Sample Reading and Writing Log Handout

							Sample Reading and Writing Log Handout

Your log may be compiled on loose-leaf paper in a ring binder or folder. It will serve as a
record or your reading and writing experiences in the course and contain informal
writings, in-class writings, reader responses, and various writings completed during the
semester. Your log may be used to generate ideas for papers, to reflect on the course, and
to chart your progress as a writer.

Do not be concerned with grammar and form in your log, as such a concentration can
inhibit the flow of ideas. Logs will be collected, responded to and assigned a letter grade
based on thorough and thoughtful content.

Each time a reading is assigned you will be asked to write a written response in your log.
Responses will serve as a record of your reading of a text and as a springboard for class
discussions and should be a minimum of one word processed or two handwritten pages.
Title and date each log entry. For each reading response, you will also be asked to
formulate at least three questions for class discussion. In addition to preparing specific
questions, here are some suggestions for responding to readings:

1. Preview, paraphrase and annotate the text. Looking back at these annotation will help
   you choose an approach.

2. Relate the people, places, ideas and events to your personal experience.

3. List words or copy passages that engage your interest. Attempt to state why you are
   engaged or confused. Think and then write about why these particular things attracted
   your attention.

4. Work on figuring out the author’s philosophy of life, political orientation, economic
   position, interests, attitudes and beliefs. State these and then how you see yourself in
   relation to the author’s values. In what ways do you agree or disagree with the
   author?

5. Sometime after writing your response, review it. Try and make connections between
   and additions to your ideas. Speculate about what you have achieved as a reader and a
   writer.

Developed by Vivian Rice, PWI and 670 Coordinator