Dialectical Journals: What are
they and how do I write my own?
What is a dialectical journal?
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A dialectical journal is a record of your
dialogue (conversation) with the book you
are reading. It is also called a double entry
or reader response journal. In this journal,
you will write down your thoughts,
questions, comments, predictions, and
ideas while you read. The process helps
you develop critical reading skills and
encourage you to expand your reflective
writing.
Purpose of the Journals
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Analyze the text for use of literary devices (tone, structure,
style, imagery)
Make connections between different characters or events in
the text
Make connections to a different text (or film, song, etc…)
Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or
character(s)
Consider an event or description from the perspective of a
different character
Analyze a passage and its relationship to the story as a
whole
Format…
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On the top of the first page (title page),
record the following information:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Title of the play
Author name
Your name
Due date
Class Period
Teacher Name
Antigone Requirements
You must include:
A minimum of 5 journal
entries per scene for a total
of 25 journal entries of a half
page each (12-13 pages total).
Antigone Requirements
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1.
2.
The entries must:
NOT be diary or personal journal
entries, as they are academic and may
be read to the class.
Contain literary terminology used
correctly and underlined.
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Each literary term cannot be used more than
3 times.
Antigone Requirements
YOU MUST USE AND UNDERLINE LITERARY
TERMINOLOGY IN YOUR ENTRIES!
Examples:
Alliteration, allusion, antagonist, characterization
(flat / round, static / dynamic), climax, conflicts,
foreshadowing, hyperbole, imagery, irony,
metaphor, mood, personification, plot (5 parts to
this…), point of view, protagonist, setting, simile,
symbol, theme, tone…)
Dialectical Entries
Quote: “And I wish my
name was Cassandra or
Alexis or Maritza –
anything but
Esperanza…” (pg. 17)
Reflection on quote: I think every girl
wishes she could change her name at
some point in time. I tired of my own
name growing up because there were
3 other girls with the same name in
the class. Esperanza, meaning hope, is
a beautiful name and I wonder how
anyone would want to change it. I
don’t think this is about names, but
about one’s identity and being
comfortable with it. Esperanza wants
to change her name so it will sound
Western, modern like the other girls.
It is sad when trying to fit in keeps us
from feeling pride about ourselves.
Some Dialectical Journal Sentence
Starters
Sample Sentence Starters:
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“I really don’t understand this because…”
“I really dislike/like this idea because…”
“I think the author is trying to say that…”
“This passage reminds me of a time in my life when…”
“If I were (name of character) at this point I would…”
“This part doesn’t make sense because…”
“This character reminds me of (name of person)
because…”
Some Dialectical Journal Sentence
Starters
Sample Sentence Starters:
“The imagery reveals . . .”
“The setting gives the effect of . . .”
“The author seems to feel . . .”
“The tone of this part is . . .”
“The character(s) feel(s) . . .”
“This is ironic because . . .”
“The detail is effective/out of place/important because . . .”
“An interesting word/phrase/sentence/thought is . . .”
“This reminds me of . . .”
“Something I notice/appreciate/don’t appreciate/wonder
about is . . .”
Grading: For a high score, the
following must be present…
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Features detailed, meaningful passages &
quote selections
Coverage of text is complete & thorough
Journal is neat, organized, & professional
looking; student has followed directions
for organization of the journal.
Grading: For a high score, the
following must be present…
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Uses thoughtful interpretation &
commentary; avoids clichés
Makes insightful personal connections
Asks thought-provoking & insightful
questions
Grading: For a high score, the
following must be present…
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A strong interest in the material as
evidenced through an awareness of levels
of meaning
Judgments are textually & experientially
based
Predictions are thoughtful & keenly
observed
Grading: For a high score, the
following must be present…
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Character analysis is consistent with the
material presented
Show an understanding of character
motivation
Comparisons & connections are found
between text & other literary & artistic
work
Grading: For a high score, the
following must be present…
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Recognizes the author’s writing choices &
reasons for those choices
Awareness that their own personal beliefs
may differ from those expressed in the
text
Demonstrates an awareness of point of
view
Journal Due Date
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The journal is due at the conclusion of the
reading of the play (see reading
schedule).
Please follow the guidelines provided to
ensure the highest possible grade on your
work.
Show me that you read, have
thought about, and understand the
play…