PART 1 DIRECTIONS: In the first paragraph, highlight/bold the words that have a positive connotation. In the second paragraph, highlight/bold the words that have a negative connotation.

POSITIVE

Amelia has been a (valuable, costly) member of our organization this past year. During that time, she has been very (helpful, overbearing) to other members of the class. She has (strong, militant) opinions, but she is (reasonable, satisfactory) in her dealings with others, and has shown herself to be a (leader, tyrant). Her problem‐solving abilities are (unusual, weird) but she always solves her own problems, and helps others to solve problems too.

NEGATIVE

Mary is a (easy‐going, lazy) babysitter. She is (patient, disinterested), (serious, dour) and (funny, sarcastic). My brother tried to explain this to my parents, but they were (skeptical, suspicious) of his motives and told him that he had better (obey, cooperate with) Mary or he would be in big trouble.

PART 2 DIRECTIONS: Replace each word below with a word that has a positive connotation.

1. strife

2. weird

3. exhausting

4. caterwauling

5. begging