Page 80 - SpringBoard_ELD_Grade8_Flipbook

HEW how english Works: Vivid Verbs
Learning Targets
• Use different verbs to convey different meanings and effects. PII.8.3
• Discuss and explain how words and phrases convey shades of meaning and
connotations. PI.8.7
• Analyze how specific verbs produce different effects on the reader. PI.8.8
Vivid Verbs
In “Harrison Bergeron,” Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., uses vivid verbs to help readers see the action of the story and to create a positive or negative image through a word’s connotation. Notice in the chart below the shades of meaning and connotations associated with verbs that all mean “to cry.” Some of the verbs are much more vivid because they carry a strong connotation.
aCTiViTY 1.5
Language Resources: Shades of Meaning
Verb:
cry
whimper
moan
sob
wail
howl
Definition/ Shade of Meaning
to shed tears, with or without sound
to cry with low, broken sounds
to make
a long, low sound because of sadness or pain
to cry noisily with short, gasping breaths
to make a loud, long cry of pain or sadness
to cry out loudly in pain or anger
Connotation
neutral to negative
Slightly negative
more negative
more negative
strongly negative
strongly negative
Read paragraphs 52–60 of “Harrison Bergeron,” looking for examples of vivid verbs. Write examples in the chart. Use the Language Resources: Shades of Meaning chart for support.
Technique
Example from “Harrison Bergeron”
Shade of Meaning
Connotation and Effect on the Reader
Vivid Verb
he bellowed
to bellow is to use a very loud, angry voice
strongly negative because only someone very angry bellows; helps the reader understand how angry and scary he is.
Vivid Verb
Vivid Verb
Unit 2 • The Challenge of Utopia • Part 1: Harrison Bergeron 57
language
Resources
connotation: the feelings
or association that a word carries, separate from its literal definition
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