Response to Literature Tips

The easiest way to write an organized essay is to follow the four or five paragraph format, just like in our recent persuasive essay project. Always include an introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion. So, here is a mnemonic device (memory trick!) to help you for RESPONSE TO LITERATURE:

ICTOC: pronounced ick-tock! Use this as your acronym to organize your 4-5 paragraph essay. Here's what this stands for in a response to literature:

I: Introduction. Give a brief intro naming the title of the story, and put your thesis statement at the end. Your thesis statement should be a judgment you have made about the story's characters and theme.
C: Character analysis. Discuss the character(s) in the story--not what the author has TOLD you, but what you can INFER based on the characters words and actions. Focus on how the characters change, grow, or learn a valuable lesson by the end of the story.
T: Theme. Here, you need to figure out what the author's message is in the story. What life lessons can one learn from the story? Use quotes or examples to support your assessment of the theme. Remember most authors will not TELL you the theme; you will have to infer it!
O: Optional/Other. Are there other literary devices used in the story, like imagery, symbolism, or foreshadowing that help readers understand the characters and theme? If not, move on to conclusion; if so, write a paragraph explaining and giving examples.
C: Conclusion. Restate your thesis, and sum up your main statements from each paragraph. Make a connection to your own life or the outside world, or share your opinion on the story.