Reading Log Format
Reading logs are an essential component of this class enabling each of you to mine the text by examining the context and the structure each author uses in creating the work. These will be collected regularly. Place typed double-spaced stapled log pages in your notebooks and hand in at beginning of class! Instructor will not ask for it, but expect it to be left on her desk.
Each reading log for each reading must be on a separate page with the reading identified by the specific title, author of the reading, your name, class time, date of your response.
Student’s Name
Date, time of class
English 155
(center title/ author’s name/pg # of work eg.)"My Hips, My Caderas" by Alisa Valdes pg 48
Unless I specifically direct you otherwise, each reading log must contain responses to the following questions written in paragraph form.
1. What is this work about? Give a short summary statement.
2. What is the author’s point or thesis? Quote the actual sentence(s) which you think represents the thesis. Restate it in your own words.
3. To whom is the writer speaking [writing]? What, if anything, does the writer want from the reader?
4. What are the writer's assumptions about readers?
5. What is the writing situation--why did the writer write this in the first place?
6. Why is the writer supplying these specific examples and details? (Why not just give a short summary)?
7. What organizational structure [rhetorical strategy] has the author utilized here? Narration, description, illustration, division & classication, definition, compare/contrast, process analysis, cause & effect analysis, persuasion & argument, analysis, problem solving, debate? Explain.
8. How well does the author accomplish this purpose? You must quote specific examples from the text to explain your answer.
9. List at least 5 new vocabulary words. Give their definition and write your own sentence showing the proper usage for each word.
10. AND any names/concepts/movements, historical or otherwise, mentioned in this work must be researched so you can provide BRIEF explanation.