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Abstract Usual Classification Levels Formal Informal Colloquialism/Slang Tones Stiff/Pompous Conversational/Friendly Direct/Impersonal Functions Noun, Verb, Adjective A New Classification Concrete Specific Clear, vivid Actual Objects/People Abstract General Unclear, vague Ideas/Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nlF4BVJBgU Word Classification Concrete Abstract Spoon Love/Hate Table Success Elbow Freedom Julia Moral Lime-green Mercedes Good/Evil Puppy Democracy Example Bessie lives at a farm together with a lot of other cows and animals. Bessie WEALTH MOST ABSTRACT A concept, general term ASSETS More Abstract FARM ASSETS Less abstract THE FARM Neutral LIVESTOCK Less Concrete COW More Concrete BESSIE MOST CONCRETE An individual, specific entity Apple Election Ballot Practice with your GROUP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1qEXdNF6eY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeB2vVBOLOw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCTv6i3589A Practice on your OWN Teacher Teacher is in the middle of the ladder. Come up with at least one word that is more concrete and two words that are more abstract. Practice on your OWN MONEY Money is in the middle of the ladder. Come up with at least two more concrete words and three more abstract words. Practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TShlMkQnc On the lyrics page, highlight PINK – Concrete Words (Any Color) – Middle of the ladder words GREEN – Abstract Words Write the GREEN words in a column. Denotation and Connotation Denotation – the direct, realistic, and/or literal meaning of a word. EX: SNAKE – scaly, reptile, without legs. EX: SLIMY can be used to describe algae or slugs. Connotation – the indirect, implied meaning of the word. EX: SNAKE – evil, treachery, betrayal EX: SLIMY when used to describe a person implies that they are not to be trusted. “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” —Mark Twain Green Words “Green” words will help you write more effective thesis statements and, therefore, more effective papers. Green words are Abstract Highly Connotative Broad ideas, concepts Have layers of meaning Value Driven Not necessarily controversial, however easily opinionated. EX: Does the word “wealth” bring specific thoughts, beliefs, opinions to your mind? *noun – person, place, thing, or idea Practice Finding Green Words Take your column of GREEN (abstract) words from the song: Is it a noun? Is it abstract? Is it strongly connotative ( + - )? Is it value-driven? Cross out all of the words that do not fit the criteria. Compare with your group. Pick the top 5 GREEN words from your group (write them down on your paper). What is the big-picture GREEN word that sums up the song? Thesis Statements (Claim/Purpose) Every article/essay/paper should have a main point/main idea/central idea. Writing in college/career will most likely require persuasion. You will need to convince others that you have a logical point of view. Your position on the main idea is the thesis statement. It should present the topic of the paper and make a comment about your position. The thesis statement should tell the audience what the paper will be about. The thesis statement should tell the audience what you think about the main idea. Stating the BIG IDEA Thesis Statements Write a thesis statement about “Live Like You Were Dying” using the BIG picture “green” word. EX: Economics in America touches hidden facets of daily life. Write a thesis statement about the song using the BIG picture “green” word AND one word on your “green” list. EX: Because economics in America touches hidden facets of daily life, it propels the “American Dream”. Write a thesis statement about the song using the BIG picture “green” word AND two words from your “green” list. EX: Economics in America touches hidden facets of daily life, thereby propelling the “American Dream” and defining its blatant consumerism. OR: Although economics in America touches hidden facets of daily life, Americans rarely attribute their rampant consumerism and yearning for the “American Dream” to it’s clutches.