1. Example of a three-part Commentary
Once More to the Lake

2. “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White
Ann Dover
Mr. Lindblad
AP Language and Composition
9 September 2014
“Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White
PART I: Critical Analysis Commentary (175 word maximum)
White evokes a vivid sense of a lake in Maine through an essay that reads like an epic poem extolling the beauty and mystery of nature. While vacillating between past and present, father and son, White expresses that time cannot stand still and inevitably each day we move closer to death. Yet, this morbid realization is one that White does not realize until he sees the many changes of his beloved lake such as horses replaced by automobiles, and until he realizes that he is now more like his father now than his son. It is because of this that White, and his readers, can no longer maintain the illusion that “time stands still”; this cliché is shattered by the harsh sounds of roaring motors “this was the note that jarred, the one things that would sometimes break the illusion and set the years moving” (10). In the end readers feel the power or nature and the enormity of death.
PART II: Author style. (100 word maximum)
The ending of this essay and White’s underlying commentary on protecting the environment should come as no surprise, since throughout the essay White foreshadows his realization and opinion well in advance. “The peacefulness of the lake is shattered by the harsh sound of an outboard motor,” and “this was the note that jarred, the one thing that would sometimes break the illusion and set the years moving” (10). White’s ubiquitous use of imagery and figurative language force us to accept the reality of our role in destroying nature.
PART III: Personal Commentary (75 word maximum)
The lake that White enjoyed so much as a child changed perceptibly by the time he returned as an adult. This proves that the world is constantly changing and not always for the better. Everyone may realize that at some point they will take the place of their parents but what they must also realize is that we need to address the issues of the environment and not look at all changes as merely progress.

3. The MLA Heading Ann Dover Mr. Lindblad AP Language and Composition
9 September 2014
The MLA Heading
There is exactly one space between each line.
The date is written strangely.

4. Identify the argument the author is making in the passage.
PART I: Critical Analysis Commentary (175 word maximum) White evokes a vivid sense of a lake in Maine through an essay that reads like an epic poem extolling the beauty and mystery of nature. While vacillating between past and present, father and son, White expresses that time cannot stand still and inevitably each day we move closer to death. Yet, this morbid realization is one that White does not realize until he sees the many changes of his beloved lake such as horses replaced by automobiles, and until he realizes that he is now more like his father now than his son. It is because of this that White, and his readers, can no longer maintain the illusion that “time stands still”; this cliché is shattered by the harsh sounds of roaring motors “this was the note that jarred, the one things that would sometimes break the illusion and set the years moving” (10). In the end readers feel the power or nature and the enormity of death.
Tell me about the passage you’ve chosen to write about using partial quotes and citations.
Identify the argument the author is making in the passage.

5. PART II: Author style. (100 word maximum)
PART II: Author style. (100 word maximum)
The ending of this essay and White’s underlying commentary on protecting the environment should come as no surprise, since throughout the essay White foreshadows his realization and opinion well in advance. “The peacefulness of the lake is shattered by the harsh sound of an outboard motor,” and “this was the note that jarred, the one thing that would sometimes break the illusion and set the years moving” (10). White’s ubiquitous use of imagery and figurative language force us to accept the reality of our role in destroying nature.
This is a rhetorical analysis of one or two devices from the passage you just explained.
Do not, under any circumstances, summarize another passage.

6. PART III: Personal Commentary (75 word maximum)
PART III: Personal Commentary (75 word maximum)
The lake that White enjoyed so much as a child changed perceptibly by the time he returned as an adult. This proves that the world is constantly changing and not always for the better. Everyone may realize that at some point they will take the place of their parents but what they must also realize is that we need to address the issues of the environment and not look at all changes as merely progress.
This is where you can make a personal connection to the passage.
Does it remind you about something you have experienced? Read about? Seen in a movie?
What made you choose this passage?

7. Example of Analysis Paragraph
In Cold Blood, Part 1

8. Point/Claim
Evidence/Warrant
Impact/Analysis
Capote uses selection of detail to depict Herb Clutter as the archetypal hero of the American West. Capote’s description of Mr. Clutter’s “square-jawed, confident face” is just the first indication that this man, “always certain of what he wanted from the world” would “in large measure” obtain it. Capote also states that Clutter “cut a man’s-man figure” and that his teeth were “strong enough to shatter walnuts” (Capote 6). These details, and Capote’s temporarily folksy diction, associate Herb Clutter with the heroes of popular cowboy movies and westerns. The physical details Capote mentions highlight Herb’s ambitious determination. Later, Capote points out that Mr. Clutter’s wedding-ring finger had been “once mangled by a piece of farm machinery” (Capote 6). Providing this detail serves two roles. First, it proves that Herb is a hard-working and hands-on farmer. Secondly, Capote uses the mangled ring-finger as a metaphor to transition into a discussion of Herb’s loyalty to his wife despite her mental and physical frailties.