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INTERPRETING CONNOTATIONS OF WORDS

A. Denotations and Connotations Of all the numerous implements man uses in the conduct of his existence, language is most widely, most frequently and most variedly used. It is used not only to convey facts and thoughts, but also to persuade and cajole, insinuate and anger, torture and depress, inspire and gladden, we should see how words may be false and full of art. Many words, unlike a carpenters tools, are not dead and unsuggestive; while they denote, they can also connote. All words have denotations, but they do not necessarily possess connotations. The words of, the, where, table, and curtains, for example, seldom arouse emotions of any kind. They make connections, show relationships, and name objects. They do not represent ideas, and they evoke neither positive nor negative responses. We say, then, that these words have only denotations, i.e. explicit definitions that can be found in any dictionary. What a word denotes is its objective meaning; what it connotes are the ideas and associations it suggests. The word home, for example denotes the residence of a man and his family, but it often gives one the suggestion of comfort and family intimacy and happiness. Similarly, while baby literally means a young child, it his highly connotative of endearment and affection. Thus a proud young lover would refer to the home of his baby and not to the residence (or hovel of habitation) of his woman-friend. The connotative power of words thus brings out the nuances of the speaker or writers thoughts, which may be more significant than the bare direct meanings. A person who wants his words to express exactly what he wants to say must therefore be aware of the suggestive effect of his words. To say that X is childish is very different from saying that he is child-like. A clever or knowing person is also different from one who is cunning or sharp or even artful. Similarly sauntering differs from marching or limping or prowling. Careful interpretation of the language used also enables one to learn much about the speaker or writer. The speaker or writer may claim that he is an impartial observer, but his words will often betray sympathies and commitments, which he himself may or may not be conscious of. A man who refers to a staunch Buddhist as a man of faith or a pious believer in the blessings of Buddha is obviously not in any way against him. The phrase a superstitious bigot, however, would reveal antipathy. Indeed, taking note of the connotative effects of words is thus one method of reading between the lines to discover not only the likes and dislikes of the speaker or writer but also his intentions and characters. However, people are often not fully discriminating and attentive, and are thus swayed by public speakers, advertisers and all those who seek to influence and gain through skillful use of word connotations. A lawyer who utters that the accused is a scoundrel who hounded the poor, helpless victim to his grave is working surreptitiously through bold presuppositions on those members of the jury who are not evidence-conscious. Similarly, advertisers, who are probably the most frequent users of fine-sounding words or catching assertions (matchless flavor for ladies men long to kiss! figure flattering, ), often
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manage to influence purchasers into buying one brand instead of another by craftily playing on his weak spotshis desires, fears, envy and vanity. In fact, if the purchaser analyzed carefully the connotative overtones of the advertisements he would realize that he is given very little indisputable information on the advertised goods. In that case, can his advertisement-influenced choice be rational? In the context of critical reading, it should be noted that authors are aware of the connotation as-associated with certain words, especially if they know their audience well, and they use them quite deliberately to make their writing persuasive or convincing. In their trials to appeal to emotions in order to make their ideas acceptable and believable, or to influence their readers thinking, writers always use highly connotative language. Thus, it is not always what we say but how we say it that influences people. Assume, for example, that you want to encourage a friend to change an opinion. Your choice of words will be important to your success. Compare the following approaches, noting the positive and negative connotations of the words used. 1. I know how stubborn you are, but in this case, youve got to get that idea out of your thick skull. 2. I know how firm of purpose you are, but in this case, you have to modify your opinion. Chances of success with sentence 1 are not good. Many people would react angrily to being told they are stubborn and have a thick skull. Sentence 2, in contrast, contains words with favorable associations. It is considered good to be firm of purpose, and the word modify does not have to indicate a drastic change. This second approach could meet with success. Here is another example that illustrates the use of connotative language. Imagine two different descriptions of the same book, one from a book review meant to discourage potential readers: 1. The White Hotel by D.M. Thomas is a highly imaginative novel; reading it, I entered into a dream world, filled with the most extraordinary and unique fantasies. 2. The White Hotel by D.M. Thomas is a highly unrealistic novel, filled with the most extraordinary and eccentric fantasies. Reading it, I felt as if I were having a weird nightmare. In the first description, phrases like highly imaginative and unique fantasies are used because they have positive associations that might persuade someone to buy the book. In the second description, the author has a very different intention in mind and therefore employs phrases like highly unrealistic and eccentric fantasies because they usually have negative connotations. When you read, you would do well to think about the connotations of the words used. If you do, you will be less likely to be influenced without being aware of it. However, the use of connotative effects of words is not always surreptitious or bad. There are noble men who make effective speeches directed at the loftiest instincts of men kindness, humanity, and understandingto stir them into positive, constructive action. The sermons of Christ are perhaps the best example. Poets, novelists, and dramatists also make positive use of connotations. Their intention is not to deceive the reader but to make him see, hear, and feel through words. To be sure, the proper use of connotations makes it
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impossible to paraphrase great literary works without losing much of the richness of the originals. Conversely, a paraphrase of an advertisement or a political slogan may well reveal how swallow and empty it really is. EXERCISE 31 In each item, three sentences say almost the same thing. Choose the sentence that attempts to eliminate almost all connotations. Example Explanation : : a. He weighs 65 kilograms and is 2 meters tall. b. He is skinny. c. He is slender. Sentence a is the only sentence whose words do not evoke strong positive or negative connotations. In contrast, skinny has negative connotations, and slender has positive ones.

