• Key Skill: Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
• Key Skill: Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis.
• Key Skill: Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
• Key Skill: Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

How to Connect Works

• Comparison: How are two works similar in terms of themes, characters, or style?
• Contrast: How are two works different? What do these differences reveal?
• Trends: Does the work fit into a larger literary trend or movement? How does this context influence its meaning?
• Historical Context: How does the historical period in which the work was written affect its themes and ideas?

Example

When analyzing Frankenstein, you could compare it to other Gothic novels to show how it fits into the genre. Or you could contrast it with Paradise Lost to discuss the theme of creation and responsibility.

{
  "mcq": [
    {
      "question": "When developing a literary argument within a broader context of works, it is essential to:",
      "options": [
        "A) Focus solely on the text at hand without any external references.",
        "B) Compare and contrast the text with other works to enhance interpretation.",
        "C) Summarize the plot of the text without any analysis.",
        "D) Rely on personal opinions without any textual evidence."
      ],
      "answer": "B"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which of the following best describes the purpose of comparing and contrasting literary works?",
      "options": [
        "A) To prove that one work is superior to another.",
        "B) To identify superficial similarities between texts.",
        "C) To gain a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and style of each work.",
        "D) To confuse the reader by introducing unnecessary comparisons."
      ],
      "answer": "C"
    }
  ],
  "frq": {
    "prompt": "Choose a novel or play and analyze it within the broader context of other literary works. How do these comparisons and contrasts enhance your understanding of the chosen text?",
    "scoring_breakdown": [
      "**Thesis (1 point):** A clear, defensible thesis statement that identifies the chosen text and its connection to other works.",
      "**Evidence and Analysis (4 points):** Specific textual evidence from the chosen text and other works, with clear analysis of how these connections enhance the understanding of the chosen text.",
      "**Line of Reasoning (2 points):** A logical and coherent argument that connects the evidence to the thesis.",
      "**Sophistication (1 point):** Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of literary connections and their impact on interpretation."
    ]
  }
}

Final Exam Focus 🎯

Okay, you've made it through Unit 6! Here's what to focus on for the exam:

• Character Analysis: Pay close attention to foil characters, motives, and symbolic roles. These are high-value topics.
• Narrative Structure: Be ready to discuss linear and nonlinear narratives, and how they affect the reader.
• Narrative Perspective: Analyze tone, bias, and reliability of narrators. This is another area where you can score big.
• Contextualization: Practice connecting texts to larger literary trends, time periods, and other works.

Last-Minute Tips ⏰

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the question prompts, and make sure you're answering what's being asked.
• Use Evidence: Support your claims with specific textual evidence.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this!

Good luck, and go ace that exam! 🎉