Cambridge AS Level English - DIDLS

Diction

An author’s choice of words in individual words and phrases. Includes denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (the cultural and emotional associations).

Imagery

An author’s use of sensory description using the 5 senses. It always serves a specific purpose like evoking emotions, and can reveal a lot about tone.

Detail

An author’s use of non-sensory information. It’s amount and specificity can vary.

Detail Rich: draws readers focus, overstimulating, confusing, or engaging.

Sparse: can convey a sense of numbness or dream-like state.

Specificity: Is the information vague or specific?

How is Diction, Imagery, and Detail different?

Diction: Analyze connotations as in, “[Word] brings to mind…”

Imagery: Analyze sensory experience and emotions (tone/mood).

Detail: Analyze implications as in, “[Detail] implies…”

Language

An author’s choice of words throughout a passage.

Language’s 4 Elements:

• Register/Level of Diction (Formal, Neutral, Informal)

• Concrete/Abstract (Is it specific and tangible or conceptual and generalized?)

• Monosyllabic/Polysyllabic.

• Community-specific (Slang, Colloquial, Jargon, Dialect)

Slang

Recently coined words often used informally.

Colloquial

Nonstandard, region expressions used informally in conversations.

Jargon

Words and expressions specific to a trade, profession, or pursuit. It’s formality depends on the community using it.

Dialect

Nonstandard language used by a distinct group of people such as ethnicity, nationality, or social/economic class.

Syntax

The author’s construction of sentences.

Sentence Length

Short sentences:
Abrupt, Intense, Confrontational. Cause a sudden stop in thinking.

Long Sentences:
Thoughtful and require reflection.

 

Three levels of reflection: Telegraphic, Medium, Involved.

Rhetorical Question

A question that is not supposed to be answered because it is obvious. It is supposed to be persuasive.

Asyndeton

No Conjunctions - speeds things up, suggesting emotional haste.

Polysyndeton

When the same phrase/key words is used multiple times.

Anaphora

Type of repetition where the same word or phrase is used at the beginning of two or more sentences/phrases. It is used to persuade the audience to identify with the speaker. Also suggests highly organized speech.

Periodic Sentence

A sentence that begins with subordinate clauses/phrases that ends with a forceful independent phrase.

Examples:
“Considering the attentiveness, friendliness and speed of service, this waiter will definitely be getting a good tip”.

“Spring, with new buds popping out, flowers blooming, and mild temperatures, is my favorite season”.

Parallel Structure

Using similar grammatical structures near each other. Similar to an Anaphora, but can be anywhere within a sentence (doesn't have to be the same word/phrase).

Allows the reader to compare the content and ideas and increases the reading pace.

Juxtaposition

Contrasting two ideas placed near each other for emphasis. Can be combined with parallel structures and has many effects (irony, theme, tone).