SOAPStoneWhat is it and how can I use it when I read??

SOAPStone

• What is SOAPStone?• It is an acronym for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject,

and Tone.• Reading using SOAPStone encourages critical thinking skills

necessary for understanding and evaluating a writing piece.• Reading using SOAPStone also helps students formulate ideas for

writing argumentative essays.

• How can I use SOAPStone when I read?• Reading and analyzing any non-fiction.• Reading and comparing two documents on similar topics (historical,

scientific, current events, etc.)• Comparing and analyzing works of fiction.• Formulating ideas for the purpose of evaluating and argumentation.

SOAPStone

•SPEAKER: The voice that tells the story.• Identifies point of view• In fiction, the speaker is not the author• In non-fiction, the speaker must be described (important

facts about the person) in order to establish point of view

SOAPStone

•OCCASION: The time and place of the piece; the context that encouraged the writing to happen.• Not the same as PURPOSE!• Larger occasion – an environment of ideas and emotions that

swirl around a broad issue.• Immediate occasion – an event or situation that catches the

author’s attention (within that larger occasion) and triggers a response.

SOAPStone

•AUDIENCE: The group of readers to whom this piece is directed.• May be one person, a small group, or a large group.• Students tend to think that authors just write, not that they

write for anyone in particular!

SOAPStone

•PURPOSE: The reason behind the text.

• Students must understand purpose in order to examine the argument and its logic.

• Ask the question, “What does the speaker want the audience to think or do as a result of reading this text?”

SOAPStone

•SUBJECT: The general topic, content, and ideas contained in the text.• Students should be able to state the subject in a few words or

a phrase.

SOAPStone

•TONE: The attitude of the author.• Tone extends meaning beyond the literal.• Can be found by examining the author’s…

Diction (choice of words)Syntax (sentence construction)Imagery (vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses)

• The ability to determine tone is one of the best indicators of the sophisticated reader!

SOAPStone

•NOW YOU TRY…Read the following document as it appears in a church bulletin and then in Readers’ Digest magazine. Use SOAPStone to compare and analyze how the same document can have very different meanings depending on where it is published!!

SOAPStone

PEACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BULLETIN

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR INSTALLATION SERVICE

Due to a scheduling conflict with the Super Bowl, the Board of Elders of the church has changed the time for the installation of our new minister from 4:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Television consoles will be set up in the education wing of the church. Kickoff is at 4:30.

We invite you to join us for an afternoon of celebration – the service of installation, reception following, watching the Super Bowl, and a football-themed buffet. Child care will be available.

Clergy: You are invited to robe and process. Please meet in the Board Room by 3:15.

SOAPStone

• SPEAKER:• OCCASION:• AUDIENCE:• PURPOSE:• SUBJECT:• TONE:

• Church member, church secretary• Conflict due to Super Bowl• Church congregation• Inform• Change of plans• Light, relaxed, informative

SOAPStone

PEACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BULLETIN

(as it appeared in the Readers’ Digest magazine – joke & cartoon section)

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR INSTALLATION SERVICE

Due to a scheduling conflict with the Super Bowl, the Board of Elders of the church has changed the time for the installation of our new minister from 4:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Television consoles will be set up in the education wing of the church. Kickoff is a 4:30.

We invite you to join us for an afternoon of celebration – the service of installation, reception following, the Super Bowl, and a football-themed buffet. Child care will be available.

Clergy: You are invited to robe and process. Please meet in the Board Room by 3:15.

SOAPStone

• SPEAKER:• OCCASION:• AUDIENCE:• PURPOSE:• SUBJECT:• TONE:

• RD magazine reader who submitted it• Humorous insight• RD magazine readers• To show “slice of American life”• Outlook on life/priorities• Joking/lightly mocking

WORK CITED

Pre-AP: Interdisciplinary Strategiesfor English and Social Studies. College Entrance ExaminationBoard: 2004.