Writing a Response to Literature

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Writing a Response to Literature
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• In a response to literature, students
• say what a text might mean
• and justify the meanings they see.

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• It requires
• thoughtful, patient reading and rereading
• and careful analysis.

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• Since stories can be interpreted in different
  ways, the writer does not need to prove that the
  one correct or final meaning has been discovered.

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• Instead the writer tries to convince the reader
• that the story has been analyzed carefully and
  thoughtfully
• and that he/she has found a reasonable way of
  understanding it.

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• Writers must
• identify the story being interpreted
• offer meanings by making a claim or claims about
  their own understandings of the story
• provide evidence from the story to support or
  justify the meanings
• and maintain a focus throughout the essay.

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• At the center of a response to literature is the
  writers analysis of the storys meaning.
• This main idea is usually give as a thesis
  statement.

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• Writers often alert readers early to the points
  they will be making so that readers will not have
  problems understanding their interpretations.

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• They must point out specific details and explain
  what they think these details mean.

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• The main source of evidence for literary
  interpretation is the work itself.

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• Writers
• quote the story,
• describe it,
• summarize it,
• and paraphrase it.

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• They do more than just refer to a specific
  passage, however they explain the meaning of the
  passage in reference to their thesis.

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Important Points to Remember

• Responding to literature
• Develops an idea about a story rather than merely
  retelling or summarizing.

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• Clearly identifies claims made about the story.

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• Convinces readers that claims are justified.

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• Assures readers that the writer knows the subject
  well.

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• Gathers specific and relevant evidence from the
  text.

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• Makes clear why the evidence is relevant.

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• Has interesting ideas about the story.

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• Uses purposeful retelling or summarizing as
  concrete evidence to support claims.