Word Choice, Tone, and Mood
What is tone in a text?
(Answer: The author's attitude toward the subject.)
True or False: An author’s claim must always be an opinion.
(Answer: False; it can be based on factual evidence.)
What are two important things that should NOT be included in an objective summary?
-text evidence and personal opinions
What are the three most common purposes an author writes for?
(Answer: Persuade, Inform, Entertain - PIE.)
What is mood in a text?
(Answer: The feeling a reader gets from the text.)
What is an author's claim?
(Answer: The main argument or point the author is trying to prove.)
What is the purpose of an objective summary?
To concisely explain the main ideas of a text.
How do you know if a text is meant to persuade?
(Answer: It contains arguments, opinions, and calls to action.)
Which word phrase in this sentence contributes most to a eerie mood? The house was quiet, its broken windows like hollow eyes staring into the night.
hollow eyes staring into the night
What makes a good supporting detail?
(Answer: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples that support the claim.)
What is the first step in writing an objective summary?
Answer: Identifying the main idea of the text.
A news article explains the effects of deforestation on the environment. What is the author’s purpose?
Answer: to inform
Give an example of a strong word choice that creates a negative tone.
annoyed, depressing, impatient, etc...
What is missing from this argument? “Video games improve problem-solving skills.”
(Answer: A supporting detail like research or an example.)
Which of the following is the BEST objective summary of a passage about the effects of pollution?
a) Pollution is a huge problem, and people should be doing more to stop it.
b) Pollution affects air and water quality, harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change.
c) I think pollution is bad, and companies that pollute should be shut down.
b) Pollution affects air and water quality, harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change.
An author writes a novel about a young hero on a quest to save their kingdom. What is the author’s purpose?
Answer: to entertain
How tone the word “thundered” set in this sentence?
"The judge’s voice thundered through the courtroom, silencing the crowd."
a serious or intimidating tone
Which of these is a stronger supporting detail? Why?
a) "Many people agree that exercise is important."
b) "The CDC states that 150 minutes of exercise per week can improve heart health."
B - it is a statistic from a reputable source.
Which sentence should NOT be included in an objective summary? Why
a) "The article explains how recycling helps reduce waste."
b) "I think everyone should recycle more often."
B - it is an opinion
A commercial uses emotional language to convince people to donate to charity. What is the author’s purpose?
to persuade