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Analyze how authors develop ideas and organize passages
Learn step-by-step with practice exercises built right in.
Author's Craft = The techniques and choices authors use to communicate ideas
1. Word Choice (Diction)
2. Tone
3. Point of View
4. Literary Devices
A passage describes events in the order they occurred, from earliest to latest. What organizational pattern is this?
Solution:
Events in time order = Chronological/Sequential organization
Signal words you'd expect:
Other common patterns:
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1. Chronological/Sequential
2. Compare and Contrast
3. Cause and Effect
4. Problem and Solution
5. Description/Classification
"The author mentions X in order to..." "The primary function of the third paragraph is to..."
What's being asked: WHY did the author include this?
Common purposes:
"The passage develops the idea that X by..."
Look for:
"The passage is organized primarily by..."
Strategy:
"The author's use of X creates a sense of..."
Analyze:
Typical functions:
Typical functions:
Typical functions:
Purpose: Emphasize important ideas
Example: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..."
Purpose: Engage reader, emphasize point
Example: "How can we ignore this problem?" (Not expecting an answer - making a point)
Purpose: Create rhythm, emphasize connection
Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."
Purpose: Highlight differences, create emphasis
Example: Placing opposing ideas side by side
How to identify tone:
Common tones:
Answer: Chronological or Sequential organization
ACT Tip: Chronological = time order (chrono = time)
Passage excerpt:
"The experiment yielded surprising results. Three independent labs confirmed the findings. Critics, however, pointed out limitations in the methodology."
What is the function of the final sentence?
Solution:
First two sentences: Positive view of experiment
Third sentence: "However" signals contrast
Function: To present an opposing viewpoint or limitation/criticism after presenting positive information
Answer: To introduce a contrasting perspective on the experiment's validity
ACT Tip: "However" is a red flag that function is changing - usually to show contrast!
An author repeats the phrase "we must act now" at the end of three consecutive paragraphs. What is the MOST likely purpose of this repetition?
Solution:
Repetition is a rhetorical device (persuasive technique)
Purpose of repetition:
"We must act now" repeated 3 times:
Answer: To emphasize the urgency of taking action
ACT Tip: When authors repeat phrases, ask yourself - what idea are they trying to hammer home?