Assignment Description
Close Reading of the Prologue
With your partner, you will do a close reading of one or two paragraphs from the Prologue. Your written analysis should discuss: the use of language, sentence and paragraph structure, and the overall significance of the paragraph in the context of the Prologue.
As you read and analyze your paragraph(s) with your partner there are many things to consider: diction, punctuation, syntax, sentence structure, narrative voice, tone and mood, use of figurative language, and connections to the overall themes and ideas presented in the rest of the chapter. Your written analysis is a collaboration with your partner and should be 1-2 pages.
Use the follow questions to guide your analysis. This sheet will be collected with your paper.
1. Description – paraphrase in a few sentences, define any unfamiliar words, take notes on everything you see going on in the paragraph
2. Analysis – Examine all of the different parts of the paragraph, what patterns do you see? What similarities and differences do you see?
3. Interpretation – Ask yourself “so what?” What are the deeper meanings in the paragraph?
With your partner, you will do a close reading of one or two paragraphs from the Prologue. Your written analysis should discuss: the use of language, sentence and paragraph structure, and the overall significance of the paragraph in the context of the Prologue.
As you read and analyze your paragraph(s) with your partner there are many things to consider: diction, punctuation, syntax, sentence structure, narrative voice, tone and mood, use of figurative language, and connections to the overall themes and ideas presented in the rest of the chapter. Your written analysis is a collaboration with your partner and should be 1-2 pages.
Use the follow questions to guide your analysis. This sheet will be collected with your paper.
1. Description – paraphrase in a few sentences, define any unfamiliar words, take notes on everything you see going on in the paragraph
2. Analysis – Examine all of the different parts of the paragraph, what patterns do you see? What similarities and differences do you see?
3. Interpretation – Ask yourself “so what?” What are the deeper meanings in the paragraph?
My Reflections on Assignment Description
What worked well: I felt that I clearly stated the basic areas of analysis that I would be looking for when I was grading their papers. I gave many suggestions of things to consider when doing a close reading analysis. I attempted to identify a process of analysis that the students could follow.
What did not work well: Overall, I was not as clear and explicit as I thought I was in this description. One group of students asked about a rubric for this short essay that would identify in even more detail what they would be assessed on. While most students understood what I meant by “the use of language,” there was some confusion over “sentence and paragraph structure.” I also did not explicitly state that the essays would be graded based on these elements. I also could have been clearer when explaining what was included in the “description,” “analysis,” and “interpretation” questions by including definitions and more specific questions.
How I was more transparent with this assignment: I (tried to) identify what I would be assessing with this writing. I explained to the students why they were doing this kind of analysis; it was an attempt to connect to larger unit goals of gaining an understanding of the development of the central character, and the patterns of themes and symbols that are woven throughout the novel.
How I can improve my transparency: I need to be more explicit in my written and verbal directions, which may not so much be related to transparency but to overall clarity in communication with students.]
What did not work well: Overall, I was not as clear and explicit as I thought I was in this description. One group of students asked about a rubric for this short essay that would identify in even more detail what they would be assessed on. While most students understood what I meant by “the use of language,” there was some confusion over “sentence and paragraph structure.” I also did not explicitly state that the essays would be graded based on these elements. I also could have been clearer when explaining what was included in the “description,” “analysis,” and “interpretation” questions by including definitions and more specific questions.
How I was more transparent with this assignment: I (tried to) identify what I would be assessing with this writing. I explained to the students why they were doing this kind of analysis; it was an attempt to connect to larger unit goals of gaining an understanding of the development of the central character, and the patterns of themes and symbols that are woven throughout the novel.
How I can improve my transparency: I need to be more explicit in my written and verbal directions, which may not so much be related to transparency but to overall clarity in communication with students.]