Read the examples pictured below, then copy the guides with <red writing prompts in angle brackets>.
Replace these prompts with your own words, then copy and paste your writing into reply boxes on NowComment.
From Summary to Interpretation
Get started in the top box:
<He/she/they> might be <describe what seems to be motivating one or more of the characters to say or do something>, or maybe <give another interpretation of why the character(s) is/are acting this way or making these statements>.
Explain more in the bottom box:
If <he/she/they> were to <describe what one or more of the characters might do next>, that would imply that <explain what else would have to be true or would logically happen next>. Or <he/she/they> might just be <describe another possible thing that one or more of the characters might do or say> because <explain why this character or these characters might do or say this.>
Google Doc of this guide.
Using Information from Outside of the Text
Get started in the top box:
I <thought that too/was wondering the same thing/saw it differently/had the same question at first>.
Explain more in the bottom box:
But <say where your ideas come from> it <asked/explained/suggested> <describe what your source says>. So that led me to believe that <explain what you are understanding now, after reading this source>.
Google Doc of this guide.
Arguing a Different Interpretation
Get started in the top box:
Or alternatively, the <character(s)> could be saying that <explain your interpretation of what is meant by one or more of the characters’ words here> instead of <explain how this is different from the interpretation suggested in the annotation you are replying to>.
Explain more in the bottom box:
In this case, <summarize your view of what is happening or being said in this scene> would be to show <big idea the playwright has behind this scene>, so <repeat the big idea> is what this scene shows.
Google Doc of this guide.
