Analyze Word Choice Impact on Meaning - 7th Grade Reading

Identify the figurative meaning: "After the scandal, his reputation was in ruins."

His reputation was badly damaged. "In ruins" figuratively means destroyed or severely damaged.
Identify the figurative phrase type: "The data refused to cooperate."

Personification. Giving human qualities to non-human things creates personification.
Which context clue type helps you infer meaning by giving instances of the word?

Example (illustration) context clue. Specific examples help readers understand the general concept.
Which context clue type uses examples to clarify a word's meaning?

Example clue. Examples illustrate the word's meaning through specific instances.
Which context clue type uses examples to define a word?

Example clue. Examples like "such as" or "for instance" help clarify unfamiliar terms.
What does it mean to determine a word's meaning "as it is used in a text" (RI.7.4)?

Use context to choose the meaning that fits that specific passage. Words can have multiple meanings; context determines which one applies.
Which context clue type uses cause-and-effect to help infer a word's meaning?

Cause-and-effect clue. The relationship between events reveals the word's meaning.
Identify the figurative meaning: "The new evidence shed light on the case."

The evidence clarified the case. "Shed light" figuratively means to reveal or make clear.
Which context clue type defines a word directly using commas, dashes, or parentheses?

Definition (appositive) context clue. Direct definitions are often set off by punctuation marks.
Identify the tone word: "The report presents a neutral summary of the results."

Objective. "Neutral" and "summary" signal an unbiased, factual tone.
Identify the figurative meaning in "The evidence was a smoking gun."

Clear proof of wrongdoing. "Smoking gun" figuratively means undeniable evidence of guilt.
Which revision sounds more skeptical: "The plan will work" or "The plan might work"?

"The plan might work". "Might" expresses doubt; "will" shows certainty.
What is a technical meaning of a word in an informational text?

A domain-specific definition used in a subject area (science, law, sports). Technical terms have specialized meanings within specific fields.
What is tone in an informational text?

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience. Tone reveals through word choice and style, not plot events.
Choose the word with the more negative connotation: "assertive" or "pushy"?

Pushy. "Pushy" suggests aggressive and unwelcome behavior.
Which context clue type uses a synonym to signal a word's meaning?

Synonym (restatement) clue. A similar word helps readers understand the unfamiliar term.
What is a technical meaning of a word in informational text?

A subject-specific definition used in a field (science, law, history). Technical terms have precise meanings within specific academic fields.
Identify the more negative connotation: "slim" or "skinny."

Skinny. "Skinny" implies unattractiveness; "slim" is neutral/positive.
Choose the word with the strongest negative connotation: "disagree," "criticize," or "condemn."

Condemn. "Condemn" expresses complete rejection and harsh judgment.
What does it mean to analyze the impact of word choice on tone?

Explain how specific words create the author's attitude toward the topic. Word choices reveal the author's feelings about the subject.
Identify the tone created by words like "perhaps," "possibly," and "it seems."

Cautious or uncertain. Hedging words signal the author isn't fully committed to claims.
What is figurative language in informational text (RI.7.4 context)?

Nonliteral wording (metaphor, simile, personification) to add meaning. Authors use figurative language to enhance understanding beyond literal meaning.
What is the difference between tone and mood in reading?

Tone is author attitude; mood is reader feeling. Tone comes from the writer; mood affects the reader.
Choose the more positive connotation: "slim" or "skinny."

Slim. "Slim" suggests attractiveness; "skinny" can imply unhealthy thinness.
Which context clue type directly tells what a word means, often with commas or dashes?

Definition (appositive) clue. Commas or dashes often set off direct definitions within the text.
Identify the figurative phrase type: "The policy spread like wildfire."

Simile. "Like" signals a simile comparing two unlike things.
What is the definition of technical meaning in an informational text?

A specialized meaning used in a specific field. Technical terms have precise meanings within their disciplines.
Which context clue type signals a meaning by showing an opposite idea (often with "however")?

Contrast (antonym) clue. Words like "but," "however," or "unlike" signal opposite meanings.
What is the difference between denotation and connotation of a word in a text?

Denotation = literal meaning; connotation = implied feeling or association. Denotation is dictionary definition; connotation is emotional association.
Choose the stronger negative connotation: "childlike" or "childish."

