Language Under the Lens

This worksheet is designed for students in Grades 6 and 7 to strengthen critical literacy, vocabulary analysis, and civic awareness by closely examining euphemisms used in political and public statements. Students analyze short excerpts that use softened or reframed language to describe serious issues. For each example, learners identify the euphemism, explain its literal meaning, and evaluate why the speaker may have chosen that wording. A rewriting task challenges students to replace euphemisms with more direct language, highlighting the contrast between diplomatic phrasing and blunt expression.

Skills Reinforced

• Rhetorical & Persuasive Language Analysis (Grades 6-7) – Examine how word choice influences audience perception.
• Vocabulary & Euphemism Interpretation – Identify euphemisms and explain their real or literal meanings.
• Evaluating Public & Political Communication – Analyze tone, intent, and messaging in civic contexts.
• Critical Thinking: Purpose, Tone & Impact – Assess when euphemisms are tactful versus misleading.

Instructional Support

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support critical reading and civic literacy.
• Authentic Text Excerpts – Uses realistic public-language examples students may encounter in media.
• Analysis + Revision Structure – Combines interpretation with rewriting for deeper understanding.
• Encourages Media & Civic Awareness – Helps students become thoughtful consumers of public language.
• Discussion-Ready Prompts – Ideal for classroom dialogue about ethics, persuasion, and transparency.
• Flexible Use – Suitable for literacy centers, social studies integration, independent practice, or assessment.
• No-Prep Format – Print-and-go worksheet for classroom or homeschool use.

This printable worksheet helps students put language “under the lens” by examining how euphemisms function in political and public discourse. By identifying softened language, translating it into direct terms, and reflecting on intent, learners build strong analytical skills and a deeper understanding of how language can shape-or distort-reality in society.

This worksheet is part of our Euphemism Worksheets collection.