1. 1.Show that you understand the text 2.Show that you can analyze the text 3.Demonstrate your ability to connect the text to your thesis

2.  Synonyms of “analysis” include:  interpretation  commentary  opinion  Evaluation  Identifying the significance (i.e., the importance) of the quote  “This shows that...” part of a paragraph

3. What does this quote tell/show me about a character? (inference) What does this quote tell/show me about a character? (inference) Does this quote support my thesis? Does this quote support my thesis?

4. “…as long as evil existed unchecked in the world, it was Miss Strangeworth’s duty to keep her town alert to it (Jackson 197).”

5.  Context: Miss Strangeworth in “The Possibility of Evil”  Analysis: Miss Strangeworth did not like evil, even though she herself was evil.

6.  Context: Because Miss Strangeworth did not like evil, she made sure she knew all about everyone else’s business in her town.  Analysis:Miss Strangeworth thought it was her job to make sure that she kept everyone in check. The actions she took had devastating consequences and in the end, someone ended up getting back at her. If she knew what happened at the end of the story prior, she would have still did what she did because she thought it was her duty.

7.  Context:As an originating member of her town, Miss Strangeworth thought it was her duty to make sure evil did not exist and would get rid of it at all costs.  Analysis:Displaying evil acts through sending nasty letters to fellow neighbors and presumed friends, Miss Strangeworth thought it was her position to make sure that her own belief system was encouraged throughout her small town. Even though her prized roses were destroyed, she would have done the same because of her stubborn ways and because she truly believed the world is wicked. Not only would she have made the so-called “bad” decision again, she would have done it with pride, because Miss Strangeworth truly believed she was doing something right. Sample Response #3 **BEST**

8.  Focus your quotes and analysis on proving your thesis.  Make sure your quotes are varied – you’re not using the same “I got you and you got me…” for all three quotes.  Make sure the quotes come from at least two different pieces of literature.