Style Analysis Essays
Style Analysis Essays are six to seven paragraph responses to the author’s style and
rhetorical strategies in a short piece of literature – usually nonfiction. In this packet,
students will learn to write about tone, diction, detail, point of view, organization and
syntax at an advanced level. The Style Analysis Essay is one-third of the AP Language
Essay Score. Therefore, every student must have these skills
mastered by the beginning of February.
Student Name
_________________________________
Period
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Table of Contents
Lessons
Literary Terms to Know
Style Analysis Outline: The
Chart Version
Tone and Attitude
Page number
3
4-6
“The Rattler”
8-9
Writing a Thesis
10
Writing an Introduction
11
Writing a Diction Paragraph
12-14
Writing a Detail Paragraph
15-17
Writing a Point of View
Paragraph
Writing an Organization
Paragraph
Writing a Syntax Paragraph
18-20
Writing a Conclusion
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7
21-23
24-26
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Check when completed
Literary Terms to Know
Literary terms can be confusing because there are many names that may mean the same
thing. This chart will help you understand what the prompt is asking and give you
vocabulary to use in your essay
Literary Term – Please define
Style Analysis
Tone
Words that mean the same or can be used in
conjunction with the term.
Author’s use of style
Author’s use of language
Author’s use of rhetorical strategies
Mood, Attitude
Diction
Detail
Word Choice, Language,
Figurative Language,
Figures of Speech
Imagery
Point of View
Narrator, Perspective
Organization
Narrative Structure: chronological order,
cause and effect, order of importance, flashforward, flashback, problem-solution
Sentence Structure
Syntax
Please Note: diction, detail, point of view, organization and syntax are all devices that
the author uses to make the tone of the story evident to the reader. Your commentary
should consistently link your evidence to the tone of the story.
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Literary Analysis Outline:
The Chart Version
Paragraph 1: Tone
Sentence 1
Introduces the author and title and names two different but
complimentary tones.
Sentences 2-4
Elaborate on the ideas written in your thesis. Include
information about the plot, conflict and historical background if
possible.
Paragraph 2: Diction
Sentence 1
Topic Sentence: It includes the word diction and links it to the
tone words.
Sentence 2
Evidence: This sentence will use 3 words or short phrases from
different parts of the beginning of the passage that have strong
connotations – they will be good examples to support the tone
words in your thesis and topic sentence.
Sentence 3
Explain the significance of one or two of the words you quoted.
Sentence 4
Explain the significance of the other word or words you quoted.
Sentence 5
Evidence: This sentence will use 2 or 3 words or short phrases
from different parts of the end of the passage that have strong
connotations – they will be good examples to support the tone
words in your thesis and topic sentence.
Sentence 6
Explain the significance of one or two of the words you quoted.
Sentence 7
Explain the significance of the other word or words you quoted.
Sentence 8
This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and leads into
the detail paragraph.
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Paragraph 3: Detail
Sentence 1
Topic Sentence: It includes the word detail or imagery and
links it to the tone words.
Sentence 2
Evidence: This sentence will use 2 phrases from early in the
passage that describes the sensory details – sight, taste, touch,
smell, and sound.
Sentence 3
Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.
Sentence 4
Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.
Sentence 5
Evidence: This sentence will use 2 phrases from early in the
passage that describes the sensory details – sight, taste, touch,
smell, and sound.
Sentence 6
Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.
Sentence 7
Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.
Sentence 8
This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and leads into
the point of view paragraph.
Paragraph 4: Point of View
Sentence 1
Topic Sentence: It includes the words first person, third person
limited, or third person omniscient point of view and links it to
the tone words.
Sentence 2
Evidence: This sentence will use 1 or 2 phrases that explain the
narrator’s perspective from the beginning of the passage.
Sentence 3
Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.
Sentence 4
Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.
Sentence 5
Evidence: This sentence will use 1 or 2 phrases that explain the
narrator’s perspective toward the end of the passage.
Sentence 6
Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.
Sentence 7
Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.
Sentence 8
This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and explains
how the point of view or perspective either remained constant
or changed.
