1. Complete part one of the handout
Understanding tone

2. Discuss part 1 What is the author’s tone? How do you know their tone?
Why is the author’s tone important to this article?
Why is author’s tone important to journalism specifically? Consider the types of news stories people report on.

3. Vocabulary
Tone: The definition of “tone” is the way the author expresses his attitude through his writing. The tone can change very quickly, or may remain the same throughout the story. Tone is expressed by your use of syntax, your point of view, your diction, and the level of formality in your writing.

4. Vocabulary
Diction: the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

5. Vocabulary
Connotation: an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Mixed-breed versus mutt
Waste versus trash

6. Vocabulary
Denotation: the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests (dictionary definition)

7. Card sort
Organize the words into three different piles based on the questions:
Which words belong together based on their tone?
What article topic might use those words and tone?
Copy the words down onto you handout.

8. Card sort reflection
What would happen if I used the words that create a more casual and fun tone to describe a funeral or civil rights protest?
Why might I use serious language to describe something funny or use fun, happy language to describe something serious?

9. Part 3: Tone identification
Independently, respond to the questions on your handout. This is due to the inbox at the end of the period. If you need additional time, you may submit this first thing tomorrow.