1.

a. She is happy. b. She laughs a lot. c. She is silly. a. Bob runs his business by applying good management. b. Bob is a shrewd businessman. c. Bob is a cunning businessman. a. The car is an antique. b. The car was bought in 1945. c. The car is old. a. She wore a colorful sweater. b. She wore a red and green turtleneck. c. She wore a flashy sweater. a. General Soedirman was a valiant soldier. b. General Soedirman led his troop to fight without fear during the revolution war. c. General Soedirman always fought boldly. a. He is so blunt. b. No one has ever caught him in a lie. c. He has always been very honest. a. Susan likes to date with a submissive gentleman. b. Susan usually dates with a meek gentleman. c. Susan decides to date only with a friendly gentleman. a. She is a liar. b. She has a great imagination. c. She failed the lie detector test.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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9.

a. He is a fanatical republican. b. He supports the Republican Party enthusiastically. c. He is a dedicated republican

10. a. Bob plays tennis aggressively. b. Bob is a competitive tennis player. c. Bob plays tennis calmly.

EXERCISE 32 In each sentence, underline the word or phrase with either a neutral or a positive connotation. Example : Your hair is quite fine/thin.

Explanation : The word fine is underlined because most people react positively to being told they have fine hair, but they react negatively if their hair is labeled thin. 1. He is very ambitious/pushy. 2. She is an enthusiastic/fanatical believer. 3. I wont, she answered/retorted. 4. Youre a slow/thorough reader. 5. She is getting fatter/getting heavier. 6. His grandfather was a notorious/famous general. 7. That plan is foolhardy/daring. 8. What a weird/unique idea. 9. The presidents speech was very succinct/short. 10. The room is a little damp/clammy. 11. The vase is very brittle/fragile. 12. He is thrifty/stingy. 13. I think shes drudge/hard worker. 14. Dick Johnson was a modest/pompous Nobel winner. 15. The infants face looks quiet/serene. 16. He is a fanatic / dedicated democrat.

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EXERCISE 33 In the following statements the writer uses emotional words to persuade the reader to think positively or negatively about something. If the writer intends the readers reaction to be positive, write P in the blank space. If the reaction is intended to be negative, write N. Underline the emotional words or phrases. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. ____ His beliefs are ridiculous and old fashioned ____ Beagles are excellent house pets and make the best hunting dogs. ____ This scheme to raise money is fraudulent. ____ Gary Olsen is a skinny, emaciated fellow with dull hair. ____ We wasted an hour listening to his silly chatter. ____ He delighted us with his reflections on life during the fifties. ____ It is dreadful to have to get up early in the morning when you are still exhausted and need to sleep longer. ____ The painting was filled with bright, glowing colors. ____ The garish colors were a jumbled mess on the canvas. ____ Like all good Americans, George Anderson believes in justice for all. ____ If you stay at the hotel, you can have your breakfast close to a beautiful, sparkling stream of water flowing across the garden. ____ If you stay at the hotel, you can have your breakfast close to a dirty, stinking, polluted water flowing across the garden. ____This country is as beautiful as paradise. EXERCISE 34. List the words and phrases from the following article which appeal to the readers emotions. If they are intended to create positive feelings, write P. If they are intended to create negative feelings, write N. Flight Flight is, for many persons, a frightening experience. Having ones flesh light is, for many passengers, a truly hurtling along thousand of feet from the ground at hundreds of miles an hour makes the whole affair seem somewhat unnatural, if not downright suicidal. Volunteers to ride along would dwindle to a handful if it were not for one important ingredient: the implicit understanding that the pilot in command possessed both calm hands and cool wit.
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The ability to frighten passengers is certainly not a goal of the competent pilot; yet all too often, he accomplishes precisely that it takes much less than an obviously hairy incident to open the floodgates of fear in a non-pilot. All that is required is just a little carelessness on the part of the captain. Analogies that provide captains with god-like qualities are observations not to be taken lightly. From the passengers seat, it appears that the pilot could cut everyone down like some terrible swift sword with a flip of a handan observation that is, in essence, reasonably accurate. The fact remains that fear is generated by the mind of the beholder, and a passengers own opinion that disaster is imminent is enough to scare him half to death. The flight may be perfect from a safety standpoint, but the pilot must convince the passengers of that fact. Dont forget, however, that the non-pilots ignorance can be an asset if you are in bad situation and youre the only one who knows it. When a pilot puts unsuspecting passengers in an airplane, he has given himself an additional job. Besides the flying, he must watch over his riders and take reasonable steps to preserve their peace of mind. Words or Phrases P or N Words or Phrases P or N

