Read the following passages, keeping in mind the different methods the authors use to write about the same topic. Then complete the chart by comparing and analyzing the authors’ methods.

Question

Passage A
A Mouse or Two
When learning that a friend has a pet, you might ask, “What kind—a cat or a
dog?” Sometimes, the unexpected answer is, “A mouse.”
If you want a small pet that is friendly, easy to care for, and entertaining, a mouse
can be a good choice—or mice, as these animals are quite social and enjoy being
in groups. A pair of females is an ideal arrangement, or if you have a large enough
cage, a group. Unless they are littermates, do not keep a pair of males because
they are likely to fight. And, unless you want lots of baby mice, keeping males and
females together isn’t the best arrangement.
With time and patience—and the occasional treat—mice will become tame. Let
them explore their new surroundings and get used to their cage. When they are
calm, spend time nearby, speaking to them gently. When they are comfortable with
you, they will probably become curious. Offer them sunflower seeds or other tiny
treats. When they begin walking on your hands, try scooping them up with your
palm. Never lift a mouse by its tail.

Passage B
First Mouse
I was a high school freshman when I began thinking I’d like to be a veterinarian.
I’d always loved animals and was drawn to them at a very young age. And I don’t
remember ever fearing any animal, even if I wasn’t familiar with the type. The
example I like to give always makes my brother Andy roll his eyes. . .
I was about eight at the time, so Andy must have been twelve. It was a busy
weekday morning, with everyone bustling around the kitchen getting ready for
work or school. Dad had just left for work and I was finishing my cereal while
Mom packed our lunches. All of a sudden, I heard Andy scream. I looked up to
find him backed up into a corner, as if he wished he could somehow disappear
between the walls.
“Over there!” Andy shouted, pointing. “Behind the door! A mouse!”
I got up to go look, startling the mouse, which ran past Andy into the pantry.
Shrieking, Andy ran to the table and climbed on top of it as I tiptoed into the
pantry. There was the mouse, huddled in a corner with its tiny little ears, a black
dot of a nose, long whiskers, and the most inquisitive face.
“Do you see it?” whispered Mom, waving a plastic lunch container.
I walked out of the pantry, glared at Andy, and snatched the container out of
Mom’s hand. Then, I tiptoed back into the pantry, and upended the container over
the mouse. I waved at Mom to give me the lid, which I slid under the mouse,
trapping it inside a little dome. Then I carried it outside and set it free in the
bushes.
As a veterinarian, I’ve seen plenty of different types of animals. But in all my
years of practice, I’ve never had another occasion to tend to a mouse.

Answer 1

Sure! Here's a comparative analysis of the authors' methods used in the two passages about mice.

| Element | Passage A | Passage B | |-----------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Purpose | To inform the reader about the care and behavior of mice as pets. | To share a personal anecdote that reflects a childhood experience with a mouse, relating it to a desire to become a veterinarian. | | Tone | Informative, practical, and instructional. | Narrative, personal, and reflective. | | Structure | Organized with clear sections about care needs, social behavior, and handling. | Chronological storytelling, with a focus on a specific childhood memory. | | Audience Engagement| Directly addresses potential pet owners, providing them with tips and guidelines. | Engages the reader through storytelling and humor, evoking feelings of nostalgia and amusement. | | Use of Evidence | Relies on factual information and general advice about mouse care. | Uses personal narrative as evidence, illustrating the author's love for animals and formative experiences. | | Imagery and Detail| Minimal imagery as the passage focuses on clear instructions; however, it includes practical details about mouse care. | Vivid imagery and detailed descriptions of the mouse and the setting, creating a relatable and engaging scene. | | Language Style | Clear, concise, and straightforward language aimed at providing clarity. | Descriptive and conversational language that draws the reader into the author's experience. | | Conclusion | Concludes with practical advice for mouse ownership. | Ends with a reflection on the author's relationship with animals and their career choice. |

Overall, Passage A serves a didactic purpose, providing the reader with essential knowledge about keeping mice as pets, while Passage B engages the reader through a personal story that reflects on childhood experiences, ultimately linking those experiences to the author's career aspirations.

Answer 2

can you simplify that into a sentence or two

Answer 3

Passage A is an informative guide about caring for mice as pets, using a straightforward tone and clear structure to provide practical advice. In contrast, Passage B is a personal narrative that shares a childhood experience with a mouse, using vivid imagery and storytelling to connect the author’s past to their desire to become a veterinarian.

Answer 4

what voices were being used

Answer 5

In Passage A, the voice is instructional and authoritative, aiming to provide clear, objective information to potential pet owners about caring for mice. In Passage B, the voice is narrative and personal, reflecting the author's emotions and experiences through storytelling, inviting readers to connect on a more personal level.

Answer 6

what was the point of view?

Answer 7

Passage A is written in the second person point of view, addressing the reader directly with "you" to provide practical advice about pet care. Passage B is written in the first person point of view, using "I" and "my" to share the author's personal experiences and reflections about their childhood and love for animals.

Answer 8

what tones were being used

Answer 9

In Passage A, the tone is informative and practical, focusing on providing clear guidance and factual information about keeping mice as pets. In Passage B, the tone is narrative and reflective, employing elements of nostalgia and humor as the author shares a personal story about a childhood encounter with a mouse.

Answer 10

and the text organization

Answer 11

In Passage A, the text organization is structured and logical, with headings or sections that outline specific topics such as the benefits of having mice as pets, social behaviors, and care instructions. This clear organization helps the reader easily navigate the information.

In Passage B, the text organization is chronological and narrative, unfolding in the order of events as the author recounts a specific childhood experience. This storytelling approach draws the reader into the moment and creates a more personal connection to the narrative.