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14 Elements of Style. 1. Sentence Structure. Are the sentences long or short? Are there any interruptions in the sentences? Is the word-order straight-forward or jumbled?. 2. Pace. Is the writing heavily descriptive or does it focus on action and plot movement?. 3. Diction: Word Choice.
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1. Sentence Structure • Are the sentences long or short? • Are there any interruptions in the sentences? • Is the word-order straight-forward or jumbled?
2. Pace • Is the writing heavily descriptive or does it focus on action and plot movement?
3. Diction: Word Choice • Is the writing packed or elaborate and long-winded?
4. Vocabulary • Are the words simple or fancy? • Are they technical or flowery?
5. Figurative Language • Are there any metaphors or similes? • Are there any symbols? • Personification?
6. Use of Dialogue • How often does dialogue tell the story? • Do we see entire conversations with dialogue or just parts of a conversation? • Does the conversation use slang or is it formal and fancy? • Does the dialogue seem natural or fake?
7. Point of View • First person (I, me) • Second person (you) • Third person: 2 kinds (He) • Third person omniscient • Third person limited
8. Character Development • How are characters introduced? • How do we see them evolve and change? • What is their motivation for their actions?
9. tone • What is the author’s attitude? • What is the mood of the story? • Does the author/narrator seem sarcastic? Aggressive? Hopeful? Sad? etc.
10. Sound • How much does language call attention to sound? • Alliteration? • Rhyme?
11. Paragraph Structure • Are paragraphs very short or very long?
12. Time Sequencing • Did the author use chronological order or was time mixed up?
13. Allusions • How and how often does the author mention other writings, myths, symbols, famous people, historical events, quotations, and so often?
14. Experiments with language • Are there any unusual techniques such as breaking the rules of grammar?