1. AP Literature & Composition
Poetry Exercise 1
AP Literature & Composition

2. Your task:
Rank the following sets of words in order from positive to negative. Be prepared to share your reasoning.

3. thin, slim, lanky, skinny, gaunt, slender
Set 1
thin, slim, lanky, skinny, gaunt, slender

4. Thoughts?

5. aggressive, assertive, domineering, dynamic, pushy, forceful
Set 2
aggressive, assertive, domineering, dynamic, pushy, forceful

6. Thoughts?

7. shrewd, bright, clever, brilliant, cunning, smart, intelligent, brainy
Set 3
shrewd, bright, clever, brilliant, cunning, smart, intelligent, brainy

8. Thoughts?

9. Connotation vs. Denotation
Connotation represents the various social overtones, cultural implications, or emotional meanings associated with a word. Denotation represents the explicit or referential meaning of a word and refers to the literal meaning of a word, the ‘dictionary definition.’

10. Now, create sets of three words that “connote” the meaning of the following:
A person addicted to alcohol or to a substance.
A person who has a disability.
A place where a person lives.
A person who is attractive.
A person who is unattractive.

11. Let’s take a moment to remember…
DICTION A writer’s choice in words that convey meaning; specific and appropriate word choice

12. Let us remember also that…
DICTION Informs TONE

13. Poetry & Diction
Poetry will include all forms of diction – formal and colloquial; abstract and concrete; and sometimes neoclassical poetic diction

14. Extension Grab a handout on Diction.
Begin now -- complete for homework.
Directions:
Read handout & complete exercise.