Author's Use of Language
When writing, authors choose their words carefully to convey different meanings and ideas.
Figurative language can make a text more descriptive and appealing. Authors may use literary devices, such as
point of view, to show different aspects of a story. The words that an author uses also influences the
mood and
voice of a text.
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Figurative language refers to language that does not use the literal, or real, meanings of words. Figurative language can make a text more interesting, persuasive, or powerful.
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A metaphor is used to make a comparison by saying that one thing is another, despite it not being literally true.
The thunderstorm outside of the window was a raging, snarling beast that frightened all of the children.
Authors use personification to describe non-human things as having human attributes.
After the end of the battle, the sky wept heavy tears, soaking every inch of the land.
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Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told. Different points of view will reveal different parts of a story to readers. It can greatly affect how a story is told.
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In an omniscient point of view, the narrator is aware of the actions and feelings of all the characters in the story. The story is told "from above" so that readers can see everything that is happening.
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Sally felt sick to her stomach. She hated roller coasters, and she definitely didn't want to go on one that people called "the scariest in the fair!" Why did I even agree to this? she thought miserably.
Jackie, on the other hand, could not contain her excitement. She was vibrating with nervous energy. She could not wait to get on the roller coaster! I'm so glad I asked Sally to come with me! Jackie thought. It's going to be so much fun going with a friend!
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In the excerpt above, the narrator describes the thoughts and feelings of both characters. Omniscient point of view allows readers to understand how several different characters feel or act in a situation.
In a limited point of view, the narrator is only aware of the actions and feelings of one character. The narrator him or herself is often a character in a story.
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I could not wait to get on the fair's new roller coaster! I was so excited that I could feel my body shaking a little bit. I smiled at my best friend Sally, hoping that she was just as excited. I was really glad that I asked her to come with me. It would be so much more fun riding the roller coaster with a friend!
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In the excerpt above, the narrator only describes the feelings and thoughts of one character. The one character in this case is the narrator herself. Readers do not know how the narrator's friend, Sally, feels in this situation.
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The mood of a work refers to its atmosphere, which affects readers' feelings and emotional responses towards the work.
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How is mood created or influenced in a text?
The setting of a story is when and where it takes place. If a story takes place on a sunny day in a meadow, it will have a different mood than a story that takes place in the middle of the night in a haunted house.
Word choice is also referred to as diction. How an author describes a character, place, or situation can affect how someone feels when reading through a text. Words with strong emotional connotations are likely to be used to set the mood of a work.
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Voice is the style in which an author writes his or her work. It can show an author's personality and feelings about a topic. Voice can also be applied to characters in a story. A character's voice can refer to his or her personality and attitude.
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How can you recognize voice in a text?
What kind of language does the author use? Is it formal or informal? Does the author try to be funny? Or is he or she serious when writing? Recognizing the kinds of words that an author uses will give you insight into his or her personality and feelings.
How do characters interact with one another? Do they like or dislike each other. How does a character feel about a certain situation? How do characters choose to express themselves? Are they loud or quiet? Happy or sad?
All of these things can give readers insight into a character and his or her unique voice.
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Go to the next page to answer questions about an author's use of language.
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6th Grade Reading - Author's Use of Language Lesson