Formal Analysis

Abstract

This handout is an advanced lesson that integrates close reading, the use of textual evidence, literary analysis, and revision skills as part of an assignment sequence for writing an argumentative essay. It consists of three parts: an in-class lesson, an out-of-class preparatory writing activity, and an in-class peer review of the writing activity. The learning outcome is for students to analyze texts at the level of their form, a crucial skill in the discipline of literary studies.