Reading Response Guidelines

Reading Responses provide you an opportunity to synthesize your thoughts about a text into a cohesive argument that responds to a prompt. You will rely on evidence from the text to substantiate that argument. Responses should be thesis-driven, well-organized, and written for the members of this learning community (those of us who have also read and discussed the text in question.) Responses will generally be due on the final day of discussing a text, but specific due dates will be posted for each Response opportunity. I will post the prompts for each response opportunity at the beginning of each unit, so you can keep it in mind as you're reading and participating in class discussion.

You are required to write 5 Responses over the course of the semester, and at least 2 by Midterm (before Spring Break). Reading Responses count 25% of your grade in this course.

Evaluation Criteria:

• The response responds to the prompt with a central, focused idea articulated in a clear thesis
• The response uses specific evidence from the text to develop a thoughtful argument
• Responses are well-organized, using transitions and signposts to help the reader follow the writer's argument
• The response demonstrates clear understanding of the text and strong critical thinking about its interpretation
• The response demonstrates careful attention to the conventions of standard, edited English

The Logistics:

• Each Reading Response prompt will be posted as a blog entry. You are responsible for typing up your response and posting it as a comment. 
• I strongly advise you to compose in your word processing program, save your essay, and then paste into the blog. Interrupted internet connections can sometimes mean you lose work typed directly into the blog. 
• You are responsible for writing a minimum of 5 responses, at least 2 by midterm. I will count your highest 5 scores.
• If you have questions about how to use the technology, ask a couple of your classmates; if they can't help, please ask me.