Cycle 2 Written Response to a Short Story

Sharing responses to a short story . . . From Reading to Writing Stories touch people in different ways. Some readers might like “The Giver” by Lois Lowry because they see themselves in Jonah in a world they are no longer familiar with. Others might like “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton because they admire Ponyboy’s strength and importance of friends and family.

Written as: Read short story (x2) Take individual notes Group discussion (no notes) Revise individual notes Write response Written as: Single-spaced draft Pen In the first person “I” 500-800 words (grade 9 at 500 working towards grade 11 at 800+ words)

And an article too!

Carefully read AND reread the short story Free write about your first reaction or any insight while reading Spend five minutes writing down your overall response to the story. Identify your reactions, such as sadness, anger, excitement, or curiosity.

This is a strategy to analyze a working theme. Brainstorm …… Brainstorm ……. Brainstorm This is a strategy to analyze a working theme. You might contemplate the author’s purpose. Brainstorm CONCEPT nouns. These cannot be experienced by your senses. They are “IDEA” words. Which can further be translated to theme.

Examples of Theme: Success/ Failure Respect Revenge Perseverance/ Apathy Self-Worth Survival Loyalty/ Abandonment Confidence Courage/Bravery Satisfaction/ Discontent Friendship Discipline Greed/ Generosity Love Character Acceptance/ Isolation Sacrifice Motivation Dreams Equality Honesty Kindness Hope Family Fears Differences Doing the right thing

A “Prompt” (guiding question) may be asked or provided about the short story Read and unpack the prompt with your initial reactions (If you have time…..) Collect relevant details/direct quotes from the text Rewrite the question and turn the question into a thesis statement Now you are ready for the DISCUSSION! 2. Take Individual Notes

3. Group Discussion Use this time wisely! Time: 20 minutes No note-taking allowed on final (Unless it’s an LES) Try to brainstorm the big idea with some valid points to support your claim Be a good listener and ask PLENTY of questions!!!!

4. Revise your Notes Write down any interesting information after your peer discussion and reorganize your notes if necessary (Now you must find time…..) Collect relevant details/direct quotes from the text Rewrite the question and turn the question into a thesis statement Organize details in a logical order (Meaning, Codes & Conventions, Connections and Judgment) Blend these four…make 4 distinct paragraphs…up to you

5. Writing the Response Your opening statement can be written as follows: Title in quotes (story) or underlined (book) Author’s first and last name Summary statement: 3-4 sentences in the “SWBS” format EXAMPLE: Somebody The Big Bad Wolf Wanted Pigs for dinner But They hid in the brick house. So He went hungry. Thesis = Clear, confident answer to prompt/guiding question which explains your understanding of the meaning

Meaning I noticed that… I learned/discovered that… Show that you really understand the ideas/author’s intention of the original short story text   I noticed that… I learned/discovered that… I think the theme is… I understand that…. The author says… The speaker says… I find….very interesting/surprising/sad/funny because…

Meaning What is the message/moral of the story? Who is the intended audience? What is the author’s purpose? Example: In the novel “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main character Melinda is suffering from a traumatic experience while trying to endure her first year of high school. I think that the theme is about survival since Melinda is facing challenges with her family at home, losing her friends, starting a new school, living with a bad reputation, trying to stay out of trouble with her teachers and ultimately, trying to find her voice so her truth can come out. She learns to overcome hiding in fear with the help of a few friends and teachers who show her how to survive through art work and the importance of time in which to heal. This eventually allows her to speak up and overcome her trauma. Meaning

2-3 codes and conventions should be explored 1) Start with a topic sentence.  2) Explain WHY the author has used the CC  3) Provide evidence of CC (quotes or specific references). 4) Explain your reference. 5) Explain HOW it enhances your reading experience 6) Explain HOW the CC connects to the meaning 7) Concluding statement. 2-3 codes and conventions should be explored

Codes and Conventions Here's an example: Many codes and conventions are used throughout the novel that underline the different types of conflict. (1). For example, the author uses foreshadowing (2) to help us understand the internal conflict with who Jacque really is (3). At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to “Sarge” only to find out later that his real name is “Jacque.” (4). This is an example of foreshadowing it because it gives us a hint about Jacques' background, that he was actually a sergeant in the military. Understanding Jacques' military background helps the reader to understand the gravity of the conflict in Rwanda (5). It also helps us understand why Jacques acts in certain ways, like why he is so protective of Ian (6). The author's use of foreshadowing enhances the reading of the text, and helps the reader to understand the main characters, and their conflict more clearly (7).

Codes and Conventions Setting Characterization Conflict Plot Moral/Theme Suspense Dialogue Metaphor Simile Imagery Personification Alliteration Rhyme Rhythm Onomatopoeia   Mood/Tone Humor Satire Symbolism Oxymoron/Paradox Irony Repetition Flashback Foreshadowing Allegory POV (1st person) POV (2nd person) POV 3rd Limited POV Omniscient POV Objective

> Connections Use prior knowledge and experience React and relate back to your chosen meaning *Text to Self **Text to Text ***Text to World   THINK GLOBALLY! Explain 2 Connections How does this shape your understanding of the meaning ?

Connections I had the same/opposite experience as… I have the same/opposite problem as… I also went to…. I can…like this character, I agree with…because…. I disagree because in my case….., I have the same opinion…because we think that….   That part makes me feel… This reminds me of… I also have the same interest(s)…    I’m not sure that was the best thing to do because… That worries me because… I wonder if…

Judgment Restate your thesis and major points confidently and clearly What is the author wanting his or her readers to understand as a result of watching the character handle the conflict? Identify significance to today’s readers. Is the message/theme important to you/society? What is the overall impact/lasting impression of the chosen text?