Lecture/Practice: Tone

Lecture Overview

How do word choice, comparisons, and the arrangement of words convey a writer's attitudes toward readers and the chosen subject? In this lecture/practice activity, we will discuss the different techniques writers use to convey tone. We will explore specific diction and syntax choices that help writers communicate their points. 

Intro Activity

We will primarily be using this passage in this lecture; pre-read the passage and discuss with your table groups: What is the author's opinion of the American Dream?

Lecture

Follow along with/review the lecture slide deck HERE. After the lecture, complete the practice assignment below.

Part 1: Shades of Tone

Use this Ultimate Tone Words List to complete the Shades of Tone activity in your groups. If you were not present in class for the lecture, see me to complete Part 1.

Part 2: Reflections

Complete Questions 1 & 2 in this quiz on your own after the group activity.

Learning Intention

We are learning how the rhetorical situation informs the strategic stylistic choices that writers make. (STL-1)

Success Criteria

We will know we have learned this when we can...

• explain how word choice, comparisons, and syntax contribute to the specific tone or style of a text (Reading 7.A)
• Strategically use words, comparisons, and syntax to convey a specific tone or style in an argument. (Writing 8.A)