Jane Schaeffer Writing Program
Basics for
Responses to Literature
Terms to Know

Concrete Detail (CD) – stuff from the story –the
what – can be quotation or paraphrase –
facts; examples; illustrations;
evidence; support; plot references;
citations; What really happened in the
story? ; play-by-play announcer
Terms to Know
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Commentary – (CM) – stuff from your head
- the “so what?”
- words with feelings behind them that
you can describe to me
analysis; interpretation; a character’s
feelings; opinion; inference; insight;
reasons; colorful commentator
Terms to Know

Chunk Ratio – the amount of CD:CM in a body
paragraph
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In English the chunk ratio is 1:2+
Terms to Know
o
Topic Sentence (EDUCATED
OPINION)S
–
–
–
Main idea
Mildly controversial (or arguable)
Something you have to prove
Las Vegas is one of the most surreal
cities in the world.
Terms to Know
Transitions
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phrases or words used to connect ideas together.
help the reader progress from one significant idea to
the next
also show the relationship between the main idea and
the support the author gives for those ideas
–
indeed, further, moreover, furthermore, additionally, on the
other hand, such as, for example, to illustrate, for instance,
similarly, likewise,
while, on the other hand, however,
whereas, to conclude (with), as a final point, finally,
lastly, consequently, in conclusion…
Terms to Know
Concluding Sentence
Wraps up the paragraph
– Rephrases the main idea
Las Vegas is such a strange city; it
is hard to believe it exists unless
you actually go there and
experience it for yourself.
–
One-Chunk Body Paragraph
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Sentence #1 -Topic Sentence – TS
Sentence #2 – CD –starts with “For example”
Sentence #3 – CM - (This shows that)
Sentence #4 – CM – (This also show that; This
is because; This is important
because)
Sentence#5 – Circle Sentence – CS – Sums it
up and ties back to the thesis
(As a result)
Sample One Chunk Paragraph
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In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry
is a champion to many of the more insecure
students at Hogwarts. For example, when
Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry
takes a broom and gets it back. He cannot
stand someone who picks on others. Harry is
now a hero to those less fortunate. He has
found a place where he belongs and wants to
protect the vulnerable.
Two Chunk Paragraph
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Used when the concrete details are closely
related to avoid repetition.
Has the basic of Topic Sentence at the
beginning and a Circle Sentence at the end.
Includes two CD, CM, CM, structures with a
transition between.
Self Check!
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What terms do you need to know?
–
Review your notes and list them on your paper
Self-Check—Did You Get All of Them?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Chunk Ratio
Topic Sentence
Transitions
Concluding Sentence
One Chunk
Two Chunk
Essay Writing: Introduction
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Opening sentence – STRONG!
Draws the readers attention
At least three or four sentences
Thesis is usually stated at the end.
Sample Introduction

Bravery cannot exist where defense of the
weak is easy. Often, in order to help others, a
hero must be willing to act in ways that are
scary. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone, Harry risks much so that he can be a
champion for the underdog.
Introduction Paragraph Continued
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Hook – Get reader’s attention
Anecdote
Startling Information
All commentary
Thesis Statement
Must include the title of the book
Must include the subject you are discussing
Must show your opinion about an arguable
topic
Sample Thesis Statement
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The collectivist society of Anthem, by Ayn
Rand, exhibited a grave loss of
individuality and innovation among the
inhabitants.
Concluding Paragraph
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At least three sentences
All are rephrased/revised CM sentences, which
give your ideas as an ending for the essay.
Conclusion Paragraph Continued
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Reflects on what you said in the essay
All commentary; no concrete details
Does NOT repeat thesis statement or
introductory paragraph
Should relate your knowledge of the subject
matter to the world at large – outside the
book
Sample Concluding Paragraph
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When faced with adversity, any of us can be a
hero. When faced with someone who
intimidates us, it would be to our benefit to look
for creative solutions rather than running away.
Each of us can stretch beyond our “little boy”
programming to become a real man.
Self Check!

What terms do you need to know?
–
Review your notes and list them on your paper
Self-Check—Did You Get All of Them?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduction
Thesis
Anecdote
Hook
Concluding Paragraph
Terms to be familiar with: 1.
Startling information & 2. all
commentary and they are
related to Introduction
Paragraphs