Which element of writing style refers to the authors attitude toward the subject?

The element of writing style that refers to the author's attitude toward the subject is known as "tone." Tone is conveyed through the choice of words and details the author uses. It reflects the writer's feelings and attitudes toward what they are discussing. For instance, an author could write about a subject with a tone that is sarcastic, serious, humorous, formal, informal, pessimistic, or optimistic, among others. The tone can greatly affect how the reader perceives the message and can significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of the writing.

Extra: Understanding tone in literature is important because it helps readers better grasp the emotional nuances and the message behind the text. It can also set the mood for the piece, influencing how engaged the reader is with the content. Writers often use descriptive language, imagery, punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice to establish tone. For example, short, direct sentences may create a tone of urgency or simplicity, while long, flowing sentences might create a more reflective or complex tone.

Recognizing an author's tone is a key reading skill, as it requires students to infer meaning based on the context – it is not something that's always directly stated. In classroom settings, teachers often encourage students to explore tone by looking at the connotations of words (whether the words have positive, neutral, or negative associations) and the overall style and direction of the author's writing. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the author's purpose and the themes within a text.