Develop Claims With Evidence: Poetry - AP English Literature and Composition

The reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim. Shows why the evidence supports the claim through logical reasoning.

At the beginning of the paragraph, before evidence. Establishes the argument upfront, guiding all subsequent evidence.

Restate the proven claim’s significance. Reinforces the analytical point, not the quoted details.

B. B analyzes specific effect and meaning; A merely identifies.

Prioritize devices and effects over recounting events or paraphrase. Analysis examines how language works, not what happens.

Embed it grammatically within your syntax and keep it concise. Integration creates smooth flow and maintains analytical voice.

A single arguable sentence stating what the poem does and why it matters. Must be debatable and explain both technique and significance.

For example,. Signals that supporting evidence follows the claim.

A sentence that restates the thesis without adding a specific, arguable focus. Effective claims narrow the thesis to a specific, provable point.

A defensible, specific assertion that the paragraph will prove about the text. Must be arguable and provable, not just a fact or observation.

The claim must support and extend the thesis with a narrower focus. Body paragraphs zoom in on specific aspects that build the overall argument.

At the beginning of the paragraph, before evidence and analysis. Establishes the paragraph's focus before presenting supporting details.

Quoted or precisely referenced language from the poem used to support the claim. Direct textual support requires the poem's actual words, not paraphrase.

Brief quotation. Diction analysis requires examining specific word choices, not summaries.

To explain how the evidence proves the claim. Commentary bridges the gap between what the text says and what it means.

Embed the quote in a grammatical sentence with a clear analytic purpose. Integration creates flow and shows purposeful use of evidence.

The poem’s bleak natural imagery underscores the speaker’s emotional isolation. Specifies what imagery, how it works, and its effect on meaning.

Quoted phrasing that preserves the sound pattern. Sound analysis requires hearing the actual words, not paraphrasing them.

Replace with a specific effect: how the language conveys love and why. Vague labels need specific textual analysis of how love is conveyed.

Use short, targeted quotes and follow each with focused commentary. Multiple brief quotes with analysis prevent overwhelming the paragraph.

Interpret. Commentary must analyze meaning, not repeat or add irrelevant information.

Therefore. Shows logical conclusion from evidence rather than introducing examples.

Replace definition with effect: explain what the metaphor reveals about meaning. Literary analysis needs interpretation of effect, not device definitions.

Synthesis of the proven claim that reinforces its contribution to the thesis. Wraps up the paragraph by showing how the claim advances the thesis.

Add commentary explaining how specific words and devices support the claim. Evidence alone doesn't prove claims; analysis explains the connection.

One focused claim developed through aligned evidence and commentary. Unity and coherence require developing one idea thoroughly.

Use only evidence and commentary that directly advances the same claim. Every element must serve the paragraph's central argument.

Shorten the quote and add immediate commentary linking to the claim. Long quotes need focused selection and immediate analysis.

Night imagery and harsh consonance make the storm feel predatory. Analyzes how techniques create effects rather than summarizing events.