General Observations:
Identify the larger subject (complex).
Identify the “smaller subject” or subtopics.
Identify the intended audience.
Identify the occasion or historical or social context whenever possible.
Identify the larger purpose: this is expressed in a verb form (to …….)
Identify the “sub” purpose(s).
Identify the tone or attitude of the author: the voice in the text.
Identify the main idea or argument: the deeper meaning behind the text.
Specific Analysis:
Identify the the purpose of the passage, paragraph, idea, word.
Identify figurative language.
Identify specific uses of diction or syntax (parallelism for example).
Identify language functions.
Identify shifts in tone from one paragraph to the next. It’s possible for passages to have multiple shifts in tone.
Top strategies for Multiple-choice passages:
Chunk the text: Identify the purpose/topic/tone/main idea of each paragraph. Questions often connect with one of these.
In “older” passages, organize the passage around transitions or even ends of sentences.
Read rhetorically: Identify rhetorical devices as you read. Underline them.
Discussion Questions for Seminars
The following are some possible ways to ask questions about your reading; these are but a few examples. You will need to look back at questions I have asked you about things we have read to get more exhaustive examples. It is only a good question if it can elicit more than a simple one sentence answer. YOUR GOAL IS TO DISCUSS AND INTERPRET THE PASSAGE. QUESTIONS SHOULD REFLECT THIS.
A. You need to be asking broad questions about point of view, tone, attitude, point of view, main idea as applied to the whole text or sections of the text.
B. You need to ask questions about relationships between ideas, contrasts, organization, patterns of repetition, extended metaphors….
C. You need to ask specific interpretive questions about imagery, diction, syntax, figurative language, rhetorical (argumentative) strategies, and questions that relate to logos, ethos and pathos (WITHOUT USING THESE WORDS!!).
SOME EXAMPLES
1. Identify shifts in tone. Describe the shifts. What is their effect or purpose?
2. What is _______________________’s argument/purpose/point of view? Why do you think this?
3. Identify _______________________’s use of metaphors. Explain their meaning and purpose.
4. Questions about various forms of syntax and how they support the author’s meaning/purpose/tone in a particular paragraph/sentence.
5. How does ________________________ support his argument about ______________ and why are these examples effective? What is ____________________ attempting to say when he uses these examples?
6. What is the effect of ….?
7. What is the meaning of …?
8. What is the main idea of the second (third, fourth, fifth…) paragraph? What evidence supports your conclusion?
9. Why do you think the author…?
10. What conclusions can you draw about …?
11. What is the relationship between ______________ and ___________________?
12. Explain why _______________ is appropriate in the development of the argument.
13. Etc. Etc. Etc.
