Denotative and Coonnotative Meaning

The denotative meaning of a word is its actual meaning, with no spin on it intended to persuade. The same word's connotative meaning is what the word suggests after such a spin has been applied.

For example, the actual meaning of the word “propaganda” is “plan for the propagation of a doctrine or of a system of principles.” There's no implication here that such a doctrine or system is either good or bad. But primarily because of its use by the Nazis, “propaganda” is now given its connotative meaning by many people, rather than the denotative. So it now suggests lies, exploitation, concealment of truth, and other pejorative characteristics or purposes.

Now if you're not aware of this, you can be grossly mislead by a word.

One of the leading ladies in that category today is the word “proof.” Its denotative meaning is “evidence that compels acceptance by the mind.” Please note that in this definition, there's still room for doubt in whatever it is that the evidence is supposed to support.

But that's not the way people generally react to the word. To such people, “proof” means certainty, no room for disagreement, case closed. And so when someone tells them that something has been proved, they tend to accept the statement uncritically and proceed to shut down their thinking mechanism. From that point on, it's a piece of cake to manipulate them.

So if you want to avoid being taken in by others offering you “proof” of something, here's what I suggest. Every time you hear the word “proof," silently ask yourself if you've been persuaded of the actual validity of what's been “proved.”

Because if you haven't, and you uncritically accept what's been said as gospel, then, in effect, nothing's been proved. You've just been conned.

taken from here

Synopsis of Gulp and Gasp

This is one of twelve "Classic Spirals", from the established series for reluctant readers with a track record of over 25 years. It features dynamic plots and storylines, which encourage readers to pick them up again and again. It includes engaging themes without being immature or patronising and attractive cover designs in new paperback style binding are designed to motivate pupils. Short but substantial chapters are provided to give a sense of achievement in reading whole texts. Clearly laid out text, without illustrations and activities, encourages focus on reading and enables low achievers to improve at their own pace.

The Elements of Drama

Drama

* Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran”
* Means “To do” or “To Act”
* The Doing/Acting Makes Drama
* …is a story told in front of an audience

Elements of Drama

* Playwright-the author of a play
* Actors-the people who perform
* Actors-the people who perform
* Scenes-parts of the acts
* Characterization-playwright’s technique for making believable characters


Dramatic Speech

* Dialogue-conversation between or among characters
*Monologue-long speech by one single character (private thoughts


Stage Directions

* Found in brackets [ ]
* Describe scenery and how characters speak
* C, Center Stage
* L, Stage Left
* R, Stage Right
* U, Upstage or Rear
* D, Downstage or Front

Theater

* Where a play takes place

Set

* Construction on the stage that shows time/place
* Could be called Scenery

Props

* Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

What is Boolean Search?

Boolean searches allow you to combine words and phrases using the words AND, OR, NOT and NEAR (otherwise known as Boolean operators) to limit, widen, or define your search. Most Internet search engines and Web directories default to these Boolean search parameters anyway, but a good Web searcher should know how to use basic Boolean operators.