Provide two effective strategies for teaching authorial voice in high school English classes.

• A. Focus on plot summaries and memorization of quotes
• B. Model close readings of diction and syntax; assign writing tasks that imitate a chosen author’s voice; use peer revision focused on voice
• C. Use only grammar worksheets
• D. Ignore authorial voice and focus on technical writing

Answer: (B)

Understanding authorial voice is about how language choices—word choice, sentence length, rhythm, and tone—create a distinctive voice in a text. Modeling close readings of diction and syntax helps students notice how particular words and sentence structures shape that voice in authentic passages. Then assigning writing tasks that imitate a chosen author’s voice lets students experience firsthand what it takes to reproduce and control that voice in their own writing. Adding peer revision focused on voice provides targeted feedback on whether the writing captures the intended style and where adjustments in diction, sentence shape, or rhythm are needed. These steps move students from analyzing how voice works to actively producing writing that demonstrates a deliberate authorial voice.