Worksheet

Bread to Share: Shades of Meaning

Analyze connotations in an original article about a bakery’s bread donations, then evaluate word choices in editorial revisions.

Grade 6ELAInteractive · Printable

Aligned toL.6.5.c

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1 Common Core standard
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13 questions
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Details

Format: Interactive · Printable
Grade: Grade 6
Subject: ELA
Question types: Fill in the blank, Multiple choice, Circle the answer, Sorting, Short answer

About this worksheet

What students practice

Students distinguish the connotations of words with similar dictionary meanings.
Students explain how word substitutions change an article’s tone.
Students choose words whose connotations match a writer’s intended attitude.

How to use

Have students read the article independently, then compare the impressions created by related words. Discuss the revision choices after students finish.

Curriculum

Common Core standard covered

L.6.5.c

Tell apart the connotations of words with similar dictionary meanings, such as thrifty, frugal, and cheap.

Preview

OwlSheets.com

Name Date

Bread to Share: Shades of Meaning

Examine how word choices shape readers’ impressions.

Read and Analyze

Read the article. Consider both what each word means and what attitude it suggests.

A Second Destination for Bread

1At closing time, the counter at Folded Apron Bakery becomes a packing station. Baker Selin and her staff set aside bread that was baked that morning but did not sell. The surplus goes to a neighborhood community center rather than into the trash. A volunteer collects the labeled bags before the staff finish cleaning.

2Inside, an aroma of toasted flour hangs above the cooling racks. Visitors often pause at the doorway, smiling as they breathe in the warm, nutty scent. Metal trays lean against one wall beside a stack of folded aprons. Outside, volunteer driver Desmond opens the back of his van.

3Selin is meticulous about preparing the donations. She checks each label against the bread in its bag and corrects any missing information before sealing it. Her checklist also records when the bread was baked and where each bag is headed. Once the bags are ready, Desmond loads them into clean crates.

4The donation plan began with a modest trial: one crate delivered on a single afternoon. Selin wanted to learn how much the center could distribute before promising a larger supply. After several weeks, staff from both places agreed on a regular pickup schedule. The bakery continues adjusting its baking plans so that donating bread does not become a reason to make unnecessary extras.

5At the center, volunteers arrange the bread on shelves beside other donated food. Visitors choose what they can use, and volunteers answer questions without urging anyone to take more. A handwritten sign welcomes people to ask about ingredients. For Selin, the next step is not a bigger delivery but a more reliable one: she is training another staff member to manage packing whenever she is away.

In paragraph 2, aroma and odor can both refer to a smell. What would replacing aroma with odor most likely change?

A. It would make the smell seem less appealing.
B. It would make the smell seem more familiar.
C. It would make the smell seem more expensive.
D. It would make the smell seem less noticeable.

Underline the sentence from paragraph 2 that most directly supports the pleasant impression created by aroma.

Inside, an aroma of toasted flour hangs above the cooling racks.Visitors often pause at the doorway, smiling as they breathe in the warm, nutty scent.Metal trays lean against one wall beside a stack of folded aprons.Outside, volunteer driver Desmond opens the back of his van.

An editor considers replacing surplus with rejects in paragraph 1. Both can refer to items left over or not selected. What additional judgment would rejects suggest?

A. The bread was prepared especially for a donation.
B. The bread was set aside because it cost more to produce.
C. The bread was unwanted because something was wrong with it.
D. The bread was reserved for people who ordered ahead.

In paragraph 3, how would calling Selin fussy rather than meticulous change the writer’s attitude toward her attention to details?

A. It would suggest that she gives small matters excessive attention.
B. It would suggest that she enjoys teaching others the task.
C. It would suggest that she understands the task without training.
D. It would suggest that she completes the task with little effort.

Paragraph 4 describes a modest trial. A revision calls it a paltry trial. Both words can describe a small amount. What does paltry add?

A. Appreciation that the amount is easy to transport.
B. Disapproval that the amount is too small to be worthwhile.
C. Approval that the amount is suitable for a first attempt.
D. Surprise that the amount is greater than expected.

Consider two descriptions: “The volunteers offer bread to visitors” and “The volunteers push bread on visitors.” Explain the difference in connotation. Which description better fits paragraph 5, and why?

Make Editorial Choices

Evaluate these possible additions and revisions to the bakery article. Choose wording that matches each stated purpose.

A caption should praise the staff’s speed and organization without suggesting careless work. Which word best completes it? “The _____ staff packed the donations before pickup.”

A. rushed
B. hurried
C. efficient
D. hasty

Complete the editor’s note with one word from the bank.

Word bank: prying · inquisitive · indifferent

To describe a volunteer who asks thoughtful questions about the donation process, use rather than a word suggesting an invasion of someone’s privacy.

A draft says, “Desmond lugged the crates to the van.” An editor substitutes carried for lugged. What impression does the revision remove?

A. That Desmond moved the crates with great care.
B. That moving the crates happened earlier than planned.
C. That Desmond moved the crates without permission.
D. That moving the crates required considerable effort.

10.

Each phrase describes simplifying the bakery’s packing process. Sort the phrases by the attitude their wording conveys.

a slipshod packing methoda streamlined packing methoda well-organized packing methoda corner-cutting packing method

Suggests approval	Suggests disapproval

11.

A volunteer describes the bakery’s sign as “a helpful reminder.” An editor changes reminder to nag. Which explanation best evaluates that choice?

A. Nag keeps the same approving attitude but sounds more formal.
B. Nag suggests useful guidance without changing the attitude.
C. Nag removes judgment, so it makes the description more objective.
D. Nag adds irritation, so it conflicts with the approving description.

12.

An editor wants to report that Selin spoke about the plan without implying a particular attitude. Which sentence is the most neutral?

A. Selin ranted about the donation plan to the volunteers.
B. Selin explained the donation plan to the volunteers.
C. Selin gushed about the donation plan to the volunteers.
D. Selin boasted about the donation plan to the volunteers.

13.

A proposed sentence reads, “The bakery uses an old-fashioned system of handwritten labels.” Replace old-fashioned with either traditional or outdated to express approval rather than criticism. Write the revised sentence and explain how the two choices differ in connotation.