Author's Style

Summary

This tutorial delves into the concept of 'style' in literature, illustrating how it's defined by the manner of writing rather than the content itself. It explores the elements that constitute style, such as word choice, sentence structure, and use of imagery, and contrasts three distinct writing styles: ornate, conversational, and plain. The script uses examples to demonstrate how each style impacts readability and conveys the writer's voice, ultimately highlighting the importance of style in shaping a piece's personality and reader engagement.

Takeaways

• 🖋️ Style in writing is the manner in which something is written, focusing on how it's said rather than what is said.
• 🎨 Elements of style include word choice, sentence structure, use of imagery, and figurative language, which contribute to the writer's unique voice.
• 🌈 The ornate style uses elaborate word choices, figurative language, complex sentences, and a formal tone, often making it difficult for readers.
• 🗣️ Conversational style mimics everyday speech, employing contractions, slang, simple sentences, and a casual tone for ease of understanding.
• 📝 Plain style prioritizes clarity and precision, using straightforward language and active voice to keep the focus on the message.
• ✍️ Voice is the personality that comes across in writing, created through the writer's distinctive style.
• 📚 Analyzing different writing samples helps to identify and understand the nuances of various styles like ornate, conversational, and plain.
• 🔍 Imagery in writing appeals to the senses and can greatly enhance a writer's style by making descriptions more vivid and engaging.
• 💬 Figurative language, including similes, metaphors, and personification, allows writers to express ideas creatively and add depth to their writing.
• ✏️ Tone reflects the writer's attitude towards the subject and can significantly influence how the writing is perceived by the reader.

Q & A

What is meant by 'style' in literature?

In literature, 'style' refers to the way something is written, focusing on how it is said rather than what is said. It is distinctive or unique due to the writer's own choices, such as word choice, sentence structure, and use of imagery.

How does an author's style differ from their voice?

An author's style is the overall way in which they write, including elements like word choice and sentence structure. Voice, on the other hand, is the personality that comes across in the writing, which is created through the author's unique style.

What are the three writing styles discussed in the script?

The three writing styles discussed in the script are ornate, conversational, and plain.

Can you describe the ornate writing style using the script's explanation?

Ornate writing style uses language to decorate the text. It often includes elaborate word choices, figurative language, complex sentences, and a formal tone. This style can sometimes be difficult for readers to understand due to its excessive decoration.

What is the conversational writing style like according to the script?

The conversational writing style is very informal and resembles everyday conversation. It often includes contractions, slang, simple sentences, and a casual tone. It may also use fragments and is easier for readers to follow.

How is a plain writing style characterized in the script?

A plain writing style is characterized by its straightforwardness and clarity. It uses clear, precise language with simple, direct sentences and active voice to help readers focus on the message rather than the words.

What role does word choice play in developing an author's style?

Word choice is a critical element in developing an author's style. It can help create a unique voice and can range from formal to informal, technical to slang, and can include the use of certain types of words for effect.

How does sentence structure contribute to an author's style?

Sentence structure contributes to an author's style by determining the lengths and types of sentences used. It can range from short and simple to complex and varied, which can influence the readability and tone of the writing.

What is the purpose of using imagery in writing according to the script?

The purpose of using imagery in writing is to appeal to the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell, helping readers to imagine exactly what the writer is describing.

How does figurative language help in creating a writer's style?

Figurative language, which includes similes, metaphors, and personification, helps create a writer's style by allowing for imaginative and non-literal comparisons that can make ordinary things seem fresh and engaging to readers.

What is tone in writing, and how does it relate to style?

Tone in writing refers to the author's attitude toward their subject, which can be serious, humorous, formal, informal, angry, or peaceful. It is closely related to style as it depends on the writer's choice of words and details, and it influences the overall feel of the text.

Outlines

00:00

🖋️ Understanding Writing Style

The paragraph introduces the concept of style in literature, emphasizing that style refers to how something is written rather than what is written. It explains that style is a writer's unique way of expression, influenced by their word choice, sentence structure, and use of imagery. The paragraph provides examples of different writing styles, such as ornate, conversational, and plain, and discusses how voice is created through a writer's style. It also touches on the importance of word choice, sentence structure, and the use of imagery in creating a distinctive style.