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EXERCISE 35 List the words and phrases from the following article that appeal to the readers emotions. If they are intended to create positive feelings, write P. If they are intended to create negative feelings, write N.

California: Gateway for Trade [Gregory Mignano--Executive Director, California State World Trade Commission] Few states in our nation depend as highly on trade as does California. This state is the nations leading producer of agricultural, electronic, aerospace, and entertainment service products, all of which have large export markets. As a gateway for trade between the dynamic Asia/Pacific region and the rest of the United States, California accounts for about 13 percent of U.S. international trade, and that two-way trade means nearly a million jobs and billions in tax revenues and profits. In fact, if California were independent nation, it would rank near the top ten in terms of gross domestic product and international trade value. Impressive statistics, but more impressive are the responsibilities those numbers impose on all concerned with state and national economic development. At the national level, there is increasing awareness of the need to develop sound trade policies and effective export expension programs. Here in California, were supporting those objectives through the work of newly created California State World Trade Commission. The Commission is a nonpartisan alliance of government, business, and labor leaders that, I believe, will be the key to this states improved trade performance. The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and 12 private sector members representing manufacturing, services, and agriculture meet regularly to address the toughest problems facing our ex-porters and importers, be they state or federal disincentives, or domestic or foreign barriers to trade. Assisting the commission is a strong and experienced advisory council. On the state level, the Commission is working in Sacramento to create a regulatory climate that encourages the free flow of Californias goods and services overseas. We are reviewing our tax policies and export financing proposals to determine how best to put our states exporters on more equal footing with their foreign competitors. And, recognizing that trade is a two way street, we are watching carefully moves to unfairly restrain the access of foreign goods and services to our markets. On the national level, the impact of Wash-ingot on Californias trade performance is increasingly significant. No states exports have been as directly affected by Operation Exodus, the U.S. custom services program to control high technology exports, as Californias. And domestic content legislation, which is under serious consideration by Congress and which would drastically reduce the number of foreign cars, trucks, and parts imported into the United States, would deal a severe blow to Californias port activities and likely would result in injured countries sealing off their markets to our exports. These are but two of many examples that motivate the Commission to raise its voice in Washington. On the international level, we are calling on U.S. trade officials to enforce vigorously U.S. and international trade laws. Unfair foreign competition must be stopped if Californias exporters are to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It makes little sense for our producers to develop a market, only to see it quickly lost to foreign subsidized competition. You can be sure that California, its people, its industry, and its policymakers are increasingly aware that we are part of a global market. Properly prepared, we will be the
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most significant part of the market, as the future capital of a region that is embarking upon a golden age of economic prosperity the dynamic Pacific Basin. In creating the World Trade Commission, California has sent a strong signal that trade performance is a matter of highest state priority. Our goal is to bring Californias producers to the global market and keep them competitive there.

