9 YARDSTICKS OF VALUE

YARDSTICKS? IN ENGLISH CLASS?

• The 9 yardsticks are used to evaluate the quality of literature
• Have you ever wondered why you like one book, but dislike another?
• Using this method, you'll be able to put those thoughts into words
• Words=POWER!

CLARITY

WHAT IS CLARITY?

• How well the story can be understood
• Careful reading=understanding
• Does the author use language that is easy to follow?
• Remember, a book can be complex, but still clear

ESCAPE

WHAT IS ESCAPE?

• Does the author immerse you in his/her world?
• Do you get caught up in the story?
• Is it exciting, fast-paced, and/or humorous?

REFLECTION OF REALITY

WHAT IS REFLECTION?

• Is it honest about human nature?
• Does the story have believable outcomes?
• Is there an understandable change in the characters?
• Is the dialogue realistic?
• Are the characters complex and believable?

ARTISTRY IN DETAILS

WHAT IS ARTISTRY?

• Do you appreciate the way the book is written?
• Does the author use vivid and beautiful language?
• Is the author's style interesting and captivating?

INTERNAL CONSISTENCY

WHAT IS CONSISTENCY?

• Do the separate parts of the story contribute to the whole?
• Does the author play by the rules that he/she creates?
• Do the characters act in a way that fits with the world of the story?

TONE

WHAT IS TONE?

• Can you get a sense of the author's personality?
• Mood=emotion experienced by the reader
• Tone=attitude/emotion expressed by the writer
• Sincere/distinctive?

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL IMPACT?

• Have you made a connection with character?
• Can you relate to the story overall?
• Did the story stick with you after you have finished?

PERSONAL BELIEFS

WHAT ARE PERSONAL BELIEFS?

• Does the book connect with your personal beliefs about...
• Religion?
• Politics?
• Philosophy?
• Morality?

SIGNIFICANT INSIGHT

WHAT IS INSIGHT?

• Does the story provide a unique perspective?
• Did you learn something about the world around you?
• Does the story explore rich thematic material?

SOURCE

• Anna J. Small Roseboro
• From Walter Blain & John Gerber
• In Literature (1959)