Commentary Writing

Question 1

HOW TO WRITE A COMMENTARY

Answer 1

1. Detailed annotation
2. Outline theme and devices
3. Structured commentary

Question 2

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH COMPONENTS

Answer 2

1. Must include full name of author
2. Must include full title of poem in quotation marks
3. Provide the story of the poem (the literal story)
4. Thesis (theme) and body points (three devices)

Question 3

REMINDER ABOUT THE THEME

Answer 3

The theme cannot be:
X Written in the first or second person
X Cannot be figurative
X Should be concise 5-8 words
X Should have a clear topic and opinion

Question 4

BODY PARAGRAPH COMPONENTS

Answer 4

1. Topic sentence
2. Point - device
3. Evidence - quotation - embedded and cited
4. Explanation - the effect of the device and link to proving the theme
5. Conclusion sentence

Question 5

TOPIC SENTENCE INFORMATION

Answer 5

1. First sentence of your body paragraph
2. Uses a transition word
3. Communicates the device of focus and restates the theme

Question 6

POINT

Answer 6

State the device and how it is this device

Question 7

EVIDENCE

Answer 7

Proves this point with an example (quotation or paraphrased example from the poem)

Question 8

EXPLANATION

Answer 8

Follows each quotation with a thoughtful explanation of the significance of the quotation, it’s the effect on the reader and how it relates to the theme

Question 9

EMBEDDING QUOTATIONS

Answer 9

1. Use a colon after a signal phrase or lead-in that is a complete sentence
2. Integrate the quotation without using punctuation
3. Use a comma after a verb (like “says”, “explains”, “asserts” or describes”)

Question 10

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT QUOTATIONS

Answer 10

Your quotation must actually prove your point! Quotations and used as evidence to persuade your reader that your point is strong. They should be brief and focused.