RESPONSE SYNTHESIS The format of your English Exam

RESPONSE SYNTHESIS The format of your English Exam in December What is a Response Synthesis for you? When you analyze the meaning of a text and how the codes and conventions contribute to this meaning Your response synthesis will be written in 2 parts: Meaning and Codes and Conventions You will be given the graphic organizer for your exam – so use it! November 2012

Part 1: Meaning Section - Analyze themes/main ideas in a text -- Find the deeper meaning or life lesson -- Provide examples from the text that support your theme

TAG (Title- Author- Genre) Begin your text by mentioning: � The title of the piece � The author � The Genre (i. e. : short story, narrative essay, poem, etc. . ) The first paragraph of your response synthesis should look like this: In the short story, Dreams in a Pizza Box, by Libby Kennedy the main theme is. . . .

Tips on Finding the Theme What is the setting of the Story? Who are the main character(s)? What central conflict does the main character face? How does the main character deal with this conflict? What can the main character learn from this conflict? What general statement does the piece make about life or human relationships?

Thematic Statement Remember that a thematic statement does not include names or specific details about the text. It is a generalization about society that can be applied to other texts

Support Your Theme Find 2 textual references to support your theme Include these in your essay using quotation marks. Explain the significance and importance of the direct text references

Audience- Purpose Ø Who is the intended audience? Ø Ø General public, young adults, children Why did the author write this text? What lesson or reflection about life did the author make? Ø

Codes and Conventions Choose 2 codes and conventions q Identify, support, impact q

ISI (Identify-Support-Impact) Identify the codes and conventions that the author uses to create a strong story and explain its purpose Clearly support the codes and conventions with text references (choose a quote, explain why it is significant) Explain the effectiveness and Impact of the codes and conventions on the text and theme. (Did the technique contribute to the deeper meaning of the text? )

Possible Codes and Conventions Characterization � Reveals the character’s personality, appearance, values and background Symbolism � The use of an object to represent an abstract idea First person narration � When the narrator is part of the story (the “I” perspective) Imagery � The use of sensory details to stimulate thought and feeling

Sentence Starters- Part 1 Paragraph 1 - Meaning In the short story, Dreams in a Pizza Box, by Libby Kennedy the main theme is. . . This theme is evident in the story when. . . The intended audience for this text is. . . because. . . The purpose of this text is. . (relate this to the deeper meaning or life message)

Sentence Starters- Part 2 Paragraph 2 - Codes and Conventions (literary techniques) In this short story, the author uses the technique of. . . The use of this techniques helps. . (explain the purpose of the technique in the text) This quote means. . . (explain the quote) This is significant because. . The use of this technique is effective because. . It contributes to the deeper meaning of the text by. .