Paul Robert’s use of connotative and colloquial diction in “How to Say Nothing in 500 Words” contributes to the humorous tone. For instance, Robert’s use of anecdotes distract his readers from the tedious concept of writing a college essay. “Picture poor old Alfy coming home from football practice every evening, bruised and aching, agonizingly tired, scarcely able to shovel mashed potatoes into his mouth (Roberts 4). Roberts effectively provides insight for his readers on how to make an essay more intriguing by telling this short and comical story. Another example that Roberts utilizes a humorous tone, is when he uses sarcastic irony. “...he wonders how he allowed himself to get trapped into teaching English when he might have had a happy
