Voice and Diction

Diction is...

• Using figurative language and details to set the tone

• Using sentence structure and punctuation to set the tone

• Using specific words to set the tone

• Using a dictionary to look up a word

A writer's careful selection of words

• Tone

• Diction

• Syntax

• Voice

A writer's attitude toward the subject being discussed

• Tone

• Denotation

• Syntax

• Diction

Identify the DICTION in the following sentence:

My brother argued with me and slammed the door.

• positive

• negative

Voice

• figurative language in which non-human things or abstractions are represented as having human qualities

• an author’s unique articulation or expression of language created by stylistic elements such as syntax, diction, and figurative language

• the atmosphere or feeling created by the writer in a literary work or passage

• figurative language in which non-human things or abstractions are represented as having human qualities

Which of the following best describes a formal tone?

• Casual language and slang.

• Personal anecdotes and humor.

• Complex sentence structures and sophisticated vocabulary.

• Short, simple sentences.

Identifying tone through diction involves understanding which of the following?

• The grammatical structure of sentences.

• The historical context of the text.

• The emotional impact of words.

• The length of the text.

A writer's careful selection of words:

• diction

• voice

• syntax

• tone

What is voice in writing?

• The emotional atmosphere or feeling created by the author's use of language

• The attitude or emotional stance of the author towards the subject matter or audience

• The author's unique style, personality, and character expressed through their writing

• The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

What is informal diction?

• casual, everyday language, usually with short words

• fancy or formal language, usually with long sentences

• fancy or formal language, but really short sentences.

• casual, everyday language, usually with long sentences.