Connotation and Denotation Analysis

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Read and Identify

Passage A (about the new school centre): The new school centre will be a bright hub where laughter fills the air and children race around like bursts of sunshine. Friendly coaches guide every activity, making lessons feel like fun adventures rather than work.

1. Pick one word or short phrase from Passage A that gives a strong feeling (connotation). Write it here:

2. Denotation — write the literal, dictionary meaning of the word/phrase you chose:

3. Connotation — explain the feeling or idea the word/phrase suggests (why it makes you feel that way):

4. How does this word/phrase help persuade the reader to feel positive about the new centre? Give one clear reason:

Passage B (about joining PE): Join our PE program and become part of an energetic team where every practice is a chance to improve. You will build strong bodies, push past limits and celebrate wins together — whether a small victory or a big triumph.

5. Pick one word or short phrase from Passage B that gives a strong feeling (connotation). Write it here:

6. Denotation — write the literal meaning of the word/phrase you chose from Passage B:

7. Connotation — explain the feeling or idea the word/phrase suggests:

8. How does this word/phrase help persuade students to join PE? Give one specific effect on the reader:

✏️ Part 2: Longer Responses

9. Compare both passages: Which passage do you think is more persuasive overall? Explain your answer using at least two examples of words or phrases (mention whether each example is connotation or denotation) and how they influence the reader.

10. Rewrite one sentence from Passage B to be more persuasive by replacing a neutral word with a stronger connotative word. Write the new sentence and explain why your new word is more persuasive.

🧭 Teacher Notes — Differentiation & Extension

Differentiation strategies (for diverse learners):

- Provide a copy of the passages with suggested candidate words highlighted for students who need support.

- Allow students who need more time to record short verbal answers or use word banks for denotation and connotation tasks.

- Pair students for peer discussion before writing to support language development and confidence.

Extension activities (for advanced learners):

- Ask students to write a short persuasive paragraph promoting a new PE activity, intentionally choosing words with strong connotations and then explain their choices.

- Challenge students to identify rhetorical techniques (e.g. repetition, imagery) in the passages and analyse how these work with connotation to persuade.