|
Reading Journal: Response to a Short Text / Argument Please note: A. In addition to its normal use, a “reading” refers to a video. B. To see MLA format requirements and examples, click here. This semester you are required to study and respond to a number of readings. Interesting people will probably find the readings interesting. Dullards, on the other hand -- well, what can you do? The assigned readings are of various genres: short story, poetry, book excerpt, non-fiction article, letter, radio broadcast transcript, and video. No matter what type of literature a particular reading is, for the purposes of this class, think of it as a well-written argument in which “big ideas” are presented. Frequently the reading/argument will take one “side” in a controversy or question, present evidence, downplay the opposition, and attempt to prove a point. An inexact parallel is the “case” a prosecutor makes in a criminal trial. Sometimes the reading/argument will not be “one sided”: instead, it will raise a question and present different “sides,” showing the strengths and weaknesses of each. The “sides” may be more than two in number. Without choosing one side over the other(s), the writer requires the reader to solve the dilemma presented. In a novel, for instance, two well-intentioned, though flawed, characters can have radically different reactions to the same event and become antagonists. We see both “sides” and are left asking Who really is in the right? and What would I do in that situation? To responsd to the readings appropriately, you will want to follow the Big Eight Thou Shalts, the required MLA format (click here) and the content suggestions below. The Big Eight Thou Shalts Thou shalt not bore thy reader. Thou shalt respond intelligently and significantly in few words through precise, concise expression; know thou that nonsense, gibberish, inanity, and laziness are mighty errors and illuminateth not the True Path. Thou shalt write the response to each reading on a separate sheet of paper. Thou shalt type/print all documents in blue or black ink in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Arial script. Thou shalt adhere to all MLA formatting requirements. Click here. Thou shalt attach all responses in a pocket folder and have the folder in class and conference. Thou shalt be exceedingly neat. Thou shalt find God in the details, so it is said.. ———————————— Format Example & Section Topics Doe 1 J. Doe (C2) Mr. Mallory Eng. 1102 32 January 2009 Reading Response #1 Bibliographical information in MLA format. Click here ———————————— The Big Idea: Clearly and succinctly: What is the point / What are the points the author attempts to make? What is the theme / What are the themes of the reading? Reaction: Your serious comments, observations, ruminations, speculations; the good, the bad, the ugly; your questions about and problems with the text. Quotes: Select two significant quotes from the text and explain their significance. Connection: Explain the connection between the reading and one of the below Be very specific in identifying the connection: who?, what?, when?, where?, why?, how? Website Literature: Fiction, non-fiction, poem, article, speech, letter, play -- anything serious or seriously funny Other art: painting, song, movie / other video -- anything serious or seriously funny Personal experience News item Other ??? You may use the authors words in your response, but put them in quotes and indicate the page number of the source according to MLA format. Please confine each response to one single-spaced page.(This is not strict MLA style, but do it.) Allow me to reiterate: Read. Study. Think. Think some more. Say much in little space. Remember, your words and the MLA format (click here.) you follow are the only things a reader (yours truly) will have to go by in evaluating your work. |
|
READING / LITERATURE LITERATURE ON LINE |
