1. Denotation: refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition." For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions.“ 2. Connotation: refers to the emotions that are connected to or related to a certain word. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. Connotations can be positive or negative. The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger. Connotation may be personal (stemming from experience, such as connotations of swimming, which one person may associate with recreation or training for competitions, another with fear of drowning) or common to a group (such as emotions raised by the name of a political leader). 3. Thesis (thesis statement)/Position Statement: A thesis statement is a one- or two- sentence summary of the argument that is to follow in an essay. A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your opening paragraph. Your reader will be looking for your thesis, so make it clear, strong, and easy to find. 4. Active Voice: When the subject performs the action, the verb is in the active voice. Example: "Steve loves Amy." Steve is the subject, and he is doing the action: he loves Amy, the object of the sentence. 5. Passive voice: When the subject receives the action, the verb is in the passive voice. Example: "Amy is loved by Steve." The subject of the sentence becomes Amy, but she isn't doing anything. Rather, she is just the recipient of Steve's love. The focus of the sentence has changed from Steve to Amy.
Warm Up That’s Novel Is it possible to write a complete work of fiction in just one sentence? It is according to Ernest Hemmingway, who felt the following six words represented his best work: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Other short novel titles include: “When he awoke, the dinosaur was still there.” “I couldn’t believe she’d shoot me.” Now it’s your turn. Create your own six-word novel that suggests to the reader far more than just those six words. Let these few words evoke images and a plot without anything more being said. GO!
1. Which phrase means the wheels of more than one bus? a. The bus’s wheels b. The busses’ wheels 2. Correctly capitalize this book title: ten places i’ll never visit again 3. Cross out any unnecessary words. The first flight attendants, they had to be unmarried nurses who weighed 115 pounds or less 4. What punctuation belongs after this greeting in a business letter? Dear Sir c. The buses wheels d. The busses’ wheel Warm Up
If You’re Confused, Then You’re Sillier Than I thought! Than and then are easily confused. Although the words sound similar, their meanings are entirely different. Use than for making comparisons: Andrea is prettier than her sister. Use then when time is involved: First you moisturize, and then you apply foundation. Write the following sentences, and fill in the blanks with than or then: 1. If you think Sharon’s smart, _____ you’re insane. 2. Geraldine arrived, _____ Allan showed up. 3. I ate breakfast; _____ I went for a run. 4. I would rather eat breakfast _____ go running.
Journal Assignment: Respond to the following prompt in a complete paragraph, ie: include a topic sentence, 3+ supporting details, and a closing/clincher sentence. “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” is an old proverb. Give one example of how this proverb has been true in your life.