Critical Lens and Controlling Idea Hints

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A THESIS BASED ON WHAT YOU ARE ASKED (for controlling idea, something about the topic, for crit. lens-your interpretation of the quote)
**sometimes it is good to break up the thesis into parts you are proving
2. Give examples from the story that prove your thesis (ALL parts)
3. Do not tell the whole story over again--only cite specific parts that relate (with enough to be understandable)
4. For controlling idea, try to cite a specific passage (in quotes)
5. Use LITERARY ELEMENTS to support your thesis and how they helped the author
6. Use TOPIC SENTENCES AND TRANSITIONS to organize and move from one topic to the next