Jane Schaeffer Writing

Program
Basics for
Responses to Literature
Terms to Know
 Concrete Detail (CD) – stuff from the story –the
what – can be quotation or paraphrase –
facts; examples; illustrations;
evidence; support; plot references;
citations; What really happened in the
story? ; play-by-play announcer
Terms to Know
 Commentary – (CM) – stuff from your head
- the “so what?”
- words with claims that describe the
stance you are taking about the topic
analysis; interpretation; a
character’s feelings; opinion;
inference; insight; reasons
Terms to Know
 Ratio – the amount of CD:CM in a body
paragraph

 In English the ratio is 1:2+

One-Chunk Body Paragraph

 Sentence
#1 -Topic Sentence – TS
 Sentence
#2 – CD –starts with “For example”
 Sentence
#3 – CM - (Be specific and explain)
 Sentence
#4 – CM – (x also shows that; x
is because; x is important
because)
 Sentence#5 – Concluding/transition Sentence –
CS – Sums it
up and ties back to the thesis
(As a result)
Sample One Chunk Paragraph
 In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by
J. K. Rowling, Harry is a champion to many
of the more insecure students at
Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes
Neville’s Rememberall, Harry takes a
broom and gets it back. He cannot stand
someone who picks on others. Harry is
now a hero to those less fortunate in the
eyes of the other students. He has found a
place where he belongs, and he wants to
protect the vulnerable.
Two Chunk Paragraph
 Used when the concrete detail are closely
related to avoid repetition.
 Has the basic of Topic Sentence at the
beginning and a Concluding Sentence at
the end.
 Includes two CD, CM, CM, structures with a
transition between.
Introduction

 Opening sentence – STRONG!

Draws the readers attention
 At least three or four sentences
 Thesis is usually stated at the end.
Sample Introduction

 Bravery cannot exist where defense

of the weak is easy. Often, in order to
help others, a hero must be willing to
act in ways that are non-conformist.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone by J.K. Rowling, Harry risks
much so that he can be a champion
for the underdog.
Introduction

 Hook – Get reader’s attention NEVER A

RHETORICAL QUESTION.
Anecdote
Context
Startling Information
All commentary
 Thesis Statement
Must include the title of the book
Must include the subject you are discussing
Must show your opinion about an arguable topic
Sample Thesis Statement

The collectivist society in

Anthem, by Ayn Rand, illustrates
a grave loss of individuality and
innovation among the
inhabitants.
Concluding Paragraph

 At least four sentences

 All are CM sentences which give your
idea as an ending for the essay.
Conclusion

 Reflects on what you said in the

essay
 All commentary; no concrete details
 Does NOT repeat thesis statement or
introductory paragraph
 Should relate your knowledge of the
subject matter to the world at large –
outside the book
Sample Concluding Paragraph

 When faced with adversity, any of us

can be a hero. When faced with
someone who intimidates us, it
would be to our benefit to look for
creative solutions rather than
running away. Each of us can stretch
beyond our “little boy” programming
to become a person others can rely
upon.