1. What is it? How is it useful for me?

2. SOAPSTone It’s easy to be persuaded by other people. A friend talks you into going to the movies. A politician urges you to vote for them. A company convinces you to buy their product. Someone’s love note persuades you into finally going out with the person who wrote it.

3. SOAPSTone Whether we realize it or not, outside sources help us make our choices. However, it is up to US to make an informed decision. This is why we use SOAPSTone!

4. SOAPSTone SOAPSTone is: a tool, or system to help readers analyze a piece of writing for better understanding. Using this system will help a reader dig for deeper meaning when analyzing ANY text.

5. It’s also an acronym! S = subject O = occasion A = audience P = purpose S = speaker T = tone

6. SOAPSTone Subject The main idea of the text Occasion The time and the place of the piece the situation that prompted the writing

7. SOAPSTone Audience The group of readers to whom the text is directed Purpose The reason behind the text What is hoping to be accomplished

8. SOAPSTone Speaker The person or identity behind the ‘text’ Tone The attitude or emotion of the author

9. SOAPSTone Using SOAPSTone will help you analyze text for better understanding. In the long run, you’ll be able to make better decisions and not just rely on what is given to you.

12. SOAPSTone Notes:Example: Subject: What is the subject or topic of the piece? What main idea(s) are contained in the text? Pay attention to large animals because they may injure you or your car. Occasion: What is the time, place, and setting of the piece? Also, what is happening in the world that would give importance or urgency to this writing? These large animals must be present in this location and must have done this before.

13. SOAPSTone Notes: Audience: Who is the intended audience of this piece? Who else should read it? Purpose: What is the reason for writing this piece? What was the writer trying to communicate or accomplish? Example: Any drivers on this road To prevent more accidents, injury, and possibly deaths.

14. Speaker: What can you tell about the writer or the “speaker” of the piece? What can you tell about their values or their motivation? Tone: What emotion or attitude does the writing have? If the author were to read it aloud, what would it sound like? The sign maker is speaking on behalf of the Department of Transportation. OR Many accidents have occurred and the speaker values safety and caution. This is not a suggestion. The speaker’s tone is commanding and urgent. SOAPSTone Notes:Example: