- look for signs of emotion, attitude, bias
- look at diction
- positive, negative, sarcastic, formal, emotional, neutral tone
- Sentence Structure and Punctuation
- short, abrupt sentences - urgency / anger
- long flowing sentences = calm / reflecting
- Imagery or descriptions
- Figurative language
Positive / Supportive / Uplifting
- appreciative
- cheerful
- Encouraging
- Enthusiastic
- Friendly
- Gentle
- Hopeful
- Joyful
- Light-hearted
- Loving
- Nostalgic
- Optimistic
- Respectful
- Sympathetic
- Supportive
- Warm
Neutral / Observational / Thoughtful
- Calm
- Cautious
- Contemplative
- Curious
- Detached
- Factual
- Matter-of-fact
- Neutral
- Objective
- Reflective
- Serious
- Thoughtful
Negative / Sad / Regretful
- Anxious
- Apologetic
- Bitter
- Concerned
- Critical
- Depressed
- Disappointed
- Disapproving
- Gloomy
- Hopeless
- Melancholic
- Mournful
- Regretful
- Resigned
- Sad
- Sorrowful
- Tense
- Worried
Angry / Harsh / Aggressive
- Accusatory
- Aggressive
- Angry
- Condescending
- Contemptuous
- Defensive
- Frustrated
- Harsh
- Hostile
- Insulting
- Mocking
- Rude
- Sarcastic
- Scathing
- Scornful
- Unfriendly
Irony / Witty / Playful
- Amused
- Humorous
- Ironic
- Playful
- Satirical
- Sardonic
- Teasing
- Wry
Persuasive / Confident / Strong
- Assertive
- Authoritative
- Bold
- Confident
- Convincing
- Decisive
- Determined
- Direct
- Forceful
- Passionate
- Persuasive
- Reasonable
- Urgent