Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that examine Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme. This activity is referred to with the acronym “TWIST”. In a TWIST, students focus on a particular paragraph or a few pages, to look deeper at the author’s meaning.
Using an excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation, students can depict, explain, and discuss Bradford’s voice and purpose, along with his tone, to determine his sincerity. The more sincere Bradford seems to be, the more reliable he should be regarded, as a narrator.
In these hard and difficult beginnings, they found some discontents and murmurings arise amongst some, and mutinous speeches and carriages in others, but they were soon quelled and overcome by the wisdom, patience, and just and equal carriage of things by the Governor and better part, which cleaved faithfully together in the main. But that which was most sad and lamentable was that in two or three months’ time, half of their company died, especially in January and February, being the depth of winter, and wanting houses and other comforts…
| T | TONE | Bradford’s tone is neutral like a reporter, until he comes to the part where he must report that over half of the company died in the first winter. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
difficult, discontents, murmurings, wisdom, patience, faithfully, sad, lamentable |
| I | IMAGERY |
"... in two or three months’ time, half of their company died, especially in January and February, being the depth of winter…” |
| S | STYLE |
Bradford uses third person to impart a sense of community, focusing a level of admiration on Governor Carver as someone who was able to quell rebellion and maintain control. |
| T | THEME |
This passage highlights the many struggles that the settlers faced in the first winter, including the initial rumbles of rebellion, the deaths of friends and loved ones, and the depths of winter which are cold and harsh without such simple things as a house. To know that despite all of this, they survived, is admirable. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Perform a TWIST analysis of a selection from Of Plymouth Plantation. Remember that TWIST stands for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme.
Visual aids help students remember steps and stay focused. Anchor charts provide a clear, ongoing reference for each element of TWIST, making the analysis process easier and more accessible for all learners.
Clarifying terms ensures everyone understands what to look for. Use simple language, examples, and visuals for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme so students can reference them during reading.
Active participation builds ownership and deeper understanding. Ask students to suggest words, quotes, or images from Of Plymouth Plantation for each TWIST category and add them to the chart together.
Model referencing the chart as you guide students through analysis. Encourage students to use the chart when working individually or in groups to reinforce independent TWIST analysis skills.
Keep the anchor chart dynamic by adding fresh examples from other texts or students' own work. This reinforces learning and highlights growth in TWIST analysis throughout the year.
A TWIST analysis is a strategy that helps students break down a passage by examining its Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme. This approach encourages deeper reading and understanding of the author's intent and literary techniques.
To perform a TWIST analysis for Of Plymouth Plantation, select a passage and identify its tone, notable word choices, vivid imagery, the author’s style, and the overall theme. Students can create storyboards to visually represent each element and explain its significance.
TWIST analysis helps students engage more deeply with Of Plymouth Plantation by promoting close reading and critical thinking. It enables learners to interpret Bradford’s language, tone, and intent, making complex historical texts more accessible and meaningful.
Example questions include: What tone does Bradford use when describing hardships? How does his word choice reveal the settlers’ struggles? What imagery stands out in the passage? How does Bradford’s style affect the narrative? What central theme emerges from this excerpt?
Students should: 1) Select a passage, 2) Identify elements of TWIST, 3) Choose images and text to represent each element, 4) Write brief explanations, and 5) Edit and proofread their work before submitting.