“The Hobbit” Précis ELACC7W9: I can draw evidence from literary texts to support analysis and reflection ELACC7RL2: I can provide an objective summary of the plot of a piece of literature for analysis purposes

Precis' Format  In a single coherent sentence give the following: - name of the author, title of the work, date in parenthesis - a rhetorically accurate verb (such as "assert," "argue," "deny," "refute," "prove," disprove," "explain," etc. -a that clause containing the major claim (thesis statement) of the work. In a single coherent sentence give an explanation of how the author develops and supports the major claim (thesis statement) with evidence from the text. In a single coherent sentence give a statement of the author's purpose, followed by an "in order" phrase. In a single coherent sentence give a description of the intended audience and/or the relationship the author establishes with the audience

What are the requirements for the précis assignment?  The précis should be at least 1 detailed paragraph analyzing a literary device Tolkien used and giving examples/evidence.

What types of examples should I use and how should I state it?  You should aim to discuss/analyze at least 1 of the following: Author’s use of figurative language Author’s use of tone and mood Author’s use of imagery or symbolism  Provide examples of evidence from the text to support your analysis.

A MODEL

I n J.R.R. Tolkien' book, “The Hobbit,” (1937), asserts that a hero lies within us all in spite of our fears. For example, Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist, “lived in the neighborhood of The Hill for time out of mind, and people considered them very respectable, not only because most of them were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.” (page 7). Tolkien backs up his claim by describing how a fearful hobbit-was transformed into a fearless leader.”As they sang the hobbit felt the love of beautiful things made by hands and by cunning and by magic moving through him, a fierce and jealous love, the desire of the hearts of dwarves. Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.” (Page 16). Tolkien's purpose is to point out to the reader the ways an individual can transform him/herself if provided an opportunity to do so. “Then Bilbo plucked up courage and put his little hand in William's enormous pocket.” (Page 30). Given the many uses of personification in the book, Tolkien is clearly writing to the young at heart and in spirit to encourage readers to rethink and to discover the hero within us all in spite of fear. “Boulders, too, at times came galloping down the mountain-sides, let loose by midday sun upon the snow, and passed among them (which was lucky), or over their heads (which was alarming.” (Page 43).

How will I be graded? Requiremen t ExceedsMeetsDoes Not Meet Summary Exceptional details, complete from beginning to end, free from opinion Detailed, complete, free from opinion Few details,, opinionated Analysis 3 to 4 examples of evidence to support analysis, thoughtful, and well-explained 2-3 examples to support the analysis 1 or no example of evidence to support analysis Conventions Few spelling, grammar, capitalization, or punctuation mistakes distract from content Several spelling, grammar, capitalization, or punctuation mistakes but do not distract from content Too many grammar, spelling, etc. mistakes make the essay difficult to understand