For Quizzes: Reading
Diary / Log:
You are required to write a 1 page double-spaced (no longer than 2 pages) response for 4 of 8 of the major pieces assigned this semester.
Writing
The purpose of writing Reading Logs is to give you the opportunity to express your response to the pieces you have read and to examine the reasons for your response. By thinking seriously about the piece of literature, you should have a greater appreciation of the piece and a clearer understanding of your attitudes about the piece. The intent is for you to express your response, not what you think your professor believes or thinks.
Since the goal is for you to both express your response and become more aware of why you are responding as you do, follow these guidelines as you respond.
1. What are your initial reactions to reading the piece? What emotional response(s) does the piece evoke (interest, excitement, confusion, suspense, sadness, boredom, etc.)? Elaborate on this initial response as much as possible.
2. Why does the text have this effect on you?
A. What in the piece leads to your response? Utilize the conventions of literature like theme, point of view, characterization, plot, setting, tone and style and symbol to formulate this portion of your response. Use specific examples (quotes) from each piece to help illustrate your points. Make sure you practice good MLA skills when writing and citing.
B. What in you leads to your response? In what ways can your response seem personal as resulting from your preferences and biases about the genre from which the piece belongs (short story, poetry, drama, novel, etc.)? How do your personal beliefs and values affect your response?
-- Try to eliminate first person in your writing.
-- Never use second person in your writing.