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Response to Narrative Literature
Thinking it through.
The Standard:
This portfolio piece shows you can respond to a book or short story you have read. It shows you can tell how the actions, reactions, thoughts and feelings of the character(s) help us understand the theme.
Remember, the theme is the life lesson the author is teaching us.
The Task
You will write a four paragraph essay in response to a book or short story you have read.
You must make sure the book or short story you have chosen tells a story and teaches a lesson with which you can connect.
If you cannot connect to the lesson of the book, choose a different book.
¶ 1: Opening
I Can:
write an opening that identifies the title, author, and genre of the narrative piece. (Remember a good opening has a good lead.)
summarize the plot by explaining how the action provides the theme. This is a 2-3 sentence summary that focuses on the main character and major events that show the theme.
use very specific language to pinpoint my ideas. Be clear and concise, don't ramble.
¶ 2: Theme/Character
I Can:
use key story events to explain why the author is writing this piece. This means events that support the theme.
support my ideas with examples of how the characters look, act, and feel as they experience the events. In other words you are looking for specific evidence in the text to support your ideas about the theme.
¶ 3: Connection
I Can: show you a connection between the author's theme and how the theme has influenced my thinking about life. What does this story make you think about in relation to your life or the lives of those around you? How can this relate to students in your age group?
OR
I Can: explain why this piece failed to influence my thinking about life. Be sure you give solid reasons based on theme, not events. For example, don't say I can't relate to this story because I never...
It is very difficult to write well from this perspective.
¶ 4: Close
I Can:
write a conclusion based on my assessment of the piece.
evaluate the story based on the plot, character development, and author's purpose.
determine the book's effectiveness supported by personal reasoning.
Think about why you chose this book and not others for this response.