Critical Lens

TASK: to use a work of literature to support or refute the perspective given in the provided quotation (i.e. the critical lens).
Example critical lenses: The right good book is always a book of travel; it is about a lifes journey H.M. Tomlinson All literature shows us the power of emotion; it is emotion, not reason that motivates characters in literature Duff

Preparation:
Analyze the meaning of the quote (brainstorm) Paraphrase the quotation in your own words (i.e. your interpretation) Think about whether or not the text supports or refutes the meaning of the quotation and how it does so.
Does the quotation reflect a theme in the work? Does a theme in the work reject the perspective given in the lens? How does the author develop that theme (the one that reflects or rejects the central meaning of the quotation)? If the quotation doesnt seem to have anything to do with theme, what other literary elements might it reflect? Conflict? Setting? Characterization? Symbolism?

Thesis
Brainstorm examples that help to prove or refute the perspective in the lens. Write a thesis statement
Must clearly introduce HOW the text supports or refutes the lens

Introduction
Lead (DO NOT USE THE LENS) Transition into the lens Interpret the lens, using your own words (i.e. paraphrase it) Present your thesis statement

Body Paragraphs
Topic sentence should be a branch off your thesis
i.e., it should clearly introduce the way in which the paragraph plans to support all or part of your thesis statement

Use transitions Give clear, specific examples to support the claim given in your topic sentence Clearly explain the connection between your evidence/examples and your topic sentence Use tier III vocabulary when discussing the literature and its connections

Use language that reflects the language you used in your thesis statement (some repetition in language is ok)
Close with a concluding sentence that begins with a concluding transition and sums up the main idea of the paragraph

Conclusion
Beginning with a concluding transition (thus, therefore, in all, hence, etc.), rephrase your thesis statement Sum up the main points of your argument End with a clinching statement that provokes the audience to reflect about your topic, perhaps by helping them make a connection to their own lives or to the real world (an open-ended question, an urge to action, etc.)

Mechanics
Use third person POV when discussing literature! Avoid fragments and run on sentences Use tier II and tier III vocabulary whenever possible Spell out numbers; avoid abbreviations Capitalize appropriately

Spell words correctly

Indent paragraphs and be wary of margins