Response to Literature How to develop your critical thinking and response to fiction works

What is a response to literature? 1. After reading a selection, the reader is asked a question which is known as the “prompt”. 2. The reader must write an insightful essay with a clear thesis, support, and insight.

A Response to Literature Essay: 1. is not a summary or a review. 2. shows understanding of the story’s themes.

A Response to Literature Essay: 3. Involves development of a thesis. 4. Requires support : (summary, explanation, quotes, commentary). 5. Requires interpretation of author’s purpose and message.

A Response to Literature Essay 6. Includes analysis of connection of message to one’s own life. 7. Avoids use of “non-formal” language: pronouns, slang, contractions, etc. 8. Shows ¼ summary and ¾ interpretation.

How to Analyze Literature 1. Read author information in order to better identify author’s message and purpose. 2. Note plot components while reading. 3. Note “quoteable quotes” that go beyond the words.

How to Analyze Literature 4. Brainstorm theme by using “Most Important Word” strategy. 5. Summarize the work with “Somebody wanted…but…so….” strategy. 6. Identify author’s purpose, message, and connection to readers’ lives.

Most Important Word 1. It is a theme strategy. 2. Brainstorm words that are “conceptual” from story. These are idea nouns that cannot be perceived by the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

Some Most Important Words Success/Failure Perception Loyalty/Disloyalty Self-worth Perseverance/Apathy Respect Revenge/Forgiveness Survival Satisfaction/Discontent Leadership/Heroism Acceptance/Rejection Love/Hate Confidence/Insecurity Sacrifice Greed/Generosity Optimism/Pessimism Friendship/Animosity Bravery/Cowardice

Summarization Somebody (main character with brief description) Wanted (conflict introduced) But (conflict complicated) So (start of how character must overcome conflict) Don’t give away the climax or ending!

Why summarize? 1. Remember, we summarize to introduce the characters, setting, conflict…just like a movie preview! 2. That way, we can focus on proving the thesis in our essay and not over-summarizing!

Introduction paragraph: Title in quotes (story) or underlined (book) Author’s first and last name Summary statement: 3-4 sentences in the “SWBS” format Thesis = Clear, confident answer to prompt

Body Paragraphs: 2, 3, 4 Begin each with a strong topic sentence. Answer the prompt in each topic sentence. Provide proof and commentary. Clearly explain and connect support back to topic sentence.

Conclusion: Be SMART! Is the most intelligent, thoughtful paragraph of essay. Shows insight by identifying author’s message and purpose for readers. Clearly reconnects to restating thesis.

What is insight? You = patient Author = doctor Insight = medicine or advice What advice can a reader apply to his or her own life?

MLA Typed Format Double spaced (never single or quadruple) Heading: your name, teacher name, class, date due Size 12 book font in black for entire essay…even the title Pagination (View, Header, Name, #) Centered title