5 Expert Tips for Describing the Tone of Any Excerpt

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Imagine you're reading a fascinating book, and suddenly a passage strikes you. You can't exactly pin down why, but you feel a certain way about it. It's not what the section says, but how it says it—that's the tone. And if you've ever wondered, "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?"—you're in the right place. We're about to break down the art of understanding and describing tone in any excerpt, with five expert tips.

1. Getting a Grip on Tone

This section takes you on a tour of tone, starting from what it is, how it's different from mood, and finally, how to spot it in a piece of text.

Introduction to Tone

Tone refers to the author's attitude towards the subject or the audience. It's like the flavor in a dish—it adds depth and character to the writing. A tone could be serious, playful, sarcastic, or anything in between. The key is to understand that the tone is not about what's being said, but how it's being said.

Tone vs Mood

Here's where it gets interesting: tone is often mistaken for mood, but they're not the same. While tone is the author's attitude, mood is how the reader feels while reading. Think of it this way: if tone is the weather, mood is how you feel about it. A sunny day (tone) might make you happy (mood), but to someone else, it might be uncomfortably hot (a different mood).

Identifying Tone in Writing

So, how do you figure out "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?" It's all about paying attention. Look for keywords, phrases, punctuations, and even the overall theme of the excerpt. Remember, the tone could change from one section to another, so keep your tone-detecting glasses on at all times. Let the words speak to you—listen to their voice, and you'll start to sense the tone.

2. Reading Between the Lines

Once you understand what tone is, the next step is to learn how to identify it in a text. This involves looking for clues, paying attention to the choice of words, and analyzing imagery and symbolism.

Looking for Clues

Identifying tone is a bit like being a detective. You need to hunt for clues that the author leaves in their choice of words, sentence structure, and even punctuation. For instance, an author using short, choppy sentences might be conveying tension or urgency. On the other hand, long, flowing sentences could indicate a more relaxed, contemplative tone. Think of it as a treasure hunt: "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?" is the treasure, and the clues are scattered throughout the text.

Paying Attention to Diction

Diction, or the choice of words, plays a critical role in setting the tone. An author who uses complex, old-fashioned language is likely creating a formal or scholarly tone. In contrast, slang and colloquialisms might indicate a casual or conversational tone. So, when you're trying to figure out the tone, take a close look at the words. They're not just carriers of meaning, but also the setters of tone.

Analyzing Imagery and Symbolism

Lastly, don't forget to analyze the imagery and symbolism. Authors often use these tools to subtly hint at the tone. For example, an excerpt describing a bright, sunny day in vibrant colors might have an upbeat, joyful tone. On the other hand, a description of a crumbling mansion under a stormy sky could indicate a gloomy, ominous tone. So, the next time you read an excerpt, remember to look beyond the literal meaning of the words and explore the images they paint. That's where you'll often find the true tone hiding.

3. Using the Right Tools

While your detective skills can help you uncover the tone of an excerpt, sometimes you might need a little extra help. Just like a carpenter has their tool belt, you can also equip yourself with a few handy tools to aid in your tone analysis. Let's take a look at what these tools are, their pros and cons, and how to use one of them in particular: the IBM Watson Tone Analyzer.

About Tone Analyzer Tools

Ever wished you could simply feed an excerpt into a machine and have it spit out the tone? Well, that's essentially what tone analyzer tools do. They use algorithms to analyze the language and identify the dominant emotional tone. IBM Watson Tone Analyzer is one such tool. It uses linguistic analysis to detect tones in written text, making it a handy resource when you're unsure about the tone.

Pros and Cons of Tone Analyzer Tools

But hold your horses before you rush to use these tools. Like everything else, they come with their own set of pros and cons. On the plus side, they can save a lot of time and provide a good starting point, especially if you're new to tone analysis. But on the downside, they can't fully replace human judgment. They might not pick up on subtle tones or understand complex literary devices. So, while they're useful, remember: there's no substitute for your own analysis when deciding "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt".

How to Use IBM Watson Tone Analyzer

Now that you know what to expect, let's walk you through using IBM Watson Tone Analyzer. It's pretty simple. You copy and paste your text into the tool, and it will analyze the text and provide you with a breakdown of the emotional tones it detects. Keep in mind that it may not always be 100% accurate, but it can give you a good starting point. And with some practice, you'll get better at confirming or refining the tool's suggestions with your own analysis.

4. Practicing Your Skills

Now, let's take a step further. Just like any other skill, the more you practice tone analysis, the better you get. So let's dive into some practice exercises, resources for further practice, and a few tips to make your practice more effective.

Practice Exercises for Tone Analysis

Ready to test your tone-identifying abilities? Here's a fun exercise. Find a few random excerpts from different books — anything from "Harry Potter" to "The Great Gatsby". Read each excerpt and decide on the tone. Then, use the IBM Watson Tone Analyzer to see if your analysis matches up. Remember, the goal isn't to align perfectly with the tool, but to get you thinking about "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt".

Resources for Further Practice

Want to practice more? There are plenty of resources available. Websites like CommonLit, ReadWorks, and Scholastic offer free reading passages along with questions about tone. You can also use your favorite novels or even newspaper articles for practice. The idea is to expose yourself to a variety of texts and tones.

Tips for Effective Practice

Finally, remember that effective practice is more than just repetition. It's about learning from each exercise and applying that knowledge to the next one. So, don't just ask yourself "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt", but also ask why. Why did you choose that word? What clues in the text led you to that conclusion? This reflective practice will not only help you improve faster but also deepen your understanding of tone in writing.

5. Applying Your Knowledge

Perfect, you've practiced and honed your skills. Now it's time to put them to use in real-world scenarios. Let's explore how to apply tone analysis in everyday life and professional settings, and wrap up with some concluding thoughts.

Applying Tone Analysis in Daily Life

Think about the various forms of written communication you encounter daily. Text messages, emails, social media posts, or even song lyrics — all these are platforms where understanding tone can enhance your interpretation and response. For instance, knowing "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt" from a text message can help you respond more thoughtfully. Similarly, understanding the tone of a song can deepen your appreciation of the music.

Tone Analysis in Professional Settings

In professional settings, tone analysis becomes even more critical. From emails and reports to presentations and proposals, the tone can greatly impact how your message is perceived. For example, a well-crafted, positive-toned email can build better relationships with colleagues or clients. So, the next time you draft a professional document, ask yourself, "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?" and adjust accordingly to ensure your message hits the mark.

Concluding Thoughts

And there we have it — a comprehensive guide to understanding and analyzing tone in writing. Remember, this skill, like any other, requires practice. But once you get the hang of it, it's like having a superpower that allows you to understand and interpret written communication in a deeper, more meaningful way. So, keep practicing, keep applying, and keep asking yourself, "which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?"

If you're looking to dive deeper into understanding and describing literary tones, don't miss the 'An Exploration Into Capturing Tenderness' workshop by Cal McIntyre. This workshop will guide you through the nuances of capturing tenderness in writing and help you develop a keen eye for recognizing various tones in any excerpt.