Diction

Diction is defined loosely as “the words a writer has chosen to use”. This series of lessons explores the concept of diction as it relates to the words learners use in their own writing, and also enables them to analyse and comment on the words writers choose in their texts. We explore many types of texts keeping a specific thread in mind: how diction relates to the intention and function of a text. We also look at diction more broadly, relating it to source, context, tone, atmosphere, register, innuendo, clichés and accuracy of meaning. All the acquired knowledge is then illustrated practically by dealing with the types of test and examination questions that relate to diction and the meanings of words.