Emergency Sub Plans: 10th Grade

1. Do Now: Read the following paragraph to the class:

Car names are important. When you design a car name, you want to pick a name with positive
connotations: swift, speedy, sleek. However, you also want to be careful when you translate your
car name into different languages, as the Chevy Nova discovered to its chagrin. Chevy wanted to
pick a name with connotations of speed and power, so they picked Nova to represent this idea.
They were very confused when this car did not sell in Spanish-speaking countries. As it turns
out, Nova translates to “No va” in Spanish. It doesn’t go. This negative connotation cost the
company millions.

2. Class Discussion:
Read: In argumentative writing, as in an editorial, authors choose their words carefully in order to best
convince the audience of his/her point of view. They try to pick the most precise words to create the
proper tone for their message. The way they achieve this effect is to write with words that have attached
to them certain denotations and connotations.

[Write on Board]
Denotation-Dictionary, literal meaning of words
Connotation-Common associations that people make with words (positive or negative)

1. What are some words with positive connotations?

2. What are some words with negative connotations?
3. Why is word choice important?

+ Hand out worksheet (attached):

4. Brainstorm names of cars – make sure that students can distinguish between the name
and the model (and that they are using the name for the activity!)\

Examples:
Ford Explorer
Ferrari Superfast
Chevy Traverse
Honda Civic
Honda Accord

5. Work on worksheet, then peer check (have students make sure that all of the parts of the paragraph are
included)
6. Have student volunteers share writing -> discuss why different sentences are effective for advertising
Word Choice (Denotation and Connotation)
Denotation-Dictionary, literal meaning of words
Connotation-Common associations that people make with words (positive or negative)

Example:
Word: Gray
Denotation-Color of any shade between the colors of black and white
Connotation-Negative, Gloom, Sadness, Worn-out

Word: Mustang
Denotation-Small, wild horse of the North American Plains
Connotation-Positive, strong, fast, sleek, beautiful
The connotation of the word is why Ford carmakers would choose to name one of its models
“Mustang.”

Think of two currently used automobile names. What are the denotations of the words? What
connotations did the manufacturer hope to evoke in naming that car that particular name? What details do
the names bring to mind? What does the name tell you about who drives the car, how fast it is, and what
its features are?

Car #1 Car #“2

Automobile Name (NOT THE MODEL):

Denotation (look this up in the dictionary):

Connotations (Positive, Negative, Neutral)

What does the name make you think of?

Now think of a car that you would like to design:

Car Name
Denotation:

Connotation:

Color:

Using the TREE model, write a paragraph about why your car name will help it sell.

Topic Sentence
Reason
Explanation
End

Student Exemplar:

I believe that only the fearless should buy my car the “CARBON COMMITMENT”. The
car is meant to strike fear, and the easily scared should not own a car that they can't look at
without screaming. Commitment’s denotation is “dedicated to a cause,” and buyers must be
dedicated to speed if they want to purchase this car. The “Carbon Commitment” is frightening
fast, with a V8 Engine that is turbo charged and ready to beat anyone in a race. Are you able to
handle it?

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