1

The Power of Language

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Bell-ringerRespond in writing to the following prompt:

What is the difference between calling a person a “soldier” versus calling him or her a “freedom fighter”?

3

DefinitionsMeanings of words can be separated into two parts:

Denotation:  a literal meaning of the word

Connotation:  an association (emotional or otherwise) which the word evokes

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House HomeDenotation

Connotation Neutral Positive

Place where a person or people live

Place where a person or people live

Image credit: TaxRebate.org.uk

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Words with Different Connotations

What are some examples of different words or phrases that mostly mean the same thing but have different connotations?

6

Which Statement is Neutral?

There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.

There are over 2,000 people with no address in the city.

There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.

7

Investigating the News1. Find an example of biased language in a news

story.

2. Write the connotation of the word/phrase.

3. Write a less biased word/phrase.