Final answer:
The example of the author's diction that helps create an ominous mood is the use of mysterious and unsettling language. This type of diction includes words with connotations of darkness and unpredictability, contributing to a sense of tension or danger.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify which example of the author's diction in paragraph 3 of selection 1 helps create an ominous mood, it's essential to understand what characteristics contribute to such a mood. An ominous mood is often created through the use of language that is mysterious, unsettling, and perhaps evocative of a sense of impending danger or tension. Therefore, the answer would be the use of mysterious and unsettling language. This type of diction may include words that have connotations associated with darkness, fear, or unpredictability, and it differs significantly from formal, cheerful, or purely descriptive language.
In the context provided, the reference to descriptive diction and sensory detail points to the author's skill in using language to convey atmosphere and emotion. When an author employs vivid and descriptive words that focus on the darker aspects of a setting or situation, they contribute to creating that ominous mood. Furthermore, if the text uses figurative language effectively, this can also amplify the sense of foreboding or unease, making the reader more immersed in the story and aware of the mood being set by the author.