TDA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TDA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is an example of an inference rather than a direct statement from a text? → Based on her refusal to make eye contact, she was likely feeling ashamed.
2. What are the five common informational text structures that students should recognize for TDA analysis? → Description, sequence/chronology, compare-contrast, cause-effect, and problem-solution
3. What does it mean for two texts to have 'conflicting perspectives' on the same topic? → The authors disagree on the interpretation, significance, or solution related to the topic
4. What is the effect of using short, choppy sentences in a passage? → Creates urgency, tension, or abruptness
5. A TDA prompt asks students to analyze how a character changes throughout a story. To best demonstrate character change through inference, a student should: → Compare the character's early and late actions to infer internal growth or decline
6. An author describes a character who 'laughed loudly at his own jokes while others looked away.' What can be inferred about how others perceive this character? → Others find the character annoying or self-absorbed.
7. Which of the following best describes an implied meaning in a text? → A meaning suggested by the text without being directly stated
8. What is the primary skill a student demonstrates when they write 'the author implies' in a TDA response? → Drawing a conclusion about an unstated meaning in the text
9. Which transition best signals that a writer is moving from evidence to analysis in a TDA body paragraph? → 'This demonstrates that...' or 'This reveals that...'
10. When comparing two texts in a TDA response, what is the most effective organizational structure? → Point-by-point comparison, where each paragraph addresses one aspect as seen in both texts
11. If an author uses statistics and expert quotes alongside emotional anecdotes, what is the author doing? → Combining logos (logic) and pathos (emotion) as rhetorical strategies
12. What is the function of a 'counterclaim' in a TDA argumentative essay? → To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint and then refute it to strengthen your own argument
13. In a TDA response, after identifying an author's craft technique and its effect, what is the final essential step? → Connect the technique back to the author's central purpose, argument, or theme
14. An author writes: 'Though she had won every award the school offered, Elena sat alone at lunch every day.' What is most likely implied about Elena? → Elena has many achievements but lacks close friendships.
15. How does analyzing sentence structure (syntax) contribute to a TDA response? → It reveals how the author controls pacing, emphasis, and complexity to shape meaning
16. Which transition word signals a contrast between two texts in a comparative TDA essay? → 'However,' or 'In contrast,'
17. Read: 'After the speech, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.' Beyond the literal meaning, what does this sentence imply? → The audience was deeply affected or stunned by the speech.
18. What signal words indicate a 'cause-and-effect' text structure? → 'As a result,' 'because,' 'therefore,' and 'consequently'
19. In a TDA response, analyzing an author's word choice (diction) primarily helps the reader understand what? → The author's purpose and tone
20. Why should every body paragraph in a TDA essay connect back to the thesis? → To maintain coherence and show that all evidence supports the central argument
21. An author of an informational text uses subheadings, bullet points, and bold text. What is the craft purpose of these structural choices? → To organize information clearly and guide the reader's attention to key ideas
22. In a TDA response, how does a writer most effectively demonstrate inference? → By connecting textual evidence to a logical conclusion not directly stated
23. When making an inference in a TDA response, a student should primarily base their conclusion on: → Clues and details found directly in the text
24. When analyzing author's craft, why is it important to use precise literary terminology in your TDA response? → It demonstrates specific knowledge of writing techniques and strengthens the analysis
25. Which sentence provides a 'contrast clue' to help determine the meaning of 'somber'? → Unlike the joyful celebration inside, the atmosphere outside was somber and grim.
26. When a TDA prompt asks you to analyze 'author's craft,' what should you focus on? → Specific techniques the author uses to convey meaning
27. In a TDA essay, what is the primary purpose of the thesis statement? → To state the central claim or argument that the entire response will support
28. What is the purpose of using repetition as a stylistic device in an argumentative or literary text? → To emphasize a key idea or create rhythm and impact
29. Which of the following best describes 'tone' in a written text? → The author's attitude toward the subject or audience
30. Which literary device involves giving human qualities to non-human objects or ideas? → Personification