15. Suppose the following sentence appears in the sports section of the newspaper:
Lorton's experienced linemen performed well in handing Jefferson High's Eagles a
crushing defeat.
What word in the sentence is most clearly a loaded word?
A. Experienced
B. Handing
C. Defeat
D. Crushing
crushing
In order to identify the loaded word in the sentence, we need to understand what a loaded word is. A loaded word is a term or phrase that carries a strong emotional or connotative meaning, often used to manipulate or influence readers or listeners. It is important to note that identifying a loaded word can be subjective, as it depends on the individual's interpretation and perspective.
To determine the loaded word in the given sentence, we can analyze each option:
A. "Experienced" is a descriptive word that suggests the linemen have a lot of knowledge and skill. While it may be seen as positive, it does not carry a strong emotional or connotative meaning, making it less likely to be the loaded word.
B. "Handing" is a verb that indicates the linemen's action of delivering the defeat. While it could be argued that it implies a certain level of aggression, it does not have a strongly emotional or manipulative connotation.
C. "Defeat" is a noun that represents the negative outcome for the Eagles. Although it has a negative meaning, it is a neutral term commonly used in sports reporting, making it less likely to be the loaded word.
D. "Crushing" is an adjective that intensifies the defeat, implying that it was severe and overwhelming. This word has a stronger emotional connotation, evoking a specific feeling of great devastation or humiliation. Therefore, "crushing" is the most clearly a loaded word in the sentence.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. "Crushing".