Name
Date
from Longitude by Dava Sobel
Literary Analysis: Expository Essay: Diction and Tone
An expository essay is a brief nonfiction work that informs, defines, explains, or discusses
a particular topic. Diction, or the author’s word choice, may be technical, scholarly, or
informal. The author’s diction helps set a tone for the piece. The tone reflects the author’s
attitude toward his or her subject.
A. DIRECTIONS: On the lines below, list three facts about astronomy or navigation. Then list the
idea, action, or event that each fact explains.
Fact:
Explains:
Fact:
Explains:
Fact:
Explains:
B. DIRECTIONS: Fill in the chart below to show examples of Sobel’s diction. Then describe the
tone and how the diction helps set the tone.
Technical/Scientific
Formal
Tone:
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Informal