Jane Schaeffer Writing Program

1
Jane Schaeffer Writing Program

• Basics for
• Responses to Literature

2
Terms to Know

• Concrete Detail (CD) stuff from the story the
  what can be quotation or paraphrase
• facts examples illustrations evidence
  support plot references citations What
  really happened in the story? play-by-play
  announcer

3
Terms to Know

• Commentary (CM) stuff from your head
• - the so what?
• - words with feelings behind them
  that
• you can describe to me
• analysis interpretation a characters
  feelings opinion inference insight
  reasons color commentator

4
Terms to Know

• Ratio the amount of CDCM in a body
  paragraph
• In English the ratio is 12

5
One-Chunk Body Paragraph

• Sentence 1 -Topic Sentence TS
• Sentence 2 CD starts with For example
• Sentence 3 CM - (This shows that)
• Sentence 4 CM (This also show that This
  is because This is important because)
• Sentence5 Circle Sentence CS Sums it
• up and ties back to the
  thesis
• (As a result)

6
Sample One Chunk Paragraph

• In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry
  is a champion to many of the more insecure
  students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy
  takes Nevilles Rememberall, Harry takes a broom
  and gets it back. He cannot stand someone who
  picks on others. Harry is now a hero to those
  less fortunate. He has found a place where he
  belongs and wants to protect the vulnerable.Two
  Chunk Paragraph

7
Two Chunk Paragraph

• Used when the concrete detail are closely related
  to avoid repetition.
• Has the basic of Topic Sentence at the beginning
  and a Circle Sentence at the end.
• Includes two CD, CM, CM, structures with a
  transition between.

8
Introduction

• Opening sentence STRONG!
• Draws the readers attention
• At least three or four sentences
• Thesis is usually stated at the end.

9
Sample Introduction

• Bravery cannot exist where defense of the weak is
  easy. Often, in order to help others, a hero must
  be willing to act in ways that are scary. In
  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry
  risks much so that he can be a champion for the
  underdog.

10
Introduction

• Hook Get readers attention
• Anecdote
• Startling Information
• All commentary
• Thesis Statement
• Must include the title of the book
• Must include the subject you are discussing
• Must show your opinion about an arguable topic

11
Sample Thesis Statement

• The collectivist society of Anthem, by Ayn Rand,
  exhibited a grave loss of individuality and
  innovation among the inhabitants.

12
Concluding Paragraph

• At least three sentences
• All are CM sentences which give your idea as an
  ending for the essay.

13
Conclusion

• Reflects on what you said in the essay
• All commentary no concrete details
• Does NOT repeat thesis statement or introductory
  paragraph
• Should relate your knowledge of the subject
  matter to the world at large outside the book

14
Sample Concluding Paragraph

• When faced with adversity, any of us can be a
  hero. When faced with someone who intimidates us,
  it would be to our benefit to look for creative
  solutions rather than running away. Each of us
  can stretch beyond our little boy programming
  to become a real man.