To help you understand how underlined words and phrases in a passage create meaning, we can break down their functions in a detailed table. Let’s go over the kind of details you’ll typically want to include in your analysis.
Table Template for Analyzing Underlined Words and Phrases
| Underlined Word/Phrase | Word Class (Noun, Verb, etc.) | Function in the Sentence | Tone/Connotation | Effect on Meaning | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Example Phrase 1] | [Noun/Verb/Adjective, etc.] | [How the word functions in the sentence] | [Formal, casual, negative, positive, etc.] | [Does it intensify the sentence, add emotion, clarify something, etc.?] | [What is the implied or deeper meaning of the word or phrase?] |
| [Example Phrase 2] | [Word class] | [Sentence function] | [Tone or connotation] | [Effect] | [Deeper meaning] |
Here’s a detailed explanation of each column:
- Underlined Word/Phrase: Write the specific word or phrase that has been underlined in the text.
- Word Class: Identify the type of word or phrase. Is it a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.?
- Function in the Sentence: Explain the grammatical role of the underlined word or phrase in the sentence. For example, is it the subject of the sentence, an action that drives the narrative, or a descriptive adjective that modifies a noun?
- Tone/Connotation: Describe the tone (emotion) associated with the word or phrase. Is it formal, casual, optimistic, pessimistic, or something else? You can also note whether the word or phrase has positive, negative, or neutral connotations.
- Effect on Meaning: Discuss how the underlined word or phrase influences the meaning of the passage. Does it clarify something? Does it make the sentence more emotional or intense? Is it meant to convey irony or emphasize an idea?
- Interpretation: Interpret the deeper or implied meaning. Why do you think the author chose to use this word or phrase? What can we infer from it about the characters, situation, or themes?
If you provide the passage or specific underlined words, I can help you fill out the table based on the text you’re analyzing.