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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
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:
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:
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
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 introduce a contrasting perspective on the experiment's validity
ACT Tip: "However" is a red flag that function is changing - usually to show contrast!
Answer: To emphasize the urgency of taking action
ACT Tip: When authors repeat phrases, ask yourself - what idea are they trying to hammer home?