Tone in Literature

Types of Tone

Understanding Dictation

Identifying Tone and Dictation

Tone vs. Mood

200

This is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience in a piece of writing.

What is tone?

200

A tone that conveys a sense of seriousness and importance.

What is serious or formal?

200

This refers to the specific choice of words and style used by the author.

What is diction?

200

The sentence “The rain poured down relentlessly, each drop felt like a punishment” most likely conveys a tone of…

What is bleak or hopeless?

200

This refers to the emotional atmosphere of a story, such as happiness, sadness, or fear.

What is mood?

400

Tone can be expressed through this, which includes word choice, sentence structure, and imagery.

What is diction?

400

A tone that shows anger or frustration is often described as this.

What is angry or bitter?

400

A formal or technical type of diction might be used in this type of writing.

What is academic or scientific writing?

400

If a character says, “Well, that’s just perfect,” after a disaster, what is the likely tone?

What is sarcastic?

400

This element of a text is more related to how the author feels about the subject.

What is tone?

600

A writer’s tone may shift depending on this element of a story, often reflecting the emotional weight of a scene.

What is the setting?

600

A tone that creates an uplifting, light-hearted, or cheerful mood.

What is optimistic?

600

This type of diction might include slang or informal language.

What is colloquial diction?



600

“It was a bright, sunny day, with birds chirping happily in the trees.” This diction creates a tone of…

What is cheerful or happy?

600

The mood of a suspenseful scene is often described as…

What is tense or anxious?

800

The tone of a letter can be formal, casual, or friendly. What type of tone is used when writing a business letter?

What is formal?

800

A tone that is often sarcastic or mocking.

What is sardonic?

800

The diction of a story can help establish this aspect of the text.

What is the tone?

800

The phrase “He stood tall, proud, with the world at his feet” suggests a tone of…

What is confident or triumphant?

800

The tone of a love letter is most likely…

What is affectionate or romantic?

1000

The tone of a novel is often impacted by the relationship between these two elements.

What are character and conflict?

1000

: A tone that is overly dramatic and exaggerated, often used in literature and plays.

What is melodramatic?

1000

Writers may use this type of diction to reflect a character’s background, education, or social class.

What is sociolect?

1000

The words were delivered softly, with a gentle sway in the speaker’s voice” suggests diction that creates a tone of…

What is soothing or calm?

1000

A dark, eerie setting in a horror story might lead to this type of mood.

What is fear or dread?