describing an author’s tone. tone the author’s attitude toward the topic – words – details...

Describing an Author’s Tone

Tone

• The author’s attitude toward the topic

– Words

– Details

Will express the writer’s attitude

ToneA writer can take two different perspectives about a subject:•Objective– impartial– matter-of-fact– reasonable explanations

•Subjective– feelings– judgments– personal experiences– biased– emotional

ToneSome Commonly Used Tone Words

absurd silly, ridiculous

comic humorous, funny

cynical scornful, bitter

righteous moral, guiltless

tragic disastrous, calamitous

loving compassionate, affectionate

pathetic pitiful, useless, wretched

earnest intense, a sincere state of mind

mocking treating with contempt or ridicule

These words can describe an author’s attitude/tone.

Identifying the tone

• What attitude does the writer have towards the subject?

• Which words carry emotion?

• Which words are emphasized/repeated?

• How does it sound when read aloud?

• How does the setting reflect the tone?

– A creepy, isolated house may reflect a dark, mysterious tone

Describing tone

• Remember to use adjectives when describing tone.

• Remember that an author’s use of words is intentional.

• Think about how the words make you feel.

Sources

http://www.irsc.edu/uploadedFiles/Students/AcademicSupportCenter/WritingLab/Tone-and-Purpose.pdf