Writing a concise comparison of writers' attitudes | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which is the best definition of the term 'a writer's attitudes'?

• the font and formatting choices made in a written work

• the emotional tone and viewpoint expressed by a writer about a topic

• the overall structure of a text with specific reference to paragraph lengths

• the writer's powerful use of language

Answer explanation

Other synonyms for attitudes are: perspective, point of view, stance and angle.

What do we mean when we talk about a writer's methods?

• ideas, emotions and feelings generated by the writing

• social, historical and cultural context

• literary devices, grammatical choices and structural choices

Answer explanation

Methods refers to all the linguistic, grammatical and structural choices a writer makes. The important thing to remember is that you understand that the writer's intention determines his/her choices.

Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right.

• compare

• a sentence that presents an overarching point of view

• concise

• a formal written work that presents a thesis and argument

• essay

• using as few words as possible to give information

• thesis statement

• to examine similarities and differences between two or more things

Answer explanation

Being concise ensures that you choose and write about only the key pieces of information.

What do we call a question used to make a point but which does not require an answer??

Answer explanation

Rhetorical questions are often deployed by writers to show awareness of their readers and generate surprise or shock.

Match the techniques on the left with the examples on the right.

• rule of three

• The blood-red roses unleashed a honeyed fragrance.

• active verbs

• The thunder roared and lightning danced.

• vivid adjectives

• Face down all the challenges in your life.

• imperative

• Laugh, love, live - the secret to a happy life.

Answer explanation

Writers sometimes state their opinions clearly, but more often, they convey them through their choice of language.

What could you infer about the writer's attitude from the following sentence? I listened carefully to my friend's story and then quickly made a comment on the weather.

• The writer is interested in what his friend has to say and listens carefully

• The writer is not interested in what his friends is saying

• The writer wants to be polite, but he doesn't want to hear any more

• The writer is worried that they might be late for the cinema

Answer explanation

When thinking about a writer's attitudes, looking for ones that are more hidden and also where a writer may hold contradictory views.