8.R.RL.05 Compare and Contrast, Structure and Style

Standard: 8.R.RL.05: Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style. 

Objective: The Highly Proficient student can compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and evaluate how the differing structures contribute to style and meaning. 

Essential Questions:

What are different structures? How can you compare and contrast texts with different structures? 

What is style? How does the structure of a text influence its style and meaning? 

Structures and Styles

You frown at the paper in your hand and sigh noisily. It's your third English assignment in a week, and you wonder what kind of torture your teacher has in store for you this time. As you read your assignment, you feel your heart sink: 'Compare and contrast the structure of three texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style.' How in the world are you going to do that!?!

After a few moments of panic, you take a deep breath, sit down at your desk, and decide that the best way to start is to review what you already know about structure and style. You grab a pen and begin.

Structure, you recall, is simply the way a piece of writing is organized. Nonfiction texts usually feature one or more of five primary structures or organizational patterns:

• Descriptive, which presents details that appeal to the senses or provides instructions about how to accomplish a task

• Problem and solution, which presents a problem and suggests one or more solutions

• Cause and effect, which explores the causes and effects of an event

• Chronological, which presents a sequence of events in time

• Compare and contrast, which considers the similarities and differences of two or more subjects

Fiction books, on the other hand, usually exhibit a structure containing the elements of plot or storyline, characters, setting, and conflict.

Style refers to the ways in which writers present their ideas and information. It includes components like word choices, sentence structure, imagery, and tone. Most texts concentrate on one or more of four common styles:

• Narrative, which tells a story

• Expository, which presents information about a topic in a formal way

• Descriptive, which paints a word picture of a subject through sensory details

• Persuasive, which attempts to convince readers to accept a point of view

Here's a breakdown of how structure impacts style:

1. In Writing and Communication:

• Organization and Flow:
  The way a text is structured (e.g., chronological, cause-and-effect, problem-solution) directly affects how information is presented and the reader's experience. A well-structured piece is easier to follow, leading to a clear and engaging style.

• Emphasis and Impact:
  Structural elements like headings, subheadings, and bullet points can emphasize certain points and guide the reader's attention, creating a more impactful and memorable style.

• Tone and Mood:
  The structure can influence the tone and mood of a piece. For example, a fast-paced narrative with short, fragmented sentences can create a sense of urgency. In contrast, a more formal structure with longer, complex sentences can convey a sense of gravitas.