AP Lit and Comp/ENGL 1011/ Nichols 2013
Passage-Based Analysis Assignment (“PBA”)
Passage-based papers connect the interpretive practices of reading and writing. Conducting a close
investigation of a short passage often clarifies difficult concepts in the text as a whole and engages the
reader with the author’s carefully considered choice of language. This assignment will prepare you
for writing formal essays in which you are expected to attend to textual evidence as carefully as you
attend to the passages you choose for your passage-based paper. It cultivates critical analysis skills
that will be further developed in your research project.
Purpose: We read and discussed “Babylon Revisited” to practice thoughtful question writing and
close analysis through an intellectual lens. This story is the first text in Unit 1: Home and Family.
Your goal now is to write a short paper responding to the prompt below:
2010, Form B. “You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you.” —Sonsyrea Tate
Sonsyrea Tate’s statement suggests that “home” may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or a state
of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but may have a considerable influence on an
individual. Write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the importance of “home” to a
character and the reasons for its continuing influence.
Process:
1. Identify one brief passage (3-5 sentences) from the text to analyze.
2. Transcribe the entire passage (typed) at the top of your paper, including the page number from which
the passage is taken.
3. Conduct a close textual analysis of the passage, carefully examining its content. Pay close attention to
the passage’s language, tone, and construction. Try to “unpack” the meaning of this passage one word at a
time.
4. Once you have examined the passage closely, explore its meaning in terms of its place in the story.
What does this passage contribute to the “bigger picture” of the story?
5. Your analysis must be an original interpretation of the passage’s language. If you reference literary
criticism you MUST cite your sources.
6. If applicable, use the following questions for approaching your analysis. These are suggestions only;
you are not required to address every question in your paper.
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If your passage contains dialogue, how does this specific form of characterization serve as either
reliable or unreliable revelation of character?
How do the allusions in the passage layer complex meaning within the story?
How does the author use specific language to reinforce prominent themes throughout the text?
How does your chosen passage elaborate on or clarify ideas that came up in class discussion?
Due Dates:
Draft: Tuesday Sept 24
Final: Thursday Sept 26
Format Requirements:
• Typed
• Double spaced
• Font: 12 pt. Times New Roman
• Include title, name, and date at the top of the first page, single spaced
• Length: 2 pages
Adapted from Freshman English seminar at the University of Connecticut http://fe.uconn.edu/ ENGL 1011