This question is based on Literary Principles The choice of words used by a writer in a literary work is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term that describes a writer's choice of words in a literary work.

Step 2: Explain the concept Let's look at each option:

• Cliche: An overused expression that has lost its freshness, e.g. "avoid it like the plague" or "last but not least."
• Idiom: A fixed expression whose meaning is not literal, e.g. "kick the bucket" (to die) or "it's raining cats and dogs."
• Diction: The writer's selection of words and style of expression. It covers whether the words are formal or informal, simple or complex, and so on.
• Tone: The writer's attitude toward the subject or audience, e.g. humorous, serious, sarcastic, or sorrowful. Tone is often created through diction, but it is not the word choice itself.

Step 3: Solution The question is about choice of words, which is the definition of diction. Tone is the attitude or mood that results from those choices, so it is not the answer.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. diction.

Tip: Link the words to their first letters: Diction = Decision about words. If a question mentions "choice of words," think diction. If it mentions "attitude of the writer," think tone.