Literary Analysis
What is the goal of a literary analysis paragraph?
To explain the author’s message, theme, or idea using evidence
What are the three parts of a strong thesis?
Claim + Reason 1 + Reason 2
What must always come before or after a quote?
An explanation
Which part of SAY–MEAN–MATTER answers: “What does the quote say?”
How many sources are required for the Regents argument essay?
At least two
In literary analysis, the Assert sentence should explain what about the text?
What the author is showing or developing
True or False: Each body paragraph should focus on one reason from the thesis.
True
True or False: Longer quotes earn more points.
False
Which part explains why the quote supports the claim?
Matter
True or False: “I think” is acceptable in a Regents essay.
False
Which part of SAY–MEAN–MATTER explains the quote in your own words?
Mean
What must the topic sentence of a body paragraph include?
Claim + reason
What is a “dropped quote”?
A quote that is added without introduction or explanation
Identify the part:
“This shows the character feels trapped.”
Mean
What tense should Regents essays usually be written in?
Present tense
Fill in the blank:
The Matter sentence explains why the evidence is important to the author’s __________.
Theme or central idea
What is the purpose of a counterclaim paragraph?
To address the opposing argument and explain why it is weaker
Which is stronger evidence:
A) A quote that supports the claim
B) A quote that sounds interesting
A
Why is a paragraph weak if it only has SAY and no MEAN or MATTER?
It summarizes but does not analyze
Name one mistake that can lower your score even if your ideas are strong.
– Grammar errors
– Run-ons
– Fragments
– Informal language
– Poor citations
What is missing in this paragraph?
The author shows that courage is important. “The character risks his life to help others.” This means he is brave.
The Matter (why this bravery is important to the theme)
Why is explanation more important than the quote itself?
Because explanation proves the argument, not the quote alone
Why should evidence be cited accurately?
To show credibility and prove ideas come from the text
Finish this sentence:
Without the Matter, the paragraph does not __________.
Prove the claim / connect back to the thesis
What is the biggest reason students lose points on the Regents essay?
Lack of explanation / weak analysis