Theme Literary Ananlysis Notes With Counter Arguement and Transistions

You are to going to be writing a literary analysis paper regarding the theme of your song. You are required to
discuss how the author uses poetic devices to discuss the authors message. In case you have lost your notes or
your old notes are looking a litlte beat up here are some reminders.
I.
Introduction Paragraph

A.

Attention Grabber
1. Suggestions
Quote

B.

Start on
the other
side

Paraphrase

Statement of
importnace

Little known
true fact or
statistic
Comparison

Challenge a
societal
belief
Question

Anecdote
(connected
to the topic)
Definition

Background
1. Background means a brief summary of the work to give your reader context. The novel _____ is about
_______.The background should not be more than three sentences.

C.

Overall Claim/Thesis
1. (Your thesis should have the authors name, the title of the work, a theme statement, and three literary devices
you will be discussing in your paper.)

2. Example of a thesis statement: In Bob Kanes Batman: Under the Red Hood, he discusses how
suffering can change morality by using indirect characterization, situational irony, and suspense.
3. Hint: This should all be ONE SENTENCE
4. Hint remember the literary devices
5. Hint: Theme statements: A theme statement is usually a topic from the text plus the
consequence/result/affect/truth according to the text

II.

III.

Love

can lead to

pain.

Suffering

can lead to

being a stronger individual.

Teamwork

can lead to

achieving tasks that are

otherwise impossible.

Body Paragraph One (You should have at least three of theses)

A. Claim/Topic Sentence
1. The claim should include what the paragraph is going to be about. This includes literary devices and
theme
B. Introduction of Context of Evidence and/or Define your Terms
C. Evidence with Citation
D. Break down of Evidence
E. Explanation of Support of Claim
F. Explanation of Support of Thesis
G. Concluding Statement
Conclusion
A. Restatement of Thesis
B. Summarize the main points made
C. Discuss the lasting importance/consequences/take away/call to action
D. Connect back to Attention Grabber
1

Learning Targets

I can write an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and sufficient evidence.
I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
I can select evidence from literary informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research.
I can adjust my writing practices for different timeframes, tasks, purposes and audiences.

Standards:
ELAGSE9-10W1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient
evidence.
a. Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear
relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a
manner that anticipates the audiences knowledge level and concerns.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and
reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
d. Establish and maintain an appropriate style and objective tone.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
ELAGSE9-10W4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience.
ELAGSE9-10W5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on
addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
ELAGSE9-10W9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
a. Apply grades 910 Reading Standards to literature and nonfiction
ELAGSE9-10W10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or
a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Transitions
So you have successfully written a introduction paragraph and a body paragraph for your essay. High-five! If
you havent, what are you waiting for? Pay attention to this, but make sure to do that other stuff first.
Before you move on from one paragraph to the next use Transition Words and phrases
Transition Words and Phrases -- a work or phrase that smoothly connects two topics or sections
to each other.

For continuing a common line of reasoning:

consequently
clearly, then
furthermore
additionally
and
in addition

moreover
because
besides that
in the same way

following this further

also
pursuing this further
in the light of the... it is easy
to see that

To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:

in other words

point in fact

specifically

To change the line of reasoning (contrast):

however
on the other hand

but
yet

nevertheless
on the contrary

For opening a paragraph initially or for general use:

admittedly
assuredly
certainly
granted
no doubt
nobody denies

obviously
of course
to be sure
true
undoubtedly
unquestionably

generally speaking
in general
at this level
in this situation

For the final points of a paragraph or essay:

finally

lastly

Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is

arranged chronologically:
first... second... third...
generally... furthermore... finally
in the first place... also... lastly
in the first place... pursuing this further... finally

to be sure... additionally... lastly

in the first place... just in the same way... finally
basically... similarly... as well

To signal conclusion:
in conclusion
in final consideration
indeed

therefore
this
hence
in final analysis

To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:

point in fact
specifically

in other words

Sequence or time
after
afterwards
as soon as
at first

before
before long
finally
at last

first... second... third

in the first place
in the meantime
then

later
meanwhile
next
soon

Parts of a Counter Argument

This paragraph usually goes just before the conclusion. The reason for
them is to address the concerns or disagreements that your audience might
have. It is important here to truly think about the other side and develop
this argument fairly and with just as much effort as your overall claim.
1. Introduce the Opposing Argument

The writer summarizes the opposition's viewpoint openly and honestly

Ways writers can begin:
But _______ is not completely inaccurate.
It is often argued that...
It is true that...
Opposing views claim...

2. Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid

The writer acknowledges that some of the opposition's claims may be valid, but the writer still
shows that his own claims are stronger. The strength of the writer's claims are more convincing than the
opposing viewpoints. A writer might explain the opposition's weakest points, contrasting them with his
argument's strongest points.
Ways writers can begin:
Admittedly,
Certainly,
Of course,
One cannot deny that...
At the same time...

3. Counter the Argument

Introduce the rebuttal of the concession argument. The writer refutes the opposition's claims showing they
are incorrect or inconsequential--not a real problem. This is a good time to bring evidence.
Ways writers can begin:
Nevertheless,
However,
On the other hand,
But...

4. Introduce the Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize why the counter argument is not sufficient.

Ways writers can begin

Thus,
Therefore,
As a result,
Sometimes writers might just want to restate his/her position simply.

Now eventually youll need to address the Counter Argument so you dont sound
biased and subjective

Counter Claim/Argument -- a claim made to rebut a previous claim

Subjectivebased on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions
Example: Harsh judgments like thats stupid or obvious
Biased--prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way
considered to be unfair
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