Connotation in Sports Commentary
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Connotation in Sports Commentary" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers Common Core L.8.5.C. A 7th grader who is already steady on shades of meaning can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
8th grade reading worksheet: tell which sports commentator, Reyes or Park, approves of each play, as in bold versus reckless. Answer key included. Part of our connotation vs denotation shades of meaning collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Begin with the sports commentary sheet, which shows connotation through two voices. Save the two-version rewrite for last so students can apply what they practiced.
What students will practice
- Students will compare two commentators' descriptions of the same play.
- Students will name the commentator whose words show approval of the player.
- Students will underline the words that carry the approval, such as bold or daring.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Language · 8th Grade
Standard: Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
View all L.8.5.C worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
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FAQ
How do I use this connotation vs denotation worksheet?
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Begin with the sports commentary sheet, which shows connotation through two voices. Save the two-version rewrite for last so students can apply what they practiced.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Tell which sports commentator, Reyes or Park, approves of each play, as in bold versus reckless. Connotation is the feeling a word carries, so two speakers can describe the same event and leave listeners with very different opinions. The directions on the page read: Two commentators, Reyes and Park, describe the same play. On the line, write the name of the one whose words show approval of the player. Then underline the word or words in that commentator's sentence that show the approval. An answer key is included.
Can I use this connotation vs denotation worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade shades of meaning, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
Why do writers care about connotation?
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Words with the same meaning can leave readers with very different opinions. A commentator who calls a charge bold praises the player, while one who calls it reckless criticizes.
How can one paragraph feel positive or negative?
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Swap neutral words for synonyms with a stronger feeling. An old house can become historic or decrepit, and a quiet man can become reserved or something less kind.
What is a positive connotation?
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It is a feeling of approval a word carries. In an awards speech, assertive, inquisitive and candid praise the same behavior that pushy, nosy and blunt criticize.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Reading |
| Topic | Shades of Meaning |
| Standard | L.8.5.C |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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