Lesson 8
1.5 Defining Experiences
PURPOSE
- TO EXPLAIN HOW A WRITER CREATES EFFECTS THROUGH THE
CONNOTATIONS OF WORDS AND IMAGES
- TO USE TEXTUAL DETAILS TO SUPPORT INTERPRETIVE CLAIMS
Bell Ringer
Diction, Denotation, Connotation
Define the following terms found on page 14
◦Diction
◦Denotation
◦Connotation
What does diction look like?
Diction is word choice. When writing, use vocabulary suited for the type of
assignment. Words that have almost the same denotation (dictionary meaning)
can have very different connotations (implied meanings).
Examples:
Formal Diction
Casual Diction
are not angry
aren't mad
Slang (very informal)
What makes the previous phrases similar? Different?
ain't ticked
Denotation vs Connotation
How to remember the difference
Denotation is the Dictionary Definition (literal)
◦Example: Home = the place you live
Connotation is the emotional meaning attached to the word
◦Example: Home = a loving place where family resides OR a
battle field of conflict
Tying it together…
Diction, Denotation, Connotation
Connotations
In the following sentences, choose between the words in parentheses to make the
sentence have as negative a connotation as possible.
The leader was his nation’s most (notorious, well-known, famous) advocate.
Immigrants (thronged, flocked, swarmed) to the large cities.
A (trim, skinny, slender) woman entered the room.
The man was (inebriated, drunk, intoxicated).
Where did you find that (outfit, get-up, attire)?
Guided Reading pages 15-17
Groups of 3
One person will highlight Diction
One person highlight Syntax
One person highlight Imagery
I’ll read chunks 1-10, stopping to discuss together
What do we notice and focus about the story?
What can you say about the narrator so far?
Trio Read
In your trios, read chunks 9-18, taking turns
Continue looking at diction, syntax and imagery
Discuss why the marigolds are so important; what do they represent?
Graphic Organizer
Separate sheet of paper – As a class, what evidence have you found about diction, syntax, and
imagery?
Section of text
(Chunk
Number)
Quote
Diction that
conveys voice
Imagery that
conveys voice
Syntax that
conveys voice
Lesson 9: Finishing
“Marigolds”
in Activity 1.5
WRITE AT LEAST ONE OF YOUR VOCAB WORDS ON
THE BOARD
DISSECT THE SUFFIX (IF ONE EXISTS FROM OUR LIST)
AND IDENTIFY THE PART OF SPEECH
Recap and Continue
Where did we leave off in the story?
Continue where we left off
In partners, look for only Diction and Imagery now
At end: How would this be a coming of age short story?
Connotative Words
Skim back through the story and identify words that have
connotative meanings
Write the word in the “my notes” section, and explain the effect in
using the word instead of a denotative word
What inferences can we make based on the connotative words about
the speaker’s tone, character, or the significance of the event?
Page 23: Diction and Imagery that
Convey Voice
Let’s work through each section of the story and add quotes with
clear diction or vivid imagery that can help us understand the voice
of the narrator
How would you describe the narrator and her voice?
Page 24, Writing Prompt
In Class
Write an essay in which you explain with textual support the voice of the
narrator through diction and imagery. Through the voice of the narrator,
use examples from the story to explain how this is a coming of age tale.
Begin with a thesis statement: a sentence that clearly states what you are
proving about the voice of the narrator.
Use direct quotations from the text to support your answers.
Include transitions and a concluding statement.
Three paragraphs (5-7 sentences each)