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Paragraph 5: Organization
Sentence 1
Topic Sentence: The sentence includes the word organization
and defines it (chronological, flash-back, flash-forward, cause
and effect etc.)
Sentence 2
Evidence: Summarize the beginning of the story/essay.
Sentence 3
Explain why the author began the story here.
Sentence 4
Evidence: Summarize the middle of the story/essay.
Sentence 5
Explain why the author used this as the turning point or climax.
Sentence 6
Evidence: Summarize the end of the story/essay.
Sentence 7
Explain why the author ended with this event/idea.
Sentence 8
This concluding sentence discusses the flow of the entire piece.
Paragraph 6: Syntax
Sentence 1
Topic Sentence: The sentence includes the word syntax and
relates it to the tone.
Sentence 2
Evidence: Cite the type of sentences the author is using simple, complex, commands, fragments, dialogue, repetition,
colloquialism, slang, etc.
Sentence 3
Explain why the author uses this style of grammar.
Sentence 4
Discuss the placement of this punctuation and link it to the
tone.
Sentence 5
Evidence: Cite the type of punctuation the author is using –
dashes, capital letters, question marks, exclamation points,
colons, semi-colons.
Sentence 6
Explain why the author uses this type of punctuation.
Sentence 7
Discuss the placement of this punctuation and link it to the
tone.
Sentence 8
This concluding sentence discusses the flow of the entire piece.
Paragraph 7: Conclusion
Sentence 1
Connect the tones in the story to the theme or main idea.
Sentences 2-4
Explain why the theme is important to readers.
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Tone and Attitude
1. What does the word “tone” mean? Please define it in your own words .
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2. What does the phrase “tone of voice” mean? Please define it in your own
words.
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3. List six words that could describe a person’s tone of voice.
__________________ __________________ __________________
__________________ __________________ __________________
Look at the example below, and highlight or underline the words or phrases that
tell how Jeff feels.
Jeff clenched his fists tightly and closed eyes. Nevertheless, his face turned red
as his enemy strutted by him.
4. Choose one of the words from question three, and write two to three
sentences that convey that tone without using the tone word or any synonym of
the tone word.
Tone: ___________
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Highlight or underline the words that convey the feeling you chose.
Common Tone Words (in adjective form)
sad
depressed
gloomy
melancholy
disheartened
sulking
solemn
mournful
angry
mocking
out-raged
vindictive
frustrated
critical
aggravated
aggressive
humble
gentle
passive
accepting
earnest
sincere
apathetic
reflective
cheerful
enthusiastic
admiring
playful
joyous
whimsical
benevolent
surprised
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didactic
astute
diplomatic
persuasive
intense
cautionary
loving
sympathetic
Read the following story and circle the words that suggest tone. You will
use this story to write your style analysis essay.
The Rattler
After sunset… I walked out into the desert… Light was thinning; the bushes’ dry
savory odors were sweet on the cooler air. In this, the first pleasant moment for a walk
after long blazing hot hours at work, I thought I was the only one here.
Abruptly, I stopped short.
The other lay rigid, as he suddenly arrested. His body undulant – moving in a
wave-like motion. His head was not drawn back to strike – yet. It was merely turned a
little to watch what I would do. It was a rattlesnake – and knew it. I mean when a six
foot black snake thick as my wrist, capable of a long range attack, and armed with
powerful fangs is in the middle of a path, he did not feel the need to get out of anybody’s
way. He held his ground in calm watchfulness; he was not even rattling-yet, much less
was he coiled. He was waiting for me to show my intentions.
My first instinct was to let him go his way and I would go mine, and with this he
would have been well content. I have never killed an animal that I was not obliged to kill;
the sport in taking life is a satisfaction I can’t feel. But I reflected that there were
children, dogs, horses at the ranch as well as men and women who were not very strong.
My duty, plainly, was to kill the snake. I went back to the ranch house, got a hoe, and
returned.
