NAME: _________________________________________

GRADE/SECTION: _____________________________
11/12

CREATIVE
WRITING
Semester I/II – Quarter 1/3- Week 3
Diction and Specific Experiences

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
ENGLISH – Grade 11/12
Contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (CLAS)
Semester I/II – Quarter 1/3 - Week 3: Diction and Specific Experiences
First Edition, 2021

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 Lesson 1
Using Diction and Specific Experiences

MELC: Use diction and specific experiences to evoke meaningful responses.

Objectives: 1. Define diction

2. Identify the different types of diction
3. Use diction and specific experiences to evoke meaningful responses

Let’s Try
Directions: Read each question carefully. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is diction?
A. A language
B. Writer’s choice
C. A language of specific group
D. A vivid description of writer’s experience

2. This diction is the use of sophisticated language and sticks to grammatical rules.
A. Abstract B. Concrete C. Formal D. Informal

3. This diction is more conversational and often used in narrative texts such as short stories
and novels.
A. Abstract B. Concrete C. Formal D. Informal

4. A type of informal diction that generally represents a place and time and adds color to a
narrative text.
A. Colloquial B. Dialect C. Informal D. Slang

5. Lodi, Petmalu, Mumshie, Charot are examples of this type of informal diction.
A. sight B. sound C. taste D. touch

6. What is an abstract diction?

A. Words that do not appeal imaginatively using the five senses
B. Marian’s room was filled with earthy scent from old books scattered on the floor.
C. The bright clear sky signifies a sprouting hope in this time of pandemic.
D. Specific words

7. Which of the following pertains to concrete diction?

A. Cellular phone B. Failure C. Mathematical Equations D. Success

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8. Which of the following is NOT an example of an abstract diction?
A. Concrete diction appeals to the five senses
B. Concrete diction does not appeal to the senses
C. Concrete diction is a new word, shortened or modified that take on a new meaning
D. Concrete diction is the use sophisticated language that sticks to Grammatical rules

9. Which of the following is an example of a concrete diction?

A. Democracy B. Dream C. Freedom D. Green

10. “Ann drives her Mazda to her office.” This is an example of what type of diction?
A. Abstract C. Denotation
B. Connotation D. Specific

11. This refers to the literal definition of a word independent of any emotional association
of the writer.
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

12. This refers to a word that its meaning consists of an emotional association of the writer.
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

13. When a writer uses the word house instead home to mean a building that serves as
living quarters for a family, he uses what type of diction?
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

14. This diction refers to the use of an accurate and direct language in writing.
A. Figurative B. General C. Literal D. Specific

15. When the writer prefers to use tight as bark as a tree instead of being frugal to describe
a person who is economical, he uses what type of diction?
A. Figurative B. General C. Literal D. Specific

Let’s Explore and Discover

Diction is simply the words the writer uses to express ideas. Clear, specific, and detailed
diction invokes specific effect and bring the reader into the event being described.

In this lesson, we are going to explore diction and its types used in expressing specific
experiences.

Diction is the writer’s choice of word. Writer relies on the appropriate words that convey
a specific idea for a clear, concrete and precise description of his/ her experience.

Depending on the subject, purpose, and audience, the writer considers the following
types of diction in describing his/her vivid feelings and ideas:

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 TYPES OF DICTION EXAMPLES

Formal vs. Informal

o Formal Diction – use of sophisticated language Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It is

and sticks to grammatical rules. It is commonly a true pleasure to meet you all.
used in academic texts, business documents and
legal papers.

o Informal Diction – more conversational and

often used in narrative texts such as short Hey, nice to meet ya!
stories and novels. It represents how people
communicate in real life, depicting a realistic
character in fictional stories.

(Source: “What is Diction?”, MasterClass, accessed September 25,

2020,https://www.masterclass.com/ articles/what-is-diction-learn-
8-differenttypesof-diction-in-writing-with-examples#what-is-diction-
in-writing.)

Types of Informal Diction

▪ Slang – a new word, shortened or modified word Lodi, Petmalu, Mumshie, Werpa,
or words that take on a new meaning. Charot, Bulilyaso

▪ Colloquial – informal in nature and generally Ain’t, Y’all,

represents a place or time. It adds color to
narrative writing.

▪ Dialects – a nonstandard subgroup of language “Tara magkain tayo ng

with its own vocabulary and grammatical errors. chaolong.” (Come on, let’s eat
It is often used to reveal a person’s economic or chalong.)
social status.

