Question

grade 6: module 2: unit 2: lesson 2
quickwrite: understand connotatio
name: cassandra hernandez date: 1/28/28
directions: read the following sentence from chapter 11 of the boy who harnessed the wind and the definition of the word gazed. then, write your answer to the question.
\within minutes, a dozen people gathered at the base and gazed up at the machine\ (198).
gazed (noun, past tense): looked at something for a long time without looking away, usually with respect, admiration, or surprise
what other words, with a similar meaning, could the authors have used instead of gazed? how would the meaning of the sentence have changed if they used those alternatives?

source: kamkwamba, william, and bryan mealer. the boy who harnessed the wind (young readers edition). puffin books, 2015.

Explanation:

1. Identify synonyms for "gazed": Words with similar meanings (denotation) to "gazed" include "stared", "admired", "marveled", "contemplated", or "observed".
2. Analyze connotative differences:

• "Stared" implies a long, fixed look (may lack the positive connotations of respect/admiration in "gazed").
• "Admired" emphasizes respect or approval, aligning closely with "gazed"'s connotation.
• "Marveled" adds a sense of wonder or surprise, which "gazed" also allows.
• "Contemplated" suggests deep thought (less about visual focus than "gazed").
• "Observed" is more neutral (lacks the emotional tone of "gazed").

1. Explain impact on the sentence: If "stared" were used, the sentence might lose the respectful/admiring tone, making the people seem more intrusive or blank. If "admired", the focus shifts more explicitly to approval. "Marveled" would highlight surprise/wonder at the machine.

Answer:

Possible synonyms for "gazed" include "stared", "admired", "marveled", "contemplated", or "observed". For example, if the author used "stared", the sentence would lose the respectful or admiring tone of "gazed" and might imply a more intense or blank look. If "admired" were used, the focus would shift more directly to approval of the machine. If "marveled", the sentence would emphasize wonder or surprise at the machine’s appearance or function.