Reading Log Directions
For Plays by William Shakespeare
English 2 – Mr. Rendine
Follow these simple steps to create a reading log that will help you gain a deeper understanding of
the play:
Step 1 ~ Reading for Understanding
a. Read each scene at least once (in-class).
b. Record any new words or phrases you looked up during reading (other than words or
phrases that are defined on the facing page). Include definitions that you look up online or
in a dictionary in your reading log.
a. Cite the Act, Scene, and line in which you find the unfamiliar vocabulary word as
follows:
a. Example: 1.1.13 (in other words, Act 1, Scene 1, line 13)
c. Write a summary of the scene.
d. Then record any questions you may have about the scene.
Step 2 ~ Discussing the Scene/Play
a. Discuss the scene/play with the whole class.
b. Ask the questions you wrote down in your reading log.
Step 3 ~ Adding Answers to Your Reading Log
a. Use a different colored pen or font (if possible).
b. Write the answers to your reading log questions in the appropriate space.
Sample Reading Log for Othello
Questions and Responses
Act I
Scene 1 Vocabulary
1.1.14 ~ abhor: to
1.1.46 ~ knave: a
hate, to be filled with disgust by
young male servant
1.1.103 ~ gondolier: a
gondola driver
Scene 1 Summary
Iago and Roderigo discuss their hatred of Othello. Iago is
bitter because Othello didn’t give him the job he wanted. Iago
and Roderigo wake up Desdemona’s father Brabantio to alert
him that his daughter has secretly eloped with Othello.
Brabantio gathers a search party to arrest Othello.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Scene 2 Vocabulary
etc.
Scene 2 Summary
etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Scene 3 Vocabulary
etc.
Scene 3 Summary
etc.
Why does Roderigo hate
Othello? Because Roderigo
wants to marry Desdemona.
How do Iago and Roderigo
know each other? Roderigo
has been paying Iago to help
him with Desdemona.
Why is Brabantio so angry?
Brabantio’s angry because
he doesn’t want Desdemona
to marry Othello.