WRITING AN INTRODUCTION

Writing an Introduction using SPACECATT

• Review the SPACECATT framework and how it helps organize body paragraphs in a literary analysis essay.

• Identify and apply each element of SPACECATT, including subject, purpose, audience, context, exigence, choices, appeals, tone, and thesis, to build strong body paragraphs.

• Identify aspects of a thesis statement: (global issues, techniques, concepts)

We are leaning to...

• Explores a piece of literature: It’s an essay that examines a book, poem, play, or SPEECH to understand its deeper meaning.

• Supports a main idea (thesis): You make an argument about the text, explaining how the author conveys a message or idea through the use of techniques

• Uses evidence from the text: You provide quotes or examples from the book to back up your argument.

• Explains the "how" and "why": Instead of summarizing.

• YOU explain how the author uses literary techniques and why they matter.

What is a Literary Analysis Essay?

Multiple Choice

What is the primary goal of a literary analysis essay?

• To summarize the plot of a story
  

• To compare two different stories
  

• To understand the deeper meaning of a literary work (speech, play, story...)

• To rewrite the story in your own words
  

Multiple Choice

What is one way a literary analysis essay supports its argument?

• By using quotes as evidence examples from the literary work.

• By providing a detailed summary of the entire text

• By listing all the characters in the story
  

• By explaining why the story was written

The hook is the first sentence of your literary analysis essay and its job is to grab the reader’s attention.

What is the Hook?

Types of Hooks

• Question (asking an engaging or provocative question)

• Quote (using a famous quote or surprising statement)

• Statistic or Fact:  (introducing a striking fact or statistic)

• Bold Statement:  (making a strong or opinionated claim)

• Anecdote (a short story or example related to the topic)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the main purpose of a hook?

• To summarize the essay

• To provide details about the topic

   

• To list supporting points

• To grab the reader’s attention

    

Multiple Choice

What is an anecdote in a hook?

• A statistic

   

• A short story related to the topic

    

• A question

•  A thesis statement

Open Ended

Read the two anecdotes

1. 1. Which one is better? Why?

Open Ended

Re-read the first anecdote.

Write two more sentences that introduce the global issue of climate change.

The Question Hook

Explains the power of a provocative or engaging question to make readers think.

Draw

Circle 5 global issues that you remember reading about in Toni Morrison's artistic and politcal speeches

Open Ended

Write 3 questions about ANY global issue

How is it possible that....

Why do we....

Can you imagine

Did you ever stop to think about...

What would you do if...

Open Ended

Rewrite this quote by Barack Obama.

Then, explain its significance

"These words by Barack Obama.... mean/imply/suggest/signify that....

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is STATISTIC?

• "In 2020, 75% of students preferred digital learning tools."

• "Do students prefer digital learning tools?"

    

• "Digital learning tools are widely used in education."

    

• "The use of digital tools in education has grown."

Facts are important because they......

• Capture Attention: A surprising or impactful fact grabs the reader's interest, making them curious and more inclined to keep reading.

• Provide Context: Help frame the topic, giving readers the necessary background information to understand why the issue is important.

Open Ended

Watch the first 2 minutes of this video

Write down three facts or statistics that you heard

Part II: SPACECATT

Writing an Introduction using SPACECATT

​Review

Match

Review: Match the following aspects of the introduction with their corresponding description:

• Speaker

• Purpose

• Audience

• Context

• Exigence

Includes biographical info about speaker

To persuade, inform, entertain, advocate

Who is the speech/text written for?

What is the backgroud/situation?

Why is this matter urgent?

• Includes biographical info about speaker

• To persuade, inform, entertain, advocate

• Who is the speech/text written for?

• What is the backgroud/situation?

• Why is this matter urgent?

Match

Review: Match the following aspects of the introduction with their corresponding description:

• Choices

• Appeals

• Tone

• Thesis

  Statement

Big picture ideas

flashback foreshadowing

ethos, pathos, logos, kairos, telos

What is the attitude of the writer?

answers question with 2-3 main points

• Big picture ideas

  flashback foreshadowing

• ethos, pathos, logos, kairos, telos

• What is the attitude of the writer?

• answers question with 2-3 main points

• Answers your essay question

• include 2-3 Main Points

• provides structure for your essay

​What is a Thesis Statement?

• Answer Your question: Your thesis should directly answer the essay question, addressing how the global issue or concept is explored in the text.

• Include 2-3 Main Points: Identify 2-3 key features such as literary techniques (e.g., symbolism, imagery)... that the author uses to convey the meaning of the global issue or concept.

• Provide Structure for Your Essay: The thesis should serve as a roadmap for your essay

How do I Write a Thesis Statement?

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

• To provide a detailed summary of the text
  

• To state the essay’s main argument and guide the reader through the essay
  

• To list all the points you will discuss without making an argument
  

• To explain the plot of the literary work in detail
  

Multiple Choice

Where should a thesis statement typically be placed in a literary analysis essay?

• At the beginning of the conclusion
  

• In the body paragraph
  

• At the end of the introduction
  

• In the first body paragraph
  

Draw

Read each question and thesis statement and Circle the following: 

                ⇴Global Issues (Green)   

⇴Concepts (Blue)      

⇴Techniques (Orange)   

Draw

Read each question and thesis statement and Circle the following: 

                ⇴Global Issues (Green)   

⇴Concepts (Blue)      

⇴Techniques (Orange)   

Poll

How comfortable are you with writing a full essay on a piece of literature?

• Very Uncomfortable

• Somewhat Uncomfortable

• Neutral

• Very Comfortable