1. Warm-Up
Imagine the following scenario: You received a hand knitted ugly Christmas sweater from your elderly grandmother in June. How would you react and what would you say? Write 3-4 sentences.

2. Today’s Objectives Loaded Words
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in writing. This includes specific connotative and denotative words which will impact meaning and tone of a message.
In persuasive writing

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Loaded Words
Words like germs or caution might cause a negative reaction from most people.

7. 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.

8. Loaded Words New Excuse Denotation – recent in origin (dictionary)
Connotation – improved, better (positive)
Excuse
Denotation – explanation (dictionary)
Connotation – weak reason (negative)

9. 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.
*Class works on Word Bank and Connotation Activity.

10. Loaded Words in Writing
The model walked down the runway.
It is clear that the words are neutral – no opinions are being expressed.
*Class practice sentences

11. Final Write
Demonstrate your understanding of how loaded words or phrases impact meaning and tone of a message.
Imagine the following scenario: You are a manager and your location is over staffed. You have been told to downsize the number of workers. Using loaded language in either a positive or negative way, how would you tell an employee that they can no longer work there? Write 5-6 sentences.