Positive and Negative Connotation Worksheets - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task involves understanding connotation (the emotional or associative meaning of a word) and distinguishing between positive and negative connotations. The worksheet provides sentences and asks you to identify which words have positive or negative connotations, as well as to complete sentences using words with the appropriate connotation.

---

Solution:

#### Part 1: Identifying Positive and Negative Connotations
For each pair of sentences, determine whether the first sentence has a negative connotation (N) or a positive connotation (P).

1. Mr. Henderson is tight-fisted with his money. He is a miser.
- Connotation: Negative (tightly holding onto money, implying stinginess).
- Answer: N

2. Mr. Henderson manages his money well. He keeps a budget.
- Connotation: Positive (managing finances responsibly).
- Answer: P

3. Colleen makes lists for herself.
- Connotation: Neutral (no strong positive or negative emotion).
- Answer: N (since it's not explicitly positive).

4. Colleen likes to stay organized.
- Connotation: Positive (being organized is generally seen as a good trait).
- Answer: P

5. "It's the first day of school too soon."
- Connotation: Negative (implying reluctance or dissatisfaction).
- Answer: N

6. "It's the first day of school too exciting."
- Connotation: Positive (excitement is a positive emotion).
- Answer: P

7. The politician was known for lying.
- Connotation: Negative (lying is dishonest and unethical).
- Answer: N

8. The politician was characterized by honesty.
- Connotation: Positive (honesty is a virtuous quality).
- Answer: P

---

#### Part 2: Completing Sentences with Positive Connotations
Insert the word that has a positive connotation into each sentence.

1. The temperature of the water in Miranda’s swimming pool was ________ (freezing/refreshing).
- Positive Connotation: Refreshing
- Completed Sentence: The temperature of the water in Miranda’s swimming pool was refreshing.

2. Marla is a little too ________ to go to the mall alone. (immature, young)
- Positive Connotation: Young
- Completed Sentence: Marla is a little too young to go to the mall alone.

3. Kevin engaged in a political ________ with his friend. (debate, argument)
- Positive Connotation: Debate
- Completed Sentence: Kevin engaged in a political debate with his friend.

---

Explanation:

- Connotation refers to the emotional or associative meaning of a word beyond its literal definition (denotation). For example:
- "Tight-fisted" has a negative connotation because it implies stinginess.
- "Refreshing" has a positive connotation because it suggests something revitalizing or pleasant.

- When completing sentences, choose words that evoke positive emotions or associations. For instance:
- "Young" is more positive than "immature."
- "Debate" is more constructive than "argument."

---

Final Answers:

1. N
2. P
3. N
4. P
5. N
6. P
7. N
8. P

Completed Sentences:
1. The temperature of the water in Miranda’s swimming pool was refreshing.
2. Marla is a little too young to go to the mall alone.
3. Kevin engaged in a political debate with his friend.

Final Answer Box:
\boxed{N, P, N, P, N, P, N, P}