Denotation is the exact dictionary meaning of a word. Connotation involves the feelings associated with a word. Connotations of words may be positive, negative, or neutral. We usually admire someone who is determined. This word has a positive connotation. We are less likely to admire someone who is stubborn, a word with a negative connotation. The synonym persistent is neutral in feeling.

Identify Connotation Decide which underlined words have positive, negative, and neutral connotations. Use a dictionary to check your ideas.

• 1. The new student was intelligent and could solve math problems easily.

• 2. The new student was brilliant and won the school math competition.

• 3. That car was on sale, so it was inexpensive.

• 4. The cheap car lost its hubcap after we bought it.

DRAMA

Two elements that make up the rhythm of poetry are repetition and cadence. Repetition refers to repeated words, lines, phrases, and other patterns in writing. Cadence refers to the flow of language. It is a mixture of speed, rhythm, and the rise and fall of voice.

• 1 Read the Poem The poem “Almost Evenly Divided” repeats a pattern in lines 3 and 4, using different numbers. What effect does the repetition have? What other repetitions can you find?

• 2 Practice the Poem Recite the poem “Almost Evenly Divided” from memory or brief notes. Emphasize the rhythm and stress important words to show the emotions of the poem.

• 3 Perform the Poem Present the poem to the class. Recite the poem in a way that will keep your audience interested. Make eye contact and look around the room as you speak.