The rattler had not moved; he lay there like a live wire. But he saw the hoe. Now
his tail twitched – the little tocsin sounded; he drew his head back as if to attack, so I
raised my weapon. Quicker than I could strike, he shot into a dense bush and set up his
rattling. He shook and shook his fair but furious signal, quite sportingly warning me that
I had made an unprovoked attack, attempted to take his life, and that if I persisted he
would have no choice but to take mine if he could. I listened for a minute to his little
song of death. It was not ugly though it was ominous. It said that life was dear and
would be dearly sold. And I reached into the bush with my hoe and, hacking about, soon
dragged him out of it with his back broken.
He struck passionately one more time at the hoe; but a moment later his neck was
broken, and he was soon dead. Technically, that is; he was still twitching and when I
picked him up by the tail, some consequent jar, some mechanical reflex made his jaw
gape and snap once more. There was blood in his mouth and poison dripping from his
fangs; it was a nasty sight, pitiful now that it was done.
I did not cut off the rattles for a trophy; I let him drop into the close green
guardianship of the bush. Then, for a moment, I could see him as if I had let him go,
sinuous and self respecting over the desert sand.
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Analyzing The Rattler
1. How does the man feel about what he does?
2. What impression does the snake give?
3. Frequently, students say that they feel sorry for the snake or that the snake
seems to be full of power and dignity. Please list six tone words that could be
used to describe the feelings in this story.
__________________________ ___________________________
__________________________ ___________________________
__________________________ ___________________________
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The Thesis
1. Do not copy the prompt.
2. The thesis is the first sentence in your introduction. It will include the title
of the piece, the author (if the name is give), and two different but
complimentary tones.
Example using tones in adjective form:
In “The Rattler,” the remorseful and duty bound tones reflect the man’s reluctance to kill the
snake, but his willingness to protect others.
Fill in the blanks by using two tone words you listed on the previous page, and
then finish the sentence.
In “The Rattler”, the __________________ and ___________________ tones
reflect the _______________________________________________________
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Example using tones in noun form (leave out the word “tone”):
In “The Rattler,” the remorse and responsibility reflect the man’s reluctance to kill the
snake, but his willingness to protect others.
Fill in the blanks by using two tone words that are nouns, and then finish the
sentence.
In “The Rattler”, the __________________ and ___________________ reflect
the _____________________________________________________________
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Writing an Introduction
1. The introduction will begin with the thesis, but your readers will often need
additional background information including a summary of the main parts of
the story. It is important to keep the introduction short, so that you have more
time for the body paragraphs.
Example for The Rattler
In “The Rattler,” the remorseful and duty bound tones reflect the man’s reluctance to kill
the snake, but his willingness to protect others. The man wanted to enjoy an afternoon walk
in the desert, but he was worried when he saw the snake. The man felt that he had to kill the
dangerous animal in order to protect the other animals and people on the ranch.
2. Please write an introduction that begins with your thesis and contains
additional summary and background information.
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Important Note: The title of a short piece should be in quotation marks.
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Writing a Diction Paragraph
1. Remember that diction means word choice. Words with strong connotations
(feelings) can help create the tone of the story.
Example: The words plump and obese both describe a person who is overweight. Their
denotation (actual meaning) is the same. But they have different connotations. The word
plump is pleasant and cute. It more often describes women and children, and is more
cheerful. The word obese is scientific. It is used by medical personnel and often suggests
that a person is unhealthy or at risk for particular diseases.
2. Look back at The Rattler and make a list of at least 10 words or short phrases
you circled. You can include figurative language. Then, explain the
connotation of these words.
Words
Explanations
“Lay rigid”
Stiff, unyielding, – the snake was ready for a challenge
“Long-range attack”
Dangerous – the snake could really hurt someone
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3. Before you start the diction paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This
sentence should include the word diction and focus on words that support the
tones in your thesis.
Example: The author’s diction heightens the power and force behind the snake as it responds
to the man first patiently, then defensively.
Please write your topic sentence now.
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4. The next part of the sentence follows a specific pattern. You will write one
example sentence with three words and phrases from your chart that are
connected by your own words. They must be in quotation marks and part of a
complete sentence. Then, please add two more sentences that explain the
connotation of the words. These three sentences (one sentence of evidence and
two of explanation) are called a chunk.
