Craft and Structure (ACT Reading)

Understanding Craft and Structure

"Craft and Structure" questions focus on how a text is written, not just what it says:

• Word choice and tone
• Text structure and organization
• Point of view and perspective
• Rhetorical devices and techniques
• Purpose of specific sections

These questions test your ability to analyze the author's choices and how they shape meaning.

Text Structure

Common Text Structures

1. Chronological/Sequential

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

2. Cause and Effect

• Shows relationships between events
• Signal words: because, since, as a result, therefore, consequently

3. Compare and Contrast

• Examines similarities and differences
• Signal words: similarly, however, unlike, whereas, both, but

4. Problem and Solution

• Identifies issue and proposes fix
• Signal words: problem, solution, answer, resolve

5. Description

• Provides details about topic
• Uses sensory details and specific characteristics

Structure Questions

"The overall structure of the passage can best be described as:"

How to answer:

1. Look at how passage is organized
2. Identify pattern (chronological, cause-effect, etc.)
3. Check beginning and end
4. Match to answer choice

Example:

Passage discusses Einstein's early life, education, development of relativity theory, and later impact

Structure: Chronological biography

"The third paragraph (lines 32-45) primarily serves to:"

How to answer:

1. Read that paragraph
2. Ask: What's its purpose in passage?
3. Common purposes:
   • Provide evidence for previous claim
   • Introduce new concept
   • Contrast with earlier information
   • Give specific example
   • Transition to new topic

Point of View

Types of Point of View

First Person: Uses "I," "me," "we"

• Personal perspective
• Limited to narrator's knowledge
• More subjective

Third Person: Uses "he," "she," "they"

• Outside narrator
• Can be limited or omniscient
• Can be more objective

Second Person: Uses "you"

• Rare in ACT passages
• Direct address to reader

Point of View Questions

"The passage is written from the point of view of:"

How to answer:

• Look for pronouns
• Determine narrator's relationship to events
• Check if narrator is character or outside observer

"The narrator's perspective can best be described as:"

Common options:

• Objective observer
• Enthusiastic supporter
• Skeptical critic
• Nostalgic participant
• Detached analyst

How to answer:

• Look for evaluative language
• Note adjectives and adverbs
• Check for bias or opinion
• Consider overall tone

Tone and Style

Identifying Tone

Tone = Author's attitude toward subject

Common tones:

• Objective: Factual, neutral, unbiased
• Enthusiastic: Excited, positive, supportive
• Critical: Disapproving, negative, questioning
• Admiring: Respectful, appreciative
• Nostalgic: Longing for past, sentimental
• Humorous: Funny, lighthearted
• Serious: Grave, important, formal

Tone indicators:

• Word choice (connotations)
• Descriptive adjectives
• Comparisons and metaphors
• What author emphasizes

"The author's tone in discussing X can best be described as:"

How to answer:

1. Find where X is discussed
2. Read surrounding sentences
3. Note word choice (positive/negative/neutral)
4. Check for qualifying words (however, remarkably, unfortunately)
5. Match to answer choice

Example:

"The scientist's groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of genetics."

Tone: Admiring (note: "groundbreaking," "transformed")

"The study's flawed methodology raises serious questions about the conclusions."

Tone: Critical (note: "flawed," "serious questions")

Analyzing Word Choice

"The author's use of the word 'X' serves to:"

How to answer:

1. Find the word in context
2. Ask: Why this word instead of a neutral alternative?
3. Consider connotation (associated feelings)
4. Determine effect on reader

Example:

"The politician's scheme was exposed by investigative journalists."

Why "scheme" instead of "plan"?

• "Scheme" has negative connotation (sneaky, dishonest)
• Shows author's critical tone
• Influences reader to view politician negatively

Rhetorical Devices

Common Devices in ACT Passages

Analogy: Comparison to explain unfamiliar concept

• "DNA is like a blueprint for building a house"
• Purpose: Make complex idea understandable

Anecdote: Brief personal story or example

• Opening with specific example before general discussion
• Purpose: Engage reader, illustrate point

Rhetorical Question: Question not expecting answer

• "Who among us hasn't wondered about the stars?"
• Purpose: Engage reader, emphasize point

Repetition: Repeating words or phrases

• Purpose: Emphasize importance, create rhythm

Contrast/Juxtaposition: Placing opposites together

• Purpose: Highlight differences, create emphasis

Device Questions

"The author uses the analogy in lines 15-17 primarily to:"

How to answer:

1. Find the analogy
2. Identify what's being compared
3. Ask: What does this comparison help reader understand?
4. Choose answer reflecting that purpose

Common purposes:

• Clarify complex concept
• Make abstract idea concrete
• Help reader visualize
• Create emotional connection

Text Features

Analyzing Specific Sections

"The description in lines 23-27 primarily serves to:"

How to answer:

1. Read those specific lines
2. Read paragraph before and after for context
3. Ask: How does this section function in passage?

