Syntax and Diction The Quick and Dirty…

Diction = Word Choice Determines level of formality Shapes reader’s perceptions Reflects the writer’s vision Steers reader’s thoughts

Specific Effects… What’s the difference between… A torn coat A tattered coat? Diction matters.

Occasion: Dress the words for the part. Formal: –Scholarly work –Elevated word choice –Where do you see formal writing?

Occasion continued… Informal diction: –More casual –Everyday types of occasions –Newspaper editorials (opinion pages), fiction

Occasion continued… Colloquial Diction –Slang, dialects –OBVIOUS vernacular –When is it OK to use colloquial diction?

Old Fashioned Outdated language “Come hither, young man!” Who says “hither” anymore?

Connotative vs. Denotative Connotative = Suggested meaning Example: “That skateboard trick was really cool!” Cold or awesome? Denotative = Exact meaning Example: “That skateboard trick was really awesome!” Awesome or awesome?

Concrete or Abstract Concrete Specific Appeals to the 5 senses Freedom and democracy are essential to the United States of America. Abstract General or conceptual Really big intangible ideas or concepts Freedom and democracy are essential to the United States of America.

Euphonious and Cacophonous Euphonious Pleasant sounding The gentle warmth of his voice lulled the child to sleep. Cacophonous Harsh sounding The screeching child could not be contained.

Monosyllabic and Polysyllabic Mono = ONE One syllable Soup, trash, food Poly = many Many syllables Soupy, garbage, sandwich pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism

Syntax = Sentence Structure Look for: –Sentence length –Sentence focus –Punctuation

Length Short? Long? What effect does that have? Think about PURPOSE…

Focus When do you get the important information? At the beginning of the sentence? (loose sentence) Safety is a problem in schools that have metal detectors. At the end of the sentence? (periodic sentence) If schools have metal detectors, they often have safety problems.

Punk –tuation? Declarative – makes a statement – ends with a period. Imperative – gives a command – ends with a period. Interrogative – asks question, ends with ? Exclamatory – shows strong feeling- ends with ! (Exclamation marks are highly overused thanks to /texting!!!!!!!!!!!)

Apply it – Due Friday Diction and Syntax Scavenger Hunt YOU MUST USE A NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE!! Anything printed from the Internet is unacceptable! You will need to cut (with SCISSORS) and paste (as in GLUE). Please paste onto ONE sheet of colored paper

Sources Dean, Nancy. Voice Lessons: Classroom Activities to Teach Diction, Detail, Imagery, Syntax and Tone. Gainesville, FL: Maupin House, Print.