Words or Phrases

P or N

Words or Phrases

P or N

B. Tone and Mood Paying attention to the connotations of words is particularly important in helping you understand what is not explicitly stated in the text. For example, it can help you understand the authors tone and mood, two very important aspects of writing that are normally implied rather than stated. Tone is like tone of voice; it reflects the authors attitude toward his subject and sometimes toward his readers. It is revealed partly through the words chosen and the details presented in a text. A text may have an objective tone, a subjective tone, a light-hearted or angry tone, an optimistic or pessimistic tone, a humorous tone, an ironic tone etc. Mood is the feeling that a text produces in the reader. Similar to tone, mood produced by a text can happy, admiring, enthusiastic, disapproving, etc. Identifying the authors tone can tell you a great deal about his or her purpose. If the tone is angry or critical, the author may be attempting to discourage you about a particular person or idea. In contrast, a happy or approving tone may reflect the desire to encourage support or belief for a cause or individual. The following paragraphs illustrate this distinction. Senator X is everything a statesperson should be. An eloquent speaker, she has the ability to choose the right word at the right moment. Filled with determination as she is, she will undoubtedly be elected governor. Senator X is a true politician. A smooth talker, she knows just what to say and when to say it. Devoured by ambition as she is, she undoubtedly will be elected governor. In the first paragraph, the author obviously takes an approving tone toward the subject of senator X, and the words statesperson, eloquent, and determination are meant to
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have a favorable effect on the reader as well, persuading him or her to support the senator. In contrast, the second paragraph employs the words politician, smooth talker, and devoured by ambition to produce a critical or pessimistic tone, one clearly meant to diminish voter support. When an author openly takes a stance in writing, implying a particular attitude through the creation of tone, we call it subjective reporting. In this type of writing, the author suggests a personal involvement (usually indicated by the use of first person viewpoint), using language that appears to reflect his or her attitude. However, this is not always the case: authors do not always assume a particular tone. Instead, they may attempt to eradicate all evidence of a personal opinion. This is called objective reporting. The difference between these two types of reporting will become clearer if you compare a front-page news article with an editorial in your local newspaper. The purpose of the news article is to inform. And every attempt is made to eliminate evidence of authorial tone, in contrast to the editorial, where the authors point of view is evident. In general, objective reports employ less connotative language than reports that are subjective. But they still rely on words with connotations to communicate something about the mood or feeling surrounding the topic under discussion. Take the following paragraph as an example: Members of the union leadership met yesterday with management to debate what they called the union-busting tactics of their employers. When a representative of management spoke, she was greeted with a prolonged silence that ended in catcalls and whistles on the part of the workers. Clearly, the audience was not pleased with her proposals. When the meeting ended, union and management left in stony silence. We might say that the mood of this meeting, as described by the writer, is ominous or angry. Phrases such as catcalls and stony silence indicate an unpleasant, bitter atmosphere, although this is nowhere explicitly stated. The author employs these connotative words to create the appropriate mood of the meeting; however, they are not an indication of personal attitude. We do not know how the author feels about the subject. When you read, you should always be alert for the way in which an author uses connotative language to convey tone or mood, since both provide vital information. Tone

can provide a clue to authors purpose, whereas mood can tell you something about the circumstances surrounding the topic.
EXERCISE 36: To make the idea how writers try to influence your thinking or behavior by means of connotations of words clearer, compare the following two brief reviews (by two different reviewers) of the same Canadian history textbook, Ordeal by Fire: Canada, 1910-1945 by Ralph Allen. Then answer the questions that follow.

Ordeal by FireFirst Review For the colorful story of Canadas growth as a nation, there is more lively reading than the Canadian History series edited by Thomas B. Costain, and this fifth volume is another rich slice of anecdotes, vivid characterizations of public figures, and fascinating insights into the life of Americas northern neighbor. It is enlightening to see history from the Canadian perspective.

