Literary Analysis Workshop

What is the purpose of a thesis statement in a literary analysis essay?

• To summarize the plot

• To state the main argument or interpretation

• To list the characters

• To describe the setting

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following best describes “textual evidence”?

• Your personal opinion about the story

• A quote or paraphrase from the literary work that supports your claim

• A summary of the entire book

• A list of vocabulary words from the text

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is the correct way to introduce a quote in a literary analysis?

• Just drop it into the paragraph without explanation

• Use a lead-in that connects the quote to your argument

• Start with “This quote is important because...

• Put the quote in parentheses

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which sentence uses proper MLA in-text citation for a quote from Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan, found on page 2 of the story?

• “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame” (Amy Tan 2).

• “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame.” (Tan, 2)

• “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame” (Fish Cheeks 2).

• “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame” (Tan 2).

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is the role of a transition phrase/sentence in a literary analysis paragraph?

• To introduce a new character

• To connect ideas smoothly between paragraphs or points

• To summarize the entire essay
  
  

• To restate the thesis

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is the best example of explaining a quote in literary analysis?

• This quote is from the book.

• This shows that the character is angry.

• Tan’s mother’s advice reveals the central theme of cultural pride and self-acceptance, which Amy struggles to understand at first.

• The quote is important.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why is it important to avoid summarizing the plot in a literary analysis essay?

• Because summaries are boring

• Because the teacher already knows the story

• Because analysis focuses on interpretation, not retelling

• Because summaries are too long

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is a strong analytical topic sentence?

• In the story, Amy has dinner with her family.

• Amy Tan uses the Christmas dinner scene to highlight the narrator’s internal conflict between cultural identity and social acceptance.

• Amy is the narrator.

• The story takes place in the narrator’s home.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What should you do after including a quote in your paragraph?

• Move on to the next paragraph

• Explain how the quote supports your argument

• Add another quote immediately

• Repeat the quote in your own words

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which of the following is NOT a good strategy for writing a literary analysis?

• Using specific evidence from the text

• Making a clear argument

• Including personal stories unrelated to the text

• Organizing ideas logically

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3