tone in the passage.

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

"A redheaded woman was there with Trout. Kate could see her rummaging through the cabin, dumping drawers and knocking things from the shelves and cabinets." -Louis Sachar, Holes

Which adjective describes the overall diction most accurately?

• active

• emotional

• spirited

Read the sentences and answer the question. Winning by seven strokes, Tiger Woods won the tournament. Winning by seven strokes, Tiger Woods dominated the tournament. How does the connotation of the word dominated in the second sentence convey the author’s purpose? 

• It shows that he won by a small margin.
• It emphasizes that he easily won.
• It implies that he played with arrogance and pride.
• It implies that he cheated in order to win.

Read the sentences and answer the question. I gave the most difficult task to Yandy because she is the most stubborn person I know.    I gave the most difficult task to Yandy because she is the most persistent person I know. How does the connotation of the word persistent in the second sentence convey the author’s purpose?

• It implies a positive characteristic.
• It implies an increasingly negative characteristic.
• It implies a careless characteristic.
• It implies a playfully irresponsible characteristic.

Which word has a neutral connotation?

• Mansion
• Residence
• Shack