This is one of the possible assignments for language you can choose. (T3: Language) - Choose your favorite selection from [[all the Mentor Texts]]. Re-read it. Practice your favorite [[reading and note-taking strategies]]. Make yourself some notes about what you notice—specifically, about *how the author uses language.* - **Thinking in terms of the use of language** (as this is a “T3: Language” assessment), write a solid paragraph or so (or make a voice recording, video, presentation, etc) about the author’s choices of mechanics, usage, structure, or literary elements that make the piece effective. - You can use whatever terminology you know about rhetoric, craft, and literary technique. Resources such as the [Purdue Owl](https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/literary_terms/index.html) or [literaryterms.net](https://literaryterms.net/) could be useful. - Here are some example questions you could consider: - Look at how the author uses **dialogue.** What do you notice? - How about the **structure?** What is the story arc? How does it travel through time? - What’s a compelling **conflict** that one or more of the characters has to deal with? Is it internal or external? Do they create it themselves somehow, or is it something that just happens to them? - What are some examples of the author**_showing_**you something (about the setting, character, conflict, etc) rather than**_telling_**you? Are there examples of when_telling_actually does work effectively? - Are there any unexpected **plot** turns or twists? Were they effective or annoying or thought-provoking or what? - What kind of **resolution** does the author provide? Classic happy ending? Tragic ending? Ambiguous ending? A cliffhanger? - What’s it about? Not like literally what’s it about, but what is it _about?_ Like, what’s the **_theme?_** Is it a story about courage? Honesty? Growing up? The futility of antidisestablishmentarianism through the lens of a post-modern interpretation of Keynesian economics? - Check out this [Student example](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RPd0MPcZymxPdG16MxMSxy6CPYxqOgEoyDGNmj-ODug/edit?usp=sharing). - If you aren’t sure what fancy-schmancy literary terminology to use in your analysis, that’s OK for now; just put it in your own words. <br> ---- <small>[Associated standards](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G-ffffPuAtCboosZgrsnNehrBqqzRyL4_HrzhlfPRN0/edit?usp=sharing): L.11-12.3: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings; determine denotative, connotative, and figurative meanings of words and phrases; analyze the impact of word choices on meaning, tone, and the effectiveness of a response; consider words with multiple meanings, language that is particularly engaging or beautiful, and reading, writing, and speaking situations that seamlessly integrate linguistic diversity, ideas, and cultures.</small>