Dialectical Journal (DJ)
The Outsiders
Objectives: To respond personally and creatively to literature. To have dialogue or conversation with the text. To increase meaning and comprehension of written work.
While reading chapters 1-12 of The Outsiders, you will be keeping a written record of certain passages throughout, as well as your reactions to them. As you read, create a journal for each chapter. The conversation and close reading of the novel will be written down in a two-column journal as illustrated below:
From “Eleven”
Quote/Detail / Close Reading/ReactionWhen she gets home there will be a cake, and everyone will sing.
She wished to be one hundred and two years old.
No one claims the sweater.
“because I’m skinny, maybe because she doesn’t like me . . .”
“Rachel . . . you put that sweater on right now and no more nonsense!” / She has a happy and normal home life. (DI)
She is exaggerating about age. She must believe adults are better at handling themselves in these kinds of situations. (DI)
Who says the sweater is Rachel’s? (1)
How does Rachel feel about herself? (2)
When do people acquire self-esteem? (3)
I’m glad I never had a mean teacher like that! (PR)
WHAT AND HOW DO YOU QUOTE?
· Any part of a passage that speaks to you—positively or negatively (include page #)
· An observation (include page #)
· Paraphrase details or evidence
· Cite passage verbatim
· Use ellipses (. . .) if necessary
WHAT IS A REACTION? HOW DO I HAVE CLOSE READING OF THE TEXT?
· Ask level 1, 2, & 3 questions (label using 1, 2, or 3)
· Draw Inferences (DI)
An inference is a logical guess. It is a statement about a character or situation.
· Give a personal reaction (PR)
I visualize. . .
I wonder. . .
I am confused by. . .
This reminds me of. . .
· Write about how it makes you feel (PR)
· Argue with or speak to the characters or author (PR)
HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR JOURNAL BE?
For each chapter include: Points
· One level 1 question 1
· At least three level 2 or 3 questions 3
(One point for each question)
· At least three inferences 3
(One point for each inference)
· At least three personal reactions 3
(One point for each reaction)
SCORE
· Each chapter is worth 10 journal points; overall that is 120 points for the entire novel!
· Be prepared to have class discussion using your journal entries!
DATES DUE:
· The journal will be taken up for grading every 5th chapter. For instance, once each of the following chapters has been read and discussed, I will take up your journals: 5, 10, 12.
**Remember, your journal is a reflection of your thoughts as you read the work. It is a kind of communication between you and the book, characters, and author.