Hurston’s Style

This worksheet supports students in Grades 8-10 as they analyze literary style, figurative language, imagery, tone, and author’s craft through a close reading of an excerpt inspired by Zora Neale Hurston. By annotating language choices and reflecting on how rhythm and word selection shape meaning, students develop a deeper understanding of how an author’s style influences emotion, mood, and characterization.

Academic Focus

• Literary Craft & Structure (Grades 8-10) – Identify stylistic elements that define an author’s unique voice and approach.
• Figurative Language & Imagery – Analyze how metaphor, description, and sensory language contribute to tone and meaning.
• Author’s Style & Tone – Examine how rhythm, phrasing, and word choice shape reader experience.
• Close Reading & Textual Evidence – Support interpretations by highlighting and explaining specific phrases from the text.

Instructional Support

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with middle and high school ELA standards.
• Annotation-Based Learning – Encourages active reading through underlining and highlighting stylistic features.
• Reflection Questions Included – Prompts students to move from noticing craft to analyzing its effect.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for independent analysis, small-group discussion, or author study units.

This printable worksheet helps students build strong close-reading and interpretive skills by focusing on how language choices shape literary meaning. It strengthens analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and appreciation for authorial voice while encouraging thoughtful engagement with style and tone. Whether used in a classroom or a homeschool literature course, this resource supports deeper understanding of literary craft and the power of expressive language.

This worksheet is part of our author studies worksheet collection.