Writing about Literature

Writing For Core English 1.Write paragraph answers to Questions (Ex: list of questions after each story like on slide 14) 2. Write 1 Essay per month Choose topic from Question Bank 3. Written Answers on tests / exams 4. Short Essay on tests / exams

Preparing the Writing! Use all active reading strategies!!! You are preparing your writing now! You know the FACTS of the story  Making SUMMARY LISTS will help you You can INTERPRET the story  Making lists of comments / ideas will help you You can also think of some interesting “quotations” from the story!!!

Study the question / topic carefully. Make sure the answer is directly on the question! Then, you need to find INFORMATION to put in your answer. You will need to explain and interpret the information.

Your answers will usually include:  General Statement (s)  Provide Explanations  Summarize / Paraphrase from the Text  Insert direct quotes “…….”  Offer More Explanations…  Conclude briefly

T I P S You should integrate “quotations” (if possible / necessary) in your answers. You can quote anything (a word, phrase, sentence, dialogue…)!!! Choose the most powerful and most interesting quotations to demonstrate your point!!!

OTHER TIPS: SET UP THE QUOTATION (S) CLEARLY USE ELLIPSIS (…) FOR MISSING WORDS SELECT VERBS CAREFULLY USE A VARIETY OF VERBS WRITE GENERALLY IN PRESENT TENSE DEVELOP ANSWER COMPLETELY INSERT TRANSITION WORDS / PHRASES

Explanations: What does “X” mean? What does “X” most likely mean? What different things could “X” mean? Why does the author use this word / phrase? What does this word or phrase imply? What feelings are associated with this word? Why does the character do / say this? What can we guess from…..? What can we predict will happen? What causes this? What is the effect / result of this? (ETC)

Sample Questions How does the author create an atmosphere of poverty in the story? How does Della feel about her husband Jim?

The author uses many descriptive words in the story to create the impression of poverty. For example, the word “shabby little couch,” “the letters…looked blurred,” and “old brown hat” all communicate that Della and Jim are quite poor. Also, the phrase about a “letter-box into which no letter would go” suggests that the couple are too poor to repair their letter-box. Moreover, the phrase “an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a ring” further highlights the impression of poverty, implying that they cannot afford to make any repairs. Many words and phrases reflecting their poverty can be found throughout the story.

It is obvious that Della loves Jim deeply. Throughout the story there are many references to Della’s feelings about her husband. The fact that she cried because she did not have enough money to buy him a gift shows that she loves him. The expression “greatly hugged” also indicates that she loves him. The phrases “many a happy hour” and “fine and sterling” relating to her search for a special gift for her husband also reveal her love. That the present Della had found was “made for Jim and no one else” also demonstrates her true feelings. Finally, the word “darling” used by Della when she greets Jim as he enters the flat yet again proves her love. All in all, there are many references to Della’s feelings for her husband in the story.

Writing Assignment #1 Answers must be handwritten in ESPN Recall (1-2 sentences of paraphrase/summary each = ok) 1.What is Della doing at the beginning of the story and why? 2.What is Jim’s initial reaction to Della when he arrives home? Interpret (one word paragraph each; use quotes) setting 1.This story begins on Christmas eve. Why is this aspect of the setting so important to the story? 2.What do Della’s and Jim’s sacrifices tell you about their relationship? irony 3.What is both wonderful and terrible about each gift? Explain the irony of the situation. Evaluate and Connect (one word paragraph) 1. Do you think this story’s message is valuable to today’s readers? Why or why not?

Essay Preview Essay: 500 words Introduction / Body / Conclusion Analyze one reading, compare readings, Etc. You can choose one question from the “essay topic bank” Yippee!!