Preparation for N5 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Word choice questions Preparation for N5 Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

Learning intentions You are developing confidence and strategies in answering Reading for UAE questions on word choice. You are recapping / developing an understanding of the word ‘connotations.’

Starter task The man walked down the street. Look at these three very similar sentences… The man walked down the street. The man sauntered down the street. The man rushed down the street. Whilst they all have very similar meanings, the word choice in each sentence suggests something quite different about a) how the man is walking; and b) his attitude or emotions. ‘Walked’ is very neutral, but ‘sauntered’ and ‘rushed’ both suggest quite different things about his movement and attitude / emotions. Jot down what each word brings to mind!

SAUNTERED – relaxed, casual, not particularly fast, carefree – the man seems comfortable and unworried. RUSHED – fast, hectic, frantic, in a hurry – the man might be in a panic, late, or facing an emergency.

connotations Connotations are the associations attached to a particular word – what the word makes you think of, rather than what it literally means. Example – ‘rush’ has connotations of speed, panic or being in a hurry, suggesting the man is perhaps running late or facing an emergency.

connotations 1. The girl was slim. The girl was scrawny. With a partner, discuss and write down the different connotations of each word. Which is the more flattering word to use?

Quote an appropriate word. WORD CHOICE QUESTIONS Quote an appropriate word. Analyse the word’s connotations, making sure you answer the question. BOTH steps are needed for 2 markS!

YOU MUST USE WORDS – NOT PHRASES OR WHOLE SENTENCES! WORD CHOICE QUESTIONS YOU MUST USE WORDS – NOT PHRASES OR WHOLE SENTENCES! IT’S WORD CHOICE!!!

WORD CHOICE answer The writer uses the word “ _______”. This has connotations of _________ ___________, which suggests / shows _______________.

LOOK AT THE MARKS AVAILABLE! For 2 marks = quote & analyse 2 words. For 3 marks = quote & analyse 3 words. 1 mark per quote AND analysis.

WORD CHOICE - PRACTICE It is a diverse cultural heritage enriched now by a large and vibrant Asian population and a smaller but significant Chinese one. Analyse how the writer’s word choice makes clear her positive attitude to immigrants in Scotland (2 marks)

WORD CHOICE - PRACTICE It is a diverse cultural heritage enriched now by a large and vibrant Asian population and a smaller but significant Chinese one. “Diverse” has connotations of variety and difference, suggesting immigrants help make Scotland a more interesting place. (1 mark)

Word choice – formula and summary Quote a WORD (not a phrase or sentence) Analyse its connotations Do this for the amount of marks the question is worth!