1. Contractions, Compound Words and Connotation & Denotation
ENG1L
Learning Goals:
By the end of the lesson, students will:
Identify the words that make up given contractions
Determine if two words can be combined to make a compound word
Suggest if a given word has a positive, negative or neutral connotation

2. Contractions
A contraction is a word formed by joining two other words.
An apostrophe shows where a letter or letters have been left out.
Examples:
do not = don’t
can not = can’t
are not = aren’t
will not = won’t (exception)

3. Compound Words
A compound word is a word that is made up of two or more words.
The meaning of many compound words is related to the meaning of each individual word.
Example: sand + paper = sandpaper, meaning “a type of paper with a rough surface, used for cleaning or smoothing”
Compound words may be written as one word, as hyphenated words, or as two separate words. Always check the dictionary!

4. Connotation & Denotation
The denotation of a word is its exact meaning as stated in a dictionary.
Example: The denotation of casual is “not fancy or formal.”
The connotation of a word is an added meaning that suggests something positive or negative. (examples are on the next slide)

5. Connotation & Denotation
Positive: Casual suggest “informal or relaxed.” Casual has a positive connotation.
Negative: Snickered suggests “mocking.”
Snickered has a negative connotation.
Some words are neutral and do not suggest either good or bad feelings.
Examples: thin, shy, reserved

6. Why are Connotations Important?
If you do not understand what your words imply, they may lead to incorrect interpretations by others.
His daughter was nosy; she asked many questions.
His daughter was curious; she asked many questions.
The first sentence infers that the daughter’s questions are annoying, whereas the second sentence portrays the daughter in a more positive way.  
While ‘nosy’ and ‘curious’ can be seen as synonyms, their connotations are different.

7. These words have similar meanings, but different connotations:
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Self-confident
Proud
Arrogant
Dignified
Reserved
Snobby
Modest
Shy
Mousy
Frugal
Conservative
Cheap
Slender
Thin
Skinny

8. Activity Complete pages 6, 7 & 8 in Language Power.
Whatever you do not complete in class is for homework!