Ms. Feliciano
Engl 11
Reading Log Directions
The Basics
- In order to fulfill the outside reading requirement, students will read two novels per term (thus, four novels total).
- While students choose three of the novels, the third book must be Catcher in the Rye (in term 4).
- Books must be at least 200 pages in length and have not been made into a movie. Choose a book which you can expect to finish by the deadline.
- All books must be approved by Ms. Feliciano one week prior to each deadline.
Log Requirements
- All logs must be typed in MLA format.
- All logs must be completed and submitted by the deadline. No late logs accepted, even with an excused absence.
- Complete four entries per log. Remember, there are a total of four logs this year (one log per book).
Log Format
- At the top of your log, give the title, author, and total number of pages in the book.
- For each of the four entries in your log, analyze ONE of the following:
1) A major character’s motivations. Why does he/she make certain decisions? How do the
motivations affect the story? Think about direct characterization and indirect characterization.
2) A figure of speech. How does the author’s use of a particular figure of speech affect the tone
or style of the novel?
a) ex. Similes, metaphors, irony, personification, etc.
3) Setting. Where does this novel take place? How does setting affect the story? Remember to use these setting terms:
a) Mood (a.k.a. atmosphere) and tone
4) Imagery. How does the author use visual or sensory imagery? Do certain imagery repeat in
the story? How do the imagery affect setting or plot?
5) Symbol. Identify a major symbol in the novel and explain its effectiveness in the story’s
meaning. What does this symbol represent?
6) Theme. Summarize the theme of the novel. How does the author depict this theme?
7) Conflicts. Remember there are two types of conflicts (internal and external). Identify a major
conflict that a character experiences. How does this affect the plot, including the climax and
resolution?
8) Point of view. Whose eyes is the reader looking through in this novel? How does the point of view, or perspective, affect the plot and overall meaning of the novel?
*If you do not know the definition of some of these terms, see me and/or consult your textbook’s “Handbook of Literary Terms” (beginning on p. 1169)!
You will be assessed on:
- Thorough and thoughtful responses in each entry (about half a page for each entry, double-spaced)
- How well you have comprehended the novel and can discuss it with textual evidence
- MLA errors in citation of quotes or in format
- Grammar and syntax
- Completion of FOUR entries in each log
Reading Log Approval and Due Dates
*This sheet must be filled out and turned in with each set of logs.* Please keep this neat and clean, and do not lose it.
Each log is worth 100 points (25 points per entry).
Remember, I must approve your book at least one week before the deadline. Reading logs are considered long-term assignments and will thus not be accepted after the due dates.
DUE DATES
Book 1: February 5 Book 3: April 16
Book 2: March 12 Book 4: May 14
Book Title # of pages Ms. Feliciano’s stamp Score
in book of approval
12
3
Catcher in the Rye / 214 / L. Feliciano / N/A
4
I will allot twenty minutes every Thursday for SSR. This is a privilege, so be sure to bring your outside reading book every Thursday to class, unless otherwise notified. SSR time is not time to do homework for our class or any other class.