Diction & Tone Practice

Front

Diction

Back

Word choice.

Front

Theme is . . .

Back

The author's message as revealed through the text.

Front

Tone is . . .

Back

The speaker's attitude toward the subject.

Front

Which of the following does NOT reveal tone? Theme, Diction & syntax, Imagery, Figurative language

Back

Theme

Front

What effect does the word "pirouetted" have on the imagery in the sentence: "The autumn leaves pirouetted gracefully to the ground, a final farewell before winter’s cold embrace?"

Back

It suggests an elegant and delicate motion.

Answer explanation

The word "pirouetted" is associated with ballet and graceful movement, making the leaves seem delicate and artistic as they fall.

Front

What does the author's diction suggest about the house in the sentence: "The decrepit house loomed over the narrow street, its broken windows gaping like empty eyes."?

Back

It is old and eerie.

Answer explanation

Words like "decrepit," "loomed," and "gaping" suggest decay and an eerie, unsettling presence.

Front

How does the diction in the second sentence differ from the first?

1. "The child was crying loudly in the grocery store."
2. "The toddler wailed and shrieked, her tiny fists pounding against the cold tile floor."

Back

It is more vivid and expressive.

Answer explanation

Words like "wailed," "shrieked," and "pounding" create a more intense, emotional image compared to the neutral description in the first sentence.

Front

Read the following sentence: "The frigid wind sliced through his coat, needling into his skin with icy precision." What effect does the diction have in this sentence?

Back

It emphasizes the sharp, painful quality of the cold.

Answer explanation

Words like "sliced" and "needling" convey a sharp, almost painful experience, making the cold feel harsh and biting.

Front

Read the following sentences: 1. "The waves moved back and forth on the shore." 2. "The restless waves crashed furiously against the jagged rocks, churning the foamy surf." How does the diction in the second sentence differ from the first?

Back

It is more dramatic and intense.

Answer explanation

The second sentence uses stronger, more descriptive words like "restless," "crashed," and "churning" to create a sense of energy and motion.

Front

What effect does the word 'trudged' have on the sentence: "He trudged through the ankle-deep mud, his breath coming in ragged gasps as the storm howled above."?

Back

It conveys exhaustion and difficulty.

Answer explanation

The word trudged implies slow, heavy movement, suggesting that the character is struggling or tired.