Paragraph Analysis (Formerly as BCR Writing) Tackling Analysis Paragraph Analysis (Formerly as BCR Writing)

What is a BCR? In Frederick County, BCR=Brief Constructed Response Essentially, a BCR is an analysis of a text using specific examples to support your reasoning. It may be a short paragraph (7-11 sentences) or a few paragraphs long, depending on the question. DO NOT BE FOOLED; BCRs are NOT SHORT.

FCPS Rubric SCORE POINT 4--100 This response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text. Addresses the demands of the question Effectively uses expressed and implied information from the text to clarify or extend understanding Insightfully clarifies and extends understanding beyond the literal, using well-chosen examples from the text SCORE POINT 3--87 This response demonstrates an understanding of the text. Uses expressed and implied information from the text Clarifies and extends understanding beyond the literal SCORE POINT 2--74 This response demonstrates an implied, partial, or literal understanding of the text. Lacks transitional information to show the relationship of the support to the question Uses minimal information from the text to clarify or extend meaning SCORE POINT 1--61 This response demonstrates some understanding of the text. May lack enough information to demonstrate an understanding of the text in relation to the question May indicate a misreading of the text or the question SCORE POINT NSR--48 The response is completely irrelevant or incorrect.

Step One: Thesis Statement Students need to first answer the question by providing a thesis statement. *A thesis statement is a statement expressing the main idea or a particular stand on a topic which will be proved within the context of the text

Step One: Thesis Statement The thesis statement contains specific information to answer the question asked: Mentions the title and the author of the work examined Repeats the verb, or “action” of the statement Explains the “so what”…proves why the thesis is correct

Step One: Thesis Statement For example: Explain how the setting contributes to the mood in the text. Thesis-In the story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, the dark and dangerous setting that Rainsford describes establishes the suspenseful atmosphere, or mood, which creates a mysterious tale with a surpise ending.

Step Two: Provide Support Students need to effectively use information from the text to clarify or extend understanding. After identifying the thesis statement, now you need support from the text. Make sure you are using transitions to move from one idea to the next (for example, first, second, third, also, in addition to).

Example of Support When Rainsford is first traveling on the ship, the “dank tropical night” was described as “press[ing] its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht” (Connell 40). Notice that the student: Introduced the quote Used quotations marks Cited the quote using MLA documentation (author last name page number)

Step Three: Explain Your Support After finding a textual example, explain how the quote supports your thesis. What is happening in the quote? Why is the quote important?

Example When Rainsford is first traveling on the ship, the “dank tropical night” was described as “press[ing] its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht” (Connell 40). Because the night is “dank” and “pressing,” the reader gets the feeling that something is lurking beyond the unseen.

Step Four: Provide More Support Find another quote from the text to support your thesis statement. Don’t repeat your first example, but find another example that adds to and supports your response. Make sure you use transitions words when shifting from one example to another.

Example Later, as Rainsford surveyed the new land he was stranded on, he noticed that “the jungle weeds were crushed down, and the moss was lacerated; one patch of weeds was stained crimson” (Connell 43). Notice that the student: Introduced the quote Used quotation marks Cited the quote using MLA documentation (author last name page number)

Step Five: Explain Your Support After finding a textual example, explain how the quote supports your thesis. Ask yourself: What is happening in the quote? Why is the quote important?

Example Later, as Rainsford surveyed the new land he was stranded on, he noticed that “the jungle weeds were crushed down, and the moss was lacerated; one patch of weeds was stained crimson” (Connell 43). Rainsford has already heard ominous tales about this island, and now has evidence of a struggle and blood, insinuating that something, or someone, has been killed. A possible murder adds to the suspense, leaving the reader questioning what might happen next.

Step Six: Answer the “So What” In order for you to earn a 3 or 4 on an analysis (BCR), you must insightfully clarify and extend your understanding beyond the literal (what is implied, or what can be assumed from this information). Answer the following questions: What does that mean? So what? Why is it important? What is the author trying to say? ***DO NOT ANSWER “How does this effect me?”***

Example Rainsford’s surroundings throughout the story keep the reader guessing and on-edge waiting for the next event. The atmosphere created from these dark, foreboding places lets the reader know that Rainsford is not in a position of comfort; in fact, he should stay cautious and alert. Without the creepy setting, the ending would not have the same effect…complete surprise.

Put it all together… In the story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, the dark and dangerous setting that Rainsford describes establishes the suspenseful atmosphere, or mood, which creates a mysterious tale with a surpise ending. When Rainsford is frist traveling on the ship, the “dank tropical night” was described as “press[ing] its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht” (Connell 40). Because the night is “dank” and “pressing,” the reader gets the feeling that something is lurking beyond the unseen. Later, as Rainsford surveyed the new land he was stranded on, he noticed that “the jungle weeds were crushed down, and the moss was lacerated; one patch of weeds was stained crimson” (Connell 43). Rainsford has already heard ominous tales about this island, and now has evidence of a struggle and blood, insinuating that something, or someone, has been killed. A possible murder adds to the suspense, leaving the reader questioning what might happen next. Rainsford’s surroundings throughout the story keep the reader guessing and on-edge waiting for the next event. The atmosphere created from these dark, foreboding places lets the reader know that Rainsford is not in a position of comfort; in fact, he should stay cautious and alert. Without the creepy setting, the ending would not have the same effect…complete surprise.