Don’t Take That Tone With Me!

Tone: A guide to the literary element

Tone=attitude

It’s not WHAT we say - it’s

how we say it!

ToneDefinition:

The writer’s attitude toward his or her

subject

ToneCharacteristics:

Usually used/conveyed

through dialogue and descriptions;

adjectives

ToneExamples:

AccusatoryHappyBitterSarcastic(Invite students to share)

ToneNon-Examples:

Suspenseful RomanticPersuasiveExpository(Invite students to share)

How we write influences tone:When it comes to your e-mails and

social media sites like facebook, you don’t have the tone of your voice — so those on the other side of the screen will read tone into your e-mail based on the efforts you make, the formatting you integrate and the words you choose to use.

From Netmatters.com (a blog about all things Internet savvy)

Opening Practice• On the back of your

Frayer Diagram you will see a chart identical to this one.

• As we read pieces of text, cite text evidence (word choice) that reveals the writer’s tone and record those words in the quadrant.

• Be sure to note which piece of text the evidence refers to.

Mean Sympathetic

Compassionate Worried

Real Life Examples: Scenario: I was really busy one day, and

I completely forgot about a meeting. When I arrived at school the next day, I had a few emails waiting for me…

Read the following emails, and identify the words that create the tone.

Email OneYesterday’s meeting was very important, and your absence was noted. I have several items to discuss with you, but since I’m so busy, you will have to work around my schedule. Please record future meeting dates on your calendar. I am too busy to send you a reminder each week.

Email TwoGood Morning, I noticed you did not attend yesterday’s meeting. I hope everything is okay.I grabbed a few things for you, and if you have time, I can stop by and drop them off.By the way, our next meeting is on Monday. See you then!

MeanIn Email One, the words “I am too busy to send you a reminder each week” indicate the author is angry or frustrated.     

Sympathetic

CompassionateIn Email Two, the greeting says “Good Morning.” This is a friendly signal to the reader. When the author says, “I grabbed a few things for you,” it shows that he was trying to help the person he is writing to.

                

WorriedIn Email Two, the author says, “I hope everything is okay.” This shows the author is concerned about the person he is writing to.  

Dear Abby’s Tone Identify the tone of each Dear Abby

letter

Cite text evidence (word choice) that reveals the writer’s tone and record those words in the quadrant

Letter to Dear AbbyDear Abby,I’m trying to decide what elective to take inhigh school. My parents think I should take Spanish because it will be useful, but I really want to take art because I like it. We’ve agreed to go with whatever decision you make. So what do you think?

Gracias, High School Student

Response OneMean, Sympathetic, Compassionate, or Worried? Dear High School Student,

I remember when I was your age - I too had a

passion, a dream I wished to follow. My parents

wanted me to join band, but my heart lay in the

world of theater. How I wished to grace the

stage! To this day, playing the tuba has never

satisfied me. I say follow your dreams and

become an artist!

Yours dramatically,

Abby

Response TwoMean, Sympathetic, Compassionate, or Worried? Dear High School Student,You do realize there are children starving in Africa, right? Get over your boo-hooing and just pick the foreign language so that way you can learn to whine in 23 other countries. Adios,Abby

Response ThreeMean, Sympathetic, Compassionate, or Worried? Dear High School Student,I know high school decision making can be very stressful, and I hope you end up being happy no matter what you do! Your parents have put you in a tight spot, but they only want what is best for you. Before you pull out your hair, I would suggest writing out a four year “game plan” with art as your elective. If you can show your parents there will be plenty of room in your schedule for Spanish later, I’m sure they will see your choice is a reasonable one. Yours,Abby

Response FourMean, Sympathetic, Compassionate, or Worried? Dear High School Student,I’m afraid you’re making the wrong decision. The choices you make now will have huge

consequences in the future. I’m nervous that you are not taking your high school career seriously.You are being too casual and carefree with this hugely important choice.Yours,Abby

Ticket out the door

Dear Abby,My best friend in the whole world is going

to a different high school next year. She says we’ll be BFFs, but I’m afraid not seeing him/her every day will make our friendship fade. How do I prevent this from happening?

-Missing My Friend Already