ENGL 2110: Withington: Step 1: Choose a Text & Get Background Info

Choose a Text & Get Background Information

Choose a text that interests you.

Consider the background information on the text. Include background information that is relevant to the topic you choose in the introduction to your essay. Background questions:

• What was happening in the world and the author’s region when this text was written? (You may have to look in this history reference book and read the author’s introduction in your textbook)
• Why did this person write this text? (You may have to look up the author’s name in Literature Resource Center or Literary Sources and read the author’s introduction in your textbook)
• Whom was this text written for? (look for clues in the text)
• What affect did this text have on its audience? Why is the text significant? (You may have to look up the title of the work in Literature Resource Center, or Literary Sources to find literary criticism)

Resources