Independent Novel Study
ASSIGNMENTS 2 AND 3: Response Logs
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Learning Target (Curricular Competencies):
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Task:
Halfway through your novel, you will write a Halfway Response Log. You will also write one when you have completed reading your novel called a Final Response Log. These logs will document your journey through the book.
These are not, however, summaries of your story. They are your analyses and understanding of the novel and your thoughts and opinions ABOUT what you are reading (the themes, events, characters, etc.). Reflect on ways the ideas in the novel deepened your understanding about your own identity, others, and the world.It is important you include the date, author, and the name of your novel in the first sentence of each journal.You need to write THREE paragraphs in your Response Log. Responses should be at least 600 words (in total) and include relevant quotations from the novel.
Paragraph One: The Language, Details and Ideas of the Section
- For this paragraph you are going to write about the words on the page, how the author is writing. You are going to respond to the vocabulary, characterization, details of the writing, elements of style, subtle language details that the author included...etc.
- Examples: Any figurative language the author is using (metaphors, symbolism etc.). How did the author create the setting in your mind. How do they use language to help their ideas. Are you starting to see a writing style emerge? How does the author's chosen point of view help or hinder his/her writing? Discuss how the language of the novel shapes ideas and influences others.
- You need to use specific examples/quotations from the novel
Paragraph Two: The Relationships and Character Development of the Section
- For this paragraph you are going to write about the character developments/ relationships in the novel. This is not a summary, but you are going to discuss how the characters are developing. Make judgments about the relationships in the story, the content and purpose of the story.
- Examples: Relationships between the characters. Development of a character...why are they the way they are?
Paragraph Three: Your Understanding and Appreciation of the Section
- For this paragraph you are going to write about your personal response to the section you've read. You should discuss your personal understanding and experience with the reading. Explore and integrate insightful understandings and appreciation for your reading. Reflect on ways the ideas in the novel deepened your understanding about your own identity, others, and the world.
- Examples: Do you see things in a new way? Have you experienced something similar? What if it was you? How does it make you feel? How do you react?
- A quotation that really spoke to you may be helpful in this section.
NOTE: The Logs need to be completed AS YOU READ your novel. Click here for a sample Response Log.
Assessment: Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.
Learning Target: (Exemplary 6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective. Student demonstrates exemplary active reading skills to comprehend and respond to text in personal, creative, and critical ways. All activities are complete. Student responds to elements of style, language, details, and ideas. Student makes insightful connections between content and character relationships. Text references and ideas generated are thoughtful and unique. There are meaningful personal connections between self, text, and world.
Written Expression: Exemplary (6/6): Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen. Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization.
Submission:
Use the "5.2 Halfway Response Log" and "5.3 Final Response Log" links on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignments to your teacher for marking.