(Source: “What is Diction?”, MasterClass, accessed September 25,

2020,https://www.masterclass.com/ articles/what-is-diction-learn-
8-differenttypesof-diction-in-writing-with-examples#what-is-diction-
in-writing.)

General vs. Specific

Student
General terms refer to groups; specific terms
refer to individuals. Female Student

(Source: Abstract, Concrete, General and Specific, Senior High School Female
Friedlander,John, Accessed September 28,2020, Students
http://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/composition/abstract.htm.) Grade 12 SHS Female Students

Annie, Grade 12 SHS Female Students

Abstract vs. Concrete

o Abstract – words that do not appeal imaginatively Education, Love, Freedom,

to the reader's senses. It does not create a "mental Intelligence, Attitudes.
picture" or any other imagined feelings for
readers.

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 o Concrete – words that stimulate some kind of
sensory response in the reader: as we read the Cellular phone, Classroom,
words, we can imaginatively use our senses to Chair, TV, Bag, etc.
experience what the words represent.

(Source: “Abstract vs. Concrete”, MSCC.edu. Accessed August

27,2020,https://www.mscc.edu/documents/writingcenter/concrete
vs-abstractlanguage.pdf.)

Denotation vs. Connotation House vs. Home

o Denotation – exact word, literal definition of a House – building that serves as

word independent of any emotional association. living quarters for one or a few
family
VS.
o Connotation – meaning of a word consists of
emotional association Home – safety, family, security

Literal vs. Figurative

o Literal – accurate and direct language.

Frugal vs. tight as bark of a tree
o Figurative – driven by descriptive language,
sometimes hat beat and rhyme.

Diction is the writer’s careful selection of words to effectively communicate to his target
audience. It establishes writer’s voice and writing style. For example, in narrative texts,
writers use informal diction and figurative language for colorful effect. The dialogue in the
story reveals gender, background social setting of the characters involved. However, formal
writing requires direct and refined language in discussing topics or issues such as in
proposals and research papers.

Let’s Practice
Activity 1
Directions: Unscramble the following words in the word pool. Write your answer on the
space provided corresponding to its example.

4
_______________________1. “ And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us one again
We keep the wall between us as we go
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.”
--Mending Wall, Robert Frost

_______________________2. Chocolates are sweet.

_______________________3. Missing y’all this pandemic time.
_______________________4. “Mumshie!”, as I call my favourite teacherin Science.
_______________________5. I really love the jewelry that my mother gave me.
_______________________6. I am allowed to use my cellular phone two hours a day.
_______________________7. We all want success, right?
_______________________8. There’s no place like home.
_______________________9. “Ah, happy,happy boughs! that cannot shed
Your leaves, nor ever bid the spring adieu.”
--Grecian Urn, John Keats
_______________________10. Ron’s favourite fictional book is “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid”.

Activity 2
Directions: Identify the sentence that specifically conveys meaning by circling the letter it
corresponds.

1. A. Joan loves to watch movies.

B. Joan loves to watch horror and sci-fi movies in her free time.
2. A. Senior High School students will have a final test in Creative Writing this week.
B. They have an examination this week.
3. A. Taking medicines without prescription is very dangerous.
B. Taking antibiotic without doctor’s prescription is hazardous to our health.
4. A. A 30-minutewalking a day is good for your health.
B. Exercise is good for your health.
5. A. I can never forget how lovely she was.
B. I will never forget her fair skin, shiny dark hair, and her killer smiles.
6. A. Reading has a lot of advantage.
B. Reading widens our vocabulary, gives entertainment and liberates our mind.
7. A. She loves listening to music in the morning.
B. Melissa loves listening classical music at six o’clock in the morning.
8. A. Teenagers right now are fond of using social media in expressing their emotions.
B. Teenagers right now are fond of using facebook, twitter, instagram and other
social media platform in expressing their emotions.
9. A. Studying outside Palawan is a lot more expensive.
B. Studying in Manila needs much money not only for the school fee, but also for
the cost of living.
10. A. Smoking cigarettes is hazardous.
B. Smoking cigarettes promotes cough, cancer and heart attack.

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 Reflect on this…
As a student, why is it important to know the significance of using
diction and specific experiences in writing?

Let’s Do More

Activity 1
Directions: Give the concrete idea of the following abstract sentences.

