Analytical Essay_AP English Language 2

The two passages share the same topic, the human skin, written in a different format and style. Passage 1 mainly delivers the content in an informal and somewhat ornate diction with descriptive tone. On the contrary, passage 2 uses formal diction in academic and erudite tone.

Intending to describe human skin in a very intriguing way, the author of passage 1 formats the essay in an instructive form as if he is “singing” to the readers about each minor and specific sides of human skin. Using various types of sentences, from simple to compound-complex, the author allows the readers to make a clear image of human skin inside their mind. However, in passage 2, the author uses no more than simple sentences in most of his text to help the readers comprehend the academic and professional facts about human skin.

Expected age range of readers for each passage also differs. For passage 1, kinds and young students will find it more interesting and easy since the passage is written in an informal way, using a sort of figurative languages. On the other hand, passage 2 is more likely to be read by mentally and academically matured students and adults as it is written in the purpose of purely delivering the facts without any descriptive skills. Though the content seems dry, it uses official terms and exact figures.

Throughout the passage 1 to 2, the author shifts the point of view to efficiently draw how human skin looks like. Passage 1 focuses on personal view, referring the narrator as “I” to be the one to guide the readers throughout the whole text. Passage 2 rather uses objective view to represent and inform the readers about the facts.