COUNTDOWNNOVEMBER 2013Worksheet 2

Curriculum links: RS2.8 / ACELA1477

Evaluative languageWhen we talk about something, our words can reveal what we are thinking and feeling. We call this ‘evaluative’ language. For example you might say, ‘Yuk! I hate broccoli!’ and your friend might reply, ‘I don’t mind it!’ So, two people have different opinions about the same thing, and one opinion is stronger than the other! Both use evaluative language.

1. Circle or colour the evaluative words and phrases in this paragraph that reveal Dad’s feelings and opinions.

Dad stomped angrily through the gate, carrying his suitcase. His business trip had been frustrating,

and he was determined to tell everyone about what a terrible time he had had and how grumpy he

felt. He stopped and stared, because someone had planted a tree. He demanded to know who had

planted this horrible tree that almost blocked the gateway. He insisted that the tree be shifted or

he would chop it down!

2. You can change Dad’s feelings and opinions by changing the evaluative language you use to describe him. Each of the spaces in the following sentence has two words or phrases to choose from: one is stronger and the other one is weaker. Enter the weaker word or phrase and then re-read the passage to see how you’ve changed the story.

Dad through the gate, carrying his suitcase. His business

trip had been , and he was determined to tell everyone

about what a time he had had and how grumpy he felt.

marched crosslywalked tiredly

annoyingchallenging

tiringshocking