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Word choice and usage
◦ Formal vs. informal

Determined through considering audience
and purpose
High or formal diction: Hawthorne
 Usually contains language that creates an elevated
tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and
contractions. It often contains polysyllabic words,
sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice.
Neutral diction: Hemingway
 Uses standard language and vocabulary without
elaborate words and may include contractions.
Informal or low diction: Twain
 The language of everyday use. It is relaxed and
conversational. It often includes common and simple
words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.
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Slang
Colloquial expressions
Jargon
Dialect
Idioms
Concrete Diction
Abstract Diction
Denotation
Connotation

The dictionary definition of a word

House: physical structure in which people live

The implied meaning of a word
◦ Home connotes safety, coziness, security
◦ House implies the dictionary definition of the
physical structure
Childlike
Low income
Plump
Childish
Poor
Fat
Immature
Destitute
Obese
Filled
Fragrance
Home
Plain
Packed
Odor
House
Homely
Jammed
Stench
Shack
Ugly

Bouncing into the room, she lit up the
vicinity with a joyous glow on her face as
she told about her fiancé and their wedding
plans.
What are the specific words that create the
feeling of the sentence? What words did the
author use to create the feeling of the
sentence?

Bouncing into the room, she lit up the
vicinity with a joyous glow on her face as
she told about her fiancé and their wedding
plans.
Bouncing – lit – joyous – glow – fiancé wedding
What kind of words are these?

Bouncing into the room, she lit up the vicinity with
a joyous glow on her face as she told about her
fiancé and their wedding plans.
____ diction contributes to the ____ tone.
Cheerful diction contributes to the
euphoric tone.
Or uplifting diction contributes to the joyful
tone.
 Remember………………………
What kind of words are there?
And how do they make you
feel?
And one last tip………..
Never, never, never, never, never say:
“the author uses diction”
do you mean – the author chooses words?
Well, duh!!!!!!
Always say:
the author uses ______(what kind of) diction
indignant? dark? euphoric?
Describe it!!!!!!