Example: When the man first saw the snake “lay rigid” in the desert, he “stopped short”
because he knew the animal was capable of a “long-range attack”. This snake appeared
ready for a challenge. Therefore, the man was concerned that someone may get hurt.
Please write an example sentence with three quotes from the beginning of the
story followed by two sentences explaining the connotations of the words you
selected.
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5. Next, please write an example sentence with three quotes from the middle to
end of the story followed by two sentences explaining the connotations of the
words you selected.
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6. Your conclusion sentence should complete your thoughts about diction and
lead into the next paragraph – detail.
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Writing a Detail Paragraph
1. Remember that detail means the specifics in the story. This may include the
time and place as well as any details that appeal to the sense of sight, hearing,
taste, touch or smell.
Look back at The Rattler and underline 6 details.
Then, write an explanation that connects the details to the tone.
Detail (usually 2-8 words)
Explanation
“After sunset, I walked out into the
The darkness makes the narrator more vulnerable to
desert”
danger.
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2. Before you start the detail paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This sentence
should include the word detail, sensory detail, or imagery and focus on how the
author’s description contributes to the tones in the story.
Example: The detail increases the sense of danger the narrator feels when he sees the snake.
Please write your topic sentence now.
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3. The next part of the sentence follows the same pattern as the diction paragraph.
You will write one example sentence with two phrases from your chart. They must
be in quotation marks and part of a complete sentence. Then, please add two more
sentences that explain the connotation of the words.
Example: The confrontation between the man and the snake begins “after sunset” when the
man ”[walks] out into the desert” alone and sees the rattler in his path. Although he is
alone and vulnerable to danger, he acts quickly before darkness takes over. He shows great
courage.
Special Note: Sometimes you will need to change one or more of the words
in your quote so that it can make sense in the example sentence. In this
case, put the changed word in brackets [ ].
Please write your first detail chunk below.
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4. Next, please write an example sentence with two quotes from the middle to
end of the story followed by two sentences explaining the value of the setting
details.
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5. Your conclusion sentence should complete your thoughts about detail and
lead into the next paragraph – the point of view.
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Writing a Point of View Paragraph
1. Remember that point of view means the perspective of the person telling the
story. First person and third person limited points of view usually have stronger
tones than third person omniscient.
Look back at The Rattler. Draw a box around the phrases that explain the
thoughts and feelings of the narrator. Then, write six of these phrases below.
Phrases
Explanation
“My first instinct was to let him go his
The man is not aggressive and really did not want to hurt
way and I would go mine”
the snake.
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2. Before you start the point of view paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This
sentence should include the specific point of view in the story and focus on how
this type of narrator contributes to the tones.
Example: The first person point of view conveys the man’s sense of responsibility to the
others on the ranch.
Please write your topic sentence now.
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3. The next part of the sentence is a chunk similar to the diction and detail
paragraphs. You will write one example sentence with two phrases from your
chart. They must be in quotation marks and part of a complete sentence. Then,
please add two more sentences that explain the how the point of view is
important for the tone. Remember to put any words that you change in brackets.
Example: When the man saw the snake, “[his] first instinct was to let [the snake] go his way
and [the man] would go [his]” because he has never felt “obliged to kill” an animal. The
man is not aggressive and really doesn’t want to hurt the snake. He has a strong respect for
life.
Please write an example sentence with two phrases that show the narrator’s
feelings at the beginning of the story followed by two sentences explaining the
narrator’s perspective.
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4. Next, please write an example sentence with two quotes from the middle to end
of the story followed by two sentences explaining the narrator’s perspective at the
end.
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5. Your conclusion sentence should reflect on the narrator’s development.
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The Organization Paragraph
1. The concept of an author’s organization, structure, or form is difficult to
master because there is no set formula to follow. As you read, watch for a
broader pattern in the piece of writing. Then, when you notice a framework or
structure, you must identify it and analyze why the author chose to write it that
way.
