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Varying diction and dialects

Authored by Angela Lock

English

8th Grade

Varying diction and dialects
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15 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which of the following sentences uses Standard English?

She ain't going to the party.

They was happy to see us.

He doesn't have any homework.

We seen that movie already.

Answer explanation

This sentence follows standard grammar rules for subject-verb agreement and negation. The other options use non-standard forms like 'ain't,' 'was' with a plural subject, and 'seen' instead of 'saw'.

2.

CATEGORIZE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Sort these words based on their typical use: Everyday Language or Academic Language.

Groups:

(a) Everyday Language

,

(b) Academic Language

use

examine

look at

consequently

utilize

so

Answer explanation

Words like 'utilize,' 'consequently,' and 'examine' are more formal and typically used in academic writing, while 'use,' 'so,' and 'look at' are common in everyday conversation.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

A character in a story says, 'I reckon we should head home before dark.' The word 'reckon' is most characteristic of which regional dialect?

Northeastern American

Southern American

West Coast American

British English

Answer explanation

The word 'reckon,' meaning 'to think' or 'to suppose,' is a well-known feature of Southern American English. The other dialects do not commonly use this term.

4.

MATCH QUESTION

1 min • 1 pt

Match each non-standard phrase to its Standard English equivalent.

Where are you?

She don't know nothin'.

She doesn't know anything.

I'm fixin' to go.

You all need to relax.

Where you at?

I am getting ready to go.

Y'all need to chill.

Answer explanation

This exercise matches common non-standard or dialectal phrases with their grammatically correct Standard English translations, demonstrating the application of standard grammar rules.

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

If your friend says, 'That new video game is fire,' what type of diction are they using?

Academic language

Formal English

Teen slang

A regional dialect

Answer explanation

'Fire' is a colloquial term, or slang, used by younger people to mean something is excellent or amazing. It is not formal, academic, or specific to a geographical region.

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which sentence correctly avoids the double negative found in 'I can't find my keys nowhere'?

I can't find my keys anywhere.

I can find my keys nowhere.

I can't find my keys nowhere at all.

I ain't found my keys nowhere.

Answer explanation

Standard English avoids double negatives. The negative 'can't' should be paired with 'anywhere.' Using 'nowhere' with 'can't' creates a double negative, which is non-standard.

7.

CATEGORIZE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Sort the following requests into two categories: Formal Diction or Informal Diction.

Groups:

(a) Formal Diction

,

(b) Informal Diction

Could you please pass the pen?

Gimme that pen.

Would you be so kind as to assist me?

Help me out, will ya?

Answer explanation

Formal diction uses polite, complete sentences ('Could you please...'), while informal diction uses colloquialisms and contractions ('Gimme,' 'will ya?') and is more direct.

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