Connotation and Denotation Challenge

What is the denotation of the word "vex" as used in "The Tell-Tale Heart"?

• To comfort

• To annoy or disturb

• To ignore

• To praise

Answer explanation

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the word "vex" means to annoy or disturb. This aligns with the context of the story, where the narrator is troubled by the sound of the heartbeat, causing him great agitation.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

Which of the following words is a synonym for "stealthily"?

• Loudly

• Secretly

• Quickly

• Carelessly

Answer explanation

The word "stealthily" means to do something in a secretive or hidden manner. Among the options, "secretly" is the only synonym that conveys this meaning, while the others imply different actions.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What is the connotation of the word "hideous"?

• Positive

• Neutral

• Negative

• None

Answer explanation

The word "hideous" has a negative connotation, as it describes something extremely ugly or unpleasant. Therefore, the correct answer is "Negative."

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which word best matches the denotation of "acute" in the context of the story?

• Dull

• Sharp

• Weak

• Blunt

Answer explanation

In the context of the story, 'acute' refers to something that is sharp or intense. Therefore, the word that best matches this denotation is 'Sharp', as it conveys a sense of clarity and precision, unlike the other options.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The word "dreadfully" most likely has which connotation?

• Positive

• Neutral

• Negative

• None

Answer explanation

The word "dreadfully" conveys a sense of fear or great distress, which carries a negative connotation. Therefore, the correct choice is "Negative."

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which synonym for "cautiously" has a more positive connotation?

• Carefully

• Suspiciously

• Fearfully

• Nervously

Answer explanation

The word "carefully" conveys a sense of attentiveness and thoughtfulness, making it a more positive synonym for "cautiously". In contrast, "suspiciously", "fearfully", and "nervously" imply negative emotions.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

If a character is described as "mad," which synonym would have a more neutral connotation?

• Insane

• Unstable

• Irritated

• Angry

Answer explanation

The term 'angry' conveys a strong emotion but lacks the clinical implications of 'insane' or the instability suggested by 'unstable.' Thus, 'angry' serves as a more neutral synonym for 'mad' compared to the other options.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which of the following words is a synonym for "envelope" with a neutral connotation?

• Surround

• Smother

• Trap

• Suffocate

Answer explanation

The word "surround" is a neutral synonym for "envelope," as it conveys the idea of encasing or enclosing without negative implications. In contrast, "smother," "trap," and "suffocate" carry more negative connotations.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Choose the synonym for "shriek" that has the most negative connotation.

• Yell

• Scream

• Wail

• Howl

Answer explanation

The word "scream" conveys a sense of intense fear or pain, making it the most negatively connoted synonym for "shriek". In contrast, "yell," "wail," and "howl" can have less severe implications.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which word would best replace "dissemble" in the story to keep a negative connotation?

• Pretend

• Reveal

• Expose

• Uncover

Answer explanation

The word 'dissemble' means to conceal one's true motives. 'Pretend' maintains this negative connotation, as it implies deceit and insincerity, unlike 'reveal', 'expose', or 'uncover', which suggest honesty.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4