Tone Basics
What is tone in literature?
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.
What tone is suggested by words like “delicate,” “gentle,” “softly”?
Calm or tender.
Give one example of a positive tone word
Examples: cheerful, warm, confident, playful, admiring.
What should you look for FIRST when identifying tone?
Strong or emotional word choices.
What can you change in your writing to shift the tone?
Word choice/diction.
What part of a text most directly reveals tone?
Word choice (diction).
A narrator uses “slammed,” “snapped,” and “stormed.” What tone is this?
Angry or aggressive.
Give one example of a negative tone word.
Examples: bitter, irritated, gloomy, angry, disappointed.
Which element can drastically change tone: punctuation or paragraph length?
Punctuation (exclamation points vs. periods, etc.).
What tone is appropriate for academic writing?
Formal, objective, or serious tone.
Is tone created by the narrator, the characters, or the reader?
The narrator/author.
If a narrator exaggerates to be funny, the tone is likely what?
Humorous or playful.
Give one example of a neutral tone word.
objective, factual, measured, calm, formal
What tone does repetition of negative words create?
A critical or negative tone.
Write one word that could create a suspenseful tone.
Examples: trembling, shadowy, creeping, silent, lurking.
Which is not tone: angry, joyful, mystery?
Mystery (that’s a genre or mood).
A story using dry, biting remarks likely has what tone?
Sarcastic.
What tone word describes writing that is funny or light-hearted?
Humorous or whimsical.
When analyzing tone, why is it important to consider context?
Because tone can shift based on the situation or topic.
What tone is created by overly emotional or exaggerated language?
Dramatic or sentimental tone.
What is the difference between tone and mood?
Tone is the writer’s attitude; mood is the reader’s feeling.
When an author sounds detached and factual, what tone is that?
Objective or neutral.
What tone word describes writing that feels respectful and serious?
Reverent or solemn.
Identify the tone:
“The sky groaned with thunder as she slammed the door behind her.”
Stormy, tense, angry, or dramatic tone.
Identify the tone shift:
“At first I thought the day would be amazing—until everything went wrong.”
Shift from optimistic → disappointed/frustrated.