1. Preparing for your first ICE!

2. Answer the question by offering a holistic interpretation of the complexities of the work in light of the author’s intent.
Answer the question: Your opening sentence should include a direct and specific answer to the question and all implied/sub-questions.
Holistic Interpretation: Your support/response must consider the entire work/excerpt.
Complexities of the work: Consider the language, strategies, argumentation, literary and figurative devices, and historical context to get to the ‘so what.’
Author’s Intent: What is the purpose of the piece? What is really being said here? What meaning/significance exists beyond the text? What message does the author want to reader to get?

3. Opening Paragraph Answer the question! Why? So what? What’s the point?
Provide an argumentative statement, take a stand!
Consider how the author persuaded the reader by his/her expression in the piece.
Identify Intent!
Why? So what? What’s the point?
Imply or state plan!
Thesis statement!
Offer the focus for the rest of the essay here!

4. Supporting Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
This should identify the main argument the paragraph will prove.
This could be a quotation (the text is your friend!)
This could be your own argument supported with evidence from the text and other connections you can make to life and purpose.
Proof
Draw a tight connection between what you just argued and the intent you stated in the opening paragraph.
If there is no connection, you are probably summarizing or merely observing.
Prove your argument!
Connection to Intent

5. Provide a Final Thought
Concluding Paragraph
Return to Intent
Return to what you already wrote.
Draw Holistic
Conclusions
What does the intent mean about human nature or literature?
Provide a Final Thought
Make statements regarding the nature of the argument you made.

6. Sample Prompt:
In many works of literature, authors will explore a theme: a central message or insight about life or human experience. Carefully consider Sandra Cisneros’ House on Mango Street. Then, write a well-organized essay in which you identify what the author is saying about “cultural influences” and how this contributes to the overall meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary.