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Worksheets

Tone, Diction, Connotation

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 17mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What does tone do for a story?

a)

It emphasizes the reader's feelings towards the topic/subject of a story.

b)

It emphasizes the author's feelings towards the topic/ subject of a story.

c)

It does nothing

d)

It emphasizes the theme of a story.

2.

What is Connotation?

a)

The cultural & emotional meaning of a word

b)

The dictionary definition of a word

3.

What is the tone of the passage below?


We have come together this afternoon to mourn the deaths of sixteen miners—our friends and neighbors—who were trapped by fire yesterday, deep below the earth. They lived bravely and they died too soon, leaving behind grieving wives and bewildered children. We bid them a final farewell.

a)

forgiving

b)

sorrowful

c)

angry

4.

Select ALL of the words below that have a negative connotation.

a)

Childish

b)

Young

c)

Immature

d)

Youthful

5.

Select ALL of the words below that have a positive connotation.

a)

Relaxed

b)

Lackadaisical

c)

Easygoing

d)

Chill

e)

Lazy

6.

What is the tone of the passage below?


Each year in the middle of February, when slush is underfoot and the sky is a depressing gray, I begin dreaming of warm beaches, tropical fruits and sunsets. If only I could save enough for a winter vacation! Maybe next year I’ll win the lottery. Meanwhile, I’ll read travel brochures and sigh.

a)

Unsure

b)

Joyous

c)

Longing

7.

Select ALL that apply: How can we identify tone?

a)

By looking at the description of the setting

b)

By looking at the plot line of the story

c)

By looking at the author's word choice

d)

By looking at the author's Diction

8.

How do words like grim, sorrow, & melancholy affect the tone of a story?

a)

Creates a courageous and inspirational tone

b)

Creates a formal and no nonsense tone

c)

Creates a fun and lighthearted tone

d)

Creates a depressing and gloomy tone

9.

How do words like playful, whimsical, & joyful affect the tone of a story?

a)

Creates a fun and lighthearted tone

b)

Creates a courageous and inspirational tone

c)

Creates a formal and no nonsense tone

d)

Creates a depressing and gloomy tone

10.

The literary term "diction" refers to

a)

the dictionary definition of a word

b)

the way we speak

c)

an author's choice of words

11.

Which term refers to the feelings that a word evokes - positive, negative, or neutral?

a)

denotation

b)

connotation

c)

shades of meaning

12.

Which word carries a more positive connotation?


We saw ________ fauna and flora on our walk through the forest.

a)

weird

b)

strange

c)

interesting

13.

Which word carries a more negative connotation?


The fresh paw prints - that our guide identified as belonging to a black bear - ___________me.

a)

scared

b)

frightened

c)

unsettled

14.
"We have some important news for you Mr. President.  We have discovered a terrorist plot against the United States" said the CIA agent.  The President closed the book, set it on the desk, and leaned forward, his eyes fixed straight ahead.  "Tell me everything you know." 
What is the tone of the dialogue?
a)
Informal
b)
Happy
c)
Serious
d)
Optimistic
15.
Just when I thought things could  not get more ridiculous, Rebecca's little terrier, all dressed up in its knitted blue winter outfit, poked its head out of the pink polka dot doggy tote!  The outfit was an odd sweater-and-hood combination.  Perhaps Rebecca thought it flattered Fluffy's eyes.  Fluffy looked around blankly, as if to ask what was so amusing.
What word would you use to describe the tone of this passage?
a)
Bitter
b)
Respectful 
c)
Objective
d)
Humorous 
16.

2. Which phrase has a negative connotation?

a)

Squandered his time

b)

Invested his time

17.

1. Which phrase has a positive connotation?

a)

A strong reek

b)

A strong aroma

18.

6. Referring to someone's house as a "shack" would have a __________ connotation.

a)

positive

b)

negative

19.

Diction is...

a)

Using figurative language and details to set the tone

b)

Using sentence structure and punctuation to set the tone

c)

Using specific words to set the tone

d)

Using a dictionary to look up a word

20.

What is the mood of the following passage: "She stared out the window watching as the rain dripped slowly from the eaves wondering when life would begin."

a)

Melancholy, sad

b)

Angry, hopeless

c)

Happy, joyful

d)

Mysterious, suspenseful