Author's Craft and Text Structure

Understanding Author's Craft

Author's Craft = The techniques and choices authors use to communicate ideas

Elements to Analyze

1. Word Choice (Diction)

• Formal vs. informal language
• Technical vs. common terms
• Emotional vs. neutral words

2. Tone

• Author's attitude toward subject
• Can change throughout passage
• Revealed through word choice

3. Point of View

• First person (I, we)
• Second person (you)
• Third person (he, she, they)
• Omniscient vs. limited

4. Literary Devices

• Metaphor and simile
• Imagery (descriptive language)
• Repetition for emphasis
• Rhetorical questions

Text Structure

Common Organizational Patterns

1. Chronological/Sequential

• Events in time order
• Signal words: first, next, then, finally, before, after

2. Compare and Contrast

• Shows similarities and differences
• Signal words: similarly, however, unlike, on the other hand

3. Cause and Effect

• Shows why things happen
• Signal words: because, therefore, as a result, consequently

4. Problem and Solution

• Presents problem, proposes fix
• Common in social science passages

5. Description/Classification

• Describes characteristics
• Groups into categories
• Common in natural science

Question Types

Function Questions

"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:

• Provide an example
• Support an argument
• Introduce a new idea
• Contrast with previous point
• Transition to new topic

Development Questions

"The passage develops the idea that X by..."

Look for:

• Examples
• Evidence
• Explanations
• Comparisons
• Expert opinions

Structure Questions

"The passage is organized primarily by..."

Strategy:

1. Look at how paragraphs connect
2. Identify overall pattern
3. Focus on MAIN structure (not minor elements)

Effect Questions

"The author's use of X creates a sense of..."

Analyze:

• How does the technique affect the reader?
• What feeling or understanding does it create?

Analyzing Paragraph Function

Introduction Paragraphs

Typical functions:

• Present main topic
• Provide background
• State thesis/argument
• Engage reader with hook

Body Paragraphs

Typical functions:

• Support main idea
• Provide evidence
• Develop argument
• Present examples

Conclusion Paragraphs

Typical functions:

• Summarize main points
• Restate thesis
• Provide final thoughts
• Call to action (persuasive)

Rhetorical Devices

Repetition

Purpose: Emphasize important ideas

Example: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..."

Rhetorical Questions

Purpose: Engage reader, emphasize point

Example: "How can we ignore this problem?" (Not expecting an answer - making a point)

Parallel Structure

Purpose: Create rhythm, emphasize connection

Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."

Contrast/Juxtaposition

Purpose: Highlight differences, create emphasis

Example: Placing opposing ideas side by side

Point of View Impact

First Person (I/We)

• Effect: Personal, subjective
• Common in: Memoirs, personal essays

Third Person Limited

• Effect: Focus on one character's perspective
• Common in: Fiction

Third Person Omniscient

• Effect: Broader view, multiple perspectives
• Common in: Novels with multiple characters

Tone Analysis

How to identify tone:

1. Word choice - positive, negative, or neutral words?
2. Details emphasized - what does author focus on?
3. Overall feeling - how does passage make you feel?

Common tones:

• Academic/scholarly
• Enthusiastic
• Critical
• Nostalgic
• Objective/neutral
• Skeptical
• Admiring

ACT Tips

• Function questions: Think about PURPOSE, not just content
• "In order to" = asking WHY the author did something
• Main structure might have minor variations (that's okay!)
• Tone questions: Eliminate extreme answers
• Don't overthink - structure questions have clear patterns