What Distinguishes One Piece of Writing From the Next STYLE What Distinguishes One Piece of Writing From the Next

There Are Many Types of Style Clothing Style Music Style Hairstyle Performance style Artistic style

Style is…. Just like styles of clothing, hair, music, etc.,represent differences in the people who create them, different styles of writing feature aspects of the writer’s personality, background, preferences, strengths, and other defining elements.

How Do We Discuss Writing Style? And just like we can talk about these other types of style using specific language, such as rap that is broken down into old school, gangsta, hip-hop, etc., writing style can be discussed through a few key factors: Diction Syntax Tone Use of Figurative Language

Diction Diction is a writer’s choice of words. (think diction-ary) To note the importance of diction, consider the difference between the following sentences:

The bear growled as he approached our tent. VS. The beast’s vicious snarl thundered through our tent.

Syntax Syntax refers to the way that a writer arranges his/her words in a sentence. Note the differences in syntax in the following sentences:

I read my text book carefully because I knew that my teacher would test us on the material. Anticipating that my teacher would test us on the material, I read my text book carefully. I read my text book carefully, knowing that my teacher would test us on the material. Carefully I read my text book--I knew that my teacher would test us on the material. Etc., etc., etc………

Tone Tone refers to the writer’s attitude toward the reader and/or subject of writing Note the difference in tone in the following sentences:

The cuddly kitten nestled down on my lap the moment I sat down on the couch. That mangy furball flopped down on my lap before I could even sit down.

Figurative Language Figurative language refers to any word or phrase that describes one thing in terms of something else Examples= metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism

Examples of Figurative Language #1 His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like clothes in a dryer without Cling Free #2 The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't. #3 It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

How Could You Use Figurative Language to Describe the Picture Below? Metaphor? (comparing 2 things without using like/as) Simile? (comparing 2 things using like/as) Personification? (giving non-human objects human qualities) Symbolism? (where a person, place, thing, or event stands for something else)

Let’s Review….. What exactly is style in your own words? What are the key factors we can use to discuss style in writing? Why do you think we are talking about style today?

Looking Ahead… As we continue read the writing of different authors, we will use our knowledge gained to analyze their style. And as we continue to develop our own writing skills, we will use this knowledge to find our own style of writing.