Connotations

Rewrite the following benign paragraph to make it more persuasive. You can add or change words to make strong connotations. Please underline the words that you add or change.

The candidates running for the office of president of the United States debated each other last night on the topic of terrorism. Candidate Smith spoke on the issue of increased homeland security measures. Candidate Jones spoke about the value of gathering international information and support. Candidate Williams noted the issue of open border lands and easily copied personal identification of citizens. Candidate Richards spoke on the need to increase military spending and research.

Revisions such as adding adjectives (example: liberal), changing verbs (example: spoke changed to whined) and changing nouns (example: issue changed to disaster) will be worth one point apiece.

Download a PDF file of the student handout, Connotations.