Diction/Syntax
The definition of diction is:
an author's choice of words
The definition of syntax is
how an author arranges words/sentence structure
the definition of author's purpose is
the reason why an author writes
This is the definition of a central idea.
What the text is mostly about.
This is the definition of a text feature.
What is any words or information that is provided in addition to the written text?
Give an example of syntax.
Punctuation, sentence length, repetition, etc.
Punctuation is part of syntax. List at least five types of punctuation or other features that are syntax.
What are commas, parentheses, dashes, colons, semicolons, bullet points, rhetorical questions, periods, ellipses, exclamation marks, and question marks?
1. Which is least likely to be the purpose of an informational text?
2. Which is most likely to be the purpose of a speech?
1. to entertain
2. to persuade
True or False and why: Texts only have one central idea.
False--you will be expected to identify multiple central ideas and explain how the author develops them.
What is the most helpful text feature when trying to determine central idea?
title
Give an example of diction with a positive connotation and diction with a negative connotation.
In addition to punctuation, syntax includes looking at:
sentence length, repetition of words and phrases, rhythms or patterns and where these are broken, parallel structure
To inform, an author might include these types of supporting details.
facts, statistics, quotes from experts, or an explanation of a process
This type of detail is commonly used as support in an informational text. It may include data.
What is a fact or statistic?
This type of text structure uses key words like dates, first, next, and then.
What is chronological/sequential?
Author's use words to convey their _______, which means their attitude or feelings on the subject.
What is tone?
"Cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises) in general are highly intelligent and sensitive." What part of this sentence is relevant to syntax, and how is it being used?
The author is using parentheses to give definitions of the jargon in the text so we can better understand it.
An author may use a short story to support their purpose.
EXAMPLE: Senior Brittany Greve also praises single-gender schools. “I feel like if I weren’t in this school, I never would have tried it at all,” she told the Monitor. “Now I am venturing into the STEM fields, and I love every minute of it.”
WHAT TYPE OF EVIDENCE IS THIS?
anecdotal evidence
The author may develop his/her central idea by including relevant anecdotes. This is the definition of an anecdote.
What is a short story about a person's life that illustrates their point?
Why do authors use text features? Give 2 reasons.
1. To emphasize important information in the text.
2. To provide additional information that supports their point.
Explain the difference between formal and informal diction.
"We have some important news for you Mr. President. We have discovered a terrorist plot against the United States" said the CIA agent. The President closed the book, set it on the desk, and leaned forward, his eyes fixed straight ahead. "Tell me everything you know." WHAT IS THE TONE OF THIS DIALOGUE?
What is serious?
These are other words you may see that mean an author is persuading.
What is challenge, argue, and convince?
These are the 3 best places to look to help you figure out the central ideas of a text.
What is the title, first paragraphs, and last paragraphs?
Use the following signal words/phrases to determine the appropriate text structure: due to, therefore, which led to, as a result.