How to Create Tone in Travel Writing

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging educational video adopts the format of a reality TV competition show called "Write on the Money" to teach students the fundamentals of travel writing and literary tone. Hosted by the character "Justin" from Istanbul, Turkey, the lesson challenges viewers to act as contestants who must produce a compelling piece of travel writing to stay in the competition. The video breaks down the genre of creative nonfiction, specifically focusing on how to capture the essence of a place through descriptive detail, cultural exploration, and personal reflection. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to analyzing John Steinbeck's classic travel memoir, *Travels with Charley*, serving as a mentor text. Through this analysis, students learn how professional authors use three specific tools to create tone: word choice (connotation), pacing (sentence length and structure), and figurative language (metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and personification). The video models how to identify these elements in literature and then how to brainstorm and apply them in original writing. Ideal for English Language Arts classrooms, this resource bridges reading analysis with creative writing application. It provides clear definitions, concrete examples, and structured pause points for students to practice skills immediately. Teachers can use this video to introduce a creative nonfiction unit, explain the abstract concept of "tone" in a relatable way, or guide students through the process of planning a travel narrative, making it a versatile tool for developing both analytical and composition skills.