1. Timed Response Feedback
Poetry Response

2. Read the prompt more carefully
Many of you did not focus on the contrasts and the literary techniques or the insights the NARRATOR comes to.
The prompt specifically asked that you show how the use of literary elements develop a contrast and lead to specific insights of the narrator (who is not necessarily the author).
Frequently refer to the prompt to make sure you are staying focused.
You must state the title and the author in your opening paragraph to provide context.

3. Organization
Don’t just start writing without planning a general outline.
The essay should have an introduction that mentions the title of the work/s and the author.
There should be a clear thesis statement within the first paragraph.
The thesis should focus specifically on the prompt and what it is asking.
Make sure to divide the content into paragraphs that focus on one specific idea within your essay.
Use transitions
Write a conclusion. It should answer the question, SO WHAT???

4. Use third person only Do not use first person “I” or “we”
Refer to yourself and others as “readers” or “the reader”
Don’t use 2nd person “you”
Using “you” implies that you know what the reader of your essay is thinking and you assume they feel the same way you do. That is too presumptuous.
Use formal language…no cliché or slang.
Always refer to literature in the present tense.

5. Development
An effective essay uses multiple examples – details, quotations, dialogue, etc. to support each point. You cannot merely summarize the work. You are analyzing. Also, always assume your audience has read the work.
Body paragraphs should have a specific topic sentence related to the prompt and specific examples from the work to prove the topic sentence.
Each time you use a quotation, you should write at least two sentences explaining how that quote supports your point and your overall thesis statement.
You need to build a bridge between your example and your overall point. You must take time to explain; you can’t assume the reader gets your point.
Most of the essays were simply way too short to make a strong argument. You must write more!!

6. Avoid Generalities
Don’t simply say the poems “present a similar view of _______.”
You have to explain what that similar view is…
Explain everything in detail and be very specific in what you are saying.
Students think that being more general keeps them from being wrong, but the readers are looking for specifics, so you have to go for it and have confidence in your interpretation.