Advice for Students Preparing for the IOC by https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a en-us 2017-02-11 04:15:20 UTC 2017-02-14 20:35:09 UTC hello@padlet.com Genre: Poetry christophe_bolduc https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153483831
Consider that every word is important, crucial, and an opportunity to interrogate, analyse, and ultimately reveal the poem’s intention and hence deeper meaning. 

Do you have a role in the poem? 
 
Consider structure. Why does the author end a line where she does? Why does she use a particular rhyme scheme or a specific metrical rhythm? Why does she use free verse?  Why does the poem look the way it does on paper? How does structure in itself convey meaning? 
 
Be sure to ground all of your claims in specific examples from the poem and then look deeper into those examples using some of the guiding questions above. 


]]> 2017-02-13 16:37:30 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153483831 Introduction to Commentary christophe_bolduc https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153484376
At the very least your introduction should clearly and specifically state what it is you will do in your commentary. 
 
Even better, though, consider how you can woo your audience, draw their attention, and make your commentary itself a creative performance and something enjoyable to be a part of. 
 
Perhaps begin by quoting a line from the poem that is important to the thesis of your commentary. Perhaps provide an anecdote about the poet that leads into your main point. 
 
]]> 2017-02-13 16:39:03 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153484376 Structure christophe_bolduc https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153484555
Just as structure is important in a work of art, it is also important in your commentary. You don’t want to simply provide a string of examples from the poem in an attempt support your thesis. 
 
Consider whether your commentary can be broken into sections. If it can, state what these sections will be in your introduction and then enumerate them in your commentary. 
 
Whether your commentary is sectional or not, you should consider a pattern of organization that will make your eight minute speech cohesive. 
 
Provide a structure that would be suitable for a person who never read the text you will discuss yet would be able to follow your commentary and understand your main points. 

]]> 2017-02-13 16:39:29 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153484555 Genre: Fiction https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153626300 When engaging with a piece of extended fiction keep in mind:
  • Character(s)
    It is through them that we experience the story so how has the author made them "come alive" for you? Recognise the character(s)' arc – how have they changed from beginning to end?
  • Point of View
    Who is the narrator and what style have they used: First, second or third person? Is the narrator subjective or objective? What are their limitations? Think about how much the narrator knows, or doesn't know. When do events take place - in the present or in the past? Consider their recollections, are they fresh, or distant, and maybe hazy? Is the narrator a participant in, or a witness to the action? Is the story second-hand, related "as told to" the narrator? Why is the story being told, and why now? What is the motivation?
  • Setting
    The place, historical time, and social context – this will help with general background. When and where is the text set? What impact does this have on the story and the characters?
  • Style
    The author’s type of diction, syntax , and other langauge features.
  • Theme(s)
    What is the central and dominating idea(s) in the piece?
]]> 2017-02-14 05:41:41 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153626300 Preperation https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153627693 First off breathe. Try to think of this as a conversation with a friend. They have read the piece but need your help looking more deeply – but keep it formal.
 
Re-read the whole text(s) to ensure that you know what happens when.
 
Become familiar with the author's style. Think about what literary features and themes are most common within a text then go looking for these in your text(s) – specifically any key incidences/events/moments these are prominent. 
]]> 2017-02-14 06:00:35 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153627693 Conclusion rkasim_nasr https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153863613 Remember your conclusion will last from 30 to 60 secs, and you will need to provide a brief summary of your presentation. Include open ended rhetorical questions to be part of the conclusion. Single word phrases to intensify the points emphasized throughout the commentary. Leave the audience with questions to reflect on the topic to gain further insight

]]> 2017-02-14 20:29:12 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153863613 Genre: Drama rkasim_nasr https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153863768 When Commenting on Drama consider the following points 

Literary movement 

 provide information about the literary movement behind the play, and its contextual aspects. From there move on to the playwright’s name followed by other titles written by him/her ending with the title of the play.

 Title 

the significance of the title, and why might the playwright have chosen this title. 

Setting 

describe the setting of the play and how the setting and stage directions give way to introducing the characters. 

Characters 

Consider their conflicts, motivations, development, whether they are round or static characters. Have they helped you question aspects of your life? Their purpose in the play.  

Dramatic Arc

The development of the plot and how this development impact you?

Theme 

The message and idea gained for reflection at the end of the play. Their impact on the characters in the play, plot development , and to you. 

]]> 2017-02-14 20:29:50 UTC https://padlet.com/christophe_bolduc/r9fxtmq0sy5a/wish/153863768