Blogger #2 - Allison Chan - Period 5 - 2/11/2021- Day B

 Blogger #2, Allison Chan, Period 5, 2/11/2021, Day B 

Aim: How can an exploration of writers’ choices, and the literary devices used, introduce us to the concept of “voice” as it’s used in writing? 

Do now: Quickwrite

We were asked to describe all that comes to mind when we think of pizza and to write a paragraph describing pizza and showing our attitude toward it. The class was given time to write down their thoughts and we discussed it at the end of class. The class described pizza in two different ways. One way was written clinically and factually. The other way was described using more imagery and details. The class discussed the toppings, sauce, taste, and the popularity of pizza.

Vocabulary:

After writing the do now, we started to read the definitions of diction, syntax, imagery, and tone. The definitions give in class stated:

• Diction: A speaker’s (or author’s) word choice. It refers to the general language and is divided into two groups: vocabulary and syntax.

• Syntax: Refers to the arrangement – the ordering, grouping and placement of words within a sentence. It is a component of grammar and helps convey meaning in a text.

• Imagery: A term used to refer to: 1) the actual language that a writer uses to convey a visual picture or representation of a sensory experience; and 2) the use of figures of speech, often to express abstract ideas in a vivid and innovative way. Imagery can be either figurative or literal.

• Tone: The attitude of the author toward the reader or the subject matter of a literary work. The tone may be serious, playful, mocking, angry, and so forth.

Class Discussion:

After reading the definitions, we read a short paragraph about pizza and made inferences about the speaker. The class discussed that the speaker could be a chef or food critic because they used very detailed language about how pizza made them feel. The class also discussed that the speaker could be an adult because the speaker used advanced vocabulary. We also discussed that the speaker used formal language and complex sentences to describe the pizza. The speaker used imagery to create a sense of smell and taste. The tone would be positive because the speaker used words such as “extraordinary, perfect, and transcontinental excursion.”

Group Work: 

Speaker 2: After annotating and reading the paragraph, my group discussed the diction, syntax, imagery, tone, and inferences about the speaker. We said that the speaker seems like a younger child because the vocabulary used was simple. We also said that the word choice was informal and we also noticed that the speaker used slang. The sentences were simple and did not have much detail and used simple vocabulary. We noticed that words like “yummy” and “gummy” were used to describe the pizza. The group said that the overall tone was positive.

Speaker 3: The group discussed that the speaker is a vegetarian. We also said that the speaker seemed like a healthy person because they wanted organic and whole wheat. We said the word choice was informal because they used words such as “gross” and “disgusting.” The sentences were long and simple, and the speaker used imagery to describe the meat as well as describing how they liked the pizza. The tone in the beginning was negative when talking about meat but it was positive in the end as they described the way they liked pizza. 

Speaker 4: For the fourth paragraph, we said that the speaker could be a younger adult or teenager. The word choice was informal because they used slang such as dude. We said that the sentences were short and in a conversational way. The speaker asked rhetorical questions. The speaker used imagery and used phrases and words such as “hot steamy dripping with cheese, great, and awesome.” The speaker even said that pizza was a basic food group. The group discussed that the speaker is positive and really enjoys pizza.

After the group work, the class got back together and discussed the diction, syntax, imagery, and tone of each paragraph. We went back to the do now to discuss the quick write.

Reflection:

Overall, today’s lesson has taught me a lot of information. The do now and lesson was able to give us an introduction to voice. Throughout the lesson, we were given paragraphs to read and we learned how to identify diction, syntax, tone, and imagery in a text. Diction is used to interpretive ideas and increase understanding in the text and convey messages. Using the right words will help to convey the purpose of the writing. Syntax is used to formulate sentences that make sense and helps convey meaning. It keeps the reader engaged and creates an atmosphere. Imagery is used to evoke emotion and feelings by creating images using our senses. It engages the reader in the story and makes it feel like they are there. Lastly, there is tone. Tone makes the author able to give life to the story and relate to the audience. It helps convey the message the author wants to say. All four of these literary devices are used to express ideas and emotions and create a connection between the author and the audience. I will be able to use these devices to be able to get a deeper understanding of what I am reading and be able to use these techniques to improve my own writing.