Question

How can diction create mood in a literary work? Select three answers.

by using vivid language to appeal to the reader’s senses
by understanding the author’s thoughts on the topic
by structuring the rhythm to affect pacing and flow
by determining the plot of the story
by varying the formality or informality of the

Answer 1

Answers:
- by using vivid language to appeal to the reader’s senses — sensory word choice builds atmosphere and evokes emotional responses.
- by structuring the rhythm to affect pacing and flow — choice of words (short vs. long, hard vs. soft sounds) influences sentence rhythm and pace, shaping mood.
- by varying the formality or informality of the (language) — formal vs. colloquial diction sets tone and social/psychological distance, affecting mood.

(Incorrect: understanding the author’s thoughts and determining the plot are not direct ways diction itself creates mood.)