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

2. How to read fiction: Look at the title Know about author
Trace the plot development
Think about author’s purpose
Ask “What is the author’s free advice that I can apply in my own life? What can I learn by watching the character handle the conflict?”

3. Response to Literature
Not a summary
Shows your understanding of the story and your insight
Involves critical thinking
Involves providing support from the story for your insight

4. Next type of essay to write
Response to Literature Essay
A “Prompt” or question will be asked
The writer has to develop a strong thesis or answer to the prompt.
The thesis must be supported with evidence: facts from story, quotes, and adequate explanation

5. Strategies to develop a response and insight:
“Somebody wanted, but…so…” for summarizing the entire plot in a few sentences
“Most Important Word” to brainstorm theme or character traits
Understand how to trace the plot of a story and do so while listening to story
Know how to study literature

6. Most Important Word 1. It is a strategy of identifying theme.
2. Begin with a brainstorming tree using the title as the center circle.
3. Brainstorm “concept” nouns. These are things that cannot be seen or touched!

7. Most Important Word (cont)
These concept nouns are themes for the story:
*adventure *love *friendship
*honesty *integrity *courage
*risk *sacrifice *acceptance
*discovery *survival *satisfaction
*resourcefulness *consequences

8. Summarization Somebody (main character) Wanted (conflict introduced)
But (conflict complicated)
So (start of how character must overcome conflict)
Helps writers to quickly give a preview of plot. Don’t give away the climax or ending!

9. Introduction paragraph
Title
Author
Summary statement
Thesis = Main focus for entire essay; what the writer will discuss and prove with support! The answer to the “prompt” asked.

10. Body Paragraphs: 2, 3, 4 Begin each with a strong topic sentence.
Answer the prompt in your topic sentence.
Provide proof from the story in the form of facts, examples, and quotes to support your topic sentence.
Clearly explain and connect proof to topic sentence.

11. Conclusion: Be SMART! Restate your thesis in a thoughtful way.
Show insight:
What is the reader supposed to understand as a result of watching the main character resolve the conflict?
What was the author’s purpose to his audience?
How can a reader apply the lessons learned to his or her own life?
This is the most important paragraph and often is a determiner between A and B grades! Think it through! Be SMART!

12. Insight: An analogy You = patient Author = doctor
Insight = medicine or advice
What advice can a reader apply to his or her own life?