TEXT STRUCTURE
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
RHETORICAL APPEALS
AUTHOR’S CHOICES
FAST STRATEGY – STRUCTURE & PURPOSE
100

PASSAGE:
The article explains the causes of air pollution and then describes its effects on human health and the environment.
QUESTION: What text structure is used?

ANSWER: Cause and effect.

100

PASSAGE:
The passage explains how hurricanes form and includes diagrams and definitions.
QUESTION: What is the author’s purpose?

ANSWER: To inform.

100

PASSAGE:
The author includes statistics showing a 40% increase in recycling after new policies were introduced.
QUESTION: Which rhetorical appeal is used?

ANSWER: Logos.

100

PASSAGE:
The author repeats the phrase “long‑term consequences” several times.
QUESTION: Why does the author repeat this phrase?

ANSWER: To emphasize its importance.

100

PASSAGE:
A FAST question asks how a paragraph contributes to the whole text.
QUESTION: What skill is being tested?

ANSWER: Text structure.

200

PASSAGE:
The author explains how traditional classrooms differ from online learning by discussing flexibility, interaction, and pacing.
QUESTION: Which text structure is used?

ANSWER: Compare and contrast.

200

PASSAGE:
The author argues that school uniforms reduce distractions and improve focus, using statistics to support the claim.
QUESTION: What is the author’s purpose?

ANSWER: To persuade.

200

PASSAGE:
The author shares a story about a family affected by climate change to connect with readers emotionally.
QUESTION: Which appeal is used?

ANSWER: Pathos.

200

PASSAGE:
The author includes a counterargument that challenges their position before refuting it.
QUESTION: Why include a counterargument?

ANSWER: To strengthen credibility.

200

PASSAGE:
A question asks why the author included statistics rather than opinions.
QUESTION: What should the student analyze?

ANSWER: The author’s purpose and choices.

300

PASSAGE:
First, students identify the problem. Next, they research solutions. Finally, they present their findings.
QUESTION: What structure does the author use?

ANSWER: Sequence / chronological order.

300

PASSAGE:
A short story describes a humorous interaction between two friends at a café.
QUESTION: What is the author’s primary purpose?

ANSWER: To entertain.

300

PASSAGE:
A doctor writes an article about nutrition and lists years of medical experience.
QUESTION: Which appeal is emphasized?

ANSWER: Ethos.

300

PASSAGE:
The author uses vivid imagery to describe drought‑stricken land.
QUESTION: Why use imagery?

ANSWER: To help readers visualize the issue.

300

PASSAGE:
A student focuses only on the topic instead of the author’s goal.
QUESTION: Why is this a mistake?

ANSWER: Topic and purpose are not the same.

400

PASSAGE:
The author presents a problem related to food waste and then proposes community composting as a solution.
QUESTION: Why is this structure effective?

ANSWER: It clearly shows how a solution addresses a problem.

400

PASSAGE:
The author describes the dangers of texting while driving and urges readers to put their phones away.
QUESTION: How does the author’s purpose influence the tone?

ANSWER: The tone is serious and urgent to persuade readers.

400

PASSAGE:
The author combines expert opinions, emotional stories, and data throughout the article.
QUESTION: Why is this effective?

ANSWER: Using multiple appeals strengthens the argument.

400

PASSAGE:
The author uses a formal tone and academic language throughout the article.
QUESTION: Why might the author choose this tone?

ANSWER: To appear credible and professional.

400

PASSAGE:
A student rereads the introduction and conclusion before answering a purpose question.
QUESTION: Why is this a smart strategy?

ANSWER: Purpose is often clearly stated in those sections.