ENG4U – Writing a Literary Critique: Book Club Novel
| STEPS FOR SUCCESS: |
| Describe: Summarize the Text Summarize the text objectively; just describe what has happened in the narrative (using present tense where possible/appropriate) →First, brainstorm the 5-10 most important events that occur in the text and then decide which ones you’d like to include in your critique summary. Do not state an opinion or include quotations Analyze: Examining the Author’s Writing Style Examine the elements of writing and narrative that the author uses to communicate his/her ideas or main message (e.g., literary devices, use of language, structure, setting, characterization, conflict, point of view, etc.) To deepen your critical analysis: research when the text was written (or the time in which the text is set); perhaps a crucial historical event or social issue significantly impacted the author’s writing of the text → Ask yourself the following two questions: a) What was going on in the world that may have impacted the author’s writing of the text? b) What events in the author’s life may have affected or influenced his or her perspective? Use research information about the author’s life (i.e., biographical research) and information about historical events, a particular time period, and/or a significant social issue (i.e., contextual research) which you believe has impacted the author’s perspective when writing the text Do not use biographical or contextual information to draw definitive conclusions; instead, use it to assist your understanding of the purpose of the piece (this is called making an inference) Note: Quotations from the text (as well as paraphrases and quotations from research sources) are required to support the assertions (PPE format) you make in this section of the critique (a minimum of two) Interpret: Determining Theme Explain what you think the author’s theme is (remember, theme is not just the main idea of the text; rather, it is the author’s intended message about human nature or a life lesson he or she wishes to convey to the reader) Create a thematic statement you believe is the message of the text In order to show that your interpretation is correct, you must use direct quotations from the text (a minimum of two from different parts of the book) How could that theme connect to our course. OR Evaluate: Your Opinion of the Author’s Success and the Text Itself In this section, you are evaluating how successful the author is in communicating his or her ideas (e.g., theme, character development, believability, etc.,) You can also state your opinion about the text, but you must NOT limit your opinion to whether or not you like the piece (that is too simplistic) you can ask yourself, is it challenging? is it progressive, is it too traditional, etc. You must use direct quotations (a minimum of two) to support your evaluation and opinion of the text Make a connection to the theme of the course. Note: Your critique must NOT exceed four typed (approximately 1000 words), double-spaced pages (TNR 12 pt. font). Exemplar: |
| Task Requirments: |
| Planners/organizerMLA formatPDF upload for plagiarism check. |
| Category | Success Criteria KEY to Success |
| Knowledge | I have demonstrated considerable understanding of my text by highlighting 5-7 key events from the novel.I have a considerable understanding of how writing/narrative elements contribute to development of a storyI have a considerable understanding of the theme (overall message) of the my novel |
| Thinking | I can effectively engage in the research process (i.e., I have brainstorming notes, researching, gathering notes, synthesizing information)I can effectively engage with the creative process by drafting, editing then publishing my work. I effectively use my critical thinking skills by carefully selecting the best pieces of evidence (two quotations from novel, two from research) to support my opinions about the text.I can effectively analyze my evidence from the novel and secondary sources in relation to my points of inferences (e.g., interpreting theme and making connections to research) and opinions (e.g., evaluating the text by proving the author’s success or failure). |
| Communication | I can organize my ideas logically with considerable effectiveness.I can use correct word choice and tone with considerable effectivenessI use language conventions (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation) with considerable effectiveness |
| Application | I can apply proper paragraph structure (topic sentences, setting up quotes, integrating quotes, explaining, concluding sentence) with considerable effectivenessI can make meaningful/impactful connections between my text and the world today with considerable effectiveness |
| Research Template | |||
| Biographical Data | Sources (in MLA format to help with Works Cited | Information: (remember to indicate direct quotations –ie copied text– by using “ “ ) | what do you think is the impact on PURPOSE OF THE PIECE and WRITING |
| Historical Data | Sources (in MLA format to help with Works Cited | Information: (remember to indicate direct quotations by using “ “ ) | what do you think is the impact on PURPOSE OF THE PIECE and WRITING |
| Organizer for Ideas | ||
| Name of text and cited in MLA | keeper n me. = | |
| Events to consider for Summary | Garnet gets taken away at 3, by child protective services and put into multiple white foster homes.Garnet runs away at 16, jumps from town to town, eventually makes friends named loonie, and delma.Garnet starts selling drugs and accidentally sells to a cop which then leads him to get 5 years in prison. | |
| Examining the Author’s Writing Style | Elements of Writing paragraph graph 1: Looking elements of narrative (plot/events, conflict, setting, character) Paragraph 2: look at use of literary devices: tone, the point-of-view, the use of imagery) (include quotes to support your points) | |
| Influence of bio data /historical period (include quotes/evidence to support your points) | ||
| Theme | Theme and possible events, descriptions of characters, actions, etc that contribute to it. (use quote to support) | it is rewarding to find who you truly are.finding yourself can be a challenge but it is well worth it. |
| Evaluate | opinion on the text (not enough to say you liked it or disliked it) Did the author prove their purpose Use quotes | I enjoyed the text because the author provided the reader with hardships of being out of one’s culture and then the effects of getting connected back with their culture. |
| Connection to Global Citizenship |
| PARAGRAPH TEMPLATE |
| MLA Header |
| Describe: Summarize the Text Create a summary of the narrative in one or two short paragraphs using the format that has been practiced in class (reflect on the formative short story critique experience). Focus on 5-7 important events from the narrative and objectively retell them to your reader using present tense, leaving out your opinion or any quotations. Use language skillfully to make your summary interesting and enjoyable to read. 1-2 paragraphs of 10-12 sentences maximum (in total, NOT each) |
| Analyze: Examining the Author’s Writing Style Choose to comment on a combination of 2-4 literary devices (e.g. flashback, metaphor, allusion, foreshadowing, etc.,) AND elements of narrative (e.g., setting, characterization, point of view, etc.,) that the author uses to communicate his/her ideas or main message in the text. Comment on whether or not the author uses these devices and elements effectively, using direct quotations from the text to justify your assertions. (minimum of two quotations in this section) Integrating the Research Component: Choose 2-3 key pieces of research information about the author’s life (i.e., biographical research) and/or information about historical events, a particular period, and/or a significant social issue (i.e., contextual research) and infer how these things may have impacted the author’s perspective when writing the text. Do this by describing/summarizing/paraphrasing your chosen research information. Then, make a connection between your chosen research information and how it may have influenced the author to write certain aspects of his or her text; the connection comes from explaining how real-world events are reflected in the text (you’re inferring here, using critical thinking skills; do not make declarative, definitive statements) Quotations from the text (as well as CITED paraphrases and quotations from research sources) are required to support the assertions you make in this section of the critique.(a minimum of two) 1-2 paragraphs of 10-12 sentences maximum (in total, NOT each) |
| Interpret: Determining Theme Identify and explain what you think the author’s most significant or interesting theme is. Remember, theme is not just the main idea of the text; rather, it is the author’s intended lesson about human nature or life that he or she wishes to convey to the reader. In order to show that your interpretation is correct, you must use direct quotations from the text to justify your choice of theme. (a minimum of two from different parts of the book) 1 paragraph of 8-10 sentences |
| Evaluate: Your Opinion of the Author’s Success and the Text Itself State how successful you think the author has been in communicating his or her ideas (e.g., theme, character development, believability, etc.,). You may also state your personal opinion about the text (e.g., other meaningful observations about the text), but you must NOT limit your opinion to whether or not you like the piece (that is too simplistic). You must use direct quotations (a minimum of two) to support your evaluation and opinion of the text. 1 paragraph of 8-10 sentences |
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