I) Five questions to respond to with examples for each.
1. What is the difference between the denotative and connotative meanings of words?
Denotation is the exact and direct meaning of a word – often found in the dictionary, while connotation is the underlying meaning which brings feelings and images. For instance, when we hear the word “dog”, we will immediately think of the four-legged animal which are often raised as pets. In the concept of the connotative meanings, the word “dog” usually brings the feelings of warmness, friendliness or loyalty and also the images of an extremely lovely living thing. However, to some people, “dog” might not be that beautiful as they could have had bad memories related to dogs. Thus, some will have the feeling of fear (because they have experienced dog bites in the past, for example) and consider dog as an aggressive creature. Moreover, two words can have the same denotative meanings but different connotative ones. As an illustration, both “gay” and “faggot” refer to a homosexual man. Despite the same denotative meaning, “gay” seems to show more politeness compared to “faggot” – which is used as a pejorative term.
2. What are the differences between facts and inferences?
According to Mayfield (2014), …show more content…
Mayfield (2014) states that “thinking based on hasty observations, no matter how well reasoned, will be faulty thinking”. As we go through the observation process of sensing, perceiving, and thinking, we discover minor details and that can be easily unseen. Every single little piece of information is precious for us to conceptualize, analyze, or evaluate. Therefore, I believe careful observation have a tight relationship with critical thinking. An example I can refer to is when I play chess with my friend, I have to observe the board very intensely so that I am able to predict his moves, as well as consider the best moves I can make in order to be the
1. What is the difference between the denotative and connotative meanings of words?
Denotation is the exact and direct meaning of a word – often found in the dictionary, while connotation is the underlying meaning which brings feelings and images. For instance, when we hear the word “dog”, we will immediately think of the four-legged animal which are often raised as pets. In the concept of the connotative meanings, the word “dog” usually brings the feelings of warmness, friendliness or loyalty and also the images of an extremely lovely living thing. However, to some people, “dog” might not be that beautiful as they could have had bad memories related to dogs. Thus, some will have the feeling of fear (because they have experienced dog bites in the past, for example) and consider dog as an aggressive creature. Moreover, two words can have the same denotative meanings but different connotative ones. As an illustration, both “gay” and “faggot” refer to a homosexual man. Despite the same denotative meaning, “gay” seems to show more politeness compared to “faggot” – which is used as a pejorative term.
2. What are the differences between facts and inferences?
According to Mayfield (2014), …show more content…
Mayfield (2014) states that “thinking based on hasty observations, no matter how well reasoned, will be faulty thinking”. As we go through the observation process of sensing, perceiving, and thinking, we discover minor details and that can be easily unseen. Every single little piece of information is precious for us to conceptualize, analyze, or evaluate. Therefore, I believe careful observation have a tight relationship with critical thinking. An example I can refer to is when I play chess with my friend, I have to observe the board very intensely so that I am able to predict his moves, as well as consider the best moves I can make in order to be the