Voice and Tone

​Writing

By Elizabeth Rauscher

The written word is more than just a superior tool; it is a fundamental part of what makes us human. Writing is how we share knowledge, communicate ideas, set down history, and express emotions.

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​Writing

You might not be aware of all the writing you do. You might even think that you dont' like writing. But the fact is you write all the time - whether you're responding to a text or a post, making a to-do list, or completing an assignment - and you probably would have a hard time imaging life without writing.

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​Writing

As we talk about writing, we will consider something we may have taken for granted: the power of being able to find our voice, express our thoughts, and make ourselves understood.
We all have many voices, and as we discuss writing, we will explore your voice and new ways of expressing yourself.

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​Writing

When we read texts, we imagine how characters or speakers might sound - we "hear" their voices. But it's not just our imagination at work. Writers listen to the voice in their heads as they write, and it's almost as though we can heard that voice when we read their work.

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​Voice and Tone

This is how written communication works and what makes it so amazing - it's a chance to get inside someone else's head.

This is your voice - who you are, how you think, and how you talk.

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​Voice and Tone

You can improve your writing by making sure that the voice your readers hear is your own. School assignments often require formal writing, but that doesn't mean you need to leave your personality behind. A formal tone doesn't have to be dull or lifeless; it should still sound like you.

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​Voice and Tone

The key thing to remember is that you can share your voice in a variety of ways. When we read, we pick up on specific language choices that help reveal the tone, meaning the author's attitude toward a subject. Identifying the tone you are aiming for will help you make language choices that support that tone.

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​Voice and Tone

Writers may incorportate language choices that adopt different tones throughout their writing, shifting how they express their attitude toward the subject. This flexibility is key to being an effective writer.

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​Voice and Tone

Sample tone words:

amused
angry
bitter
cheerful
derisive
flippant
malicious
mocking

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​Voice and Tone

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of derisive?

• Showing admiration or praise.
• Indifferent or neutral response.
• Expressing joy or happiness.
• Expressing contempt or ridicule.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of dispassionate?

• Overly emotional and biased
• Indifferent to all situations
• Eager to take sides in conflicts
• Not influenced by strong emotions; impartial.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of flippant?

• Showing excessive seriousness or formality.
• Being overly respectful and polite.
• Demonstrating deep understanding and gravity.
• Lacking proper respect or seriousness; frivolously disrespectful.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of malicious?

• Intending or intended to do harm.

• Focused on personal gain.
• Neutral and without intent.

• Intending to help others.

Open Ended

Someone cuts in front of you in line at the grocery store. Respond in a distinct serious, formal tone.

Open Ended

Someone cuts in front of you in line at the grocery store. Respond in a celebratory tone.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

"The rain pounded against the windows like angry fists, and the wind howled through the trees with a vengeance that made Sarah's blood run cold."

What tone does the author create in this passage?

• Peaceful and calm

• Dark and ominous

• Cheerful and upbeat

• Nostalgic and wistful

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

"Well, congratulations! You've managed to turn a simple task into a complete disaster. I'm sure everyone is just thrilled with the results."

What tone does the author create in this passage?

• Genuinely congratulatory

• Encouraging and supportive

• Sarcastic and critical

• Neutral and informative

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

"The golden sunset painted the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over the peaceful meadow where children laughed and played."

What tone does the author create in this passage?

• Melancholy and sad

• Tense and suspenseful

• Warm and idyllic

• Angry and frustrated

Multiple Choice

You're writing a letter to convince your principal to allow a school dance. Which tone would be most effective?

• Demanding and aggressive

• Casual and indifferent

• Sarcastic and mocking

• Respectful and persuasive

Multiple Choice

For a science report about climate change, which tone would be most appropriate?

• Humorous and lighthearted

• Emotional and dramatic

• Objective and informative

• Angry and accusatory

Multiple Choice

Which sentence demonstrates a more formal voice?

• "The experiment totally failed because we messed up the measurements."

• "The experiment yielded unsuccessful results due to measurement errors."

•  "We really screwed up that science thing. I'm about to crash out."

• "That lab was a complete disaster, no cap."

Multiple Choice

Which passage shows a confident voice?

• "I think maybe this might be the right answer, but I'm not really sure."

•  "I guess this could work, though I doubt anyone will like it."

•  "This solution addresses the problem effectively and provides clear results."

• "Perhaps this approach might possibly be somewhat helpful."

Multiple Choice

Read this passage:

"After careful consideration of all available evidence, I must respectfully disagree with the proposed solution. While I understand the reasoning behind it, I believe alternative approaches would yield better results."

This passage demonstrates:

• Informal voice with angry tone

• Formal voice with respectful tone

• Casual voice with sarcastic tone

• Academic voice with dismissive tone

Multiple Choice

A student writes: "Shakespeare's plays are boring and hard to understand. Why do we even have to read this old stuff anyway?"

To improve this for an English essay, the student should change to:

• More informal voice, more positive tone

• Same voice, more negative tone

•  More formal voice, more analytical tone

• More casual voice, more respectful tone