lesson 1: how to identify relevant evidence that supports ... essay lessons... · literary essay...

Literary Essay Lessons

Lesson 1:How to identify relevant evidence that supports a

thesis (using boxes & bullets)


Teaching Point: Essay writers need to make sure that the evidence they are using to support their thesis is relevant. To do this they look back at their drafts and ask, "How does this support" my thesis?

What is Relevant Support? It EXPLAINS why the thesis is correct.

To identify relevant support:1. Make sure the thesis is clear (there is no confusion about what it means)2. Look at each paragraph or bullet (Each should have only piece of evidence) and ask:

How does this explain, or support the thesis?

3. If you cannot answer that question it is irrelevant evidence. If you can answer that question, the answer should be in your paragraph.


Boxes & BulletsThesis:

From Gary Soto's short story "The Jacket" we learn that we are in control of our own destiny.


Boxes & Bullets

- Is your thesis about character THEME?If so: your bullets may be

- Is your thesis about symbolsim?If so: your bullets may be

- Is your thesis about____________?If so: your bullets may be

Important Considerations When Planning Boxes & Bullets:


Partner Talk:SWAP boxes and bullets with your partner. Partner share:

1. Your thesis is CLEAR or NOT CLEAR because...

2. For EACH piece of evidence say:Your 1st bullet supports your thesis because it shows...Your 2nd bullet supports your thesis because it shows...Your 3rd bullet supports your thesis because it shows...

3. If one or more bullet DOES NOT support the thesis, answer how can he/ she change it to make the evidence relevant?


Lesson 2:How to choose a supportive quote and insert it into the

correct body paragraph structure


Reading Focus: Finding quotes that support!

A supportive quote will do one or all of the following:· SHOW an event from the book without you having to TELL · Demonstrate / Illustrate the point you are trying to make· Give your reader a sense of the character's perspective

To find a supportive quote we must:1. Know WHAT we want to support / prove

2. Think back to the section of the text that relates

3. RE-READ or skim the section to find a line or lines that meet the above criteria.


Boxes & BulletsThesis:

From ATDPTI we learn that...


Thesis: Our identity is determined by both our perception of ourself and others perceptions of us.Paragraph one main idea: Junior thinks Indian = Inferior

Teacher Model: organizing thinking and drafting body paragraphs

Junior has a difficult time feeling optimistic about himself throughout the novel. He feels that because he is Indian it means that he is inferior . We witness him feel this way when Mr. P asks him to leave the reservation and acknowledge that he deserves better. Junior responds by saying, " I couldn’t say it. It wasn’t true. I mean,I wanted to have it better, but I didn’t deserve it" (pp. 40–1). This shows that even though Junior has the desire to achieve more, he tells himself that he is not worth more. We know that he feels this way because he is Indian because when he arrives at Rearden and notices the differences he says, "I didn’t deserve to be there. I knew it; all of those kids knew it. Indians don’t deserve S&@#" (p. 56). He continues to tell himself that he is inferior to others because he is Indian. This shows how we can allow other's perceptions of us to influence how we feel about ourselves.


Partner Talk: Share with Partner:

What do you notice about Ms. Dragone's well structure paragraph?

Think about:- How it is organized-What it includes-What language she uses (including phrases and tenses!)


Recap: You should now have a "boxes & bullets" plan or outline for your essay. Do this FIRST to ensure you have a clear thesis and relevant evidence.

Independent Work today:

You are DRAFTING, and working on making sure your evidence is relevant and supports your thesis. Ensure that:- Your thesis and evidence fit together

- For each piece of evidence or quote you provide ANALYSISHelpful phrases to use when adding commentary or analysis:This shows that/how...This is evidence of...This means that...This explains how...This reveals that/how


Partner Talk:Literary Essay Bonus Round!

The following is a list of important considerations when writing a literary essay:

Overall Thesis:

Essay Structure:

Evidence:

Overall Cohesion:

GUMS:

lesson 1: how to identify relevant evidence that supports ... essay lessons... · literary essay...

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