Final answer:
The tone of a text refers to the author's attitude or feelings towards the topic, and can be influenced by the words (diction) the author uses. Words carry both denotations and connotations, both of which contribute to the tone. The word 'exhilarating', for example, suggests an exciting, positive tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that most strongly impacts the author's tone in a text can be identified by considering both its denotation (literal or dictionary meaning) and connotation (emotional or cultural associations). For instance, if an author uses the word 'exhilarating' to describe a scene, the word's denotation would suggest a highly stimulative experience, while its connotation would add feelings of excitement and joy. This would contribute to a positive, upbeat tone for the text. Therefore, considering both aspects of diction is important for understanding how a single word can impact the overall tone of a text.
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