Childish. "Childish" implies immaturity; "childlike" suggests innocence.
Which context clue type directly defines an unfamiliar word in the sentence?

Definition clue. The text explicitly states what the unfamiliar word means.
What is the definition of figurative language in informational text?

Nonliteral language used for effect or emphasis. Figurative language creates vivid imagery beyond literal meaning.
Which meaning of "depression" is technical in science: sadness or a low-pressure region?

A low-pressure region (meteorology). Scientific contexts require specialized meteorological meaning.
Which context clue type helps by restating an idea in different words (often with "in other words")?

Restatement (synonym) clue. Phrases like "that is" or "or" introduce equivalent meanings.
Identify the more positive connotation: "childlike" or "childish."

Childlike. "Childlike" suggests innocence; "childish" implies immaturity.
What should you do first when a word has multiple dictionary meanings?

Check surrounding sentences to see which meaning fits the context. Context eliminates inappropriate definitions and reveals the intended one.
Choose the word that creates a more formal tone: "kids" or "children"?

Children. Formal writing requires standard vocabulary over colloquialisms.
Identify the connotation: Is "stingy" more positive, negative, or neutral?

Negative connotation. "Stingy" implies excessive unwillingness to spend.
What is tone in an informational text, as shown by word choice?

The author's attitude (serious, critical, admiring) toward the subject. Tone emerges from the emotional weight of chosen words.
Identify the technical meaning of "cell" in biology.

The basic unit of life in living organisms. In biology, "cell" specifically refers to microscopic living units.
What is tone in informational writing?

The author's attitude toward the topic, shown through word choice. Word choice reveals whether the author is positive, negative, or neutral.
Identify the figurative phrase type: "The evidence was a smoking gun."

Metaphor. Direct comparison without "like" or "as" indicates metaphor.
Identify the technical meaning of "volume" in math or science.

The amount of 3D space an object occupies. In math/science, "volume" measures cubic units, not sound level.
Which word choice sounds more formal in an informational text: "kids" or "children"?

Children. "Children" maintains professional tone; "kids" is informal.
Which word choice creates a more urgent tone: "concern" or "crisis"?

Crisis. "Crisis" implies emergency; "concern" suggests mild worry.
What is the definition of connotation when analyzing a word in an informational text?

The feelings or associations a word suggests. Connotations go beyond literal meaning to evoke emotions.
Which context clue type explains a word by showing what it is not?

Antonym (contrast) context clue. Opposite words help define meaning through contrast.
Which context clue type gives a meaning by using a synonym nearby?

Synonym (restatement) context clue. Look for words with similar meanings near the unfamiliar term.
Choose the more formal word for an academic tone: "kids" or "children."

Children. Academic writing requires formal vocabulary over casual terms.
Identify the connotation: Is "thrifty" more positive, negative, or neutral?

Positive connotation. "Thrifty" suggests wise spending, a positive trait.
Which meaning of "draft" is technical in sports: "a first version" or "player selection process"?

Player selection process. In sports contexts, "draft" specifically means team recruitment.
Identify the tone created by words like "outrageous," "disgraceful," and "shameful."

Indignant (strongly disapproving). These harsh words express moral outrage and strong disapproval.
What is the definition of denotation when analyzing a word in an informational text?

A word's literal, dictionary meaning. Denotation excludes emotional associations or implied meanings.
What is figurative language in informational text?

Nonliteral wording used for effect or comparison (not meant literally). Authors use figurative language to create vivid imagery or emphasis.
Which meaning of "cell" is technical in biology: a small room or basic unit of life?

Basic unit of life. Biology texts use "cell" for microscopic organisms, not rooms.
Choose the word with the more positive connotation: "childlike" or "childish"?

Childlike. "Childlike" suggests innocence; "childish" implies immaturity.
Identify the figurative meaning in "The policy opened the floodgates of complaints."

It caused a sudden, large increase in complaints. "Floodgates" figuratively means releasing overwhelming amounts.
Which context clue type helps you infer meaning by describing results or outcomes?

Cause-and-effect context clue. Understanding consequences helps reveal word meanings.

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