Grade 9 Language & Style worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- Denotation is a word’s dictionary meaning. Connotation is the feeling it suggests: determined vs. stubborn.
- Formal register suits essays and letters. Informal suits friends. English keeps changing and borrows words from other languages.
- Devices: anaphora repeats words at the start of lines; a rhetorical question is asked for effect.
Example: Which has the most positive connotation: stubborn, pig-headed or determined? All three mean not giving up. Only one sounds like a compliment. Answer: determined
Question 1
Formal or informal language? Sort each phrase.
Sort into: 👔 Formal · 🧢 Informal
- 👋Hey, what's up?
- 😅That test was super hard, no cap.
- ✉️I am writing to request an extension.
- ✌️Totally! See ya later!
- 📊The results indicate a significant increase.
- 🤝Thank you for your consideration.
- 📣We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled.
- 🍔Gonna grab some food, brb.
👔 Formal: I am writing to request an extension., The results indicate a significant increase., Thank you for your consideration., We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled. · 🧢 Informal: Hey, what's up?, That test was super hard, no cap., Totally! See ya later!, Gonna grab some food, brb.
Hint: Formal language is polite and complete, used in essays, letters and presentations. Informal language is casual, used with friends.
Question 2
A writer repeats the opening words of several sentences: “We shall not give up. We shall not give in. We shall not turn back.” This rhetorical device is called…
- alliteration
- a pun
- anaphora
- hyperbole
anaphora
Hint: Anaphora repeats words at the start of lines for emphasis.
Question 3
A writer calls a rival’s plan a “reckless gamble” and her own a “bold step.” What technique is this?
- A definition
- A neutral comparison
- A statistic
- Loaded language that colours the reader's view
Loaded language that colours the reader's view
Hint: Words with strong connotations can sway readers.
Question 4
What is the denotation of a word?
- The feeling it suggests
- Its dictionary meaning
- Its length
- Its sound
Its dictionary meaning
Hint: Denotation is the literal meaning. Connotation is the feeling or idea attached to it.
Question 5
Which sentence uses a formal register?
- We need you to chip in, ok?
- We would like to request your assistance with this matter.
- Hey, can you help out?
- Gimme a hand here.
We would like to request your assistance with this matter.
Hint: Formal writing uses complete, polite wording without slang.
Question 6
“Selfie” and “emoji” are examples of…
- words with no meaning
- new words that entered English recently
- words that no longer exist
- words from Old English
new words that entered English recently
Hint: New technology and culture create new words.
Question 7
Which sentence has a more concise style?
- We made the decision to leave on account of the fact that it was raining.
- The reason we left was due to the rain.
- It was raining so we left in order to do so.
- We left because it rained.
We left because it rained.
Hint: Concise writing says the same thing in fewer words.
Question 8
Which word has the most negative connotation?
- cheap
- thrifty
- frugal
- economical
cheap
Hint: “Cheap” can suggest poor quality or stinginess. The others sound careful and positive.
Question 9
Which word has the most positive connotation?
- pigheaded
- determined
- bullheaded
- stubborn
determined
Hint: All describe someone who doesn't give up, but “determined” sounds admirable.
Question 10
What is the connotation of a word?
- Its pronunciation
- Its spelling
- Its part of speech
- The feelings or ideas it suggests beyond its dictionary meaning
The feelings or ideas it suggests beyond its dictionary meaning
Hint: “Home” and “house” both name a building, but “home” suggests warmth and belonging.
Answer key
- 1. 👔 Formal: I am writing to request an extension., The results indicate a significant increase., Thank you for your consideration., We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled. · 🧢 Informal: Hey, what's up?, That test was super hard, no cap., Totally! See ya later!, Gonna grab some food, brb.
- 2. anaphora
- 3. Loaded language that colours the reader's view
- 4. Its dictionary meaning
- 5. We would like to request your assistance with this matter.
- 6. new words that entered English recently
- 7. We left because it rained.
- 8. cheap
- 9. determined
- 10. The feelings or ideas it suggests beyond its dictionary meaning
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.