2 of 7

The task

The instructions for Question 27 will ALWAYS be the same:

Choose a specific literary element (e.g., theme, characterization, structure, point of view, etc.) or literary technique (e.g., symbolism, irony, figurative language, etc.) used by one of the authors. Using specific details from either Passage I (the memoir excerpt) or Passage II (the poem), in a well-developed paragraph, show how the author uses that element or technique to develop the passage.

3 of 7

Step 1: Choose your passage and literary technique

YES	NO
Characterization Setting Imagery Figurative language (simile and metaphor -- but only if you’re confident)	Structure Point of view Theme Irony Symbol

4 of 7

Step 2: Collect evidence

Review your chosen passage and gather two quotes where your chosen element is most visible:

Characterization (memoir or fiction only)	Setting	Imagery	Figurative Language
Speech Thoughts Effect on others Actions Looks	Where does the setting: -Develop the mood? -Emphasize the character’s feelings? -Create conflict for the character or help the character? -Establish the values or attitudes of the time and place?	What detailed, descriptive language evokes any of the five senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, hearing)? How do these images develop the mood or convey the narrator’s feelings?	What two things are being compared using “like” or “as” (simile) or without these terms (metaphor)? How do these comparisons develop the mood or convey the narrator’s feelings?

5 of 7

Step 3: Write your topic sentence

Your topic sentence should include:

The passage number
The literary technique
Your argument about how the technique is used in the passage

In Passage I/II, the author uses ______________________ to suggest/convey/illustrate ____________________________.

Tip: Do not write a topic sentence about how a literary technique conveys theme. You do not want to recycle your topic sentence from Question 26.

6 of 7

Sentence starters for your topic sentence

In Passage 1, (author) uses _____ to establish/develop ________.
In Passage 2, (the author) uses setting to create a ___________ mood.
In Passage 2, (the author) uses setting to reflect/contrast the character’s mental state.
In Passage 2, (the author) uses setting to establish this idea about the speaker.
In Passage 1, (the author’s) use of figurative language creates a ____________tone.
In Passage 2, the imagery helps convey ___________________________.
In Passage 1, the characterization of __________ establishes that he/she values...is conflicted about...desires...

7 of 7

Step 4: Write the paragraph