English 10 Reading Log
Second Semester Due Dates: February 13, March 27, May 7, June 4
Directions: Choose books from the extensive list provided. The numbers that follow each book correspond to the difficulty of that book. Submit a Reading Log at the beginning of the period on the due date.
Put the following on a cover sheet OR at the top of the first page of your log:
•Your Name •The Date
•Book Title•Author
•Number of Pages •Point Value
Then address the following on separate pieces of paper.
Section 1: Summary
1. Write a fairly brief synopsis (summary) of the work you read for this log. Be sure to cover the main occurrences in the book, including what you feel is the climax, but don't get too detailed. 1-2 pages MAXIMUM. Note that a synopsis of this type should NEVER be a single paragraph. Instead it should change paragraphs with shifts in time and place at the very least.
Section 2: Analysis Part 1: Choose one of the two following areas. Each area MUST be done by the end of each semester.
1. Evaluate one of the main characters by discussing ONE of the following, making sure you use details and at least one quotation for EACH body paragraph. This writing should be at least a page in length, though it usually winds up being longer. Note that NONE of the following can be done in a single paragraph!
a) Discuss at least three specific problems that the main character faces in the story and how he/she deals with them
b) Discuss three influences on the main character. State each influence and give specifics about how each impacts him/her
c) Discuss three of the main character's traits. Clearly state each trait and support your choice with specific incidents.
d) Show how the main character changes from the beginning of the story to the end. Use three distinct specific incidents.
2. Discuss ONE of the following in a multi-paragraph writing using support quotations in each body paragraph:
a) How does the setting (time period, place, etc.) play a role in the book's development of character, plot, and/or theme. All of the items listed need not be covered, but this should be a thorough analysis of the setting’s importance. For example, the fact that To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, in the early part of the 20th century profoundly affects racial attitudes.
b) Choose a scene you feel is important and analyze it closely. Show why the scene is important given what happens. Make sure you pay close attention to the author's word usage/diction. What does he/she describe or have the characters say to one another? What is left up to the reader to fill in? For example, the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet establishes the rash nature of Romeo’s love and foreshadows problems that will arise.
c) Compare/contrast a character from this book with a character you have read about in a text from either this year or last year. What characteristics to they share? In what ways are they different?
Section 3: Analysis Part 2
1. Discuss the theme of the work, writing a thesis and showing how it develops. For example, a theme for Romeo and Juliet might be Love, but a thesis would be more focused and specific, such as - Though often tragic, love can lead to reconciliation (Romeo and Juliet die, but their families will finally find peace). Use specifics and quotations in each body paragraph.
Section 4: Review
1. Review the book - Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Personal Response opportunity (only after completing TWO written reading logs):
Once you have completed TWO written reading logs following the instructions above - and are satisfied with your grades - you can opt to complete your 6-point requirement by doing one of the following:
a) Come in for a 5-10 minute discussion of the novel. Consider this a BRIEF oral reading log.
b) Write a 2-page paper about how the book influenced you , changed your thoughts on an issue, taught you something important
c) Respond artistically to the book through a poem, drawing/painting, CD liner notes (songs that connect/explain characters), a page of the story from a different character’s point of view, a letter to the author, a short story sequel, or some other idea you come up with.