Outline for Text Analysis Short Response (Part 3 of the ELA Regents exam)
1st paragraph:

Write down the central idea you identified while reading the passage (what was the author trying to teach you, or
what the passage says about life). Then, refer to the text you are writing about.
Example: Dishonesty causes friction between family members. This can negatively impact a family for many years. This
central idea is shown throughout this passage from ____________ (insert the name of the text here).

What literary element are you going to use? (I recommend using CHARACTERIZATION or CONFLICT)
Example: Throughout the passage, the author uses conflict to develop the central idea that dishonesty causes friction
between family members.

Define the literary element.
Example: Conflict is a struggle between two opposing forces.
2nd paragraph:


In 1-2 sentences explain what the passage is about.
Example: This passage is about a teenager who was so dishonest with his parents that they did not trust him any
longer. As a result, he felt very isolated and depressed because he was not allowed to see his friends after school. He
started to resent his parents and did not want to spend any time with them.
Find an example from the passage that shows how the literary element you chose helps to develop the central
idea.
Example: In the passage it states, “
“ (textual evidence here)

Explain in detail how your example develops this idea.
Example: The author’s use of conflict within this example helps to develop the idea that dishonesty causes friction
between family members because it shows____________

Find a second example from the passage that shows how the literary element you chose helps to develop the
central idea.
Example: In addition, the passage goes on to say, “
“(textual evidence here)

Explain in detail how your second example develops this idea.
Example: The author’s use of conflict within this example helps to develop the idea that dishonesty causes friction
between family members because it shows___________
3rd paragraph:

Restate your central idea and tie together of all your examples to show how that particular literary element
developed the idea. Summarize and/or paraphrase your evidence.
Example: To sum up, the author of ____________(insert the name of the text here) conveys the central idea that
dishonesty causes friction between family members by illustrating the conflict between the son and his parents. (Paraphrase
and summarize your evidence here)