ENGLISH
DICTION
The words the writer chooses to convey a particular meaning
1. Look for specific words or phrases that look stronger than others (diction is never
the entire sentence)
2. Identify similarities to the chosen word; what do these words imply?
3. Does the word have negative or positive connotations
Commenting On Diction
1. Discuss the connotation of the word or phrase
2. Comment on the emotional response: what is the tone? Mood?
3. Comment on the purpose of the type of diction the author uses: what is the
significance? What does it show us about certain characters/focus points?
What does it show about the author? What does it show about the setting?
Q = Is The Choice Of Diction Appropriate?
1. Is the word formal, informal or slang
2. Is the word appropriate for the context in which it is being used
3. Is the word appropriate for the given audience
Q = Explain The Effect Of The Writer's Diction
1. Consider accuracy
2. Consider effect
3. Consider atmosphere
4. Consider tone
DENOTATION
The literal, dictionary definition of the word
1
,CONNOTATION
Implied or suggested meaning attached to the word, or the “emotional tag” that goes
along with a word
TONE
● The attitude of the narrator towards the topic
● Informal or formal
● Objective or subjective
Purpose Of Tone
● Tone helps you better relate to your audience’s emotions, needs, wants, and
interests
● Tone can build a connection between reader and writer (or reader and brand) by
eliciting an emotional response from the reader
● Using tone in communication will directly influence your reader’s reaction
● To inform: to give information about a subject. Authors with this purpose wish to
provide facts that will explain or teach something to readers.
● To entertain: to amuse and delight; to appeal to the reader’s senses and
imagination. Authors with this purpose set out to captivate or interest the
audience.
● To persuade: to convince the reader to agree with the author’s point of view on a
subject. Authors with this purpose may give facts, but their main goal is to argue
or prove a point to readers.
IMAGERY
Describes things for a reader so that they can get an accurate sense of what the writer is
trying to represent
2
, ● Olfactory imagery - smell; description of smells and odours
● Tactile imagery - touch; describes how things feel to the touch
● Visual imagery - sight; describes how things appear
● Auditory imagery - sound; describes how things sound to an audience
● Gustatory imagery - taste; describes how things taste
Tone and mood must be discussed when asked on imagery
1. Read the passage to see if there is something recognisable to the senses
2. Identify the examples using sensory imagery
3. Ask yourself what this imagery is representing
4. Explain using T.E.E.L
T.E.E.L
● Technique: the technique used in the example
● Example: the example
● Effect: your explanation of the effect of this technique and how it develops
meaning
● Link: an explanation of how this example supports your argument
WRITERS INTENTION
The meaning or interpretation of the passage that the author had in mind when he or
she was creating it. It also includes the meaning the writer is trying to convey.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
ALLEGORY
A story with double-meaning: one primary (surface) and one secondary
ANALOGY
3
DICTION
The words the writer chooses to convey a particular meaning
1. Look for specific words or phrases that look stronger than others (diction is never
the entire sentence)
2. Identify similarities to the chosen word; what do these words imply?
3. Does the word have negative or positive connotations
Commenting On Diction
1. Discuss the connotation of the word or phrase
2. Comment on the emotional response: what is the tone? Mood?
3. Comment on the purpose of the type of diction the author uses: what is the
significance? What does it show us about certain characters/focus points?
What does it show about the author? What does it show about the setting?
Q = Is The Choice Of Diction Appropriate?
1. Is the word formal, informal or slang
2. Is the word appropriate for the context in which it is being used
3. Is the word appropriate for the given audience
Q = Explain The Effect Of The Writer's Diction
1. Consider accuracy
2. Consider effect
3. Consider atmosphere
4. Consider tone
DENOTATION
The literal, dictionary definition of the word
1
,CONNOTATION
Implied or suggested meaning attached to the word, or the “emotional tag” that goes
along with a word
TONE
● The attitude of the narrator towards the topic
● Informal or formal
● Objective or subjective
Purpose Of Tone
● Tone helps you better relate to your audience’s emotions, needs, wants, and
interests
● Tone can build a connection between reader and writer (or reader and brand) by
eliciting an emotional response from the reader
● Using tone in communication will directly influence your reader’s reaction
● To inform: to give information about a subject. Authors with this purpose wish to
provide facts that will explain or teach something to readers.
● To entertain: to amuse and delight; to appeal to the reader’s senses and
imagination. Authors with this purpose set out to captivate or interest the
audience.
● To persuade: to convince the reader to agree with the author’s point of view on a
subject. Authors with this purpose may give facts, but their main goal is to argue
or prove a point to readers.
IMAGERY
Describes things for a reader so that they can get an accurate sense of what the writer is
trying to represent
2
, ● Olfactory imagery - smell; description of smells and odours
● Tactile imagery - touch; describes how things feel to the touch
● Visual imagery - sight; describes how things appear
● Auditory imagery - sound; describes how things sound to an audience
● Gustatory imagery - taste; describes how things taste
Tone and mood must be discussed when asked on imagery
1. Read the passage to see if there is something recognisable to the senses
2. Identify the examples using sensory imagery
3. Ask yourself what this imagery is representing
4. Explain using T.E.E.L
T.E.E.L
● Technique: the technique used in the example
● Example: the example
● Effect: your explanation of the effect of this technique and how it develops
meaning
● Link: an explanation of how this example supports your argument
WRITERS INTENTION
The meaning or interpretation of the passage that the author had in mind when he or
she was creating it. It also includes the meaning the writer is trying to convey.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
ALLEGORY
A story with double-meaning: one primary (surface) and one secondary
ANALOGY
3
