How to Write a Response to Literature

1. How to Write a Response to Literature

2. THEMES FROM TANGERINE • HONESTY • SPORTS AND PRIVILEDGED BEHAVIOR • PERSERVERANCE • FAMILY ISSUES • OVERCOMING SOCIAL/CLASS DISTINCTIONS • THE NEED TO BE ACCEPTED • FACING FEAR AND OVERCOMING IT • HONESTY IN RELATIONSHIPS

3. Response to Literature • Keep in mind that a response to literature paper is YOUR personal response to a novel or story. • Basically, you are arguing your own point – your thesis statement – and then defending it with evidence from the book.

4. Introduction • Include the title and author of the literature you are discussing. • The most important part of this section is your thesis statement. • Include a quick concise summary of the story. • You should also use an organizational sentence that sets up the rest of the paper.

5. Body • This is the supporting paragraph(s) where you will use direct evidence (quotations from the book) to support your thesis. • Explain how the quotation supports the thesis and include the page number on which the quote can be found.

6. Body • Use transitional words or sentences between examples to ensure that the paper flows. • You want to make sure that each paragraph has a focus, so use topic sentences and relate each example back to that sentence.

7. Conclusion • Your conclusion should summarize your main points. • Avoid repeating from your body paragraphs (reword instead). • Restate your thesis and end with a relevant personal observation.

8. Helpful Information • Use PRESENT tense when talking about the events in the book. • Don’t assume your reader has read the book. • Remember to have a title for your paper – NOT the title of the book, but an original title that indicates specifically what the paper is about.

9. More Helpful Information • Do not use “I” statements. We know this is what you think because it is your paper. Your argument will sound stronger without, “I think” or “I feel”.