Download Analyzing Word Choice

Analyzing Word Choice
TEST REFLECTION
Exemplar
Undermining supports the author's critical tone. Undermining is strongly
negative whereas weakening isn’t as negative. The author is trying to say that
Andrew Carnegie secretly cheated his employees by underpaying them, and he is
critical of him because he relied on corrupt dealings to become successful.
Furthermore, the author demonstrates his critical tone when he says he “made
payoffs between the railroad and other companies” and “these transactions were
not illegal at the time, but they did become illegal a few years later.” This shows
that the author disagreed with Carnegie’s actions because he did not gain his
success in a completely honest way.
* Other acceptable words for the tone: irreverent, bitter, and cynical.
Analyze the word choice
The following slides will show exemplary responses from students. Notice that they
are specific about why the author chose his or her word and why the author feels a
certain way about Carnegie. Again, they are SPECIFIC, meaning that they explain
what Carnegie did exactly.
Analysis of word choice
What’s the tone?
What’s specific?
Analysis of word choice
What’s the tone?
What’s specific?
Analysis of word choice
What’s the tone?
What’s specific?
Common Mistakes and Reflection
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Common Mistakes:
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Leaving out important details about the meaning of the text; not being specific
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Not writing an effective analysis because you have a narrow focus where a
general focus is needed or vice versa
Use what you learned today and your test score to complete the second
entry of your reflection log. Specify what you missed. Reflect on your
vocabulary goal, too.