DIDLS
The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
What is diction?
An author's attitude toward his/her audience and characters.
What is tone?
The main point an author is making about a topic; the author’s primary message.
What is central idea?
"Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice the flames coming from the O’Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8. A problem with the alarm box made it impossible for the people in the area to call for the fire department. By 9:30 pm, the entire block was blazing. In another 3 hours, there were fires all over Chicago. The heavy wind coming from the lake only made the fire bigger. It would be another day before the fire would be completely out. By that time, 17,500 buildings had been burned."
What is chronological?
The use of vivid descriptions and figurative language that appeal to the senses and establish tone.
What is imagery?
The meaning associated with a word that differs from its literal definition.
What is connotation?
The author’s position on a topic or issue, which is based on knowledge, experience, and evidence.
What is a claim?
"Rising global temperatures have caused significant changes in weather patterns around the world. As ocean and atmospheric temperatures increase, storms become more intense, producing heavier rainfall and stronger winds. These extreme weather events often lead to flooding, property damage, and loss of life in affected areas. Additionally, prolonged heat waves and droughts reduce crop yields, threatening food security in vulnerable regions. The combination of these effects demonstrates how a single environmental change can trigger a chain reaction with widespread consequences."
What is cause and effect?
The use of literary devices and other added information to establish tone.
What is details?
The element of DIDLS used to establish tone in this sentence:
“Locals avoid the crumbling gates, unsettled by the eerie silence that presses against the air like a warning.”
What is diction?
The author's reason for or intent in writing. It could be to entertain the reader, to persuade the reader, or to inform the reader.
What is author's purpose?
"Solar and wind energy are two popular sources of renewable power, but they differ in how they generate electricity and in their environmental impact. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, making them most effective in sunny regions, while wind turbines rely on moving air to produce energy, which is more consistent in open plains or coastal areas. Both energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, unlike fossil fuels, making them environmentally friendly. However, solar panels require large surface areas and can be less efficient on cloudy days, whereas wind turbines can affect local wildlife and create noise pollution. By examining their strengths and limitations, it becomes clear that each energy source is suited to different conditions and needs."
What is compare and contrast?
If you use description and dialogue to determine that the tone of an article is formal, you are accessing this element of DIDLS.
What is language?
The element of DIDLS used to establish tone in this sentence:
“As I walked the perimeter with local farmers, their boots stirred thin clouds of dust that hung in the air like a reminder of all that had been lost.”
What is imagery?
The central idea of this passage:
"Spending time in nature has been shown to improve both mental and physical health. Studies suggest that even short walks in a park can reduce stress levels, boost mood, and increase focus. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and the immune system. Furthermore, being outdoors encourages physical activity, which strengthens the heart and muscles. By simply stepping outside for a few minutes each day, people can experience significant benefits for their overall well-being."
What is "spending time in nature has been shown to improve both mental and physical health?"
"Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental problems in the modern world. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter oceans each year, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. To address this issue, governments and organizations are promoting recycling programs, encouraging the use of biodegradable materials, and implementing bans on single-use plastics. Public awareness campaigns also teach communities about reducing plastic consumption and properly disposing of waste. By combining policy, innovation, and education, society can significantly reduce the harmful effects of plastic pollution."
What is problem and solution?
This element of DIDLS establishes tone by examining sentence structure, or how words are placed within a sentence.
What is syntax?
This article excerpt uses this element of DIDLS to establish tone:
"People have overcome poverty, drug addiction, incarceration, abuse, divorce, mental illness, victimization, and virtually every challenge known to man. Life is full of examples of the uneducated, the mentally and physically challenged, people born into war-torn impoverished backgrounds, who could have complained about life being unfair, but who instead chose a different path — they chose to overcome the odds and to leave the world better than they found it."
What is syntax?
The central idea of this passage:
"Ecosystems constantly adapt to shifting environmental conditions. In wetlands, water levels fluctuate seasonally, forcing plants and animals to adjust or perish. Species that survive often develop highly specialized traits, allowing them to thrive in habitats that would have been inhospitable in the past. These adaptations demonstrate the resilience of life and the capacity of organisms to respond to challenges over time. The ongoing balance between change and survival shapes the diversity of the natural world."
What is "Adaption is necessary in nature?"
"The Great Barrier Reef stretches across more than 1,400 miles of the Coral Sea, forming the largest coral reef system on Earth. Vibrant coral formations of red, orange, and purple provide shelter for thousands of marine species, from delicate seahorses to majestic manta rays. Sunlight filters through the clear, turquoise water, creating shimmering patterns on the sandy ocean floor. Schools of fish move in synchronized patterns, while gentle currents sway the waving fronds of seaweed and anemones. The reef’s breathtaking beauty is matched by its ecological importance, serving as a habitat, a protective barrier, and a crucial part of the ocean’s delicate balance."
What is descriptive?