Loaded
Words
In persuasive writing
Purpose of Persuasive Writing
 to
convince a reader to see the subject
from the writer's point of view or to agree
with the writer’s opinion using rhetoric
Word Choice
 We
need to think about the words we use
and choose each word wisely
 certain words can help to make readers
feel positive or negative about an idea.
 We call these words loaded words
Loaded Words
 “Loaded
words” are loaded with the
potential to generate strong emotions or
feelings – positive or negative
 For example, using words like healthy or
safe cause a positive reaction from most
people.
Loaded Words
 Words
like germs or caution might cause
a negative reaction from most people.
Loaded Words
 Writers
use loaded words (emotional
language) to sway opinions
 The words reflect the bias of the writer
 Connotation – the suggested meaning of
a word, based on emotion; either positive,
negative, or neutral
 Denotation – the actual dictionary
meaning of a word
Loaded Words
 New


Denotation – recent origin(dictionary)
Connotation – improved, better (positive)
 Excuse


Denotation – explanation (dictionary)
Connotation – weak reason (negative)
Loaded Words in Writing
 Where
are the loaded words in this
sentence? How do these words express
positive or negative opinions?
The
gorgeous model slinked
down the runway.
 Gorgeous
and slinked; gorgeous is
positive, while slinked is negative.
Loaded Words in Writing
 How
could this sentence be rewritten to
change the loaded words to neutral
language?
 The
model walked down the
runway.
 It
is clear that the words are neutral – no
opinions are being expressed.

*Class practice sentences