2. When asked to respond to
literature, it sounds so difficult!
• Responding to literature is the way in which one reacts to something
that has been read.
• It is through this process that individuals learn to construct meaning
or comprehend
• Responses to literature are a form of writing in which the writer
examines the theme, plot, character, or other aspects of a chapter,
story, book, or poem. In this genre’s purest form, a writer makes a
claim or reacts to an author’s main point. The writer then supports
the claim with details from personal experience, from prior
knowledge, through connections to other sources, or by citing
textual evidence. If done masterfully, this genre of writing provides
enough information for the reader to learn the writer’s viewpoints
about the referenced piece of literature.
3. So in other words, you respond
in writing to what you read!
1) READ 2) Think
3) Respond in writing
5. Once you have your own understanding of
the text, you can respond to ANY sort of
prompt.
• A prompt is one or more questions you are
supposed to answer/write about.
6. Ask yourself:
• - What am I being asked to do?
• How many questions are there?
• Are there any strong verbs/phrases that stand out
like explain, describe, provide evidence,
delineate
7. Look at this example:
• Describe specific ways in which Jonas has
changed throughout the novel. How have the
lessons he has learned changed his life? Use
specific textual evidence to support your
response.
8. C) How many questions are being asked?
D) What are you being asked to do?
• Describe specific ways in which Jonas has changed throughout
9. ANSWERS:
C) 2 questions
D) I am being asked to describe the ways in which
Jonas changes. I am also being asked to show
how lessons he has learned change him.
10. E) List the strong verbs…
• Describe specific ways in which Jonas has
changed throughout the novel. How have the
lessons he has learned changed his life? Use
specific textual evidence to support your
response.
12. F) YOU TRY.
• Prompt: Lois Lowry is a master of descriptive
language. Cite a specific quote that demonstrates her
ability to create images in the minds of readers.
Explain how this scene adds to the novel as a whole.
• *Be sure you say the page #
you found the quote!
• Strong verbs are : cite, explain