05:02

🎨 Elements of Style: Figurative Language and Tone

This paragraph delves into figurative language as a significant element of style, explaining how it helps readers perceive ordinary things in new ways. It defines and provides examples of similes, metaphors, and personification. The paragraph also addresses tone, which is the writer's attitude towards their subject, and how it can vary from serious to humorous, formal to informal. It illustrates how tone is conveyed through word choice and details, and how it contributes to the overall style of a piece of writing.

10:05

📜 Writing Styles: Ornate, Conversational, and Plain

The final paragraph discusses three common writing styles: ornate, conversational, and plain. It describes ornate style as elaborate and decorated, often using figurative language and complex sentences, which can be challenging for readers. The conversational style is informal and resembles everyday speech, using contractions and slang. The plain style is straightforward and easy to understand, focusing on clear communication. The paragraph provides examples to illustrate these styles and highlights how each style serves different purposes in writing.

Keywords

💡Style

Style in literature refers to the distinctive way in which an author writes, which includes word choice, sentence structure, and use of imagery. It is not about the content of what is written, but rather how it is written. In the video, style is likened to the unique way an artist uses color or a musician uses melody, making it a key aspect of an author's voice. Examples from the script include the ornate, conversational, and plain styles, each with its own characteristics and impact on the reader.

💡Voice

Voice in writing is the personality that comes across through an author's unique style. It is created through the writer's individual choices in style and is reflected in the tone, word choice, and presentation. The video script mentions that voice is closely related to style and can be seen in the way a writer's words convey their personality, as illustrated by the examples of different voices in the script.

💡Word Choice

Word choice is a critical element of style, referring to the specific words an author selects to convey their message. It can greatly influence the tone and clarity of the writing. The script provides examples where changing a single word, such as from 'ate' to 'devoured,' can significantly alter the reader's perception of the situation, highlighting the importance of deliberate word choice.

💡Sentence Structure

Sentence structure pertains to the arrangement of words and phrases in a sentence, which can affect the rhythm, emphasis, and readability of the text. The video script discusses how different authors are known for their use of short, simple sentences or more complex and varied structures, impacting the overall style and readability.

💡Imagery

Imagery in literature involves the use of language that appeals to the senses to help readers vividly imagine scenes or ideas. The script explains that some writers use rich, descriptive imagery to create a more immersive experience for the reader, while others may opt for a less detailed approach. Examples from the script contrast the use of imagery in two different writing samples to demonstrate its impact on style.

💡Figurative Language

Figurative language is a type of expression that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to create vivid and imaginative descriptions. The video script describes how certain writers are known for their imaginative use of figurative language, which allows readers to perceive ordinary things in new and creative ways.

💡Tone

Tone in writing refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance towards the subject matter, which can be conveyed through word choice and details. The script explains that tone can vary widely, from serious to humorous, formal to informal, and can significantly influence how the reader interprets the text.

💡Ornate Style

An ornate writing style is characterized by elaborate word choices, complex sentences, and a formal tone. It often includes figurative language and can be challenging for readers to understand due to its decorative nature. The script provides an example of transforming a simple sentence into an ornate one to illustrate the excessive decoration typical of this style.

💡Conversational Style

A conversational writing style mimics everyday spoken language, making it informal and relatable. It often includes contractions, slang, and simple sentences, reflecting a casual tone. The video script contrasts this style with more formal styles, highlighting its ease of understanding and approachability.

💡Plain Style

A plain writing style is straightforward and easy to understand, focusing on clear communication of the message without excessive decoration. The script notes that while plain writing is often associated with journalistic texts, it does not have to be dull and can still be engaging and effective in conveying information.

Highlights

Style in literature is the way something is written, focusing on how it's said rather than what is said.

A writer's style is distinctive due to their unique choices in word choice, sentence structure, and use of imagery.

Voice is the personality that comes across in writing, created through the writer's style.

Word choice is a key element of style, with writers known for using formal, informal, or effectual words.

Sentence structure, including length and type, contributes to a writer's style.

Imagery in writing appeals to the senses and can be vivid or less descriptive, affecting style.

Figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, is used to create comparisons and enhance style.

