Literary Analysis
A character says, “I’m fine,” but avoids eye contact and leaves abruptly. This suggests a meaning not directly stated in the text.
What is inference?
An article lists dates and events in order to explain how something developed over time.
What is chronological structure?
Two texts describe the same event, but one includes personal experiences while the other includes only facts.
What is difference in point of view?
The word “determined” instead of “stubborn” changes how a character is perceived.
What is connotation?
A writer uses a flashback to provide background information.
What is nonlinear structure?
A story shows a character repeatedly choosing honesty despite negative consequences. This pattern helps develop this element.
What is theme?
A paragraph explains a problem and then suggests ways to fix it.
What is problem-solution structure?
Both texts address the same topic but emphasize different ideas or details.
What is the difference in focus or emphasis?
Words like “gloomy,” “silent,” and “empty” create this feeling in a text.
What is tone or mood?
An author includes dialogue to reveal characters’ thoughts and relationships.
What is characterization?
A setting described as dark, silent, and isolated contributes to the reader’s understanding of this element.
What is mood?
An author includes statistics and expert quotes to support a claim.
What is use of evidence to build credibility?
When comparing how two authors develop the same theme, students must analyze this.
What is how each author develops the theme differently?
A shift from positive to negative word choice signals a change in this element.
What is tone?
A speech repeats a key phrase to emphasize an idea.
What is rhetorical repetition?
A character who once feared failure begins taking risks after facing a major conflict. Use this change to explain what the text reveals about this element.
What is character development (or how conflict shapes growth)?
A text presents facts but uses emotionally charged words like “outrageous” and “unfair.” Analyze how this affects the reader’s understanding.
What is bias influencing interpretation?
One text uses logical reasoning, while the other relies on emotional appeal.
What is difference in persuasive techniques? What is logos and pathos?
An author describes a place as “compact” instead of “cramped.” Analyze how this word choice influences meaning.
What is connotation affecting tone?
An author begins with a surprising fact to capture attention. Analyze how this impacts the reader.
What is engaging the audience or hook?
Two characters respond differently to the same challenge—one gives up, the other persists. Use this contrast to determine what message the author conveys.
What is theme developed through contrasting characters?
An article includes strong evidence but does not address opposing viewpoints. Evaluate how this impacts the argument.
What is a limitation in credibility or completeness of argument?
Two authors reach different conclusions about the same issue. Use evidence to explain why their arguments differ.
What is interpretation based on evidence and perspective?
Repetition of emotionally charged words shapes how the reader feels about a topic.
What is tone influencing reader response?
An author organizes a text to build from simple ideas to complex arguments. Evaluate how this structure affects understanding.
What is logical progression, enhancing clarity and persuasion?