Example: The dress is pretty. (Answer: The floor-length, velvet dress is a deep shade of
violet.)

1. He is patriotic.

2. COVID19 has brought so much struggles to Filipinos.

3. My father experienced difficulty in life.

4. They have a beautiful beach resort in El Nido.

5. She loves to cook delicious food for us.

Activity 2
Directions: Write a scenario about a character that has a conversation with him/herself
in the mirror. The dialogue to be used should include the following:

Type of Diction Suggested Number of Words to be

Used
Informal Diction 1
Concrete Diction 1
Abstract 1
Figurative 1
Connotative 1

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 Let’s Sum It Up
Directions: Cut out any image to represent your understanding about the topic and
paste it on box below. Describe it vividly in not more five (5) sentences using the
appropriate dictions.

Description:

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 Let’s Assess
Directions: Read each item carefully. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is diction?
A. A language
B. Writer’s choice
C. A language of specific group
D. A vivid description of writer’s experience

2. This diction is the use of sophisticated language and sticks to grammatical rules.
A. Abstract B. Concrete C. Formal D. Informal

3. This diction is more conversational and often used in narrative texts such as short
stories and novels.
A. Abstract B. Concrete C. Formal D. Informal

4. A type of informal diction that generally represents a place and time and adds color to a
narrative text.
A. Colloquial B. Dialect C. Informal D. Slang

5. Lodi, Petmalu, Mumshie, Charot are examples of this type of informal diction.
A. sight B. sound C. taste D. touch

6. What is an abstract diction?

A. Words that do not appeal imaginatively using the five senses
B. Marian’s room was filled with earthy scent from old books scattered on the floor.
C. The bright clear sky signifies a sprouting hope in this time of pandemic.
D. Specific words

7. Which of the following pertains to concrete diction?

A. Cellular phone B. Failure C. Mathematical Equations D. Success

8. Which of the following is NOT an example of an abstract diction?

A. Concrete diction appeals to the five senses
B. Concrete diction does not appeal to the senses
C. Concrete diction is a new word, shortened or modified that take on a new meaning
D. Concrete diction is the use sophisticated language that sticks to Grammatical rules

9. Which of the following is an example of a concrete diction?

A. Democracy B. Dream C. Freedom D. Green

10. “Ann drives her Mazda to her office.” This is an example of what type of diction.
A. Abstract C. Denotation
B. Connotation D. Specific

8
11. This refers to the literal definition of a word independent of any emotional association
of the writer.
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

12. This refers to a word that its meaning consists of an emotional association of the writer.
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

13. When a writer uses the word house instead home to mean a building that serves as
living quarters for a family, he uses what type of diction?
A. Connotation B. Denotation C. Figurative D. Literal

14. This diction refers to the use of an accurate and direct language in writing.
A. Figurative B. General C. Literal D. Specific

15. When the writer prefers to use tight as bark as a tree instead of being frugal to describe
a person who is economical, he uses what type of diction?
A. Figurative B. General C. Literal D. Specific

Thank you for giving your best effort.

Remember, learning is more fun when you do it
with a smiling face and a happy heart! 😊

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 References

WEBSITE
Iswahyuni, S. Pd. “Module 1: General and Specific Terms.” Accessed August 27,
2020. http://repository.ut.ac.id/3806/1/PBIS4208-M1.pdf.

“Mark Twain Quotes”.Good Reads. Accessed September 11,

2020.https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/4957-the-difference-between-the
almost-right-word-and-the-right.

“What is Diction?”. MasterClass. Accessed September 25, 2020.

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-diction-learn-8-different-types-of
diction-in-writing-with-examples#what-is-diction-in-writing.

“Diction”. Literary Devices. Accessed September 15, 2020-10-01.

http://www.literarydevices.com/diction/.

“Ode on the Grecian Urn”. Poetry Foundation. Accessed September 29,

2020.https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44477/ode-on-a-grecian-urn.

“Mending Wall”. Literary Devices. Accessed September 29, 2020.

https://literarydevices.net/mending-wall/.

“Abstract vs. Concrete”. MSCC.edu. Accessed August 27, 2020

https://www.mscc.edu/documents/writingcenter/concrete-vs-
abstractlanguage.pdf.

Friedlander, John. “Abstract, Concrete, General and Specific”. Accessed September

28,2020, http://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/composition/abstract.htm.

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