How to Write A Journal Entry (you should already have this)

You've already seen this, but here it is again to remind you of my expectations for journal responses.

Journal Entries

You don’t learn to read, to learn to read. You learn to read, so you can eventually read to learn. You’re at the age where you need to realize that reading is more than just comprehending the written word—it’s also about comprehending the world around you. Bombshell:  stories are written by people, and most of those people could care less if you, while reading their story, couldn’t figure out the meaning of “insipid” on page 47, paragraph 2. What matters most is your experience with the story-world, and how it can impact the way you see the real world. This is where journal writing comes into play!

While there aren’t necessarily “rules” for how you set up a journal entry, it’s still absolutely important to realize the purpose of this exercise: to make intelligent and insightful connections from life to literature, and consequently, from  literature to life. This transaction allows us to not only understand what we read, but it helps us develop new ideas. Consequently, we become more aware, thoughtful, and empathetic people.

**Your journal is NOT a place to summarize stories. Rather, you will use the stories to support your thoughts on specific issues brought up in the prompts, or an issue of your own choosing (if given the option)

What a good journal entry looks like

Besides incorporating clear connections to the text we’re reading and how it specifically relates to a prompt or issue, here are a few tips on writing a good journal entry. Please note, not ALL items need to be addressed within a single entry:

1. A good journal entry connects the issue at hand to personal experiences. Hypothetical examples or real-life examples (anecdotes) are shared to illustrate ideas.

2.  A good journal entry often makes connections to other stories

3. A good journal entry will often raise rhetorical questions about the issue at hand.

4. A good journal entry often references real-world events (current events, history, etc.) or pop culture (films, music, icons) to help form your response to a prompt.

5. A good journal entry takes a tone of questioning and suggesting, instead of stating or proclaiming the Almighty Truth.

***All journals should be typed and 3/4 of a page to 1 page, double-spaced (270-320 words)

How you will be graded:

A/A- work: Journal entries show evidence of critical thinking on a specific issue. Entries reference the text clearly, effectively, and accurately to make valid points. Journals are the appropriate length.

B/B- work: Journal entries have solid thoughts, but slightly inconsistent with the level of depth and insight. Entries relate back to text with effect, but there may be a lack of detail or a possible misunderstanding of some of the concepts. Journals are the appropriate length

C/C- work: Journal entries will make an attempt at responding to an issue, but the writing appears to be bland, random, or lacking detail. Stories are given mention, but you don’t go into much detail. Some language difficulties present. Journal length is questionable.

D/D- work: Journal entries generally seem rushed, highly random, and rarely relate back to the stories. Language is difficult to comprehend at times. Journal entries are missing and/or generally under the word requirement.

F work:  Entries are not completed.