diction test

what is diction

the type of words the author uses in a text

what specific things can we look for in diction

• pov - “i” or “we”

• any proverbs used

• specificity of the words

• can talk about what word the author didn’t use and why they chose the substitute

denotative diction

denotation - definition of the word

the literal meaning of the word

connotative diction

what the word implies

what is tone

he attitude that a character or narrator or author takes towards a given subject.

shows us what the narrator thinks of the subject.

words for tone

• Optimistic

• Cynical

• Sarcastic

• Melancholic

• Humorous

• Serious

• Sympathetic

• Nostalgic

• Ironic

• Authoritative

• Passionate

• Detached

• hostile

• victimized

words for diction

• Formal – Refined

• Colloquial – Conversational

• Simple – Plain

• Ornate – Elaborate

• Abstract – Theoretical

• Concrete – Specific

• Verbose – Wordy

• Succinct – Concise

• Archaic – Antiquated

• Technical – Specialized

• Poetic – Lyrical

• Jargon-filled – Specialized

figurative language

departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a special effect or meaning using “figures of speech.” This is an extremely broad term, encompassing almost all literary terms, such as imagery, metaphor, etc. e.g.

literary element

building blocks of literature