Independent Reading Journal
Procedure:
1. Write your entries in the pre-formatted Google Doc.
2. All entries must correspond with the entry letter. The first 24 boxes are pre-labeled.
You do not need to go in order. The last entry is your choice. Do not forget to put in the entry
letter.
3. On the left side of the page, record the exact quote and include a parenthetical citation
(use the example to help you format your citation correctly. Incorrect citations will result in
points taken off). All entries must have a quote.
4. On the right side of the page, include one of the following types of reader reactions:
a. Analysis of figurative language in the quote. What type of figurative language is it?
Why does the author use it? How does it work? What is the effect? (examples:
metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole…)
b. Analysis of diction (connotation, denotation, preciseness of words) and author’s
tone. Give the tone and explain what words help develop that tone and how.
c. Analysis of the elements of setting, plot, or conflict. How is the element portrayed
and what effect does it have? Why might the author have made this choice and how
does it relate to other elements of the story?
d. Analysis of the development of themes. What are two possible themes, how are
they emerging, and how do they interact and build on each other?
e. Analysis of characterization. What character trait is developed and how? Is the
characterization direct or indirect? (Note: do not list physical descriptions as
characterization unless you are using those character traits to make an inference about
personality. Also, temporary emotions are not character traits.)
f. A question you may have about the passage.
g. A personal reaction or connection to the passage.
h. A word you do not know, what you can infer its meaning is based on context clues,
and then what the actual definition is (look it up at the end, your inference does not
have to match the definition).
i. Analysis of author’s form and syntax. (Look at the type of sentences, the length, the
type of punctuation… How does it affect pacing? What emotion does it signify?)
j. Evaluate. Give your opinion/judgment. Do you like this part? Does it work for
you? Do you enjoy the author’s writing style? (You can evaluate the author’s point,
word choice, figurative language, theme, plot points, skill…)
k. Make an inference. When the text leaves matters uncertain, read closely and make
logical inferences.
l. Give two possible interpretations of the same scene. Evaluate how each version
impacts the text.
5. You must have at least 25 journal entries. The entries, as a whole, should
reflect the entire book. In other words, your entries should not be limited to
just the beginning of the book. You must have a variety of reactions/analysis
(see a-l). Each type of reaction/analysis should appear at least twice. In other
words, you can’t focus on plot or characterization or any other element
exclusively.
As the name indicates, this assignment is to be done independently. Sharing even one
journal entry is considered plagiarism and will result in an automatic zero for both
parties. Plagiarized assignments cannot be made up.
Example:
Date and
Entry Label
Quote Analysis
1
Analysis Type:
A
“I felt his glare on me like the
heat of a blistering sun”
(Hosseini 61).
The author uses this simile to show the
intensity of Baba’s glare and reflect how Amir
feels in response to his father’s display of
disapproval. By comparing Baba to the sun, he
is literally elevated and almost deified in a way
that mimics how he appears to Amir, who looks
up to him to the point of worship. But the
“blistering” heat is painful. Likewise, Amir is
physically hurt by this glance in the same way
one burns after being exposed to too much sun.
This burning pain reflects the damage caused
by the relationship between Amir and Baba due
to both Amir’s hero worship and his sense that
his father is disappointed in him.
