Aspects of literary style: choice of words

Familiarise yourself with the concept of diction, which refers to the author’s choice of words and phrases in a literary work.
Observe how the use of specific words or phrases can contribute to the mood, tone, and overall theme of the narrative.
Recognise the use of colloquial language versus formal language. Understand how the choice between the two can indicate a character’s societal status or personality.
Identify connotative language where words are chosen for their implied meanings, thus adding layers of depth to the narrative.

Understand how the author’s word choice can create vivid imagery, helping paint detailed pictures in readers’ minds.
Notice the use of adjectives and adverbs and their role in adding richness to descriptions.
Recognise symbolic language, where specific words or objects represent deeper meanings or themes.
Understand the function of sensory language, where the author uses words appealing to the five senses to immerse the reader more effectively in the narrative.

Develop an understanding of various types of figurative language including metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole.
Examine how the author’s choice of words in these expressions can convey stronger emotions or more complex ideas.
Recognise the use of irony in the text and understand how this can contribute to the overall tone or messaging.

Realise how an author’s choice of words can significantly contribute to the tone of the narrative.
Understand how the words chosen by an author can manipulate the mood, eliciting specific emotional responses from the reader.

Observe the use of high vocabulary and recognise how this reflects upon a character’s education or intellect.
Understand the significance of word repetition and the effect it has on the rhythm and emphasis in the narratives.
Analyse the use of onomatopoeia where words are used to mimic actual sounds, thus enhancing the vividness of the text.
Note instances of alliteration and assonance (repetition of consonant and vowel sounds respectively) and understand how these choices affect the sound and flow of the narrative.