Approach to Literature Critical Reading and Writing.
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Transcript of Approach to Literature Critical Reading and Writing.
Approach to Literature
Critical Reading and Writing
Critical Reading
▪ Engage and set a purpose
▪ Question– What is stated?– What exists beyond the surface/implied?– What info is needed for inferences?– What biases/perspectives exists?– What conclusions are formed as to meaning?
Read to Assess
▪ Meaning– Interpretation of work
▪ Value of ideas presented– Use/effects of language▪ Connotation/Denotation▪ Tone▪ Point of view▪ Structure▪ Style▪ Nature of themes
Reader Response Strategies
▪ Many ways to respond to text– Glossing/Annotating– Brainstorming to Questioning– Free Writing– Journal Writing– Dialectical Journals– Think Writing
Glossing/Annotating
▪ 1st Read: Overview/Understanding
▪ 2nd Read: Notes/Thoughts
▪ Annotating = Notes (underline, circle, margin notes, highlight, etc.)
Brainstorming to Questioning
▪ Very informal
▪ Unconcerned with conventions
▪ Broad overview in brainstorm
▪ Use brainstorm to craft questions
Free Writing
▪ Slightly more formal than brainstorming
▪ Structure/format inconsequential
▪ Unconcerned with conventions
Journal Writing
▪ More structured than free write
▪ Often in response to prompt
▪ May center on any number of topics from character to language to non-fiction relationships
Dialectical Journal
▪ Moves beyond summary
▪ Two column journal– Left side: facts, key points, quotes– Right side: responses, feelings, associations, questions,
comparisons, interpretations
Think Writing
▪ Formal response
▪ Paragraph/Multi-paragraph format
▪ Concerned with conventions/objective measureables
When Analyzing Lit, Always Remember…
ALL literature represents:
▪ A moment in history/culture
▪ A moment in writer’s life
▪ A moment in reader’s life
ALWAYS return to primary work to justify analysis
Writing Process
▪ Stages– Prewriting: planning/brainstorming– Shaping: organize brainstorm into outline/planning– Drafting: focus on organization/development/fluency– Revise/Edit: sharpen language, sentence structure, style;
rearrange/delete for clarity– Proofread: check grammar, spelling, punctuation– Final Draft
Role of Peer Evaluator
▪ Provide initial reaction: emotional response to work or parts of work
▪ Indicate organizational strengths/weaknesses– Outline for understanding
▪ Provide Evaluative Response (see handout)
Types of Literature-based Essay
▪ Response
▪ Explication
▪ Compare/Contrast
▪ Argumentative
▪ Critical Analysis
▪ Evaluation/Review
▪ Research
Response Essay
▪ Reader’s emotional response
▪ May relate to specific element of story or to more broad overview
Explication Essay
▪ Careful analysis of work for meaning
▪ Sequential movement through text
▪ Analyze aspect of work/technique that create theme
Compare/Contrast Essay
▪ Can compare, contrast, or do both
▪ Two main organizational patterns– Block/Side-by-Side:▪ Treats first one text, then the other in successive paragraphs▪ Can limit effectiveness; confuse reader
– Alternating/Point-by-Point:▪ Each of body paragraphs presents treatment of key topic in both
works
Argumentative Essay
▪ Presents point of view, opinion/position, reasons, supporting evidence
▪ Counterargument(s) needed
▪ See handout for common organization
Critical Analysis Essay
▪ Analyze literary work based on single principle, i.e: – Theme– Character– Style– Specific technique
▪ Isolate single level or work and analyze function and impact
Evaluation/Review Essay
▪ Focus on determining effectiveness of work
▪ See handout for common organization
Research Essay
▪ Involves searching beyond text for info that expands understanding
▪ Can explore:– Biographical– Historical/Cultural/Political/Philosophical/Sociological background– Reading of criticism on work– Reading of specific form of literary criticism (Legacies, App. B,
pg. 1350)
Things to Consider…
▪ Critical Reading – What is it?
▪ Connotation/Denotation
▪ Tone
▪ Point-of-View
▪ Structure
▪ Style
▪ Theme
▪ Annotation– Order of…
▪ Literature represents…
▪ The Writing Process is…
▪ Peer Evaluator - What the heck do I do?