1. Reading Descriptively

2. Figurative Language
Authors use figurative language to engage the reader with the text
Figurative language is language that is not meant to be taken literally
Example:
“That test was a piece of cake.”
“It’s as easy as stealing candy from a baby.”

3. Comparisons
Authors sometimes make creative comparisons called metaphors or similes
By comparing two objects, ideas, or people, the author is inviting the reader to engage with the text.

4. Metaphors
Definition: A direct comparison between two very different things that are still similar in one very important way.
A metaphor is a very strong comparison, because the author is saying the two things are equal – X is Y.

5. Metaphors
Examples:
“Books are the mirrors of the soul.” (Virginia Woolf)
What two things are being compared?
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” (Victor Hugo)

6. Similes
Definition: an indirect comparison of two things using like or as to link the two things
Similes are gentler comparisons because the author is saying that something is similar to, not equal to, the other thing

7. Similes
Examples:
“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” (Cicero)
What two things are being compared?
“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open.” (Frank Zappa)

8. Authors use diction to convey tone to their audiences
Language in Writing
Authors use diction to convey tone to their audiences

9. Diction Definition: the author’s word choice
The author’s diction establishes the tone of the piece.
Diction can tell you how the author feels about the subject
Nibble vs. gobble
Sip vs. gulp
Shout vs. scream vs. bellow
Peer vs. stare

10. Tone
Definition: the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter and his or her readers.
the style, manner, or ‘feel’ of a piece, whether it is formal or informal, serious or humorous, sympathetic or sarcastic, positive or negative
When writing about tone, you must discuss the author’s diction.

11. Mood Definition: How the piece makes you feel as the reader.
Mood is subjective, so not every reader will read a piece the same way.
The author uses diction and tone to convey mood.