Language Choice
How does an author's choice of words affect the tone of a text?
An author's choice of words affects the tone by creating a certain mood; for example, using formal language can create a serious tone.
What is tone in a text?
Tone is the author’s _____ toward _____
The authors attitude toward the subject
What is a claim?
A claim is a statement that ______.
A statement the reader (or writer) is trying to prove.
What is evidence?
Proof from the text that supports claim
What does it mean to infer an author's purpose?
Inferring an author's purpose means figuring out why the author wrote the text (to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.).
What is the impact of using figurative language in nonfiction writing?
The impact of using figurative language in nonfiction writing is that it can make complex ideas more relatable and engaging for readers.
Identify the tone, “The abandoned house eerily groans in the wind…”
(e.g...cheerful, upset, formal, bitter, anxious)
Creepy/Ominous
Which statement has a strong claim?
“In my opinion, the story is kind of confusing.”
“The author used descriptive imagery to show the character’s loneliness.”
#2
Which statement is the best piece of evidence?
“The author wants the reader to care and understand mental health.”
“The author wants the reader to care and we can see this when the author says, “________” because…”
Formula: Claim -> Evidence -> Because
#2
Formula: Claim -> Evidence -> Because
How can an author's viewpoint shape the way a nonfiction text is written?
An author's viewpoint can shape the way a nonfiction text is presented, influencing the tone and the information highlighted.
Why is it important to analyze language choices when reading nonfiction?
Analyzing language choices is important because it helps to understand the author's intent and the effectiveness of their arguments.
How is tone different from mood?
Tone is the authors attitude and the mood is the readers feelings
Which statement is a strong claim?
“The author effectively teaches readers about the dangers of fast fashion.”
“The story makes me sad because I feel hopeless.”
#1
True or False: - A summary of the text can count as evidence
False
Give an example of how an author's purpose can influence the tone of a text.
An example of how an author's purpose can influence the tone of a text is when...
- an author aims to persuade, using a more passionate or urgent tone.
- an author aims to inspire, using grounding and uplifting language.
- an author aims to inform, using factually based and formal language
How can an author's language choices alter the tone of the text?
An author's language choices can alter the tone of a text by emphasizing certain aspects of the subject at hand or evoking emotional responses from the reader.
Identify the tone and mood, "this checkout line goes on for days, I have other things I need to do, come on people!"
Tone = irritated/annoyed
Mood = antsy/rushed
Which is a strong claim?
1. "The author used language that made me feel lost."
2. "The author used formal language that disconnects the reader from the subject at hand."
#2
Bonus, double or nothing:
How could we revise the first sentence to make it into a strong claim?
True or False -
A summary alone demonstrates analysis of a text.
False
How can understanding the author's purpose help in evaluating the text's arguments?
Understanding the author's purpose helps in evaluating the text's arguments by revealing any biases or intentions behind the information presented.