Introduction to dialectical Writing You have a hand-out English 12—Mr.Milligan Introduction to dialectical Writing You have a hand-out

“Dialectical” means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments” (dictionary.com) Your task is to arrive at the “truth” of a written work through detailed responses to quotations.

Dialectical Writing Your dialectical writing must prove that you are a thinker. You are proving that you have had insightful, literate thoughts about what you have read. The Thinker is a bronze and marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin, whose first cast, of 1902, is now in the Musee Rodin, in Paris.

Grade 11 Exemplar This exemplar come from the novel, The Chrysalids. The writer, Matt Martell, will provide an excellent analysis of a particular passage from the novel.

Refer to your hand-outs You should have hand-outs on dialectical writing (and a rubric), literary terms, and using quotations. Plus there is lots of useful info on my web-site.

Choosing Quotations You are choosing quotations to write about. Choose quotations that are both interesting and important. Choose quotations that you like and can respond to. Choose quotations that make you think. Poor Choices will hurt your notebook!

What do I write? Your entries will include thoughtful responses to the text. personal reflection and connections. (text to self /the real world analysis of literary techniques and the author’s us of the elements of fiction The most important thing to remember is that your observations should be specific and detailed. DO NOT SIMPLY PARAPHRASE THE PASSAGE! Respond, Analyze, and Evaluate.

Basic Personal Responses--show insight*** Text to Self/World Connections Respond personally about the beliefs and values implied in the text. Provide personal opinions. Give your personal reactions to the passage / reflect upon them Make personal connections to character(s) Tell what it reminds you of from your own experiences Write about what it makes you think about or how it makes you feel.

Analytical Responses Analyze the text for use of literary devices/techniques (figurative language, tone, structure, style, imagery, allusion, symbolism etc.) Analyze the author’s use of the elements of fiction. Character development or how the passage characterizes someone in the novel will usually be important. Analyze a passage for its thematic message.

Organize Your Entries into Paragraphs—FORMULA*** Each response should contain the following elements: (1) Provide a brief (two or three sentences) explanation to provide context for your quotation and insert it. (2) Provide your original personal insights on the quotation. (3) Point out what elements of fiction are the focal points of the passage and/or comment on the use of literary devices/techniques. (4) Include a closing remark. SAMPLE

USE MLA FORMAT You must type your final drafts and include a word count. Use MLA to cite quotations by author and page number. You may be given class time to work on your entries. Some students may choose to work on drafts in class and type final copies at home.

Lord of the Flies Entry 1—Choose a passage from chapter 1-4 Due Nov 19th Entry 2 – Choose a passage from chapter 5-8 Due Entry 3 – Choose a passage from chapter 9-12 Due Sample 1 Wind Sample 2 News

Start by choosing your first passage! This will be a lot of work! Start by choosing your first passage!

The Great Gatsby Entry 1—Choose a passage from chapter 1-3 Due Nov Sample 1 Wind Sample 2 Gatsby

Getting Started I have booked lap-tops for Friday. You have the whole period to work or read.