Unit Plan 21 (Grade 7 ELA): Tone, Connotation, and Precise Language

Focus: Shades of meaning; tone signals in context; style choices

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature; Language—Vocabulary & Style)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Words carry baggage—not just dictionary meanings but shades, feelings, and signals that shape tone. This week, students learn to read tone from context, distinguish connotations among near-synonyms, and revise their own writing for precision and concision so style matches purpose and audience.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Determine meanings (including figurative and connotative) and explain how word choice shapes tone (RL.7.4).
2. Distinguish among shades of meaning in related words and use word relationships (synonym sets, analogies, affix clues) to clarify meaning (L.7.5b–c).
3. Choose language precisely and concisely, eliminating wordiness or redundancy to improve style (L.7.3a).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 7

• Reading Literature 7.4 (RL.7.4): Determine meanings and analyze the impact of word choice on meaning and tone.
• Language 7.5b–c (L.7.5b–c): Use relationships between words and distinguish connotations among words with similar denotations.
• Language 7.3a (L.7.3a): Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely; eliminate wordiness and redundancy.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name the tone of a passage and point to specific words/phrases that create it.
• I can sort near-synonyms on a semantic gradient and justify placements.
• I can revise a sentence to be clearer and tighter without losing meaning.
• I can explain why a writer’s style choice fits (or clashes with) the context.