ELA 8 1.11 - Tone, Mood, Connotation Quiz

What is the denotation of a word?

• The emotional feeling attached to it

• Its literal dictionary meaning

• The author’s attitude

• The mood it creates

Answer explanation

The denotation of a word refers to its literal dictionary meaning, distinguishing it from connotation, which involves emotional associations. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Its literal dictionary meaning'.

What is the connotation of a word?

• Its literal dictionary meaning

• The implied or emotional associations

• A figure of speech

• The structure of a sentence

Answer explanation

The connotation of a word refers to the implied or emotional associations it carries beyond its literal meaning. This distinguishes it from the dictionary definition, making the correct choice the implied or emotional associations.

What is diction in literature?

• The way a story is structured

• The choice of words used by the writer

• The emotional atmosphere

• The use of figurative language only

Answer explanation

Diction refers to the choice of words used by the writer. It shapes the tone and style of the text, making it a crucial element in conveying meaning and emotion.

Why does diction matter in writing?

• It changes the literal meaning

• It shapes tone, mood, and reader response

• It makes the sentences longer

• It avoids grammar mistakes

Answer explanation

Diction is crucial in writing because it shapes tone, mood, and reader response. The choice of words influences how the audience perceives the message, making it essential for effective communication.

Which sentence has a negative connotation?

• He lives in a cottage by the lake.

• He lives in a shack by the lake.

• He lives in a house by the lake.

• He lives in a home by the lake.

Answer explanation

The sentence "He lives in a shack by the lake" has a negative connotation because the word "shack" implies a run-down or poor-quality dwelling, unlike "cottage," "house," or "home," which have more positive associations.

Which word has a more positive connotation?

• Childlike

• Childish

• Immature

• Foolish

Answer explanation

The word 'childlike' has a positive connotation, suggesting innocence and wonder, while 'childish' implies immaturity. 'Immature' and 'foolish' also carry negative meanings, making 'childlike' the most positive choice.

Choose the best example of diction creating tone:

• “She marched into the room, slamming the door behind her.”

• “She entered the room.”

• “She went into the room.”

• “She came into the room.”

Answer explanation

The phrase 'She marched into the room, slamming the door behind her' uses strong verbs and imagery, creating a tone of anger or defiance. In contrast, the other options are neutral and lack emotional weight.

What is the difference between tone and mood?

• Tone is the author’s attitude; mood is the reader’s feeling

• Tone is the reader’s feeling; mood is the author’s choice

• Tone is diction; mood is imagery

• There is no difference

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that tone reflects the author's attitude towards the subject, while mood describes the emotional response elicited in the reader. This distinction is crucial for understanding literary analysis.

The corridor stretched into darkness, the flickering light bulbs buzzing like trapped flies as shadows clung to the walls.

What is the mood created by this passage?

• Joyful

• Peaceful

• Creepy/ominous

• Excited

Answer explanation

The passage describes a dark corridor with flickering lights and shadows, creating a sense of unease. The imagery evokes a creepy and ominous mood, making 'Creepy/ominous' the correct choice.

Which diction word has the strongest negative connotation?

• House

• Silent

• Abandoned

• Night

Answer explanation

The word 'abandoned' carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting neglect and desolation. In contrast, 'house', 'silent', and 'night' do not inherently imply negativity, making 'abandoned' the most negatively charged term.