Francisco Arias
Blogger #1
2/22/21
Pd. 9
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:
Today’s Do Now involved a quick write with the question, “Describe all that comes to mind when you think of pizza?” We had to write a paragraph of details that describe pizza in their mind. We were also asked to show their thoughts on pizza, as well. After the students finished their answers, they saved their answers for later in their class, and they continued in the lesson.
Important Terms
Diction- A speaker/authors word choice. Diction is typically divided into two compounds which are vocabulary and syntax. The amount of complexity, abstraction, formality can all be looked at when making inferences about the speaker/author.
Syntax- Syntax refers to how the sentences are built. Are the questions short or long? Are they complex or simple? We can look at syntax as a part of grammar, but it is not all about grammar.
Imagery- Imagery is when the author uses details like figurative language, descriptive language, and other tactics, to give the reader a deeper understanding of what they are being told. This typically gives the reader enough information to create an image in their mind and if there are details that describe more than just visuals, it can give the reader enough information to use all five senses. For example, if two different people give a description of a food, the person that explains the looks, smell, feel, and taste will give the audience a better understanding of the food, and allow them to imagine themselves eating the food without the food being there.
Tone- The tone of the author or speaker is the feelings and thoughts of the subject they are presenting or talking about. Some examples of an author's tone could be serious, playful, mocking, angry, etc. Note: This is not to be confused with mood, as mood is more of the feeling in the writing/text then what the author feels toward the subject.
Class Discussion
We got a statement from a speaker that talked about eating pizza, and the description of pizza, and how a well made pizza should have and the feeling of eating a pizza. We were asked how we would describe the paragraph in different sections which were the important terms we learned. (Diction, syntax, imagery, tone, and another section where we make inferences about the speaker.) Students were able to infer the speaker was more knowledgeable since they use more advanced vocabulary like ‘transcontinental excursion’ and ‘extraordinary culinary creation’.
After we finished discussing the paragraph, we went into our groups to analyze three more speakers and their descriptions on pizzas and their views on it for about 20 minutes. My group was able to successfully describe each paragraph and point out the details to the personalities and views of the speakers. After we finished discussing, we discussed as a class, and shared our ideas. We were able to determine things like speaker two being young, and also things like speaker three being a vegetarian! Each speaker had different preferences and views on how their pizzas should be made.
Main Points of Discussion
Speaker 2 was inferred to be younger, since he uses words like ‘yummy’ and ‘gooey’. They speak informally, and use more simple and shorter sentences. They don’t use advanced vocabulary to describe pizza, but they use words like gooey, hot, and saying he likes the way it smells, and tastes. Overall, this speaker had a positive overview of pizza.
Speaker 3 was inferred to be older, and also be vegetarian, since they described liking pizza with vegetables, and goat cheese, and having a negative view on animal meat. They spoke informally, as if they were speaking with friends or family. They do use more complex sentences which include more detail and contain at least one independent clause and one dependent clause. They don’t use much imagery details, instead, it is more of an opinion on what they like. They do give the information that a ‘whole what crust topped with imported cheese and organic vegetables make a satisfying meal.’ Their overall tone is that they only like some types of pizza, but they don’t feel like it is all bad.
Speaker 4 was inferred to be somewhere in their teen years, since they use a lot of slang like ‘dude’ and ‘like.’ They speak informally, using non-professional tones and words. The sentences are still complex, even if they are informal. They do use some imagery by using words like ‘hot steamy pizza dripping with cheese.’ This gives the reader an image in their head where they can feel the temperature of the pizza, and imagine the cheese as well. Their overall tone is that they thoroughly enjoy pizza. They mentioned that they eat pizza everyday and also mention that “hot steamy pizza dripping with cheese and loaded with pepperoni is awesome.”
Reflection
Today, I learned that there are a lot of factors we need to look at when reading a passage/text to fully understand what the author/speaker is trying to convey. Before, I only knew about tone and imagery, but after this lesson, I learned about how important diction and syntax is as well. I can use this and apply it to my works, whether it be in a professional setting or casual setting, to get the best results to my audience. If I am speaking to friends, or any other person casually, I can use more informal language, to make them feel the most comfortable and have the best output. If I speak too formally, they will get bored, be disinterested, and just not feel like it is necessary. Meanwhile, if I am speaking towards a professional audience, I need to alter that mindset to fit the preferences of my audience. They will want to hear something descriptive that will grab their attention and give them the information they want. I need to speak formally, make sure my sentences have the most amount of details so that they can understand what I convey. I can’t expect them to know my style of speaking, so I can’t use slangs, shortcuts, or any other informal way of speaking. In conclusion, you need to be able to tell the difference of every writer's/speaker's “voice.” If you can do that, you will be able to effectively communicate with and understand your audience.
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