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| AP English 12: some response journal how-to's The purpose of the response journal is to develop deep reading and analysis skills. Ideally, over time, students will learn to internalize all of the set questions provided by the RJ. Process: students read assigned texts and answer specific text-based questions, focusing on their own opinions and perspectives. Vague or general "overview" answers are considered inappropriate for this assignment. Also inappropriate are answers which analyze others' analyses (i.e. Pinkmonkey notes or Cliffs). Said texts are resources only, to be used after the inital reading of primary texts if at all. What to write/How much to write: each student's quantity will be different; however, each question/topic is usually covered in at least a paragraph, using specific plot points. Each RJ in the first quarter should be between 5-10 pages long, and typed (they will become shorter as the year progresses and analysis improves). Every question/topic must be addressed. What if I don't understand what a question/topic means? Look it up. Use a literature book, the library, the internet, a teacher, or a former student. Think it through. Explaining on the RJ how you didn't "get" it will earn you nothing. Be creative. Don't give up. Grading: RJ's are graded on completion and quality of analysis (both objective & subjective). Generally, students who read carefully and give good effort in "writing through" the questions/topics will earn high RJ marks. Any part of an RJ that is plagiarized will result in a ZERO for said RJ. Also, any student who earns below a C- on the objective test for a text will receive at best 50% on the RJ, regardless of its length and depth. DO NOT BE DEFEATED BY WHAT YOU DON'T INITIALLY UNDERSTAND. BE THOUGHTFUL, TAKE RISKS AND FIND JOY IN THE READING! |
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