Template for IOC Structure (Individual Oral Commentary): Introduction- general context 1. Give the introductory information, such as the text’s text’s title, author, where and when the work is set. 2. Give an overview of the broader contextual information, such as the social, cultural, political and historical factors 3. Provide a brief overview of the plot context- what this extract or poem is about ie. the key event(s). This can be part of the second point. 4. Thesis: Indicate the purpose of the passage. State the key themes or ideas in the passage- aim for 2-3 and comment on the key techniques used to convey or explore these themes. *Don’t mention smaller techniques like alliteration or sentence structure in your thesis. Refer to the more important important literary aspects that that directly relate to meaning, like symbols, structure, contrast, imagery, setting, irony etc. *Also comment on the tone, mood or atmosphere- whichever is most relevant to your poem and thesis points. This can be before the statement of themes or after- depending on how you want to set up these points. Body of Discussion Structure: You can organize organize your commentary commentary in two ways: ways: 1. A linear approach – approach – you you discuss the poem chronologically and divide this into sections of about 2 to 6 lines (or stanzas if the poem uses them), so that they are units of meaning concerning an issue. Try to have a heading for each section so that you don’t just read the lines and explain and you introduce the points with this, rather than the quote. *Make sure you quote from the poem and a nd talk about the meaning, the techniques and their effect. Then you go on to the next section. *You can talk about structure as you develop your discussion at the point it appears in the section you are ar e discussing, or as a separate point where it fits. explored) – 2 2 to 3 is a good target. 2. A thematic approach (ie. key issues explored) – Below are examples of partly complete thematic section headings/signpost statements for a commentary on “Freedom Train” Train”. The statements could be used for your transitional statements as you work through sections of the poem, as they follow the general pattern of ideas. Also, remember that referring to the key techniques used in this section helps to ensure that you are not just explaining the poem. 1. Through the persona’s emotional account of his feelings toward the Freedom Train, Hughes conveys/establishes…… conveys/establishes……
2. As the persona loses hope that he will be free from racist persecution, the unjust treatment of African Americans is revealed…… 3. And finally, after questioning the possibility of the Freedom Train being accessible to all Americans, Hughes then invokes his readers/audience to persevere….. or….. *As you discuss each of these themes, make sure you quote, explain and evaluate the words, images and techniques that are used to explore this. *If you use this approach, remember to cover the whole passage. So make sure that your chosen themes are all encompassing. It also helps to try to plan the commentary so that your themes are in the order they are presented in the poem, as it is easier to find your quotes and build on your argument.
Follow this outline for each main section of your body (basically SEE, but concise): 1. Statement concerning theme/issue- make a statement- don’t just give a label or word, eg. suggest what is indicated about the theme/issue. (so not just inequality or hope, but what is conveyed about these concepts) 2. Cite/quote examples. Look for a number of examples in the text where relevant. When using your examples, refer to them chronologically- ie. How the issue is introduced, then developed, and then reinforced. 3. Comment on the effect of the techniques: words/diction, symbol, short sentences, punctuation, pronouns, juxtaposition, irony, etc. Make sure you link your discussion of techniques to the ideas: - You might consider how the ideas are introduced, highlighted and reinforced and what the writer suggests through this. - Remember to look for a range of techniques- for example, a writer may use specific diction, a sound technique and short sentences/lines to create a particular effect or highlight an issue. Try to comment on how these work in combination. Conclusion Draw it together- give an overview of the main ideas you have covered and make sure you address the Guiding Questions that have been provided. Avoid repeating your thesis in the same you introduced it – move beyond this. You can comment on what the reader may be left thinking and or feeling at the end of the poem and how this EFFECT links to the writer’s PURPOSE, or how the different target audiences may receive the poem. Or how does it fit in with writer’s other works in terms of purpose and effect. You can also comment on the universality and/or timelessness of themes.
