Tone

Tone

The student is expected to analyze how the author's use of language contributes to the mood, voice, and tone. 8.9(F)

Tone = the writer's attitude (or feelings) that they express in their writing.

Tono = la actitud (o los sentimientos) del escritor que se expresa en su escritura.

Poll

Which sentence sounds more serious?

• I need to speak to you outside.

  
  

  Necesito hablar contigo afuera.

• Hey, can I speak to you outside real quick?

  
  

  Oye, ¿puedo hablar contigo afuera rapidito?

"I need to speak to you outside." has a more serious tone because the word choice is slightly more urgent.

The writer is saying "I need to" instead of asking if you can.

Authors (writers) choose their words with purpose.

Los autores (los escritores) eligen sus palabras con propósito.

When we look for the author's tone, it helps to look for words or phrases with negative or positive connotations.

Multiple Choice

Select the text where the author's tone is negative:

• The movie was amazing! I was laughing so hard I cried!

• You can only watch infantile humor for so long before you want to punch yourself in the face.

Open Ended

Change the tone of this sentence:

The movie was amazing! I was laughing so hard!

Multiple Choice

Select the text where the author's tone is negative:

• My little brother is so stubborn. He never shuts up.

• My little brother is very determined. He never gives up.

Multiple Choice

Select the text where the author's tone is positive:

• Why is that weirdo calling me again after all this time?

• I’m so excited that he called! I’ve been hoping to hear from him.

Multiple Choice

Select the text where the author's tone is negative:

• My little brother is so stubborn. He never shuts up.

• My little brother is very determined. He never gives up.

Multiple Choice

Select the text where the author's tone is positive:

• I get to hang out with all my friends at school!

• School is dull and unexciting.

Open Ended

Change the tone of this sentence:

School is dull and unexciting.

Multiple Choice

The tranquil waters of the lake reflected the soft moonlight like glass.

Select the tone of the text:

• peaceful

• anxious

Multiple Choice

The glassy water reflected the sinister moonlight. The long shadows of trees reached ominously across the lake.

Select the tone of the text:

• threatening

• playful

Multiple Choice

I stepped into the blinding stage light. My heart was racing and I felt nauseous.

Select the tone of the text:

• peaceful

• anxious

Multiple Choice

I stepped in front of the exhilarating stage lights. My heart leapt with excitement as I heard the enlivening sound of applause.

Select the tone of the text:

• ominous

• enthusiastic