The Literary Analysis Bridge: From Close Reading to Writing Essays

Your literature unit went well, so why are the essays terrible? This session introduces a clear and practical framework that helps students move from noticing what's meaningful in the reading to writing confidently about what they find.

We’ll begin by uncovering common obstacles that prevent deep literary thinking, then explore a scaffolded sequence of support that builds analytical confidence step by step. Whether you’re helping freshmen move beyond plot or coaching AP Lit students to articulate authorial intent, this approach meets students where they are and shows them how to grow.

You’ll leave with a map of key subskills to target, examples of how to scaffold commentary and textual evidence, and classroom-ready ideas for supporting analysis at any level. This session is both realistic and ready to implement.

Participants will also receive a free resource and links to additional tools that align with the framework.