Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The reader response journal is like a diary. Only in this journal, you will not be reflecting on that nasty teacher who
keeps assigning homework or that secret love in math class, but, you will be reflecting on what novel you are
reading. The same novel also needs to come to each class for silent reading.
The journal will serve as a record of your thoughts and reactions, both emotional and analytical, regarding the novel.
This is an opportunity to express your opinions, ask questions and interact with the writer and/or characters.
Instructions:
1. Prior to reading, choose a natural spot to stop. Begin your journal entry as soon as you finish
that page. Your initial response to the literature will be more genuine.
2. Discuss anything that interests you about the material that you are reading. For example, discuss a
character you despise, a scene you find particularly moving, and/or a setting that was
described in extraordinary detail.
3. There is no set limit on how long the entries must be. However, keep in mind your journals are not
complete if lacking details. Think carefully about what you are writing and use excellent form.
Explain your opinions, thoughts and feelings in great detail.
4. When you choose a new book, provide a proper MLA bibliographical reference at the top of the page.
5. Organize your journal into two columns.
Column A
Journal Entry # _______
Quotation(s) from the text (include page number)
Hetman/ En 2014
Page 1
Column B
Commentary (I think, This reminds me of, I dont
know why, etc.)
I think
I wonder
I predict
I do not understand
If I were the author
This part reminds me of
This character reminds me of
It seems to me
I question
What impressed me was
I am reminded that
I know someone like
This reminds me of something else I read,
It was not fair when
If I were the author I would have
Why would
Remember, journals are your opportunity to interact with the text and express personal
opinion. It is not necessary or useful to summarize the plot. Dont summarize the plot!
Hetman/ En 2014
Page 2
Grade
A (86-100)
Format
Maturing
Responder
Hetman/ En 2014
Level of Thinking
Self-Directed
Responder
B (75-86)
Originality
Includes a correctly
formatted MLA
bibliography atop the first
page to identify the text to
which the reader is
responding.
Includes a MLA
bibliography atop the first
Page 3
responses.
C /C+(56-74)
Emerging
Responder
C- (50-55)
Hetman/ En 2014
Includes a MLA
bibliography atop the first
analyses, reactions,
questions, connections) on
the right-hand side.
Responses are less fully
developed than the higher
levels.
Omits (or bibliography has
major errors) MLA
bibliography atop the first
Page 4
Attempts to read
rhetorically, but offers
little insight into the
authors claims, appeals, or
devices.
Commentary is
shallow, revealing reader
understands only the
Novice
Responder
Hetman/ En 2014
Page 5
literal, surface-meaning of
the text.