Tone reflects the writer's attitude towards the subject and can vary from serious to humorous.

Ornate writing style uses elaborate language, figurative language, and complex sentences.

Conversational writing style mimics everyday speech, using contractions, slang, and a casual tone.

Plain writing style is straightforward and easy to understand, focusing readers on the message.

Ornate style may include parenthetical expressions and sophisticated word choices for added effect.

Examples of ornate writing are provided, demonstrating the use of elaborate decoration in language.

Conversational writing examples show how informal language can make text more relatable.

Plain writing examples highlight the use of simple, direct sentences for clarity.

Active voice is often used in plain writing to show the subject performing the action directly.

The tutorial concludes by emphasizing the importance of style as a reflection of the writer's individual choices.

Transcripts

in this tutorial you will learn to

understand what style is to identify

elements of style and literature to

analyze three writing styles ornate

conversational and plain

what makes an abstract painting of a

national monument so different from a

realistic painting how can you tell that

a song on the radio is by Taylor Swift

and not Alicia Keys the way a painter

uses color and texture or the way a

musician uses melody and rhythm is

unique to each artist just as each

artist or musician has an identifiable

style so does every individual Rider in

literature style is the way something is

written not what is said but how it said

a style is distinctive or unique because

it is the result of the writers own

choices for example his or her word

choice sentence structures and use of

imagery click the images to read two

different examples both was strikingly

different styles the style of the first

example might be described as

straightforward and matter-of-fact the

style of the second example is more

detailed than descriptive Chris was late

he decided to take a cab he got inside

the first one Chris who was running

behind schedule for his interview

decided to take a taxi he approached the

yellow cabs lined up like greyhounds

ready to burst through the gate and he

jumped into the first one available

closely related to style is voice or the

personality that comes across in any

piece of writing voice is created

through a writer's one-of-a-kind style

click the images on the right to see

examples of voice how would you describe

the personality that shines through what

words or phrases help to create that

unique voice riding the tubes of splash

tastic is a cool thrill ride

it's amazing to simply slide on and on

not knowing what to expect around the

next curve it's the most exciting thing

I've experienced all summer and I'm not

exaggerating really I'm not

Nick was always always always dreaming

about his future images of himself as a

major track star hurtling across the

finish line floated into his mind like

fluffy clouds across the sky short or

long conversational or formal technical

or slang the words a writer uses helped

to create his or her style a writer

might be known for using certain types

of words formal ones for instance or he

or she may choose words for effect

consider these two sentences

Brian ate his hamburger Brian devoured

his hamburger the basic meaning of both

sentences is the same however by

changing ate two devoured the writer

communicates just how ravenously hungry

the boy is another element of style is

sentence structure or the lengths and

types of sentences a writer uses some

writers are known for using short simple

sentences click the image below to read

an example Mina was excited about her

first piano lesson she got dressed an

hour early before her teacher arrived

she practiced excited about her first

piano lesson the day had finally arrived

Mina got dressed bounded down the stairs

and waited impatiently for a few minutes

before she decided to practice a song

she learned a writer's use of imagery

also affects his or her style imagery is

language that appeals to the senses of

sight hearing touch taste or smell some

writers are known for using vivid

imagery that helps readers imagine

exactly what they're describing others

have less descriptive styles click the

images to compare two different examples

which one uses imagery to appeal to your

crunch crunch went the leaves as Jenna

trudged along the uneven sidewalk her

hands frozen from the biting cold

cupping her hands tightly around the

thermos she was carrying she breathed in

and smelled the aroma of hot chicken

soup Jenna walked out of school with her

two friends they parted ways as Jenna

headed toward the park she quickened her

pace because she knew she was already

late for practice

one way writers create imagery is

through figurative language another

element of style figurative language

refers to comparisons that are not

literally true some writers are known

for their imaginative use of figurative

language they help readers see ordinary

things in fresh ways click each type of

figurative language to learn more a

simile compares two unlike things such

as using the words like our ass example

Spanish moss drooped from the trees like

the damp laundry on a clothesline

a metaphor compares two unlike things

without using the word like our ass

example Stephen was a statue glaring

coldly at his sister after she requested

that he stopped playing his guitar

personification involves describing

