Diction and Syntax

What is the definition of "diction?"

• how writing makes you feel

• word choice and it's impact on tone

• a comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as"

• using the five senses in writing

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

What is formal diction?

• long sentences, with very descriptive and precise writing.

• short sentences, with general ideas.

• casual writing that has a happy tone.

• writing that has a serious tone.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

Why is diction important?

• because the word choice that a poem uses impacts how we read something or how we understand it.

• because formal word choice makes everything sound more important.

• because informal language is not appropriate for school.

• because Mrs. Kuntz said so (don't pick this one, PLEASE).

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.4

What is syntax?

• Dictionary definition of a word

• Arrangements of word in a sentence

• Tax on sin

• Translation of a foreign language

Tags

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.RI.7.4

Tone can best be described as :

• author's opinion

• author's mood

• author's attitude

• author's life

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

Mood can best be described as:

• Author's attitude

• Feelings and emotions of a text

• Author's opinion

• Author's audience

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

How could you describe the author’s diction in this excerpt?

The way he primps and preens and dresses like the pits of fashion

Our poorest citizens, our farmers, live ration to ration

• passionate-carrying strong feelings or beliefs

• simple- clear, short, and easy

• euphemistic- polite substitute for a less polite word; sometimes insincere

• ambiguous- open to interpretation; lacking obvious meaning

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.4

What can the reader infer from this excerpt?

On the afternoon of April 14, 1935, Irene Thompson looked up with wide eyes and saw a huge black cloud covering the sky and racing towards her. It wasn’t a thunderstorm or smoke — it was dust.

• Irene was excited at the sight of the cloud.

• Irene couldn’t tell what the cloud was.

• Irene thought she could outrun the cloud.

• Irene was scared at the sight of the cloud.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

How could you describe the author’s diction in this excerpt?

It was then that he saw the dark mist and heard the sound of the wave coming. He rushed back inside, shouting, “Run for your lives. Follow me straight to the hill.”

• single-minded

• simple

• elegant

• elevated

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.4