Prompt Analysis & Prewriting
1. Information to “get you
thinking” about the topic.
2. Your writing task.
1
• Through words and actions, a character can
“come to life” for the reader. In Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird , the author draws a vivid
picture of the character of Atticus Finch as he
responds to conflict.2 In a well-developed,
multi-paragraph essay, discuss how the
character of Atticus reveals Lee’s ideas about
social justice. Support your claim with
evidence from the text.
Characterization
Theme
How does CHARACTER reveal THEME?
Atticus is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
Brave
Bravery
• Now we will write THEMATIC STATEMENTS based on the
claims about Atticus.
Teacher Model:
In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents the idea that
bravery
Thematic Idea
is demonstrated by standing up for what is right
Write a claim about the thematic idea.
even though others may condemn one for it
Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, if] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.
Your Turn: Pick two more thematic ideas and write out a full
thematic statement for each.
.
Thematic Idea:
Textual Evidence:
Commentary:
Context of the Evidence:
Textual Evidence:
Context of the Evidence:
Commentary:
In
To Kill a Mockingbird
uses
the character of Atticus
Title of Novel, Italicized or Underlined
The Subject/Abstract Element from the Prompt
Harper Lee
,
The Name of the Author
to
reveal
Marker Verb—reveal, explore, portray,
convey, suggest
that Bravery is demonstrated by standing up for what is right even though .
other may condemn one for it
The Thematic Statement you came up with
FOR THIS PROMPT: What does Harper Lee REVEAL ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE?
Complete your PREWRITING PACKET:
What to do before you walk
into my room on Monday
What you should NOT do:
Thesis statement written.
Textual evidence gathered
(including context for embedding)
Commentary (this may not be
completely written, but you should
have some abstract ideas prepared)
A full understanding of the
structure for your essay.
You should not have a complete
essay written.