English Regents
How to write a text analysis response:
Paragraph One- write about the central idea
Paragraph Two Write about the literary element the author uses to show the central idea
Paragraph One:
Write the central idea the author is trying to show in the text.
Give a piece of text that shows the central idea-put quotes around it.
Explain how the text example shows the central idea
Give another piece of text that shows the central idea- put quotes around it.
Explain how the text example shows the central idea
Write a sentences that closes up the paragraph and moves into the next paragraph
Paragraph Two:
Write a sentence that tells which literary element the author uses to show the central idea
Explain how the literary element is used
Give a piece of text that shows this literary element being used- put quotes around it.
Explain how this text example supports the central idea
Give another piece of text that shows this literary element being used- put quotes around it
Explain how this text example supports the central idea
Write a sentence that closes up the paragraph and your response.
In the excerpt, "Dracula", by Bram Stoker, the central idea of this text is that when you are afraid, your fear can overpower you. The narrator realizes that he is a prisoner in Dracula's castle and he becomes overwhelmed by a sense of dread. He states, "After a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings"(line 3). He feels that there is no hope of getting out of where he is captured and he thinks he may die there. The prisoner also says, "I start at my own shadow, and am full of all sorts of horrible imaginings. God knows that there is ground for my terrible fear in this accursed place!" He is so scared that even his shadow frightens him. He knows that he needs to come up with a plan, but his fear is getting in the way.
Characterization develops the central idea that when you are afraid your emotions get the best of you. The prisoner is trying to come up with a plan to escape, but his fear keeps interfering with him. He says, "When however, the conviction had come to me that I was helpless I sat down quietly as I have ever done anything in my life- and began to think over what was best to be done. I am thinking still, and as yet have come to no definite conclusions"(lines 6-10). He knows that he needs to get out of there, but he really has no idea about how to do this. His fear is overpowering his thoughts of escaping. "I am in fear-in alwful fear and there is no escape for me"(line 67). The text demonstrates that when people are afraid, their fear can prevent them from knowing what to do to escape or change a bad situation.
The Argument Essay
The Argument Essay is a 5 paragraph essay.
Paragraph 1 Introduction.
Paragraph 2 Discusses the first reason that supports your claim
Paragraph 3 Discusses the second reason that supports your claim
Paragraph 4 Rebuttal, discusses the counterclaim
Paragraph 5 Conclusion
Introductory Paragraph for the Argument Essay:
Start out with an attention grabber. This can be an interesting fact about the topic or a quote from an authoritative source about the topic.
Ex: If the topic is: “Should college athletes be paid?"
"The college sports industry generates $11 billion in annual revenues"(Text 1 line 1).
For the second sentence you need to state your claim:
Ex:
The claim that college athletes should be paid is valid.
For the third sentence: Introduce one reason that supports your claim:
Ex:
“One reason supporting college athletes being paid is that colleges report earning a lot of money from sports and therefore, the athletes should benefit as well.
For the fourth sentence: Introduce the second reason that supports your claim:
Ex:
Another reason why college athletes should be paid is that the players are basically working a full-time job while going to school and their scholarships don't cover everything.
For the fifth sentence: Introduce the counter claim:
Ex:
“On the other hand, people feel the athletes are already being paid by having scholarships.
For the sixth sentence: State which side you are siding with.
Ex:
“Based on these ideas, college athletes should be paid as they are making money for the college and all the time devoted to the sport is like having a full time job.
Argument Essay Rebuttal Transition Phrases
Social Studies Regents
Tips on How to Write a Thematic Essay for the US Regents
http://mrklaff.com/usregentsessays.html
Tips on How to Write a Thematic Essay for the Global Regents