2. The following is a starting point to learn to recognize organization. Watch
for the following.
a. The beginning or ending of the passage
b. A particular sequence (order that is important)
c. A noticeable chronology
d. Any literary techniques that stand out
e. An emphasis on any one part
f. A shift in tone from one section to the next
g. Any transitions the author uses to make the organization evident to the reader
3. The process of studying organization is different from the earlier sections of
the unit. First, you will divide the passage into three parts: beginning,
middle, and end. There is no one right place to divide it as long as you can
support the division logically.
4. Look over The Rattler. Put slashes (/) to divide the piece into three sections.
Then, fill in the chart below.
Section
What happens?
Tone
Beginning
Middle
End
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4. Before you start the organization paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This
topic sentence is different from the others you have written so far. It will
follow this pattern:
The organization moves the piece from _____ to _____ and finally to _____.
The words that go into the blanks will describe the tone of each section.
Example: The organization of the piece moves from calm to violence and finally to
reflection.
Please write your topic sentence now.
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5. Once you identify the author’s organization, you will summarize or
paraphrase each section in your example sentence. Quotes are not necessary.
Example: In the beginning, the man encounters a snake unexpectedly.
6. Follow your summary of the section with two sentences of commentary. In
the organization paragraph, the commentary analyzes the significance of the
summary and discusses why the author uses this organization. For organization
paragraphs, you will need three chunks because there are three sections in the
story.
Example: In the beginning, the man encounters a snake unexpectedly. This accidental
confrontation disrupts the serenity of his afternoon walk and foreshadows the future
violence. The author uses this random meeting to emphasize the conflict between nature and
civilization.
Please write your chunk for the beginning below.
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Please write your chunk for the middle below.
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Please write your chunk for the end below.
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7. Your conclusion sentence should be a final thought about why the author
uses this organization.
Example: The organization of “The Rattler” makes the reader feel a part of the violent
interaction and contributes to the overall suspense of the story.
Please write your conclusion sentence below.
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The Syntax Paragraph
1. In syntax analysis, you will be looking for the following:
a. Specific phrasing patters (parallel structure)
b. Length of sentences (long or short)
c. Divisions within the piece with different syntax for each section
d. Different sentence types (simple, compound, complex, periodic)
e. Specific kinds of punctuation (dashes, parenthesis, semicolons)
f. Repetition
g. Rhetorical questions
2. Like in the organization paragraph, you will divide the story into three
sections. You may use the same divisions if you want. Then, make note of an
important element of syntax for each section.
Section
Syntax
Tone
Beginning
Middle
End
3. Before you start the organization paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This
topic sentence is similar to the topic sentence for the organization paragraph. It
will follow this pattern:
The syntax moves from _____ to _____ and finally to _____.
The words that go into the blanks will describe the overall type of writing you
observe.
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Example: The syntax moves from short thoughtful phrases to longer and more complex
sentences and finally to controlled reflections.
Please write your topic sentence below.
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4. Once you identify the author’s syntax, you will write your example sentence.
You may use quotes, but they are not always necessary. Your example
sentences describe the syntax at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the
selection..
Example: In the beginning, the first two sentences are followed by ellipses points.
5. Follow your example sentence with two sentences of commentary. In the
syntax paragraph, the commentary analyzes the significance of the grammar,
punctuation and sentence structure and relates back to the tone. For syntax
paragraphs, you will need three chunks because there are three sections in the
story.
Example: In the beginning, the first two sentences are followed by ellipses points. This
suggests that the narrator is thinking deeply about his surroundings. He is taking in the
scene and contemplating its beauty.
Please write your chunk for the beginning below.
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Please write your chunk for the middle below.
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Please write your chunk for the end below.
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6. Your conclusion sentence should be a final thought about why the author
uses this type of syntax.
Example: The author’s syntax, though always controlled, reflects the changing emotions of
the protagonist.
Please write your conclusion sentence below.
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The Conclusion Paragraph
The conclusion paragraph can be short – very short. In fact, one or two sentences
is acceptable. Simply write an overall statement about the tone and style. Be sure
to show an appreciation for the author’s piece.
Example: The author’s style reflects the narrator’s determination to protect the people on the
ranch even though he feels conflicted about hurting the snake. This story has a beautiful
message about preserving life.
Please write your conclusion paragraph below.
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Great Work!
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