Response to Literature
Mr. Lamar
State Standards
2.2 Write responses to literature:
a. Demonstrate a comprehensive
grasp of the significant ideas of
literary works.
What is the author saying? Why is it important?
b. Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references to the text or to other works.
How do you know what the author’s ideas are? Can you quote it?
c. Demonstrate awareness of the
author's use of stylistic devices and
an appreciation of the effects
created.
Figurative language? Symbolism? Imagery? setting? Give examples.
d. Identify and assess the impact of
perceived ambiguities, nuances,
and complexities within the text.
Authors generally want to make you think about something in their writing. What is it? Is it confusing? Question what is written. No “right” answer here.
Poems…a little different from stories.
Remember the poet is trying to “tell” you something in as few words as possible
Poems generally have more figurative language
Words that are used usually have multiple meanings and are specifically chosen
Question
When given an essay prompt, what should you read first? Select 1 or 2:
the poem/story
the prompt
The PROMPT!!!
That way, you will pay more attention to the details you will need for your essay.
Prompt
The poem, Mother to Son, offers advice from one generation to another. What important lesson is the mother teaching her son? How does the mother use metaphors to explain her perspective on life?
Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.It's had tacks in it,And splinters,And boards torn up,And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare.But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on,And reachin' landin's,And turnin' corners,And sometimes goin' in the darkWhere there ain't been no light.So, boy, don't you turn back.Don't you set down on the steps.'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.Don't you fall now—For I'se still goin', honey,I'se still climbin',And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Looking at the prompt…
Read the prompt again.What 2 questions MUSTMUST you answer?Write in the answers on your worksheet.
1.What important lesson is the mother teaching her son?
2. How does the mother use metaphors to explain her perspective on life?
Also mention in essay…
Speaker: who is she?
Setting: is it important to this poem?
Tone: how does the speaker feel about the son?
Mood: what feeling do you get from this poem?
Create a Thinking Map
Organize your ideas into a thinking map of your choice
I suggest a tree map or bubble map
Introductory Paragraph
Intro Paragraph
Order of Intro paragraph:
1. Hook (1-2 sentences)
2. Context (1-2 sentences)
3. Thesis (1 sentence summary
of your entire essay)
The Hook
Attempts to get the reader’s attention
QuestionStatementSong lyricsInteresting facts
Write your hook in the intro paragraph box on your worksheet
Context
Context is background information that tells the reader the name of the story, who the character(s) is/are, where the story takes place, etc.
You MUST include the title of the poem and author’s name in the context
This is also where you include the speaker, setting, tone, and mood.
Write the context sentences on your worksheet.
thesis
a THESIS STATEMENT is just a ONE sentence summary of your entire essay
The easiest way to write the thesis statement lists the 3 reasons for your body paragraphs:
For example: I like dogs because they are friendly, smart, and protect their owners.
Write your thesis statement on your worksheet. Remember to revise your thesis statement if you change your body paragraphs.
Body Paragraph
transitions
First, second, thirdFirst, next, lastFurthermoreMoreoverIn conclusionAlsoIn addition
1. Topic Sentence
2. Explain*
3. Quote/Example*
4. Mini-Conclusion*you can change the order of 2 & 3
Topic Sentence
Tells the reader what that paragraph is about
Quote/Example
This is where you either mention a quote that helps to explain your topic sentence or explain further why you believe your reason(s) mentioned in your topic sentence.
How to cite your quote
When you quote lines directly from the poem, you need to put it in quotation marks AND after the quote, you must put the line number in parentheses.
Example: “and places with no carpet on the floor” (line 6)
Also…
Your quote must be embedded in a sentence with you own words
Example Hughes states that the stair has “places with no carpet on the floor” (line 6).
Explain
write a sentence explaining your quote or example
Mini-Conclusion
This is the conclusion for a single paragraph only.
Conclusion Paragraph
Part 1
Re-write your thesis to sound like a conclusion
Typically 1 sentence
Part 2
Re-phrase some of your mini-conclusions to remind readers of your conclusions
Could be 1-3 sentences
Part 3
Offer something new or relate a part of the essay to the readers life or universal idea
Final Information
Due Date
Essay is due on
Mon., March 12th
You will have limited class time to work on the essay so you will have to work on it at home
Must be typed12 point fontTimes Roman/Times New Roman or ArialDouble spaced1” borders
Failure to follow above guidelines will result in a lower grade
To receive full credit, turn in:
1. Final draft of essay
2. Rough draft if essay w/ 2 student signatures
3. Thinking map outline
4. Worksheet
Flow maps on worksheet due:
Mon. March 5th.
Rough drafts are due Wed. March 7th
Remember…
Essays are Essays are due on Mon. due on Mon. March 12March 12thth..