S.O.A.P.S. Introduction What are the SOAPS? SOAPS is an acronym for the following: Speaker:The speaker includes both the author and the title of the work under discussion. Occasion:The occasion refers to the historical context of the work, IF this context is relevant to a discussion of the piece. Audience:The audience is the reader/viewer to whom the artist is particularly directing his or her work, IF this context is relevant. Purpose:The purpose is critical to any discussion of an artistic creation. What is the artist trying to achieve in creating the piece? What does the artist want the audience to consider, believe, know, understand, feel, or do as a result of reading or viewing the work? Subject:The subject is the central topic and/or character informing the work. Thesis:End with a thesis statement that addresses the writing prompt. The rest of your essay must work to prove this thesis through examples from the text and analysis/explanation.

S.O.A.P.S. Introduction (an example) In her novel The Giver, Lois Lowry (speaker) takes us to an imaginary world where all imperfection, all danger, and all sorrow have been eliminated (subject). In doing so, she challenges the view held by many that a Utopian world is preferable to the one we currently inhabit (purpose)—an argument particularly relevant in our society (audience) at a time when individual rights and privacy are being eroded in the name of greater security (occasion). Through her creation of a colorless world where everything is either black or white, Lowry argues that while people may think they want to live in a safe and ordered world, safety and order has a sinister dark side (two-dimensional thesis statement combined with theme statement; through-line).

More on prompts to thesis:  Prompt: One of the most tragic themes in Night is Eliezer's discovery of the way that atrocities and cruel treatment can make decent people into brutes. Does Elie himself escape this fate? Use specific events to convey your opinion.  Thesis?  If you start with the thesis, how would you tailor your SOAPS intro?

Try one of these:  Wiesel utilizes motifs (night, eyes) in his book, Night. Explore how the use of his motif helps to develop character, plot, or other literary elements.  Dehumanization is the process by which the Nazis reduced the Jews to little more than "things" which were a nuisance to them. Discuss how dehumanization occurred in Night (you can include events that occurred that dehumanized Eliezer, his father, or his fellow Jews) and how this helped Hitler achieve his ends.

Body Paragraphs  Starts with a clear topic sentence (Opinion) that supports or attempts to proves your thesis (A)  Includes relevant examples, or proofs (B) and commentary (C)  Includes (when appropriate) carefully selected quotes to support assertions  Quotations are used within sentences and are limited in length (key words & phrases)  Ends with a concluding sentence (The main point/conclusion on the paragraph)

Concluding Paragraphs Summary Conclusions Summary conclusions have their place; however, they can also be out of place unless an essay is complex, lengthy, or both. A summary conclusion to an essay of less than 5 pages is unnecessary and formulaic.

Concluding Paragraphs Reflective Conclusions Reflective conclusions promote higher order thinking. They require the writer to: - consider and evaluate the degree of truth behind the theme; or - consider and evaluate the degree of truth behind the theme; or - consider how the theme applies to the world-at-large; or - consider how the theme applies to the world-at-large; or - consider the theme’s consequences for the world-at- large; or - consider the theme’s consequences for the world-at- large; or - consider and evaluate alternate views as they relate to the theme; or - consider and evaluate alternate views as they relate to the theme; or - consider and evaluate the skill and craft with which the theme was communicated. - consider and evaluate the skill and craft with which the theme was communicated.

What is a Timed Write?  An essay that contains an introduction (SOAPS), body paragraphs, and a conclusion (Reflective). The only difference is that the intro and conclusion are condensed into the “Micro-Theme” format.  Takes place within the class period (hence the word “Timed”)  Whether you are writing for the AP tests or just applying for some jobs, you will need to complete a timed write. By practicing these now, you will develop the ability to “think on your feet” and will develop the ability to think critically under pressure.

Micro-Theme Intro and Conclusion  The purpose is the same but the length is not.  Condense your entire SOAPS into 3 sentences, the last of which is your thesis. –You will need to combine parts –You will need to get right to your point  Offer the ideas of the reflective conclusion in 2-3 sentences. The goal is to bring your ideas to a close while making a final, intriguing conclusion that gives the reader something to think about. No, that does NOT mean to write a question at the end!