Describing Tone

What is the "tone" of a story?

• The feeling the passage evokes from the reader
• The author, narrator, or speaker's attitude toward a subject
• The time and place of the story
• The summary of events in the story

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The bird is dancing happily in a tree. He flits from branch to branch, bouncing on each one while humming a cheerful tune.

• Joyful

• Dreamy

• Confused

• sweet

Which words from the last question tell you that the tone was joyful?

• cheerful, bouncing

• branch to branch

• in a tree

• bouncing, tune

John jogged off the field and high-fived his teammates. He felt like he was floating even when he got home, thrilled about his victory.

What's the tone?

• triumphant

• depressing

• determined

• suspenseful

Which words from the last question tell you that the tone was triumphant?

• jogged off the field

• thrilled about his victory

• even when he got home

Lana couldn't sit still. She paced the room, and every few minutes she ran to the window to check for the mailman. When he finally showed up, she raced down the path and stretched out her hand for the mail. She took a deep breath. Her hands shaking, she ripped open the envelope.

What's the tone?

• humorous

• persuasive

• nervous

• cheerful

Which words from the last question tell you that the tone was nervous?

• she ran to the window

• her hands shaking

• she ripped open the envelope

Sometimes you feel unworthy, but you are very smart and capable. You can do anything you set your mind to. You just need to believe in yourself.

What is the tone?

• Hesitant

• Encouraging

• Amused

• Depressed

Which words from the last question tell you that the tone was encouraging?

• set your mind to

• you feel unworthy

• believe in yourself

Each year in the middle of February, when slush is underfoot and the sky is a depressing gray, I begin dreaming of warm beaches, tropical fruits and sunsets. If only I could save enough for a winter vacation! Maybe next year I’ll win the lottery.

What is the tone?

• Unsure

• Joyous

• Wishful

• Angry