AP ENGLISH LITERATURE

GUIDELINES FOR READER’S LOG

1. Avoid plot summary.

2. Put the page number and then your comment. The log must be typed and uploaded to www.turnitin.com

3. You are writing to me, so that comments and questions should be made in a way similar to class discussion.

4. When a character or idea interests you, comment, and tell why you are interested.

5. Respond to beauty or to craft. Explain your response.

6. If the writing or the plot confuses you, try to figure out why it does. You may also ask questions. Leave space for me to answer.

7. Always explain why you have an opinion. It is not enough to say, “I think this is really interesting.”

8. Make connections and associations between this piece and others you have read.

9. Look for patterns or repeated ideas, motif, imagery and symbols.

10. Notice and comment on devices used to develop character.

11. Look for words that set the tone.

12. Notice dominant sentence structure (syntax). Analyze its relevance to the message.

13. Notice any literary devices, including pattern, and comment on how they support the work as a whole.

14. Think about how plot and setting are entwined.

15. All of your log entries should be in sentences that comment, analyze or interpret.