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1. Did the reviewer create a favorable or disapproving tone, and how did he set it? 2. Did he tell you anything objective about the book or its author; its accuracy and completeness, the viewpoint and competence of the author, or his use of documentary or research sources? 3. If you were seeking a good Canadian history book, would the review just quoted influence you to make Ordeal by Fire your selection? Ordeal by FireSecond Review The Ordeal is excellent journalism (even assuming that accuracy is still an aim of the journalist) and bad history. Indeed, it is not really a history at all, but a collection of tales told by a man of considerable ability but signifying very little. Quite clearly, readability and drama were the authors paramount aims; significance, balance, and accuracy were well down the list. Even accepting Mr. Allens apparent aims and assumptions he can be faulted for inadequate knowledge and poor historical judgment. Nonetheless, Allen achieved his major object. He has written a colorful and dramatic book. His generalizations are fascinating: sometimes brilliant in insight and imagery, sometimes daring, sometimes absurd. If he cares little for issues, his treatment of people is often superb. Ordeal by Fire will not last long, but it is a good fare. 1. Did the second reviewer create a favorable or disapproving tone, and how did he set it? 2. Did he tell you anything objective about the book or its author; its accuracy and completeness, the viewpoint and competence of the author, or his use of documentary or research sources? 3. Now, would you use Ordeal by Fire as a source of historical information? EXERCISE 37: Read the following paragraphs. Decide if the author employs a certain tone or conveys a particular mood. Then label each paragraph S for a subjective report or O for an objective report. The first item is done as an example. 1. Americans have always lusted for heroes, and lacking them, we have been driven to invent them. Such was certainly the case with the man born Joel Hagglund but christened Joe Hill. A poet and songwriter, Hill first came to public attention when he wrote a series of songs that were adopted by the early American labor movement. His name, however, did not become a household word until he was arrested for armed robbery and murder. According to the legend, Hill never committed the murder, and he was executed in an attempt to destroy the labor movement. Although it was true that Hill was tried and convicted on circumstantial evidence, it is equally true that his story contained numerous contradictions and loopholes. At his best, he was a man unfairly tried and convicted; at his worst, he was a criminal who boldly proclaimed himself innocent. But in neither case was he a legendary hero, nor is the tendency to eulogize him a misguided attempt to create a hero where none existed. S__

Explanation:

The author of the paragraph employs a skeptical tone. The use of the plural pronoun we, along with highly connotative language such as lusted and misguided attempt, tells you this is an example of subjective reporting.
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2. At the present time, cognitive psychology offers the promise of a scientific breakthrough. Although it has been unfashionable for more than half a century to theorize about the inner workings of the mind, more and more attention is being paid to the work of cognitive scientists, who hold that the functions of the brain, and ultimately the human mind, can be scientifically investigated. Despite the fact that much research still needs to be done, scientists have already begun to explore the complexities of memory and speech acquisition. By all accounts, it appears that the most sophisticated modern computer is no match for the intricacies of human thinking. Experiments have shown, for example, that even very small children can perceive complicated patterns and anticipate cause-and-effect relationships. ____ 3. Fifty years ago, parents could lean over the back fence and chat companionably with other adults who had the same family problems. Today things have changed, and we live in a highly urbanized society where it becomes harder and harder to meet our neighbors. Many single parents feel particularly isolated in their home; they lack the easy camaraderie1 an earlier generation enjoyed. As a result, many have turned to public and private support groups in which they can talk over problems and exchange information. Parents who feel unable or unwilling to cope by themselves can find a wide variety of services in these parent centers, including health information, crisis intervention, family counseling, and financial advice. For a long time, it has been assumed that only children needed the support of their peers. As a result, the emphasis has been on the creation of counseling centers and meeting places for young people. Its about time we thought of parents as well. They too need the guidance and friendship available in a peer group. ____ 4. The Japanese have accustomed themselves to the presence of robots in the work place. More than two-thirds of all industrial robots, in fact, are found in Japan. Although robots are not capable of assembling finished products, they can do the many simple tasks that lead up to that stage, and they have proven to be a boon 2 to their employers, increasing worker productivity by a substantial amount. For their part, Japanese workers are relaxed about the rise in the robot population. Most contracts guarantee the average worker employment until the age of fifty-five. In addition, the majority of workers participate in some kind of profit-sharing plan, with the result that robot productivity only increases the workers paychecks. ____ 5. Humans are capable of developing into rational beings. This is our ultimate assumption. At some level all of us want to effectively analyze and solve our problems. We want to live significant, meaningful lives. We want to be persons of integrity. We did not consciously choose to be selfish and egocentric, any more than we consciously chose to think unclearly, inaccurately, irrelevantly, superficially, narrow-mindedly, or illogically.
1 2

