TONE DEPT
The line "The sun smiled down on the children as they skipped to school" carries this cheerful literary vibe-but don't confuse it with the author's attitude.
What is mood?
Identify the error: "Her ideas were brilliant, she had no trouble expressing them."
What is a comma splice?
If you're breaking down a process, offering factual information, and not arguing anything, you're probably writing in this mode.
What is expository writing?
"The wind howled through the night" is an example of this device-no, the wind didn't actually turn into a wolf.
What is personification?
The sentence "According to Dr. Lee, climate change will displace millions by 2050" is an example of this argumentative tool.
What is citing credible evidence?
If an author writes about a tragedy using playful, almost mocking language, this literary device is being used-and no, it's not sarcasm.
What is irony?
This type of sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, but don't confuse it with its more complex cousin.
What is a complex sentence?
This type of writing tells a story and may include characters, conflict, and dialogue. Spoiler: it's not an argumentative essay in disguise.
What is narrative writing?
Identify the metaphor: "Her voice was a dagger, sharp and unexpected." What effect does it create?
What is a comparison between voice and dagger? (Creates a sense of danger, aggression, or pain.)
In an argument essay, this follows your thesis and previews your main points-don't forget it.
What is a roadmap or preview statement?
A line reads: "She whispered the truth like it was a sin."
Name both the tone and mood, and explain how diction cues both.
What are a hushed or guilty tone and a tense mood? (Tone comes from "whispered"; mood from "like it was a sin.")
Combine these two ideas into one sentence using parallel structure: "She likes dancing. She likes to sing. She enjoys painting."
What is: "She likes dancing, singing, and painting"?
You're trying to sway your reader to believe your claim, backed by evidence and counterclaims. This isn't a rant-it's this type of writing.
What is argumentative writing?
The color green in The Great Gatsby doesn't just mean
"go." What kind of figurative meaning is this?
What is symbolism?
Name the three essential parts of a body paragraph in an argumentative essay.
What are topic sentence, evidence, and commentary?
Describe the tonal shift in this passage: "He was my best friend. Then he wasn't." Why does it hit harder than just saying
"He betrayed me"?
What is a shift from nostalgic to bitter; the short, abrupt second sentence enhances emotional impact through sentence structure.
This sentence structure error sounds like something's missing—and that's because it is: "While driving through the storm."
What is a sentence fragment?
Give one technique unique to narrative writing and explain why it doesn't typically appear in argumentative writing.
What is dialogue or internal monologue? (Used to develop character/emotion-not meant to persuade logically.)
device relies on exaggeration, not lies. For instance:
"I've told you a million times!"
What is hyperbole?
Explain the difference between counterclaim and rebuttal.
What is a counterclaim being the opposing argument, and the rebuttal being your response to weaken or refute it?
Rewrite a bland sentence into one with a sardonic tone.
Then explain your word choices.
(Student-generated) Must use biting or mocking language with dry humor, e.g., "Oh, another pop quiz? What a delightful surprise."
Revise this passive sentence to active voice and explain the effect: "The book was thrown across the room by the student."
What is: "The student threw the book across the room"? (Active voice is clearer, more direct.)
Rewrite this statement to suit an argumentative tone:
"School lunch is gross." Include a claim and one supporting point.
Example: "School lunches fail to meet nutritional standards, making them unappealing and unhealthy." (Answers may vary!!!)
A character who appears simple but reflects deeper themes in the story is this literary type. (No, it's not just a "flat character.")
What is a symbolic or archetypal character?
What is a counterclaim being the opposing argument, and the rebuttal being your response to weaken or refute it?
What is concession and rebuttal?