1. Activity 1.10: Nuance of Tone
8th Grade Springboard
Activity 1.10: Nuance of Tone

2. Learning Targets
I can explain how nuances in tone words arise from connotation.

3. Entry/Notes Journal
9/15 Activity 1.10 Vocab pg.

4. Tone
is a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward a subject.

5. Diction
Is a writer’s or speaker’s choice of words.

6. Nuance
Refers to a subtle difference or distinction in meaning.

7. Connotation
The implied associations, meanings, or emotions associated with a word.

8. Denotation
The direct meaning of a word or expression, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it.

9. Synonyms
Are words with similar meanings, such as choose and select.

10. Antonyms
Are words with opposite meanings, such as dread and excitement.

11. Understanding Tone
In literature, being able to recognize the tone of the story or poem or essay is an important skill in understanding the author’s purpose (P.I.E). An author who is trying to create a comedy skit needs to choose content and language that communicates humor rather than sadness. Writers purposefully select diction to create an appropriate tone.

12. What is the connection between tone and diction
What is the connection between tone and diction? Write down the question
Connotations can evoke certain feelings that determine tone.
The connection between tone and diction is that the author’s choice of words (diction) can create the tone that is portrayed throughout the piece of writing.

13. Understanding Tone
Many words have similar denotations, but one must learn to distinguish among the connotations of these words in order to accurately identify meaning and tone. Careful readers and writers understand nuances (subtle differences) in word meanings. This means that they recognize that words have varying levels or meanings. Examples: house, home, abode, estate, shack, mansion, and hut all describe or denotate a place to live, but each has a different connotation that determines meaning and tone.

14. 2. In your table groups, create examples like the one above illustrating ranges of words that have the same denotation but different connotations.
Walk, saunter, skulk, slither, march, prance, stomp
Talk, argue, converse, interrogate, gossip, whisper

15. 3. Use one of the examples you just created to discuss how connotation connections to tone.
Readers have certain associations with the word gossip as opposed to argue, or walk as opposed to stomp.
Choosing one word over another implies a certain feeling or attitude by a writer.

16. Identifying Nuances in Diction
4. On the following page are some common tone words and their synonyms. In your writing groups, use a dictionary to determine or clarify each synonym’s precise meaning. After taking notes on the denotation of each word, number the words to indicate the various levels of meaning, from least intense to most intense (1=least intense). If your group feels that two words have the same connotation and level meaning, give them the same ranking.

17. Angry: upset, enraged, irritated, sharp, vexed, livid, infuriated, incensed
Happy: mirthful, joyful, jovial, ecstatic, light-hearted, exultant, jubilant, giddy
Sad: poignant, despondent, sentimental, lugubrious, morose, woeful, mournful, desolate
Honest: sincere, candid, outspoken, forthright, frank, unbiased, blunt
Calm: placid, still, bored, composed, peaceful, tranquil, serene, soothing
Nervous: anxious, apprehensive, hesitant, fretful, agitated, jittery, afraid
Smart: wise, perceptive, quick-witted, clever, sagacious, intellectual, brainy, bright, sharp

18. 5. Prepare to present your findings to the class
5. Prepare to present your findings to the class. Use the outline below to prepare for your presentation.
Our group studied words that have the same denotation as ________________.
The most intense word is _______________, which means _________________.
One would feel _______________ if/when _______________[specific situation].
The least intense word is _____________, which means ___________________.
One would feel _________________ if/when _____________[specific situation].
Our favorite word is __________________ which means __________________.
On would if ____________________ if/when _____________ [specific situation].

19. 6. While other groups present, listen to comprehend, and take notes
6. While other groups present, listen to comprehend, and take notes. You will be responsible for applying this vocabulary in future activities.

20. Check Your Understanding
Which words would you use to describe the protagonist of the story you wrote? Why?
Which words would be appropriate to define a hero? Why? (5 words)

21. Revisiting the Unpacking EA 2 Web
Take out your notebook and refer to the web. Write down the activity number next to the bubble. Explain with your group how you think the activity helped prepare you for the EA.
Activity 1.9
CYU: Defining abstract concepts such as freedom, responsibility, sacrifice, and friendship within a paragraph
Activity 1.10
Explained how nuances in words arise from connotation.
Define synonyms and explain within your groups the nuances that arise from connotations.