Positive Connotation in Award Speeches
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Positive Connotation in Award Speeches" 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: swap words like pushy and nosy in a coach's awards speech for positive ones like assertive. 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 spot neutral or negative words in a coach's awards speech.
- Students will replace each one with a word bank word that keeps the meaning and sounds positive.
- Students will see how word choice turns criticism into praise.
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
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this connotation vs denotation 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 does this worksheet teach?
⌄
Swap words like pushy and nosy in a coach's awards speech for positive ones like assertive. Words with the same basic meaning can carry different feelings, so a speaker who wants to praise picks the word with a positive connotation. The directions on the page read: These sentences come from a coach's awards speech, but each underlined word sounds neutral or negative. On the line, write the word from the bank that keeps the meaning and sounds positive. Use each word once. Two words are not used. An answer key is included.
Can I use this connotation vs denotation worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
⌄
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?
⌄
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?
⌄
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?
⌄
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.
Ratings & Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Make a Request
Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.
Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Reading |
| Topic | Shades of Meaning |
| Standard | L.8.5.C |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
What is ClassWeekly?
ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids, from preschool up. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.