Hann 2012

PROMPT  When we are given a question to answer after we read a passage, the question is called a PROMPT.  Here is an example of a PROMPT: How can the lessons that Fred DeLuca learned help other people? Use information from the passage and your own ideas and conclusions to support your answer.

THESIS  We begin the Response to Literature by answering the prompt. This answer is called our THESIS.  In your THESIS:  RESTATE THE PROMPT by turning the question into a statement in 1-2 sentences.  This is also where you GIVE YOUR ANSWER in which you TAKE A POSITION/STANCE on the prompt. Be sure you are restating the prompt in your own words!

EXAMPLES OF THESIS STATEMENTS PROMPT: How can the lessons that Fred DeLuca learned help other people? Use information from the passage and your own ideas and conclusions to support your answer. THESIS: The lessons that Fred DeLuca learned can help someone who is trying to start a business because they will understand that everyone needs to overcome obstacles before they experience success.

EVIDENCE  EVIDENCE is what you use to PROVE, or SUPPORT, your idea. -Find EVIDENCE directly from the text that SUPPORTS your position. -You can take a direct quote from the passage or paraphrase parts of the text. -You should have THREE examples of evidence from the text to support your idea.

EXAMPLES OF EVIDENCE THESIS: The lessons that Fred DeLuca learned can help someone who is trying to start a business because they will understand that everyone needs to overcome obstacles before they experience success. EVIDENCE: Fred DeLuca opened a submarine sandwich shop to help pay for his college tuition. At first he was unsuccessful, but then he founded Subway, which is a multi-million dollar company around the country. People can learn from this because Fred DeLuca never gave up.

MORE EXAMPLES OF EVIDENCE  THESIS: The lessons that Fred DeLuca learned can help someone who is trying to start a business because they will understand that everyone needs to overcome obstacles before they experience success.  EVIDENCE: In the text it states that Fred said, “There are so many obstacles that can get you down. You just have to keep working toward your objective.” Fred DeLuca means that you shouldn’t give up, even when you fail.

SENTENCE STARTERS FOR TEXT EVIDENCE  The author states/stated, “……………..”  In the story, “……………..”  From the text, “……………”  The character states, “………….”  The text explains, “…………….”  According to the text/character/author, “…………” *YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE A DIRECT QUOTE; YOU CAN PARAPHRASE WITH AN INDIRECT QUOTATION.

INTERPRETATION  INTERPRET, or EXPLAIN, the text evidence in your own words.  Answer the question, “Why is this quote important?” AND “How does this evidence support my thesis?”  DO NOT answer the question “What does this quote say?”  Then, use the word “because” to help you support your ideas even further  Example: “This quote shows/explains …..because….”

EXAMPLES OF INTERPRETATION  THESIS: The lessons that Fred DeLuca learned can help someone who is trying to start a business because they will understand that everyone needs to overcome obstacles before they experience success.  EVIDENCE: In the text it states that Fred said, “There are so many obstacles that can get you down. You just have to keep working toward your objective.” Fred DeLuca means that you shouldn’t give up, even when you fail.  INTERPRETATION: This piece of the text helps people by showing them that even though there are bound to be obstacles, you can only succeed when you continue to work toward your objective. People are inspired by DeLuca to be successful because they see a wealthy businessman and know that even he had obstacles; but he was able to overcome them.

SENTENCE STARTERS FOR INTERPRETATION  This is important because…  I think this shows…  In my opinion…  I remember when…  When I read this, I thought…  This story/article reminds me…  Implications such an article offers…  And idea one could apply…

CONCLUSION  Your CONCLUSION is the SUMMATION you offer to the reader.  The conclusion should follow from and support the information or explanation presented.  A conclusion should refocus the reader on the major idea.  A conclusion can suggest consequences, ask a question, summarize, imply a further effect, or spur your readers.