What Is Style? Different singers may sing the same song in different ways. One sings it slowly and softly. Another sings it as a fast rap. The way they sing is their style.

An author’s style is the way the author expresses an idea. The author of a children’s book may write in short sentences that rhyme. A science author may write in long sentences full of technical terms.

Practice Together

Read and Discuss Read this passage from “A Universe of Stars.” Notice the author’s style. She

• • uses some everyday words and some technical terms

• • writes with short sentences and long sentences

• • starts the sentences in different ways

• • uses descriptive words to keep readers interested

• • repeats important words to make sure readers understand the main idea.

  In the night sky, stars look like tiny diamonds fastened to the ceiling. They seem peaceful, timeless, and unchanging. In reality, stars are huge. They are scattered through vast distances in space. They’re not timeless but are always changing, and those changes can be violent.

Try It!

Choose Another Selection Look back at a selection you read before. Analyze the author’s style for that selection. Take notes on what you find.

• • What type of words does the author use? What effect do they have?

• • What important words or phrases does the author repeat?

• • What types of sentences are in the selection? What effect do they have?

Share Your Findings Discuss your selection, and tell about the author’s style.