Denotation and Connotation activity - Free Printable

Task Overview:

The task involves analyzing sentences to determine whether the speaker is showing approval or disapproval of the topic. Based on this analysis, you must choose the appropriate word from the given options (denotation and connotation) and write it in the box next to the sentence.

Solution:

#### Instructions Recap:
- Read each sentence.
- Decide if the speaker shows approval or disapproval.
- Choose the appropriate word from the given options.
- Write the chosen word in lowercase letters.

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Solutions with Explanations:

1. Sentence:
"This cell phone is (expensive, overpriced), but I don’t mind paying extra because it has so many useful features."
- Analysis: The speaker mentions that they don’t mind paying extra for the phone because of its useful features. This indicates approval of the phone despite its cost.
- Choice: `expensive` (neutral denotation)
- Answer: `expensive`

2. Sentence:
"You’re lucky to have Wilma on your committee. She has lots of (original, crazy) ideas."
- Analysis: The speaker says the person is lucky to have Wilma, which suggests a positive tone. The phrase "lots of ideas" implies creativity, aligning with "original."
- Choice: `original` (positive connotation)
- Answer: `original`

3. Sentence:
"It was a beautiful spring day, and the (stench, scent) of apple blossoms filled the whole yard."
- Analysis: The description of a "beautiful spring day" sets a positive tone. Apple blossoms are typically associated with pleasant smells, so "scent" is appropriate.
- Choice: `scent` (positive connotation)
- Answer: `scent`

4. Sentence:
"Will you please turn your stereo off? I can’t concentrate with all that (music, noise)."
- Analysis: The speaker asks to turn off the stereo because it is disrupting their concentration. This indicates disapproval of the sound.
- Choice: `noise` (negative connotation)
- Answer: `noise`

5. Sentence:
“I think Fay is an excellent president,” said the principal. “She really knows how to (manage, meddle).”
- Analysis: The principal describes Fay as an "excellent president," indicating approval. The word "manage" aligns with leadership skills, while "meddle" has a negative connotation.
- Choice: `manage` (positive connotation)
- Answer: `manage`

6. Sentence:
"I have a lot of respect for Jenny’s father. He’s rather (reserved, antisocial) and dignified."
- Analysis: The speaker expresses respect for Jenny’s father, suggesting a positive tone. "Reserved" is neutral and fits well with "dignified," while "antisocial" has a negative connotation.
- Choice: `reserved` (neutral denotation)
- Answer: `reserved`

7. Sentence:
"This coffee is very (bitter, strong)—just the way I like it!"
- Analysis: The speaker explicitly states that they like the coffee this way, indicating approval. Both "bitter" and "strong" could fit, but "strong" is more commonly used positively in the context of coffee.
- Choice: `strong` (positive connotation)
- Answer: `strong`

8. Sentence:
"What makes Jim such an excellent storyteller is his knack for (invention, lying)."
- Analysis: The speaker praises Jim as an excellent storyteller, indicating approval. "Invention" aligns with creativity and storytelling, while "lying" has a negative connotation.
- Choice: `invention` (positive connotation)
- Answer: `invention`

9. Sentence:
"I hope I do not have to share an office with Janice. Sandra told me how (curious, nosy) she can be."
- Analysis: The speaker hopes not to share an office with Janice, indicating disapproval. "Nosy" has a negative connotation, fitting the context of dislike.
- Choice: `nosy` (negative connotation)
- Answer: `nosy`

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Final Answers:

1. `expensive`
2. `original`
3. `scent`
4. `noise`
5. `manage`
6. `reserved`
7. `strong`
8. `invention`
9. `nosy`

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Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\text{expensive, original, scent, noise, manage, reserved, strong, invention, nosy}
}
\]