1. Week 15: LAST NOTES! Introduction to Literary Analysis (Chapter 15)
Writing under Pressure
Portfolios(Chapter 25)
When complete, hand out final exam review & Portfolio Order

2. Ch. 13: Responding to Literature
When you start preparing to write a literary analysis, your first step is to read the work closely and mark key points in the text to comprehend its meaning.
Use the following categories to structure your close readings as each has a different purpose.

3. #1. Reading to Comprehend
Literal meaning (surface level reading incorporating the journalistic: who, what, where, when and how.)
Leads to basic knowledge of plot, character, setting, etc.
Defines vocabulary (what unknown words mean and what words mean when they don’t fit context)

4. #2. Reading to Analyze
Identifying main elements of the piece in attempt to get at what the work MEANS…(the why!)
Reader draws connections to self and world
Raises questions that will not have clear cut answers

5. #3. Reading to Evaluate Assess work’s soundness and plausibility
Comment on purpose, audience and tone
Make suggestions/
recommendations

6. Glossary of Literary Analysis Terms (More Next Semester)
Characters: imagined entities that the author shows what they are like through their actions, speech, thoughts, attitudes, feelings and background
Imagery: words or groups of words that refer to any sense experience
Plot: the arrangement of the events in a story

7. Glossary, cont.
Irony: when extra insight is revealed through the reader’s sense of discrepancy
Types of irony: verbal, situational and dramatic
Setting: refers to the time and place of events

8. Glossary, cont. Point of view: the angle from which a story is told
Types of POV: first person, second person, third person, omniscient, etc.
Symbols: tangible objects, visible actions, or characters that hint at meanings beyond themselves

9. Glossary, concluded.
Theme: a work’s main idea or insight - the author’s observations about life, society, or human nature

10. Writing and Presenting Under Pressure
Most college writing is done for assessment - that is, most of the papers you turn in are eventually evaluated and graded.
BUT, some college writing tasks exist only as methods designed to allow you to demonstrate what you have mastered.

11. Rules for Essay Examinations
Don’t expect all of them to be open-book
Generate ideas on scrap paper or in test sheet/booklet
If you don’t understand an element of the prompt ask instructor immediately so you don’t waste writing time

12. Rules, concluded.
Outline a concrete answer: instructors prefer answers that are concrete and specific rather than those that wander in the clouds of generality.
Focus on the “type” of question being asked to help determine what format of answer you need to write (compare/contrast, definition, demonstration, discussion, evaluation, etc.)

13. Drafting: The ONLY version!
Begin with the easy question: start writing the parts of the prompt you know first. It won’t matter if they are out of order, you can copy and paste them back in order when finished. All it takes then is a good transition to flow from one point to the next.

14. Drafting, cont.
State your thesis at the start: Thesis statements are the hub of your essay. Writing it will help keep you focused esp. under time constraints.
Stick to the question: instructors want you to answer their prompt concisely, not parade around ALL the facts you can remember that may not pertain to the task at hand
Be certain to answer ALL parts of the prompt!

15. Other Tips for Timed Writing
Budget your time. (Wear a watch and pay attention to proctor’s time marks)
Consider your topic wisely. (If given a choice of prompts, choose the one you feel you know the most about)
Think before you write. (Take a few moments to plan before you draft)

16. Other Tips, concluded.
Don’t try to be perfect. (Perfection tends to block your mind to where you concentrate on the minor instead of the major)
Save time to proofread. (Take a few minutes to check errors)

17. Chapter 25: Portfolio Assessment
Portfolio courses typically emphasize revision and reflection - the ability to identify and discuss your choices, strengths, or learning processes
Different types of portfolios include: writing folders, learning portfolio, closed portfolio, midterm portfolio, final presentation portfolio, modified portfolio, digital portfolio

18. Tips for Keeping a Portfolio
Keep EVERYTHING and stay ORGANIZED!
Manage your time. (Keep up with items as you go, so you don’t waste time trying to dig it all out at end of semester)

19. Tips, concluded.
Practice self-assessment. (For complex activities, it’s important to step back and evaluate your own progress and performance)
Choose entries carefully. (If you get the choice of what to include or not to include, choose those items which you feel best demonstrate your ability)
Write or include a descriptive cover letter or table of contents.

20. Small Notes on Oral Presentations
Start planning early
Practice your presentations
Make certain your visuals align with your speech
Have all additional materials prepared
Be aware of audience and time

21. End of Semester Notes! Remaining Assignments:
Complete and turn in research paper TODAY BY 3:30p.
Put together your portfolio.
Scan your finals review sheet, marking off every item you already know. Then study the rest.
Take your final Dec. 13th 4-6p!