Common functions:

• Support previous claim with evidence
• Provide specific example
• Introduce counterargument
• Shift to new topic
• Establish setting or context
• Develop character

Transitions

"The sentence 'However, recent studies suggest otherwise' (line 34) serves to:"

Answer: Introduce contrasting information or shift in argument

Transition types:

• Addition: furthermore, moreover, additionally
• Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
• Cause/Effect: therefore, thus, as a result
• Example: for instance, for example, such as
• Sequence: first, next, finally

Author's Purpose

Determining Purpose

"The author's main purpose in the passage is to:"

Common purposes:

• Inform/explain
• Persuade/argue
• Entertain
• Describe
• Narrate

How to determine:

• Check thesis or main idea
• Look at evidence presented
• Note tone (objective vs. opinionated)
• Consider structure

"The author mentions X in order to:"

Common purposes for specific mentions:

• Provide evidence
• Give example
• Introduce topic
• Create contrast
• Support claim
• Transition between ideas

Style and Language

Analyzing Writing Style

Formal vs. Informal:

• Formal: Academic, professional, sophisticated vocabulary
• Informal: Conversational, casual, simple language

Technical vs. Accessible:

• Technical: Specialized vocabulary, complex concepts
• Accessible: Clear explanations, everyday language

"The author's writing style can best be described as:"

How to answer:

• Note vocabulary level
• Check sentence complexity
• Look for personal pronouns
• Consider tone
• Assess formality

Imagery and Description

Imagery = Language appealing to senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell)

"The author's description of X emphasizes:"

How to answer:

1. Read the description
2. Note which details author includes
3. Ask: What stands out? What's emphasized?
4. Choose answer matching those emphasized elements

Example:

"The forest was dark and silent, with twisted trees looming overhead like skeletal hands."

Emphasizes: Eerie, threatening atmosphere (not peaceful nature)

Common Question Formats

Format 1: Function Questions

"The [first/second/third] paragraph primarily serves to:"

Strategies:

• Read that paragraph
• Check how it relates to overall passage
• Identify its specific role

Format 2: Purpose Questions

"The author mentions X in order to:"

Strategies:

• Find where X is mentioned
• Read context before and after
• Determine why author included it

Format 3: Effect Questions

"The author's use of X has the effect of:"

Strategies:

• Identify the device or technique
• Consider how it affects reader
• Choose answer matching that effect

Format 4: Perspective Questions

"The narrator's attitude toward X is best described as:"

Strategies:

• Find where narrator discusses X
• Note word choice and tone
• Match to answer choice

Common Mistakes

❌ Confusing what is said with how it's said
Structure questions are about HOW text is organized, not just content

❌ Ignoring context
Always read before and after the specific lines referenced

❌ Choosing based on one word
Tone should be consistent across passage, not based on single word

❌ Overthinking purpose
Usually straightforward — provide example, support claim, etc.

❌ Using outside interpretation
Base answers on passage evidence, not your own literary analysis

Quick Tips

✓ Read the line references — always check specific lines mentioned
✓ Look for patterns — repeated words/ideas show emphasis
✓ Note transitions — signal shifts in structure
✓ Consider audience — formal = academic; informal = general
✓ Check surrounding context — never read lines in isolation
✓ Match tone to words — look for specific evidence of tone
✓ Identify structure early — helps answer multiple questions
✓ Think about author choices — why this word/example/order?

Practice Approach

For Craft and Structure questions:

1. Understand what's being asked

   • Function? Purpose? Tone? Structure?

2. Locate relevant section

   • Use line numbers
   • Read a bit before and after

3. Analyze the "how"

   • How is it written?
   • What choices did author make?
   • What's the effect?

4. Find passage evidence

   • Specific words showing tone
   • Organization showing structure
   • Context showing purpose

5. Eliminate wrong answers

   • Too extreme
   • Not supported by passage
   • Confuses what vs. how

Remember: Craft and Structure questions ask you to think like a literary analyst. Don't just focus on WHAT the passage says — focus on HOW it's written, WHY the author made specific choices, and WHAT EFFECT those choices have on meaning and reader understanding!