Reading Log Format

Integrated Science: Redwood High School

 Purpose:

When required to produce a summary (as a Reading Log) of an assigned article refer to this handout. Summaries serve as an abbreviated version of the original. To a teacher, a summary should indicate that the student has successfully read and understood the piece, and was able to identify and organize the topics, examples, and conclusion.

 Procedure

Follow the guidelines below as you read the assigned reading:

  1. Read the article.
  2. Try to arrange enough time to complete the first reading in one session. It can be difficult to return to a scientific article after having read only part of the article.
  3. Highlight or underline important information.
  4. During your reading of the assigned piece, underline or highlight the following information:
  5. key topics and the main idea of the article [usually found near the beginning of the article]
  6. important subtopics that support the main idea
  7. words and/or phrases that you do not fully understand
  8. the author’s conclusion [usually found near the end of the article]
  1. Create margin notes in the margins of the article.
  2. During your reading of the assigned piece, create margin notes about the following information:
  3. words or phrases that need defining or clarification
  4. words or phrases that are key to the article and will be used in your summary
  5. the main topics in the order in which you will summarize the topics in the article
  6. reminders to yourself regarding the use of information found in charts and/or graphics

Follow the guidelines below to write a Reading Log of the assigned reading. Clearly label each of the 3 main sections.

  1. Create a Heading
  2. Your Name
  3. Date, Period, Teacher
  4. Resource Citation: (choose one of the following formats, depending on the source of the reading)

Web Site: Web-Site name. Full URL (Date Accessed: mo/yr)

Journal Article: Author (Last Name, Initial). “Title”. Journal/Magazine. Issue. Page No.

Handout: Title, [Source]. (Date).

  1. Create a Vocabulary List w/definitions (minimum 5 words)
  2. Record words you identified as unclear or unfamiliar as you read the article.
  3. Know all the words in the article? Create a vocabulary list featuring key words
  4. Use a dictionary to record definitions for these words.
  1. Write a Summary of the reading. Write 1 paragraph per bullet.
  2. Write an introductory paragraph that clearly summarizes the theme or main idea presented in the reading.
  3. State the major points made by the author to support the theme or main idea. Include actual information taken directly from the reading. This is the main body of your summary.
  4. Summarize the author’s conclusion and reflect upon it. In response, write a statement reflecting your opinion about the information presented in the reading.