Principles of Analyzing a Passage
The act of analysis is literally the act of separating a whole into parts in order to understand the whole.
1. Start with either, but have both- (Must Do)
a. offering a thesis or topic sentence indicating a basic observation or assertion about the text or passage – in one sentence introduce the reader to what your point is gong to be.
b. Write the quote in proper format “Somewhere across this milky green ribbon of water is his mother. Enrique is challenging the unknown to find her” (Nazario 137).
2. When Analyzing, make sure to include the following steps of analysis: (Must Do)
a. Explain what it means, trying your analysis of the passage back to the significance of the text and its themes as a whole.
b. Consider what is said, particularly subtleties of the imagery and the ideas expressed (do you agree/disagree? Is there another perspective that is not being addressed?).
c. Asses how it is said, considering how the word choice, the ordering of ideas, sentence
structure (short, long?), purpose (why include that information), audience (who is this information for?) etc., contribute to the meaning of the passage or the text as a whole.
3. Offer a context for the passage without offering too much summary, 1-2 sentences MAX. (Optional)
I’ve read the book, if you have to summarize then your not showing comprehension of the ideas.
4. Connect DQ to the themes (Theme is a phrase/sentence – the underlying message in a text) (Must Do)
Themes for The Kite Runner:
CHOOSE FROM #6-10 TO ADD TO YOUR ANALYSIS as needed (Optional).
6.Make predictions about what you think will happen next or in the future.
7.Connect back to your lecture/class notes/discussions/chapter questions, etc.
8.Compare/Contrast ideas, actions, other text, films we have watched, etc.
9.Opinions about the passage, actions, characters, etc.
10.What pending questions do you have about the text that were not addressed?
* Vocabulary (from any list – write in all CAPS) – integrated into your writing.
The act of analysis is literally the act of separating a whole into parts in order to understand the whole.
1. Start with either, but have both- (Must Do)
a. offering a thesis or topic sentence indicating a basic observation or assertion about the text or passage – in one sentence introduce the reader to what your point is gong to be.
b. Write the quote in proper format “Somewhere across this milky green ribbon of water is his mother. Enrique is challenging the unknown to find her” (Nazario 137).
2. When Analyzing, make sure to include the following steps of analysis: (Must Do)
a. Explain what it means, trying your analysis of the passage back to the significance of the text and its themes as a whole.
b. Consider what is said, particularly subtleties of the imagery and the ideas expressed (do you agree/disagree? Is there another perspective that is not being addressed?).
c. Asses how it is said, considering how the word choice, the ordering of ideas, sentence
structure (short, long?), purpose (why include that information), audience (who is this information for?) etc., contribute to the meaning of the passage or the text as a whole.
3. Offer a context for the passage without offering too much summary, 1-2 sentences MAX. (Optional)
I’ve read the book, if you have to summarize then your not showing comprehension of the ideas.
4. Connect DQ to the themes (Theme is a phrase/sentence – the underlying message in a text) (Must Do)
Themes for The Kite Runner:
- Betrayal and Redemption
- Forgiveness
- Powerlessness
- Immigrant Experience in America (The United States)
- The Relationship between Fathers and Sons
CHOOSE FROM #6-10 TO ADD TO YOUR ANALYSIS as needed (Optional).
6.Make predictions about what you think will happen next or in the future.
7.Connect back to your lecture/class notes/discussions/chapter questions, etc.
8.Compare/Contrast ideas, actions, other text, films we have watched, etc.
9.Opinions about the passage, actions, characters, etc.
10.What pending questions do you have about the text that were not addressed?
* Vocabulary (from any list – write in all CAPS) – integrated into your writing.