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 feelings behind them that

you can describe to me

analysis; interpretation; a character’s feelings; opinion; inference; insight; reasons; color commentator

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 - (This shows that) Sentence #4 – CM – (This also show that; This

is because; This is important because)

Sentence#5 – Circle 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, 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. He has found a place where he belongs and wants to protect the vulnerable.Two Chunk Paragraph

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 Circle 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 scary. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry risks much so that he can be a champion for the underdog.

Introduction

Hook – Get reader’s attentionAnecdoteStartling InformationAll commentary

Thesis StatementMust include the title of the bookMust include the subject you are discussingMust show your opinion about an arguable

topic

Sample Thesis Statement

The collectivist society of Anthem, by Ayn Rand, exhibited a grave loss of individuality and innovation among the inhabitants.

Concluding Paragraph

At least three 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 real man.