NY Next Generation ELA 6L5.c

ELA6th GradeDemonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

The Standard

Distinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful, thrifty).

New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students distinguish the feelings and associations carried by words with similar dictionary meanings. They select words whose connotations fit the intended tone and context.
What Mastery Looks Like: The student explains how stingy, economical, and thrifty describe similar behavior but suggest different judgments. The student chooses a word deliberately and supports the choice.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat shared denotation as identical meaning. They may label a connotation positive or negative without considering the sentence or speaker.
How to Assess It: Give three sentences and the words persistent, stubborn, and determined. Ask students to choose the best word for each sentence and explain its connotation.

Lesson moves

Arrange near-synonym cards on a positive-to-negative connotation continuum and defend each placement.
Ask students how replacing confident with arrogant changes a character description.
Play Connotation Match with contexts, near-synonyms, and intended tones.
Revise a product review by choosing words that create a fair, favorable, or critical impression.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6L5.c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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