Connotation & Denotation

Read sentence 25 from the story -- "A Perfect Picture":

In Paragraph 1, the author uses the word cradled to show that Clark

• cherishes her camera.

• thinks of her camera as something alive.

• holds her camera absentmindedly.

• worries about the effect of cold on her camera.

Use the passage in your packet to respond to the following question.

Read sentence 25 from the story -- "A Perfect Picture":

In Paragraph 4, why does the author choose the words stark, harsh, and angular to describe the bridge?

• to demonstrate that the bridge is naturally beautiful

• to prove that the bridge is as archaic as Clark claims

• to illustrate the striking image of the bridge against its natural surroundings

• to explain why it took Clark so long to consider taking a picture of the bridge

Read sentence 25 from the story -- "A Perfect Picture":

Since she had promised to spend time with her brother this weekend, Anne was ________________ to discover that the museum had scheduled her to work as a volunteer on Saturday morning.

Which word completes this sentence by best expressing how Anne would feel?

• devastated

• disappointed

• distraught

• distressed

Hector and Maurice are running for class president. Hector refers to Maurice as “my opponent.” To match Hector’s meaning and tone, how should Maurice refer to Hector?

• my foe

• the other person

• the guy I'm running against

• my competitor

Will is always very interested in what is going on around him. Some people don’t like this and think he is nosy. His friends, however, describe him as...

• interfering

• invasive

• inquisitive

• intrusive

Mona is writing a descriptive essay about her father, who is very strict about bedtime. Mona feels that using the word strict too frequently might give the wrong impression of her father. Her thesaurus has several entries for strict, four of which are listed below.

Which entry would be most useful to Mona?

• harsh

• severe

• firm

• stern

“I’m not being stubborn,” Marlena said.

Which sentence best completes Marlena’s thought, while giving the most positive connotation?

• "I'm being persistent."

• "I'm being rebellious."

• "I'm being contrary."

• "I'm being obstinate."

Myra recalled the meeting, groping for insight into the reason for the committee’s decision. Which mental state does the underlined word suggest?

• forgetfulness

• boredom

• pessimism

• confusion

As Randall talked, he warmed to his subject and began relating the whole, difficult saga of his life.

In this sentence, saga suggests that Randall...

• dramatizes his story.

• sticks mainly to facts.

• speaks in a poetic way.

• explains matters clearly.

Irma coveted those few minutes each day she could spend with her books.

In the sentence, coveted suggests that Irma...

• buys very expensive books.

• is selfish with her books.

• craves reading time.

• learns a lot from reading.