Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What does "diction" refer to in literary terms?

The sentence structure used by the author

The errors in a text

The author's choice of words

Diction in literary terms specifically refers to the author's choice of words and his or her style of expression. It encompasses various elements, including vocabulary, tone, and even the overall level of formality. The diction chosen by an author can greatly influence the meaning and emotional impact of a piece, helping to convey characters' feelings, establish mood, or indicate social class or education level.

For instance, an author may opt for simple language for clarity and accessibility or complex vocabulary to evoke sophistication and intricacy. This choice is essential because it affects how readers perceive and interpret the text. Thus, understanding diction is crucial for analyzing a work's style and the author's intent.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

The overall theme of the work

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy