1. Introducing SOAPSTone

2. What is SOAPSTone?
SOAPSTone is used for analyzing non-fiction works of literature.
Examples: essays, articles, speeches, autobiographical works
Information on the following slides is taken from AP Central

3. S = Speaker The voice that tells the story.
This is not necessarily the author of the piece but it could be.
To figure out the speaker, ask yourself: Who is telling me this information?

4. O = Occasion
The time and the place of the piece; the context that prompted the writing.
Time and place is also considered the immediate occasion: an event or situation that catches the writer's attention and triggers a response.
There is also a larger occasion: an environment of ideas, attitudes, and emotions that swirl around a broad issue.
Be sure to consider both of these.

5. A = Audience The group of readers to whom this piece is directed.
This may be one person or a specific group.
To figure this out, look at word choice (diction), tone, and mood.

6. P = Purpose The reason behind the text.
To figure this out, ask yourself: What does the author want his/her audience to do as a result of reading the text?

7. S = Subject
Students should be able to state the subject in a few words or phrases.
This is not meant to be a summary—1-2 sentences should do it.
To figure this out, ask yourself: What is the author writing about?

8. Tone The attitude of the author.
The spoken word can convey the speaker's attitude and thus help to impart meaning through tone of voice.
Authors convey the tone by using diction (choice of words), syntax (sentence construction), and imagery (metaphors, similes, and other types of figurative language).

9. Let’s try it!
Read the article “Hester Prynne: Sinner, Victim, Object, Winner.”
Annotate it as you read.
By yourself, fill out the SOAPSTone chart located on the back of the article.
Find a partner. Compare responses. Make adjustments as necessary.
Questions?? Comments??

10. Now. . .On Your Own. . .
Read the article “The Last Generation of Kids Who Played Outside.”
Annotate it as you read.
By yourself, fill out the SOAPSTone chart located on the back of the article.
Hand in SOAPSTone when you finish.