Element	Quote or Example from Text	Observation About Style
Subject What is the text about? What is the rhetorical situation? If you have read other texts by the same author, is there an overlap in the subject matter? This will tell you if the author tends to write on a particular subject.	"Good little girls ought not to make mouths at their teachers for every trifling offence. This retaliation should only be resorted to under peculiarly aggravated circumstances."	The main focus of Twain's passage is how little girls should behave; however, he delivers it in a humorous style. In other texts I have read by Twain, they have as well been focused on children and freedoms, such as in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Syntax What types of sentences are used in the passage? How does the write punctuate sentences, and how does the punctuation affect the meaning? How does the writer begin his or her sentences? How are words and phrases arranged within the sentence? What is the writer trying to accomplish through this pattern? What unique syntactical choices has the writer made, and what is their effect?	"Good little girls ought not to make mouth at their teachers..." "You ought never to take your little brother's chewing gum away from him by main force; it is better to rope him in with the promise of the first two dollars and a half you find floating down the river on a grindstone." "You ought never to sass old people..."	Twain implements parallel structure throughout the passage, frequently repeating "ought" and "you ought"; placing emphasis on how to properly behave. Specifically, in terms of his approach, he states what it is they should not do, followed by some sort of exception to that. As a whole, it helps to add an overall sense of humor to the text.
Diction What type of diction does the writer use (formal, informal, dialect, slang, abstract, concrete, etc.)? What connotative words does the writer use? What is the cumulative effect of those words? What figurative language does the writer use and to what effect? To which senses to the writer's words appeal? What is the writer accomplishing through this use of imagery?	"In all ages of the world this eminently plausible fiction has lured the obtuse infant to financial ruin and disaster." "If at any time you find it necessary to correct your brother, do not correct him with mud -- never, on any account, throw mud at him, because it will spoil his clothes." "You ought never to sass old people unless they sass you first."	Through formal diction, added with humorous phrases, a sense of wit and comicalness is added to the passage. Twain as well uses much more amusing connotations of words, such as "sass," to further build that sense of humor.
Tone What is the cumulative effect of the writer's syntax and diction? What attitude is conveyed? How is the tone appropriate for the rhetorical situation? What words best describe the writer's attitude toward his or her subject?	"And you ought not to attempt to make a forcible swap with her unless your conscience would justify you in it, and you know you are able to do it." "You ought never to take your little brother's chewing gum away from him by main force; it is better to rope him in with the promise of the first two dollars and a half you find floating down the river on a grindstone."	Throughout the passage as a whole, Twain's use of syntax and diction, as mentioned before, aid in developing a humorous and comical tone. Since he is humorous towards this matter, it can be implied that he finds the way they are told to behave ridiculous, as it does not give them freedom.
Theme What does the passage say about life or other universal ideas (war, love, friendship, trials, etc.)? What meaning does the writer want readers to take away from his or her text?	"Good little girls always show marked deference for the aged." "Good little girls ought not to make mouths at their teachers for every trifling offence."	Overall, Twain goes against and ridicules the level of standards set into place for girl behavior. Through the humor he establishes, he effectively persuades his views towards it, and to establish the idea that it is important for them to have freedom of expression.