Tone and Meaning

What does tone refer to in a piece of writing?

• The symbolism in the text

• The writer's attitude toward a character or subject

• The meaning the writer is trying to convey

• The style of language the writer uses

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

How do we identify tone in a piece of writing?

• We study the plot, or story line.

• We work it out from the imagery, which might remind us of things we know.

• We look mainly at the descriptions of the characters' appearance.

• We look at the writer's word choice, use of imagery, and direct statements.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

I remember with great joy the times my family spent at the beach. We kids would play in the sand, swim in the water, and take long walks with our parents. We used to sit down to big meals together and play board games after dark. How we all loved our vacations there! It would be wonderful to go back in time and enjoy those days all over again. Choose the word or phrase that best describes the tone of the passage.

• Nostalgic

• Objective

• Persuasive

• Anxious

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The man knelt down and placed the roses carefully in the vase. He traced the name on the gravestone with his fingers. He had come here every Sunday since the funeral, and he remembered that day as if it were yesterday.The tears streamed down his face. He stayed there a long time, thinking about everything that had changed.Choose the word or phrase that best describes the tone of the passage.

• Suspenseful

• Hopeful

• Sad

• Instructional

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Example 1: Tim snatched up the bucket and stomped downstairs, where he flung the water onto the garden.Example 2: Tim picked up the bucket and went downstairs, where he emptied the water onto the garden.Example 3: Tim grabbed the bucket and hoofed it downstairs, where he splashed the water around the garden.Example 4: Tim slowly lifted the bucket and picked his way downstairs, where he carefully poured the water onto the garden. Choose the example that has an objective or neutral tone.

• Example 1

• Example 2

• Example 3

• Example 4

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4