lit didls

Diction

specific word choice, it’s important to be mindful our a word’s connotations, a writer’s “ingredients”

Details

our “little extras” that aren’t necessarily essential, but do contribute to a character’s development and/or the story as a whole.

Imagery

description that appeals to ANY of the 5 senses. Yes, it CAN BE visual, but it doesn’t have to be.

Language

– evaluate the formality (or lack thereof) of the language. How educated/formal does the speaker sound? Does the writer use figurative language or poetic devices such as simile, metaphor, etc.

Syntax

the organization/structure of the sentence/passage. Evaluate what types of sentences does the author use. Are there a series of short/choppy sentences? Does the author repeat the same word or phrase for emphasis?

Template Thesis

Source / Subject + modifier (adjective/descriptive word) + Device (noun – the thing that the source uses to accomplish his/her goal) + strong verb (illustrates, reveals, illuminates, etc., but NOT SHOWS) = effect/argument/impact claim.