How is Thomas's diction different from O'Connell's? What effect could this diction have on each writer's ability to engage and convince readers?

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Read:

- New Michigan Graduation Requirements Shortchange Many Students, by Nick Thomas

- Time to raise the bar in high schools, by Jack O'Connell

How is Thomas's diction different from O'Connell's? What effect could this diction have on each writer's ability to engage and convince readers?

Answer:

Besides having opposing opinions on the matter, Thomas and O'Connell's editorials have different styles when it comes to diction.

Explanation:

O'Connell uses formal and academic words, a serious tone, statistics, and research references to support his position, all of which will probably be more engaging for readers from academic backgrounds and people dedicated to institutional matters.

On the other hand, Thomas' editorial is not as formal, with a more approachable vocabulary. Furthermore, the tone is rather emotional, as it appeals to the reader's personal experience from the beginning, and supports his ideas appealing to personal references such as "I'm concerned that", and what "students deserve". This Kind of diction will probably be more engaging for readers of different backgrounds and socioeconomic situations, including, for example, the students and their parents.