TIPS FOR WRITING A GOOD

RESPONSE
MEANING:
If you arent sure what the theme is use these
questions to help you figure it out:
What is the setting?
Who is the main character?
What is the conflict the main character is
facing?
How does the main character deal with the
conflict?
What does the conflict teach the main
character?
How can this be applied to life in general?
Write a thematic statement.
For example:
What NOT to do: The theme of this short
story is fear.
What you NEED to do: The short story The
Cabuliwallah teaches us that we should not
fear people based on things like race, religion
etc

 Once you have a solid thematic statement

explain how this can be applied to life in
general (purpose of the text).
For example: This short story teaches us that
we need to take the time to get to know
somebody to truly understand them.
DO NOT SUMMARIZE the short story,
INTERPRET IT.
You must support your interpretation of the
text with direct quotes from the short story.
After you have inserted a quote you ALWAYS
need to explain the significance of the quote.
CODES & CONVENTIONS:
Remember the codes and conventions of a
short story: Point of view (1st person or 3rd
person), characterization, dialogue, imagery,
symbolism, foreshadowing
Pick the codes & conventions that best
helped you understand what the theme
was.

 Do not give Ms. Outram the definition of the

code and convention you selected. She knows
the definition.
You need to explain how the code and
convention you selected helped you
understand what the theme/message of
the short story.
Include direct quotes showing this code and
convention being used and explain the
significance of the quote you selected.
JUDGEMENT:
Its a good idea to write your judgement after
you have finished analyzing the codes and
conventions (flows well).
State your opinion about the text and JUSTIFY
it. (Is the text effective? Explain by providing 23 reasons.)
CONNECTIONS:
Make a thematic connections.

 Text-to-text and text-to-world are preferred

over personal connections.
Connections need to be specific not vague.
Remember to elaborate on your ideas.