CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5c
The Standard
Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare words with similar dictionary meanings and identify the feelings, judgments, or attitudes each word suggests. They choose words that match the intended tone and context.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can explain how several synonyms create different impressions. They can select the word that best fits a speaker's purpose, tone, and context, then support the choice with evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume synonyms are interchangeable because their dictionary definitions overlap. They may label words only as positive or negative, missing differences in strength, formality, or attitude. They may also choose a word based on familiarity rather than context.
How to Assess It
- Give students the words thrifty, economical, and stingy. Ask them to choose the best word for a complimentary description and explain the association it carries.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place synonym cards on a positive-to-negative continuum, then have students defend each card’s position with a sample sentence.
Ask students to describe one character as persistent, stubborn, or determined, then explain how each word changes the reader’s view.
Play Connotation Match by pairing short scenarios with the most fitting synonym from sets such as confident, proud, and arrogant.
Compare word choices in two product reviews, then identify how loaded synonyms shape each reviewer’s opinion.
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Printable L.8.5c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5b
Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5b
Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5c
Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful, thrifty).
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