SOAPSTone A method for analyzing short stories, video clips, essays, cartoons, propaganda, etc.

Identify the speaker. What clues helped you determine the speaker? Elaborate on how these clues lead to that conclusion. THE S STANDS FOR SPEAKER

O stands for Occasion. Reason or reasons the writer / speaker chose to approach the topic at this particular moment in time. What is the historical background? Is there a specific event that caused the author to write this?

A is for AUDIENCE. To whom the text is directed. Questions to ask: 1. How do you know who the audience is? 2. How is the audience defined? 3. Discuss how the speaker / writer demonstrates understanding of the audience and how he or she uses that understanding to accomplish his or her goals.

P is for Purpose. The purpose, argument, claim of speaker or writer. Questions to ponder: 1. Explore the purpose beyond its basic informative nature. 2. Identify at least one specific action expected of the audience. 3. Discuss how the purpose is revealed in the passage.

S #2 equals Subject. General topic, content, and ideas found within the text. Is the subject implicitly or explicitly stated? What is the subject?

The last step  Tone Analyze the attitude of the speaker / writer. Tone extends meaning beyond the literal. Discuss the tone found in the writer’s diction, syntax, structure, and imagery. Give specifics of the tone of the author and discuss how the tone affects the effectiveness of the passage. Use your list of tone words to pinpoint the specific tone(s) of the piece.

Practice Time First, we will read “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker as a whole group. Then, you will partner with someone and read it again. Answer the SOAPSTone questions. Choose a speaker from each group and prepare to share.