non-human things as if they were human

example the teapot screamed its warning

when the water started to boil some

runners not are known for their

imaginative use of figurative language

they help readers see ordinary things in

fresh ways yet another element of style

is tone or the writers attitude toward

his or her subject a writer's tone may

be serious or humorous formal or

informal angry or peaceful it all

depends on the writers choice of words

and details I knew I was obligated to

walk the dogs however I opted to instead

play a game of basketball with my

companions mother was indeed going to be

angry

sure I knew it was my turn to walk the

dogs but I decided to play a game of

hoops instead mom was going to flip out

big deal I could handle her you've just

explored some key elements of style now

you'll learn about three common writing

styles and the elements that help to

create them click each style below to

learn more something or Nate has

elaborate or excessive decoration an

ornate writing style uses language to

decorate this style of writing often

includes elaborate word choices

figurative language complex sentences in

a formal tone when a text is written in

an overly ornate style it may be

difficult for readers to understand

writing with the conversational style is

very informal like an everyday

conversation you might have with a

friend

conversational writing often includes

contractions slang simple sentences in a

casual tone a writer may use fragments

groups of words that do not express

complete thoughts a plain writing style

is easy to understand because it's

straightforward this style uses clear

precise language that helps readers

focus on the message of the text rather

than the words most journalistic writing

which can be very clever and interesting

uses a plain style a plain writing style

does not have to be boring any more than

a plain cake has to be tasteless as

you've discovered writers with an ornate

style are not afraid to be wordy often

they sprinkle colorful adjectives and

adverbs throughout their writing for

added effect they also tend to use more

sophisticated word choices and complex

sentence structures sometimes writing

with an ornate style includes

parenthetical expressions click the

words below to see the text change to an

ornate style okay it was his son's

birthday so mr. slams took Owen fishing

it was just the two of

no pesky younger brothers to get in the

way mr. Sloane and Owen went to their

favorite spot but they were disappointed

when they arrived the river was dry okay

so to make it ornate it was on the

occasion of a son's birthday that mr.

Sloane

in order to celebrate a day so deserving

of attention took Owen fishing it was

just the two of them with no annoyingly

irritating younger siblings to take

their attention away from enjoying one

another's company mr. Sloane and Owen

journeyed to their favorite spot but

were met with a most disagreeable sight

upon their arrival the river laid dry

before them like a discarded apple left

to shrivel in the Sun which examples

reflect an ornate writing style drive

those examples into the box

if someone asked you how to use a

toaster how would you answer place the

bread into the slots and then place the

lever downward until it locks once the

correct browning is achieved the bread

will pop up automatically or put the

bread in the toaster and press down the

toast will pop up when it's ready

your reply would be more like the second

example write a conversational writing

style is easier for readers to follow

get ready you are about to go on a

journey on the Silk Road by traveling on

these trade routes of ancient China

you'll discover how trade connected

people of different regions on the Asian

continent but it wasn't just silk

traders trekking these routes pilgrims

soldiers and nomads also made use of

these roads dragged into the box the

examples that reflect a conversational

riding style

like conversational writing text written

in a plain style is easy to understand

both writing styles may directly address

readers but plain writing is less chatty

plain writing usually includes simple

direct sentences and precise word

choices writers with a plain style often

use the active voice which clearly shows

the subject of the verb performing the

action for example the principal gave

the award instead of the award was given

by the principal active voice can make

writing sound more direct or innate

after the fire drill it was found by

school personnel that more practice was

needed in order to facilitate a hasty or

evacuate of the building in the event of

a real fire claim after the fire drill

school staff decided to have another

drill they thought students needed to

practice exiting the building more

quickly read each example does it

reflect a plain writing style click yes

or no upon closer inspection it was

decided by the workers that the bridge

would indeed have to be demolished and

replaced does that reflect a plain

writing style no mrs. Klein received a

plaque for her unmatched hours of

volunteer work

style is the way a particular work is

written not what is said but how it said

a style is unique because it is the

result of a writer's individual choices

these choices give the written work it's

voice or personality many elements help

to create a writer's style including

word choice sentence structure tone and

the use of figurative language three

common styles of writing are ornate

conversational and plain