1. Fun with Diction

2. Denotation and Connotation
Denotation: the explicit or direct meaning of a word as found in a dictionary
Connotation: associations implied by a specific word

3. Explain the differences in connotation among the members of each of the following groups of words:

4. Corpulent
Plump
Obese
Pudgy
Heavy-set
Fleshy
Fat
Burly
Paunchy
Overweight
Roly-poly
Bulky
Portly
Beefy

5. Hurl
Throw
Pitch
Chuck
Toss
Fling
cast

6. Unusual
Extraordinary
Remarkable
Noteworthy
Strange
Eerie
Bizarre
Singular
far out
Outlandish
Off the wall
Curious
Odd

7. Titter
Giggle
Chuckle
Laugh
Guffaw
Roar
Snicker
Snigger
Cackle

8. Saving
Tight
Miserly
Frugal
Economical
Careful
Penurious
Thrifty
Penny-pinching
Budget-minded
Prudent

9. Pig-headed
Stubborn
Obdurate
Adamant
stiff-necked
Rigid
Obstinate
Unalterable
Changeless
Dogged
Steadfast

10. Choosing Diction to Convey Tone
You will now be selecting two of our current tone words and one random object.
Your task is to compose two separate paragraphs – one for each tone – to describe your random object.
You must rely on connotative diction to convey your tone.

11. Let’s Analyze It The author's name
plus an adjective (such as sophisticated, varied, inventive, sparkling, effective, carefully crafted, flashy, colloquial, folksy).  Use a different adjective for each sentence.
plus the term "diction"
plus a strong verb (such as: demonstrates, creates, emphasizes, generates, fulfills)
plus the function of the word choices (what those choices do for the piece)
plus at least two examples
Example: Chavez's biting diction demonstrates the true nature of violent protest and its leaders with word choices such as ”exploit" and ”oppression." 

12. Assignment
Take a piece of writing supplied in class – “The Perils of Indifference” – and create a thesis statement using the above “formula”.