Literature: Nonfiction Text Analysis Flashcards

In a nonfiction text, the author spends three paragraphs discussing a problem before offering any solution. Which structural pattern does this suggest?

Answer: Problem-solution

Presenting an issue in depth before proposing remedies is the problem-solution organizational pattern, common in argumentative and informational nonfiction.

An author writes, 'If we do not act now, millions will suffer.' What persuasive appeal is most evident?

Answer: Pathos—appeal to fear and emotion

Invoking the suffering of millions is designed to create fear and urgency, making this primarily an emotional (pathos) appeal.

Which of the following BEST demonstrates an author using ethos in a nonfiction article about nutrition?

Answer: 'As a registered dietitian with 20 years of clinical experience, I recommend…'

Citing professional credentials and experience is the hallmark of ethos, which builds the author's trustworthiness on the subject.

A passage about the Civil Rights Movement includes the text of an original speech alongside the author's commentary. The speech excerpt serves primarily as:

Answer: Primary source evidence to support historical claims

An original speech is a primary source—direct historical evidence—that gives the author's claims authority and authenticity.

A student must determine the meaning of the word 'pervasive' in a nonfiction passage without a glossary. Which strategy should the student use first?

Answer: Look for context clues in surrounding sentences

Context clues—surrounding words, examples, or contrasts—are the most immediate and reliable strategy for inferring the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

An author writes a profile of a scientist and only quotes sources who praise her. This is an example of:

Answer: Selective evidence that creates one-sided bias

Choosing only supportive quotes while ignoring critical perspectives is selective evidence, a form of bias that distorts the complete picture.

In an informational text, the author uses a numbered list to present steps for a process. The numbered list signals that the steps are:

Answer: Sequential and must be followed in a specific order

Numbered lists in procedural texts indicate that the sequence matters and each step must be completed before the next can begin.