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Manzanar National Historic Site
Loaded Words: Using Denotation and Connotation

[Secondary LESSON PLAN: Loaded Words]

Directions: Read each list of words below. Each word has a different connotation, but has the same general denotation. Decide what the general denotation is for each group. Write your answer on the line provided. Then, number the words in each group from most positive connotation to most negative connotation.

Example:

3. thin
4. bony
1. slim
5. anorexic
2. slender

____thin____ (general denotation)

___ imprison
___ relocate
___ incarcerate
___ intern
___ evacuate
___ detain
___ lock-up
___ confine

____________ (general denotation)

___ uprising
___ riot
___ demonstration
___ unlawful gathering
___ protest
___ disturbance

____________ (general denotation)

___ prisoner
___ evacuee
___ internee
___ detainee
___ inmate

____________ (general denotation)

___ guerilla
___ freedom fighter
___ mercenary
___ soldier
___ terrorist

____________ (general denotation)

internment camps
detention camps
assembly centers
concentration camps
prison camps
relocation centers
temporary detention centers

____________ (general denotation)

Write one or two "loaded words" of your own:

 

After everyone has completed the above, discuss why the term "concentration camps" is so controversial. How did the meaning of this term change after World War II? While you are waiting for others to finish, jot your ideas here:

Rebuilt guard tower # 8. NPS Photo.  

Did You Know?
Eight guard towers were built around the perimeter of the camp. They were staffed by Military Police with submachine guns. In 2005 the National Park Service rebuilt one of the guard towers.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST