Description
Looking for an example of a literary analysis of a short story? You found it! Based on Kadir Nelson’s Baby Bear, this essay is geared toward students in 3rd-4th grade. Using an essay example is the perfect way to set your students up for success during your next writing unit!
Literary essay writing can be a challenge for young students. Use the checklist with your class to identify examples of literary writing elements in the essay. I recommend using a different colored marker to find each item on the checklist and having students follow along.
What are literary essays?
This checklist highlights key elements of a 5 paragraph literary essay:
- composition: introduction, 3 body paragraphs, closing
- introduction: title, author, summary, and big idea
- clear topic sentences
- use of transition phrases, such as “For example,…” or “This reminds me of…”
- use of text evidence and quotes
- closing which restates the big idea
Because this essay is geared toward younger writers, I used the term “big idea” to replace the word “theme.” I also did not use a formal thesis statement in this essay, but instead, clearly stated the “big idea.” For example:
“One of the big ideas in this book is that Baby Bear is loved and not alone after all.”
What else is included with “An Example of a Literary Analysis of a Short Story”?
- 2 weeks of lesson plans
- a 2nd, easier essay for differentiation
- labeled student notes (in color and b/w)
- graphic organizer
- literary transition phrases
- revising/editing checklist
- an easy-to-grade assessment
- 5 pages of anchor charts (for intro, body #1, body #2, body #3, & conclusion)
Table of Contents is hyperlinked for easy navigation.
Using an example of a literary analysis of a short story with a two-week comprehensive unit will give your students the confidence they need to rock their next essay!
❤️A blog you may enjoy:
9 Awesome Writing Tips for Essays in 4th-5th Grade
5 Simple Essay Writing Steps to Use with Beginning Writers
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