English 1301: Fall 2015English 1301: Fall 2015

Chapters 13 & 16 NotesChapters 13 & 16 Notes

Ch. 13: Responding to Literature

When you start preparing to write a literary analysis, your first step is to read the work closely and mark key points in the text to comprehend its meaning.

Use the following categories to structure your close readings as each has a different purpose.

#1. Reading to Comprehend

Literal meaning (surface level reading incorporating the journalistic: who, what, where, when and how.)

Leads to basic knowledge of plot, character, setting, etc.

Defines vocabulary (what unknown words mean and what words mean when they don’t fit context)

#2. Reading to Analyze

Identifying main elements of the piece in attempt to get at what the work MEANS…(the why!)

Reader draws connections to self and world

Raises questions that will not have clear cut answers

#3. Reading to Evaluate

Assess work’s soundness and plausibility

Comment on purpose, audience and tone

Make suggestions/recommendations

Glossary of Literary Analysis Terms

Characters: imagined entities that the author shows what they are like through their actions, speech, thoughts, attitudes, feelings and background

Imagery: words or groups of words that refer to any sense experience

Plot: the arrangement of the events in a story

Glossary, cont.

Irony: when extra insight is revealed through the reader’s sense of discrepancy

Types of irony: verbal, situational and dramatic

Setting: refers to the time and place of events

Glossary, cont.

Point of view: the angle from which a story is told

Types of POV: first person, second person, third person, omniscient, etc.

Symbols: tangible objects, visible actions, or characters that hint at meanings beyond themselves

Glossary, concluded.

Theme: a work’s main idea or insight - the author’s observations about life, society, or human nature

Ch. 16: Writing and Presenting Under Pressure

Most college writing is done for assessment - that is, most of the papers you turn in are eventually evaluated and graded.

BUT, some college writing tasks exist only as methods designed to allow you to demonstrate what you have mastered.

Rules for Essay Examinations

Don’t expect all of them to be open-book

Generate ideas on scrap paper or in test sheet/booklet

If you don’t understand an element of the prompt ask instructor immediately so you don’t waste writing time

Rules, concluded.

Outline a concrete answer: instructors prefer answers that are concrete and specific rather than those that wander in the clouds of generality.

Focus on the “type” of question being asked to help determine what format of answer you need to write (compare/contrast, definition, demonstration, discussion, evaluation, etc.)

Drafting: The ONLY version!

Begin with the easy question: start writing the parts of the prompt you know first. It won’t matter if they are out of order, you can copy and paste them back in order when finished. All it takes then is a good transition to flow from one point to the next.

Drafting, cont.State your thesis at the start:

Thesis statements are the hub of your essay. Writing it will help keep you focused esp. under time constraints.

Stick to the question: instructors want you to answer their prompt concisely, not parade around ALL the facts you can remember that may not pertain to the task at hand

Be certain to answer ALL parts of the prompt!

Other Tips for Timed Writing

Budget your time. (Wear a watch and pay attention to proctor’s time marks)

Consider your topic wisely. (If given a choice of prompts, choose the one you feel you know the most about)

Think before you write. (Take a few moments to plan before you draft)

Other Tips, concluded.

Don’t try to be perfect. (Perfection tends to block your mind to where you concentrate on the minor instead of the major)

Save time to proofread. (Take a few minutes to check errors)

Portfolio Assessment

Portfolio courses typically emphasize revision and reflection - the ability to identify and discuss your choices, strengths, or learning processes

Different types of portfolios include: writing folders, learning portfolio, closed portfolio, midterm portfolio, final presentation portfolio, modified portfolio

Tips for Keeping a Portfolio

Keep EVERYTHING and stay ORGANIZED!

Manage your time. (Keep up with items as you go, so you don’t waste time trying to dig it all out at end of semester)

Tips, concluded.

Practice self-assessment. (For complex activities, it’s important to step back and evaluate your own progress and performance)

Choose entries carefully. (If you get the choice of what to include or not to include, choose those items which you feel best demonstrate your ability)

Write or include a descriptive cover letter or table of contents.

Small notes on oral presentations

Start planning earlyPractice your presentationsMake certain your visuals

align with your speechHave all additional

materials preparedBe aware of audience and

time

End of Semester Notes!

Remaining Assignments:

Complete and turn in research paper.

Put together your portfolio. Scan your finals review sheet,

marking off every item you already know. Then study the rest.

Take your final!