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

2. What is a response to literature?
1. After reading a selection, the reader
is asked a question which is known as the “prompt”.
2. The reader must write an insightful essay with a clear thesis, support, and insight.

3. A Response to Literature Essay:
1. is not a summary or a review.
2. shows understanding of the story’s themes.

4. A Response to Literature Essay:
3. Involves development of a thesis.
4. Requires support :
(summary, explanation, quotes, commentary).
5. Requires interpretation of author’s purpose
and message.

5. A Response to Literature Essay
6. Includes analysis of connection of message
to one’s own life.
7. Avoids use of “non-formal” language:
pronouns, slang, contractions, etc.
8. Shows ¼ summary and ¾ interpretation.

6. How to Analyze Literature
1. Read author information in order to better identify author’s message and purpose.
2. Note plot components while reading.
3. Note “quoteable quotes” that go beyond the words.

7. How to Analyze Literature
4. Brainstorm theme by using “Most Important Word” strategy.
5. Summarize the work with
“Somebody wanted…but…so….” strategy.
6. Identify author’s purpose, message,
and connection to readers’ lives.

8. Most Important Word 1. It is a theme strategy.
2. Brainstorm words that are “conceptual” from story. These are idea nouns that cannot be perceived by the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

9. Some Most Important Words
Success/Failure Perception
Loyalty/Disloyalty Self-worth
Perseverance/Apathy Respect
Revenge/Forgiveness Survival
Satisfaction/Discontent Leadership/Heroism
Acceptance/Rejection Love/Hate
Confidence/Insecurity Sacrifice
Greed/Generosity Optimism/Pessimism
Friendship/Animosity Bravery/Cowardice

10. Summarization Somebody (main character with brief description)
Wanted (conflict introduced)
But (conflict complicated)
So (start of how character must overcome conflict)
Don’t give away the climax or ending!

11. Why summarize?
1. Remember, we summarize to introduce the characters, setting, conflict…just like a movie preview!
2. That way, we can focus on proving the thesis in our essay and not over-summarizing!

12. Introduction paragraph:
Title in quotes (story) or underlined (book)
Author’s first and last name
Summary statement: 3-4 sentences
in the “SWBS” format
Thesis = Clear, confident answer to prompt

13. Body Paragraphs: 2, 3, 4 Begin each with a strong topic sentence.
Answer the prompt in each topic sentence.
Provide proof and commentary.
Clearly explain and connect support back to topic sentence.

14. Conclusion: Be SMART!
Is the most intelligent, thoughtful paragraph of essay.
Shows insight by identifying author’s message and purpose for readers.
Clearly reconnects to restating thesis.

15. What is insight? You = patient Author = doctor
Insight = medicine or advice
What advice can a reader apply to his or her own life?

16. MLA Typed Format Double spaced (never single or quadruple)
Heading: your name, teacher name, class, date due
Size 12 book font in black for entire essay…even the title
Pagination (View, Header, Name, #)
Centered title