Style Diction Tone Mood

Multiple Choice

A writer's careful selection of words

• Tone

• Diction

• Syntax

• Voice

Multiple Choice

The manner in which a writer puts a sentence together (ex: length, order of words, sentence complexity)

• Tone

• Diction

• Connotation

• Syntax

Multiple Choice

A writer's attitude toward the subject being discussed

• Tone

• Denotation

• Syntax

• Diction

Multiple Choice

Which tone word below best describes the following sentence?

In early spring, the flowers will persevere through the icy winter soil.

• Manipulative

• Friendly

• Encouraging

• Surprised

Multiple Choice

Decide what the tone of the following sentence is:

The apple cider spilled to the kitchen floor, leaving a thick, sticky mess.

• Postive

• Negative.

What is Diction?

Definition: Diction refers to an author’s word choice and how it impacts meaning or tone.

Example:

• “She sprinted to the door.” vs. “She tiptoed to the door.”

• What’s the difference? One suggests urgency, while the other suggests caution.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of "diction?"

• how writing makes you feel

• word choice and it's impact on tone

• a comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as"

• using the five senses in writing

Multiple Choice

Which sentence has a more formal diction?

• “The politician responded with a well-crafted statement.”

• “The guy gave an answer that sounded kinda smart.”

Multiple Choice

How could you describe the author’s diction in this excerpt?

It was then that he saw the dark mist and heard the sound of the wave coming. He rushed back inside, shouting, “Run for your lives. Follow me straight to the hill.”

• single-minded

• simple

• elegant

• elevated

• Look at sentence length and structure:

  • Short, choppy sentences = urgency or tension.

  • Long, flowing sentences = reflection or description.

• Unusual word order can change emphasis (e.g., “Into the room she walked” instead of “She walked into the room”).

• Ask: How does the structure affect the message or tone?

Syntax Clues:

• Look for specific word choices that stand out (formal vs. informal, positive vs. negative, etc.).

• Ask: Why did the author choose this word instead of another?

Diction Clues:

How to Identify Diction & Syntax in a Text/Poem

Multiple Select

What can help you identify an authors syntac and diction in writing? (pick 2)

• Reviewing the author's biography and background.
• Analyzing sentence structure and word choice.
• Considering the authors reason or purpse of writing the text

Multiple Choice

Which text has a formal and hesitant tone due to its syntax and diction?

• "I can't wait to come see you!"

• "I am unsure about meeting you..."

Multiple Choice

"We have some important news for you Mr. President.  We have discovered a terrorist plot against the United States" said the CIA agent.  The President closed the book, set it on the desk, and leaned forward, his eyes fixed straight ahead.  "Tell me everything you know." 

What is the tone of the dialogue?

• Informal
• Happy
• Serious
• Optimistic

Multiple Choice

In the sentence "The storm raged on, relentless and unforgiving," which word choice most contributes to the intense mood?

• Raged

• Unforgiving

• Storm

• Relentless

Multiple Choice

Language that is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions; often contains polysyllabic words and sophisticated syntax; used in professional meetings, speeches, academic writings, and so forth.

• formal

• informal

• slang

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to the feelings that a word evokes - positive, negative, or neutral?

• denotation

• connotation

• shades of meaning

Multiple Choice

Which word carries a more negative connotation?

The fresh paw prints - that our guide identified as belonging to a black bear - ___________me.

• scared

• frightened

• unsettled

Multiple Choice

Which word carries a more positive connotation?

We saw ________ fauna and flora on our walk through the forest.

• weird

• strange

• interesting

Multiple Choice

How does an author's choice of diction and syntax influence the tone and mood of a text?

• Diction and syntax have no effect on tone and mood.

• Diction and syntax only affect the meaning, not the tone or mood.

• Diction and syntax can shape the tone and mood by affecting how ideas are expressed.

• Diction and syntax are only important in poetry.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of using diction to create a formal tone?

• She thought the novel was trash and put it back where she found it.

• She was dissastified with the novel, and placed it back onto the shelf.

Multiple Choice

No sooner had she said it than there he was, "Mister Irresistible" himself.  Throwing big, cheesy winks at everyone in the room, walking with a swagger like a cartoon baseball player.  He slithered his way over to their side of the room.
What word would you use to describe the tone of this passage?

• Enthusiastic 
• Serious
• Mocking
• Sorrowful 

Multiple Choice

What is an idiom?

• a literal phrase with a clear meaning.

• a phrase with a meaning different than its literal meaning

• a type of grammatical rule in language.

• a word that has multiple definitions.

Match

Match the term with its definition:

• Word Choice and Phrases

• Sentence Structure and the way words are put together in a sentence

• Specialized Vocabulary

• Informal Language

• an author or speaker’s attitude toward a subject

Diction

Syntax

Technical Language

Slang

Tone

• Diction

• Syntax

• Technical Language

• Slang

• Tone

Multiple Choice

What tone does the use of diction and syntax create in this passage?

(1) Most people would probably say they love their grandmother’s cooking. (2) But Sunday dinners with Maria’s grandmother had always been a challenge. (3) It wasn’t Abuela Alma’s fault; she simply cooked with too much love. (4) Her father, who grew up with such love, had learned to adjust. (5) His cheeks merely grew rosier when he ate. (6) Her mother suffered the most. (7) She needed to take frequent breaks to calm her racing heartbeat and sweating brow. (8) Maria had learned to eat very slowly, especially after the incident where two quick bites of her grandmother’s delicious tamales caused flames to shoot from her nostrils, setting the tablecloth on fire.

• fearful

• hopeful

• neutral

• hopeful

Multiple Choice

Irene and I got used to staying in the house by ourselves, which was crazy, eight people could have lived in that place and not have gotten in each other’s way. We rose at seven in the morning and got the cleaning done, and about eleven I left Irene to finish off whatever rooms and went to the kitchen.

Which of the following best describes the syntax of this passage?

• short and specific

• short and complex

• long and vague

• long and rambling

Multiple Choice

Which word best describes the tone created by the diction and syntax?

“Did you have time to bring anything?” I asked hopelessly.
“No, nothing.”
We had what we had on. I remembered fifteen thousand pesos in the wardrobe in my bedroom. Too late now.

• furious

• resigned

• Excited

• confused

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between TONE and MOOD?

• TONE is the setting; MOOD is the character's perspective.
• TONE is the author's attitude; MOOD is the emotional atmosphere for the reader.
• TONE is the theme of the story; MOOD is the narrative structure.
• TONE is the plot's progression; MOOD is the author's style.