!["If" TWIST Analysis](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/lauren/if--twist.png ""If" TWIST Analysis")
Activity Overview
An effective 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. For this activity, students will create a 5 cell storyboard, illustrating each letter of TWIST for Rudyard Kipling's poem “If”.
TWIST Example for “If”
| T | TONE |
The tone of this poem is didactic, which means it sets out to teach a lesson. In this case, a father to his son. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
Kipling uses a lot of figurative language in this poem. One example is when he refers to Triumph and Disaster as “imposters”. This is an example of personification. Another example is when Kipling says, “Yours is the earth, and everything that is in it.” This is a hyperbole, or an exaggerated fact. |
| I | IMAGERY |
An example of imagery in this poem is the line, “If you can wait, and not be tired by waiting.” |
| S | STYLE |
“If” is a lyrical poem. This means that it is written with such a rhythm and rhyme pattern that it resembles the musical qualities of a song. |
| T | THEME |
The theme of this poem is self-development. The author is telling his son all of the things he needs to do in order to develop into a good man. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a TWIST analysis of the poem "If".
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance of meaning of each image.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIST Analysis | Each aspect of TWIST is analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. The tone(s) is/are correctly identified and explained and are supported by evidence. The word choice uses a healthy sample of words from the excerpt that are loaded with connotation, associations, or emotional impact. The chosen imagery highlights sense impressions created by the writer and indicates the author's attitude or evokes a particular reaction from the reader. The author's style is discussed in terms of figurative language, point of view, literary techniques, punctuation, etc. The theme identified highlights the meaning of the passage and offers insight, and it is supported by evidence from the text. | Most of the aspects of TWIST are analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. In discussing the aspects, the student may have forgotten key evidence, or they may be unclear in their analysis. The student shows a basic understanding of each of the parts of the acronym, but may not apply them fully to the selected passage. | Most aspects of TWIST are provided with basic evidence and quotes from the passage. The student may be able to identify the elements correctly, but not be able to explain them completely or reveal insight. The discussion is rudimentary and/or may seem rushed. | Some aspects of TWIST are missing or too limited to score, or most of the aspects of TWIST are incorrect. The student makes no attempt to reveal insight in his or her analysis. |
| Depictions | The depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, but they are minimal. There may be some inaccuracies or evidence that the student strayed from the task at hand. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Some of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
An effective 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. For this activity, students will create a 5 cell storyboard, illustrating each letter of TWIST for Rudyard Kipling's poem “If”.
TWIST Example for “If”
| T | TONE |
The tone of this poem is didactic, which means it sets out to teach a lesson. In this case, a father to his son. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
Kipling uses a lot of figurative language in this poem. One example is when he refers to Triumph and Disaster as “imposters”. This is an example of personification. Another example is when Kipling says, “Yours is the earth, and everything that is in it.” This is a hyperbole, or an exaggerated fact. |
| I | IMAGERY |
An example of imagery in this poem is the line, “If you can wait, and not be tired by waiting.” |
| S | STYLE |
“If” is a lyrical poem. This means that it is written with such a rhythm and rhyme pattern that it resembles the musical qualities of a song. |
| T | THEME |
The theme of this poem is self-development. The author is telling his son all of the things he needs to do in order to develop into a good man. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a TWIST analysis of the poem "If".
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance of meaning of each image.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIST Analysis | Each aspect of TWIST is analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. The tone(s) is/are correctly identified and explained and are supported by evidence. The word choice uses a healthy sample of words from the excerpt that are loaded with connotation, associations, or emotional impact. The chosen imagery highlights sense impressions created by the writer and indicates the author's attitude or evokes a particular reaction from the reader. The author's style is discussed in terms of figurative language, point of view, literary techniques, punctuation, etc. The theme identified highlights the meaning of the passage and offers insight, and it is supported by evidence from the text. | Most of the aspects of TWIST are analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. In discussing the aspects, the student may have forgotten key evidence, or they may be unclear in their analysis. The student shows a basic understanding of each of the parts of the acronym, but may not apply them fully to the selected passage. | Most aspects of TWIST are provided with basic evidence and quotes from the passage. The student may be able to identify the elements correctly, but not be able to explain them completely or reveal insight. The discussion is rudimentary and/or may seem rushed. | Some aspects of TWIST are missing or too limited to score, or most of the aspects of TWIST are incorrect. The student makes no attempt to reveal insight in his or her analysis. |
| Depictions | The depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, but they are minimal. There may be some inaccuracies or evidence that the student strayed from the task at hand. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Some of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about \"If\" TWIST Analysis
Organize student groups for a collaborative TWIST analysis
Boost engagement by dividing your class into small groups. Assign each group a different stanza or section of the poem “If” to analyze using the TWIST framework. This allows students to share ideas and learn from each other while focusing on specific literary elements.
Assign group roles for focused participation
Designate roles such as discussion leader, note-taker, illustrator, and presenter. Clear roles ensure every student is actively involved and the group stays organized as they analyze their section of the poem.
Guide groups to complete a shared storyboard
Have each group collaboratively create a 5-cell storyboard—one cell for each TWIST element. Encourage students to use visuals, quotes, and brief explanations for each cell, deepening their understanding of the poem.
Facilitate group presentations to the class
Invite each group to present their TWIST storyboard. This gives students practice with public speaking and allows the whole class to see different perspectives on the poem.
Encourage peer feedback and class discussion
After all presentations, open the floor for classmates to ask questions or comment. Peer feedback helps students reflect on their work and builds a collaborative classroom environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"If\" TWIST Analysis
What is a TWIST analysis for the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling?
A TWIST analysis is a literary tool where students examine Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme in a text. For 'If' by Rudyard Kipling, it helps students dive deeper into the poem's message and structure by analyzing each element with examples from the poem.
How can I teach TWIST analysis using storyboards for 'If'?
To teach TWIST analysis with storyboards, have students create a 5-cell storyboard, each cell representing one element of TWIST for 'If'. Students illustrate and explain examples of tone, word choice, imagery, style, and theme using scenes and captions from the poem.
What are some examples of tone and imagery in 'If'?
In 'If', the tone is didactic, aiming to teach life lessons. An example of imagery is the line, “If you can wait, and not be tired by waiting,” which evokes patience and endurance through clear visual language.
Why is TWIST analysis effective for middle school students?
TWIST analysis is effective for grades 6-8 because it breaks complex texts into manageable parts. It guides students to focus on key literary elements, deepening their understanding and critical thinking skills while making analysis more engaging and accessible.
What instructions should I give students for a TWIST storyboard assignment?
Ask students to: Start the assignment, illustrate each TWIST element with scenes and characters from 'If', write a brief explanation for each image, and save and exit when finished. Remind them to focus on the meaning and importance of each example.
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