An overview through an Approaches to Learning Lens Writing commentary What does it mean Giving an opinion Interpretation Insight Analysis Explication Personal reaction Feelings Evaluation ID: 528996
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Slide1
What is commentary?
An overview through an Approaches to Learning LensSlide2
Writing commentary
What does it mean? Giving an opinion
InterpretationInsight AnalysisExplication
Personal reaction
Feelings
Evaluation
Reflection Slide3
Writing commentary
How much is needed? Two or more points of commentary (CM) for every one point of concrete detail (CD) in a body paragraph.
The ratio is:
CD : CM
1 : 2Slide4
Challenges
Essays are not reports Essays require thinkingCommentary demands extra effort
A student said, “Thinking is hard work Why can’t we do matching and fill-in-the-blanks instead?” Thinking gets easier with practiceSlide5
Writing commentary
There are no “right” answersThere are logical responsesYou must think of your own opinion
You must explain and support your opinionSlide6
Literature commentary
Literature commentary is different from personal commentaryStudents may not use:
I, me, my, us, would, should, could, may, or mightThese words encourage the write to leave the story and become “preachy”Slide7
Literature commentary
Example from Of Mice and Men“I hope I have a friend like George
some day.” or“They should have gone on their way to another ranch.”These types of commentary do not strengthen your writingSlide8
Literature commentary
“This shows that…”If you get stuck, start your commentary sentences with “This shows that…”
Example: In Of Mice and Men, George Milton looks out for Lennie’s welfare. For example, he tells Lennie not to say anything to Curley in the ranchhouse. This shows that he understands how easily Lennie gets into trouble without realizing it. This shows that
he wants to keep Lennie out of harm’s way by shielding him from contact with strangers. Slide9
Personal commentary
Working Example:
My bedroom is the place where I like to relax and let go of the day’s worries. For example, I can play any music I want, from my mother’s old Beatles’ tapes to my own Boyz II Men compact discs. This shows that in my room I don’t have to be concerned about the sound bothering other family members. This shows that being able to listen to my songs in the privacy of my own room helps me unwind and take my mind away from daily problems.Slide10
Literature commentary
“This shows that…”Use this tool in when shaping your essay and writing your first draft, but you must eliminate the phrase in your final draft.
Example: In Of Mice and Men, George Milton looks out for Lennie’s welfare. For example, he tells Lennie not to say anything to Curley in the ranchhouse. He understands how easily Lennie gets into trouble without realizing it. He wants to keep Lennie out of harm’s way by shielding him from contact with strangers. Slide11
Personal commentary
Final Draft Example:
My bedroom is the place where I like to relax and let go of the day’s worries. For example, I can play any music I want, from my mother’s old Beatles’ tapes to my own Boyz II Men compact discs. In my room I don’t have to be concerned about the sound bothering other family members. Being able to listen to my songs in the privacy of my own room helps me unwind and take my mind away from daily problems.