Diction
What are the two types of word meaning?
Denotative and connotative
What is tone?
The writer's attitude or feeling toward a subject
What is syntax?
The arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence
Name one negative tone word
essimistic, brash, cynical, condescending, accusatory, flippant, derisive, scornful, critical, contemptuous
What are the three levels of diction on the formal end of the spectrum?
Ceremonial, Formal, and Informal
What is denotative meaning?
The literal dictionary definition of a word
How is tone conveyed?
Through word choice and writing style
What punctuation mark would you use to announce that more information or an example is coming?
A colon ( : )
Name one positive tone word
upbeat, optimistic, vibrant, witty, playful, whimsical, passionate, complimentary, exuberant, reverent
What is pathos and why is it not enough to just say "the author uses pathos"?
Pathos is an appeal to emotion, students must name the specific emotion being created, not just the broad category
What is connotative meaning?
The emotional associations or feelings tied to a word beyond its definition
How do readers identify tone?
They infer it from the connotations of the writer's word choices
What is the difference between coordination and subordination?
Coordination shows two equal ideas, subordination shows one idea is dependent on the other
Name one neutral tone word
sincere, straightforward, candid, informative, ambivalent, forthright, earnest, restrained
What is the cause-and-effect relationship in rhetorical analysis?
Cause: the rhetorical choices the writer makes
Effect: the meaning, tone, and appeal those choices create
What is an example of a word with strong negative connotations?
words that feel negative even if their literal meaning is neutral. cunning, cheap, stubborn
If a writer describes a storm as "furious" and "merciless," what kind of tone are they creating?
A negative, intense, or ominous tone
What does a semicolon signal about two ideas in a sentence?
That the two ideas are balanced, parallel, or in contrast with each other
Would you use "earnest" to describe a positive, negative, or neutral tone?
Neutral. It means sincere and serious, without strong positive or negative feeling
A student writes "the author uses diction to convey their message." What is wrong with this?
It's too vague
What is the difference between the words "slender" and "scrawny"?
They have same denotation, different connotation.
What is wrong with writing "the author USES tone"?
Tone is not a choice, more it is the result of choices. You must name the specific tone used throughout.
What is the difference between a short sentence and a long sentence in terms of effect?
Short sentences feel punchy, direct, and emphatic; long sentences feel slower, more complex, and exploratory
What tone word would you use to describe a writer who finds humor and lightness in their subject?
Whimsical or playful
If a writer wants to sound formal and serious, what are two syntax choices they could make?
Use longer, complex sentences with subordination. Use semicolons to balance ideas. Avoid contractions and slang.