Elements of Style

Elements of Style

1. Diction

   • Word Choice
     • Coat isn't torn, it's tattered
   • Formal/Colloquial
   • Connotation/Denotation

2. Detail

   • Facts/Observations/Incidents
   • Precise mental picture
     • Directs readers attention
   • Focuses on description

3. Imagery

   • Verbal representation
   • All 5 senses
     • Visual imagery most common
   • Used to impart figuartive meaning

4. Syntax

   • Verbal pacing
     • Sentence length
   • Way words are arranged in sentences
   • Conformity and nonconformity

5. Tone

   • Expression of attitude
   • Requisite to understand meaning
   • Sets relationship between reader and writer
     • Emotion