Analyzing is looking at how a text is built to assess its quality.
When to do it
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While reading the text
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After reading the text
Reading intention
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Analyze text structure and features
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Analyze literary techniques & devices
Outcome
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Provides deeper understanding
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Improves critical thinking
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Improves writing skills
The elements used to build a text greatly influence its quality.
Keep in mind that text structures and features are closely related to the text type. Some elements crucial to certain text types can be utterly useless in others.
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Examples of questions to ask |
Examples of elements to look for |
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How is the text structured? |
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Clear beginning, middle and end |
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Are there any specific text-type elements? |
Clear titles and sections Easy to follow organization |
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Plot point leading plot point Character actions and development |
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Clear working hypothesis |
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Which literary techniques and devices are used? |
Figures of speech Plot devices |
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Find out what the text is really about by reading between the lines and digging into its deeper meaning.
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Examples of questions to ask |
Examples of elements to look for |
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What is the text about? |
What kind of story is it telling? |
Setting Themes & issues Motifs Symbols Conflicts |
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What kind of information is it offering? |
Information accuracy Reliable sources Data verifiability |
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What kind of arguments is it making? |
Working hypothesis Clear purpose and stance |
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An author’s tone, word choices and stylistic decisions greatly affect the meaning of a text.
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Examples of questions to ask |
Examples of elements to look for |
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What type of language is used? |
Is the tone formal, informal or familiar? |
Idioms Slang expressions Formatting Point of view |
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What is the writing style? |
Does it follow a specific text type? |
Narrative Text elements Reflective Text elements Explanatory Text elements Report elements Expository/Opinion Piece elements Persuasive Text elements Argumentative Text elements |
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Does it follow specific formats? |
Plot elements Genre specific elements The plot diagram The hero’s journey Compare and contrast Symbolism Text type format |
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How does the writing style and language affect the text? |
Does it improve it? |
Easy reading flow Appropriate vocabulary Clear structure Engaging reading experience |
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Does it hinder it? |
Difficult to read Contradicting information or plot points Style over substance |
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What is the author’s voice? |
Is the author’s style recognizable from one work to another? |
Similar theme or topic explorations Similar use of figurative language Recurring tropes Similar use of literary devices Similar character types Similar purpose and/or stance |
To learn more about a strategy, click its name.
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Get an overview of the text. |
Quickly search & find information |
Ask yourself questions |
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Create mental pictures |
Relate to the text |
Read between the lines |
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Write down notes & comments |
Understand challenging words |
Sum up main idea & key elements |
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Analyzing |
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Explore sources to come up with new perspectives |
Form an opinion on the quality of the text |
Look at the structure and techniques used |