SOAPSTONE Analysis (100-150 words each):
For each question, write a well-organized and well-developed paragraph response about your assigned informational text. Responses must be typed and formatted in either APA or MLA style (while you may consult outside sources if the necessary information is not in the book itself, you must properly document any sources that you quote OR paraphrase! Please indicate which style you have selected to use). BRING TWO COPIES OF THIS ASSIGNMENT ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS.

1. What is the SUBJECT of the piece? What are the general topics, content, and/or ideas contained in the text? How do you know this from the text? Provide an objective summary of the text.
2. What is the OCCASION? What are time and place in which the story is set? What prompted the author to write the text? What event led to its development? How do you know this from the text?
3. Who is the intended AUDIENCE? To whom is the text directed? What assumptions can you make about the audience? Are there any words or phrases that are unusual or different? Why is the speaker using this type of language? What do you know this from the text?
4. What is the PURPOSE? What is the reason for the text? Why was it written? What goal did the author have in mind? How is the author trying to get a reaction from the audience? How do you know this from the text?
5. Who is the SPEAKER? Who is the voice that is speaking? What do we know about this person? What is his/her background? Is there a bias in what is written? How do you know this from the text?
   
6. What is the TONE of the piece? What is the attitude expressed by the speaker? How do you know this? Examine words and imagery to show where in the text your answer is supported. Sample tone words include: concerned, critical, direct, encouraging, formal, hopeful, lighthearted, objective, satirical, & urgent.