Literature & Composition

Fiction • Poetry • Drama • Secondary Sources

Your interactive guide to close reading and writing literature-based arguments.

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A toolkit for reading and writing about literature

These chapters help you move from reading to argument: noticing patterns, building claims from passages, and using secondary sources to strengthen (not replace) your own analysis.

Close Reading Tools Fiction/Poetry/Drama Toolkits No Cost!

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Each chapter is structured with collapsible sections, examples, and practice.

1

Active Reading for Literature

Read for craft, patterns, and meaning beyond plot.

Available
2

Annotation for Close Reading

Mark patterns and generate better questions from the text.

Available
3

Getting Started: Prewriting for Literary Analysis

Generate workable claims and plan your draft.

Available
4

Close Reading: From Passage to Claim

Move from detail → interpretation → argument.

Available
5

Fiction Toolkit: Narrative Craft + Character

Analyze narration, character, setting, conflict, and structure.

Available
6

Poetry Toolkit: Reading What’s on the Line

Work with sound, imagery, figurative language, and form.

Available
7

Drama Toolkit: Scenes, Staging, and Subtext

Track scenes, staging, dialogue, and what’s unsaid.

Available
8

Argumentation in Literary Studies

Make claims, use reasons, and respond to other readings.

Available
9

Finding and Evaluating Secondary Sources

Find criticism, check credibility, and keep what helps.

Available
10

Working with Literary Criticism: Lens, Not Crutch

Use theory to deepen analysis, not replace it.

Available
11

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Signal Phrases

Integrate passages and sources so your voice stays in charge.

Available
12

Using Sources in Your Argument

Synthesize criticism with your close reading and claims.

Available
13

Crafting Powerful Thesis Statements

Write focused, arguable claims for literary analysis.

Available
14

Designing Effective Literary Analysis Paragraphs

Paragraphs that analyze—not just summarize.

Available
15

Revision: From Draft to Final

Revise globally and locally so your draft becomes a final.

Available

How this site helps

Close Reading Moves

Tools for noticing patterns and turning passages into claims.

Toolkits by Genre

Fiction, poetry, and drama guides you can reuse all semester.

Secondary Sources Workflow

Find criticism, integrate it, and keep your voice in charge.

The Scholar's Compass

Literature & Composition (ENG 1020)

Interactive educational content for developing strong reading and writing skills