01: Working with Mentor Texts to Improve Your Analytical Writing

Now that you've completed the Writing Pre-Assessment about Holden Caulfield, let's take a look at model responses, which English teachers sometimes call "Mentor Texts".

What is a Mentor Text?

A "mentor text" is a model writing sample that shows you what a strong response might look like. Think of it like a role model, but for writing — something to study, borrow strategies from, and reflect on.

In this lesson, you'll look at three different responses to the Catcher in the Rye pre-assessment prompt. These mentor texts show what writing looks like at three different stages:

• Emerging – A beginning writer finding their footing
• Developing – A writer who knows the structure but needs to deepen analysis
• Meeting/Exceeding – A more advanced response with thoughtful evidence and insight