Double-Entry Journal
A Double-Entry Journal is a common note-taking technique used to help remember and
respond to texts. As you read through or review a text, select quotes and passages that are
particularly interesting, confusing, or important. In the left-hand column of the entry, write out
the quote. You should write out the entire quote; if the passage you are focusing on is particularly
long, select a few sentences as representative of the whole passage. In the right-hand column of
the journal entry, write a response to the quote. Your response might address some of the
following questions:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
How does this passage relate to a developing theme in the text?
Does this passage introduce a new idea or concept in the novel?
Does this passage connect to another text or real-world issue?
How does this passage serve to develop characterization?
What is particularly demanding or confusing about this passage?
What literary merit is there to be found in this passage? Note the devices used.
What is the tone of this passage?
Also, remember that we typically respond to literature on 3 levels. You may respond to the
selected passage by addressing these 3 levels:
*Literal
*Figurative
*Critical/Personal
(What’s happening on the surface?)
(What’s the implied or symbolic significance?)
(What’s the merit of this text? What is my personal reaction to it?)
Your double entry journals should include page numbers and be legible. They may be typed or handwritten. They should be turned in on perforated/whole sheets of paper (i.e. without spiral notebook
fringies….argh…). There is no specified length for double-journal entries, but each entry should
show evidence of thoughtful consideration of the text. Entries will look something like this:
Sandy Beach
September 15, 2010
The Things They Carried
Pages 62-88
Entry #1
Page # 115
“No body was ever
found. No
equipment, no
clothing”
Entry #1
The repetition used here
emphasizes Rat’s own
disbelief but also the
mystery surrounding
MaryAnne’s
disappearance. This
connects to the loss of
innocence theme since
the Mary Anne the men
all knew is quite literally
gone.
Double Entry Journal Grading Criteria
Each Homework should have the proper heading
Name: ____________________________
Date: _________________
Level Modifications:
Level 2 Students-8 DQs Required
Level 3 Students-6 DQs Required
Level 4 Students-5 DQs Required
√ +
(Excellent)
Quotes are
written out
with page
numbers &
legible
Quotes
reflect the
scope of
reading
Response is
relevant &
reflects
understanding
of the text
Response is
thoughtful
and reflects
careful
reading
Assigned book__________________________
Page Range:____________________________
√
(Good)
√(Needs Work)
Half Credit/50
(Poor)
Entirely
Complete and
entirely legible
Mostly
Complete and
mostly legible
Somewhat incomplete
and/or somewhat
legible
Incomplete and/or
illegible
Quotes
reflect entire
scope of
assigned
reading
Response
relates to the
passage &
reflects
excellent
understanding
of text
Response
clearly
reflects
personal
critical
thinking;
relates to the
novel as a
whole
Quotes
reflect most
of the
assigned
reading
Response
relates to the
passage &
reflects solid
understanding
of the text
Quotes come from
one or two random
spots
Number of quotes is
insufficient to reflect
the whole assignment
Response reflects
little attention to the
passage or limited
understanding; may
reflect some attempt
to understand the
text
Reflects limited
critical thinking but
makes some attempt
to relate to the novel
as a whole
Response reflects no
attention to the
passage or lacks any
attempt to
understand the text
Reflects
thought and
relates to the
novel as a
whole
Limited or no critical
thinking; does not
relate to the novel as
a whole
Remember, the more thorough and thoughtful your homework, the better you will do on
quizzes and on the development of essays.