First Semester Exam Literary Terms
fully solved to pass
Diction - correct answer ✔✔A writer's chose of words, phrases, sentence structures, and
figurative language, which combine to help create meaning. Formal diction consists of a
dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax exactly and is
often characterized by complex words and lofty tone. Middle diction maintains correct language
usage; but is less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way most educated people speak.
Informal diction represents the plain language of everyday use, and often includes idiomatic
expressions, slang, contractions, and many simple, common words. Poetic diction refers to the
way poets sometimes enjoy an elevated diction that deviates significantly from the common
speech. (no longer distinction)
Syntax - correct answer ✔✔The ordering of words into meaningful verbal patterns such as
phrases, clauses, and sentences. Poets often manipulate syntax, changing conventional word
order, to place certain emphasis on particular words.
Connotation - correct answer ✔✔Associations and implications that go beyond literal meaning
of word, which derive from how the word has been commonly used and the associations people
make with it. Ex. eagle associated with liberty and freedom
Denotation - correct answer ✔✔The dictionary meaning of a word.
Tone - correct answer ✔✔The author's implicit attitude toward the reader or the people,
places, and events in a work as revealed by the elements of the author's style.
Imagery - correct answer ✔✔The use of words, phrase, or figures of speech (especially similes
and metaphors) to address the senses and suggest mental pictures of sights, sounds, smells,
tastes, feelings, or actions. Images offer sensory impressions to the reader and also convey
emotions and moods through their verbal pictures.
fully solved to pass
Diction - correct answer ✔✔A writer's chose of words, phrases, sentence structures, and
figurative language, which combine to help create meaning. Formal diction consists of a
dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax exactly and is
often characterized by complex words and lofty tone. Middle diction maintains correct language
usage; but is less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way most educated people speak.
Informal diction represents the plain language of everyday use, and often includes idiomatic
expressions, slang, contractions, and many simple, common words. Poetic diction refers to the
way poets sometimes enjoy an elevated diction that deviates significantly from the common
speech. (no longer distinction)
Syntax - correct answer ✔✔The ordering of words into meaningful verbal patterns such as
phrases, clauses, and sentences. Poets often manipulate syntax, changing conventional word
order, to place certain emphasis on particular words.
Connotation - correct answer ✔✔Associations and implications that go beyond literal meaning
of word, which derive from how the word has been commonly used and the associations people
make with it. Ex. eagle associated with liberty and freedom
Denotation - correct answer ✔✔The dictionary meaning of a word.
Tone - correct answer ✔✔The author's implicit attitude toward the reader or the people,
places, and events in a work as revealed by the elements of the author's style.
Imagery - correct answer ✔✔The use of words, phrase, or figures of speech (especially similes
and metaphors) to address the senses and suggest mental pictures of sights, sounds, smells,
tastes, feelings, or actions. Images offer sensory impressions to the reader and also convey
emotions and moods through their verbal pictures.