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Nevertheless, we often think and behave egocentrically. We often think unclearly, inaccurately, irrelevantly, superficially, narrow-mindedly, and illogically. ____ 6. William Howard Taft was the twenty-seventh president of the United states, and, by all accounts, his presidency was undistinguished. A huge bear of a man, Taft did not inspire confidence; even his own mother did not support his candidacy. Instead she publicly maintained that the White House would be a mistake for her sons career. Taft himself is said to have claimed that any party nominating him would make a great mistake. Once in office, Taft proved to be as incompetent he had predicted, and he managed to alienate an old friend and mentor, Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was so outraged at Tafts conservation policy, he decided to challenge his former friend when re-election time came. Although Roosevelt did not win, he managed to split the republican party sufficiently that Woodrow Wilson was elected. Taft was not surprised at his loss and accepted defeat graciously. ____ 7. Asia has many problems. Her first problem is the population explosion taking place on the continent. Can these extra millions be fed, housed, and clothed? The second problem is the need for industrialization. Factories require capital, engineers, and trained workers. Most Asian countries do not have these, so it will take a long time for them to industrialize. Lack of education is the third problem. A nation cannot make real progress unless its citizens are educated. Weak governments are a fourth problem. They create instability and discourage foreign investments. Above all, however, the greatest problem in the non-Communist lands of Asia is the threat of a Communist take-over. ____

EXERCISE 38 Read each of the following paragraphs and choose the word that best describes the dominant tone or mood. 1. Recently, several hundred psychiatrists met to debate whether or not homosexuality should be deleted from the standard list of mental illness. Even after hours of energetic, sometimes exited, discussion, members of the group remained polarized1 in their views. Whereas some insisted that homosexuality was absolutely not a mental illness, others insisted just as doggedly2 that homosexual tendencies indicated a neurotic disorder. Pale and tired after hours of wrangling, the departing members of the medical profession refused to discuss their meeting. In this paragraph, the evoked mood is A. Peaceful B. sympathetic D. apathetic C. Enjoyable

1 2

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2. Confucius was a great Chinese teacher. Unlike the Buddha, Confucius did not seek to escape from the world, but wanted instead to find a way for man to be happy on earth. He taught that human nature was good, not bad. To be more specific, if man would think and act properly, he believed, most evils would disappear. His teachings held that men should develop the virtues of kindliness, tolerance, and respect for older people and ancestors. In government, he believed the ruler was like the father in a family: he directed the government, but was responsible for the welfare of his people. Certainly, Confucius ranks as one of the great teachers of all time. In this paragraph, the authors tone is A. admiring B. sympathetic enthusiastic C. disapproving D.

3. Haiti is a small Caribbean country of astonishing beauty. But it is also a land of heartbreaking poverty. Unemployment plagues more than 50 percent of the population, and the annual income is pitifully low, less than $300 per year. It is no wonder, then, that many Haitians want to leave their island home. A large number want to escape to America, but unfortunately America does not welcome them. According to officials, economic devastation does not entitle Haitians to political asylum in the United states. As a result, many who enter this country illegally are returned to their homeland to face the consequences, Although no one is really sure what those consequences are, it is clear that the government of Haiti is not pleased with those who have tried to flee its shores, and those returned may face severe reprisals. If Haitian refugees are not allowed political asylum in this country, they will be returned to a life of misery and fear. In this paragraph, the authors tone is A. admiring B. sympathetic enthusiastic C. disapproving D.

4. One of the most extraordinary and absurd episodes in the history of numerological 3 pseudoscience concerns the work of a Berlin surgeon named Wilhelm Fliess. Fliess was obsessed by the numbers 23 and 28. He convinced himself and others that behind all living phenomena and perhaps inorganic nature as well there are two fundamental cycles: a male cycle of 23 days and a female cycle of 28 days. By working with multiples of those two numberssometimes adding, sometimes subtractinghe was able to impose his number patterns on virtually everything. The work made a considerable stir in Germany during the early years of this century. In this paragraph, the authors tone is A. admiring B. sympathetic enthusiastic C. disapproving D.

numerological: using the theory that personality can be determined by analyzing numbers. Critical Reading by Parlin Pardede (For EESP of UKI Use only)

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5. A trauma that elderly Americans must face deals with emotional isolation due to their seclusion from the rest of society, either in rest home or in retirement communities. A consistent pattern in American society involves placing the elderly in rest home when they are physically or emotionally ill or in retirement community when they are no longer a part of the work force. These communities consist exclusively of early residents. Unlike the elderly in many European and Third World countries, the American elderly are frequently not allowed to stay within the households of their children and grandchildren. By being segregated into communities of elderly, the old frequently has little contact with children and adults. The result is that the elderly in the United States are generally waiting to die. In this paragraph, the authors tone is A. admiring B. sympathetic C. disapproving D. enthusiastic

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