Establishing a formal tone and setting through diction and syntax

Diction Precise word choice Showcases the writer’s originality; avoid clichés How things, people, and setting are described through precise word choice sets the tone and also calls the readers attention to what is important Examples to Practice: How could you describe these things using original ideas and unique word choice? – Snow, Sorrow,

Syntax How your sentences are structured You should have variety to pace your writing, and to create emphasis… – For example, a long sentence followed by a short sentence creates emphasis The wind swept through her thin, tattered shirt at she stood, hopeless, in the barren street. Then, it happened. Using different kinds of sentences and varied punctuation also enhance voice, tone, and effect in writing : Interrogative (?), Exclamatory (!), —dashes used for emphasis—rather than commas, multiple commas used to express worry or to create a sense of being overwhelmed

Practicing Diction and Syntax to Create a Formal Setting and Specific Moods For each painting, first write down the mood it conveys Imagine how this setting (in the painting) might be used to start a story/poem/drama Practice using concise, “telling” words and varied sentence structures to create a formal description of the setting – You may place a character(s) within this setting, but goal is to practice creating an original, formal setting using diction and syntax – You will have ten minutes for each picture. You will eventually have more time to add a plot and further characterization to your opening setting; but tomorrow, you will be sharing your created setting with the whole class! So, be prepared

Think of it this way… As the author, you have decided to start a story/poem/drama with a detailed look at the opening setting Use a third-person narrator to uniquely describe the opening scene You are setting the tone and the scene for your plot/poem through diction and syntax