Shaped by Words

In this vocabulary and tone analysis worksheet, students explore how word choice and connotation shape meaning in a literary passage. Learners read an excerpt from a modern novel, focusing on bolded words such as cacophony, meticulous, and tenacious. They use context clues to determine each word’s meaning and emotional tone-whether positive, negative, or neutral. Through follow-up questions, students analyze how the author’s diction contributes to the passage’s mood and overall tone. This activity develops vocabulary in context, inferential reasoning, and literary analysis skills essential for advanced reading comprehension.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Determining Word Meaning Using Context Clues

English Language Arts – Analyzing Connotation and Tone in Literature

English Language Arts – Vocabulary Development through Contextual Analysis

English Language Arts – Evaluating Author’s Word Choice and Mood

This worksheet is part of our Grade 10 Reading Comprehension collection.