Text Analysis Strategies
Learn
This lesson focuses on advanced text analysis strategies for breaking down and understanding complex passages across different genres and disciplines.
Text Structure Analysis
- Chronological: Events presented in time order
- Compare/Contrast: Examining similarities and differences
- Cause/Effect: Exploring reasons and results
- Problem/Solution: Identifying issues and proposed answers
- Description: Detailed explanation of a topic or concept
Author's Craft Elements
- Word choice and tone
- Figurative language and imagery
- Point of view and perspective
- Use of evidence and reasoning
Examples
Examine how different text structures appear in real passages.
Example: Identifying Cause and Effect
Signal words to look for: because, therefore, as a result, consequently, since, due to
Example: Compare and Contrast Structure
Signal words: however, similarly, on the other hand, likewise, in contrast, both
✏️ Practice
Test your understanding with these practice questions.
Practice Questions
0/3 correctWhat is the main idea of a passage?
An inference is:
Context clues help you:
Check Your Understanding
Test yourself with these review questions.
1. What text structure organizes information by time sequence?
Show Answer
Chronological structure organizes events or information in the order they occurred.
2. Which signal words indicate a cause/effect structure?
Show Answer
Words like "because," "therefore," "as a result," "consequently," "since," and "due to" signal cause/effect relationships.
3. What is the purpose of analyzing an author's word choice?
Show Answer
Analyzing word choice reveals the author's tone, attitude, and intended effect on the reader.
4. How does a problem/solution text structure work?
Show Answer
It presents a problem or issue, then explains one or more proposed solutions or responses.
5. What words signal a compare/contrast structure?
Show Answer
"However," "similarly," "on the other hand," "likewise," "in contrast," and "both" signal comparisons.
6. Why is identifying text structure important for comprehension?
Show Answer
Understanding the structure helps you follow the author's logic, predict what comes next, and remember key information.
7. What does "author's craft" refer to?
Show Answer
Author's craft refers to the deliberate choices an author makes about language, structure, and technique to create meaning and effect.
8. How can you identify the point of view in a text?
Show Answer
Look at pronouns (I/we for first person, you for second, he/she/they for third) and whose thoughts and perspectives are shared.
9. What is the difference between tone and mood?
Show Answer
Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject; mood is the feeling the text creates in the reader.
10. Why might an author use figurative language in an informational text?
Show Answer
To make abstract concepts more concrete, engage readers emotionally, or make comparisons that clarify complex ideas.
Next Steps
- Review any concepts that felt challenging
- Move on to the next lesson when ready
- Return to practice problems periodically for review