Name: ___________________________________________________ Period: _____________ Date: ___________________ Assign. #: _____ Diction Detective
Group Members: ______________________________________________________
Book Title: ____________________________________________________
Reading Assignment: Chapters: _____ Pages: ______ to ______
You are the Diction Detective. Your job is to carefully examine the diction (word choice) in the
assigned reading. Search for words, phrases, and passages that are especially descriptive,
powerful, funny, thought-provoking, surprising, repeated often, or even confusing. Complete the
graphic organizer below on the selected words, phrases, or passages. During the discussion, you
can read the words, phrases, or passages yourself; ask someone to read them; or have people
read them silently before sharing your thoughts on it.
Note: When discussing vocabulary, you should always refer back to the text in order to examine the word in
context.
Word/Phrase/Passage
Page: _____
Paragraph: _____
Page: _____
Paragraph: _____
Definition/Explanation
of meaning
Reason for selecting this
word, phrase, or passage
Hint: Look up the
definition or use your
own knowledge to
explain its meaning
(At least one complete
sentence)
Why did the author select
this word or phrase? What
is the author trying to say?
How does the diction help
the author achieve his/her
purpose?
(At least two complete
sentences)
Name: ___________________________________________________ Period: _____________ Date: ___________________ Assign. #: _____ Word/Phrase/Passage
Definition/Explanation Reason for selecting this
Why did the author select
of meaning
word, phrase, or passage
this word or phrase?
What is the author trying
Hint: Look up the
(At least one complete
to say? How does the
definition or use your
sentence)
diction help the author
own knowledge to
achieve his or her
explain its meaning
purpose?
(At least two complete
sentences)
Page: _____
Paragraph: _____
Page: _____
Paragraph: _____