1. Explanation/Analysis:
* Connect the evidence to your argument: Don't just drop the quote in. Explain how the evidence supports your claim. What does it reveal about the text? What does it suggest about the author's intentions or the larger themes?
* Break down the evidence: Explain key words, phrases, or literary devices used within the evidence. How do these choices contribute to the meaning?
* Draw conclusions: What does the evidence lead you to conclude? How does it help you understand the text more deeply?
2. Context:
* Provide background information: What is happening in the text before and after the quote? Who is speaking? What is the situation?
* Mention the source: Identify the text, author, and page number. This helps your reader find the evidence and understand its origin.
3. Clear and Concise Language:
* Use appropriate terminology: If you're discussing literary devices, use the correct terms (e.g., simile, metaphor, symbolism).
* Avoid jargon: Use language that is accessible to your audience.
* Be clear and concise: Focus on the most important points.
Example:
Claim: The author uses vivid imagery to create a sense of foreboding in the story.
Textual Evidence: "The sky was the color of ash, and the wind carried a bitter, metallic taste."
Explanation: The imagery of "ash" and "bitter, metallic taste" creates a sense of impending doom and suggests that something sinister is about to happen. The color of ash is associated with destruction and death, while the metallic taste is a common symbol of poison or violence. This ominous imagery prepares the reader for the tragic events that unfold later in the story.
Remember: The goal of using textual evidence is to support your argument and help your reader understand the text in a deeper way.