You already know that words that share the same meaning are called synonyms. But even among words that mean the same thing there are shades of meaning, or slightly different meanings. When writers choose among these shades of meaning, they look for a word that says just want they want.
Analyze a Scale of Meaning You can arrange synonyms on a scale to examine their different meanings. A scale might show weaker to stronger, funny to serious, simple to complex, or many other ranges of meaning.
Zlata thinks war is bad. She also thinks it is “disgusting” and “horrible.” This is how those shades of meaning might look on a scale:
Make Word Choices Find each word below in the selection. See how it is used. Create a scale for each word. Use a thesaurus or dictionary to help you.
Trade scales with other students. Discuss how you placed the words.
ART
Create a work of art to show your response to Zlata’s life. Reread “Zlata’s Diary” to recall your strongest ideas, images, or feelings.
1 Plan Your Work Make a plan to list steps in making a drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture. Write a brief statement about your work to read to the class. Then, create your art.
2 Present Your Art Share your art with the class. Invite people to ask questions.