Question #2: How would you summarize the idea expressed here?

READING LOG INSTRUCTIONS: For each book, you must complete the following:

1. Choose SIX (6) passages or quotes.  Be sure to include TWO (2) entries for the beginning, TWO (2) for the middle, and TWO (2) for the end.
2. Copy each passage or quote on blank white paper and write the page number. On that same blank page, select and respond to at least ONE (1) of the following reading prompts for EACH passage or quote. Copy the selected reading prompt. Each response must consist of at least 4-5 sentences

PLEASE NOTE: A sample of the reading log for each literary work is below.

READING PROMPTS 

1) Who is speaking? Where does this particular scene take place (setting)? Explain the character’s thoughts, motives, and actions (i.e. What does the person mean?).

2) What does this passage reveal about the character(s) or ideas in this book? What is your opinion of the character(s)? Use textual evidence to support your response.

3) What literary device/technique (i.e. symbolism, flashback, irony, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, etc.) does the author use to express meaning?

4) I agree/disagree with the idea/statement that…..

5) I think the message the author is trying to express is…..

6) If I were (include the character’s name), …..OR: If I were (specify the situation/ dilemma, etc.),  I would have said/done…..

(Sample of a STRONG Response) 

READING LOG FOR FICTION 

Book Title: 1984

Author: George Orwell

Page Range: 1-73

Entry #1: “The frightening thing, he reflected for the ten thousandth time as he forced his shoulders painfully backward… If the Party could thrust its hand into the past and say of this or that event, it never happened—that, surely, was more terrifying than mere torture and death” (Orwell 34).

Reading Prompt:  Question #2: How would you summarize the idea expressed here? 

Winston is participating in routine exercise in this part of the book. Everyone has to do it and if you don’t you can get in trouble. As he is doing the exercise, his mind wanders. He begins to think that his government is too controlling and gets off track. The woman in the Telescreen yells at him and he gets back to exercising correctly. He thinks that the control the Party has over people and history is worse than death or torture.