English 240Z Spring 2021
Reading Response Assignment Sheet

Reading Response – One to Two Pages (due dates variable, see Table sub)

Over the duration of the semester you will have a total of four Reading Reponses due
(remember that the letter group (i.e., A, B, C, or D) you’re assigned to at the beginning of the
semester corresponds to the readings on the syllabus Schedule, which tells you which reading to
respond to and when the response is due1). While these responses might take different forms
(e.g., observational, argumentative), each should include at least one (1) direct quote from the
assigned reading AND an analysis of that passage’s meaning in the context of the larger work
and/or course material (as in, not summary alone2).
The idea here is to get you thinking (and writing (and thinking through writing)) about
the texts we’re reading in a manner that penetrates the surface level of plot in order to lead to an
original comment about what the text means or what the text is trying to say. This often takes the
form of argumentation, and while you’re not limited to that method, I will suggest to you that
there is a particular benefit to this practice (i.e., presenting an argument in your responses),
specifically that these responses can function as test balloons for ideas (including thesis
statements) you’re developing about the assigned readings in preparation for each unit’s Essay.
Consider, then, using these responses to expand on thoughts that may aid you in forming the
larger arguments for each Essay.3
Note, again, that Reading Responses are not eligible for late submission—if you don’t
turn them in by the beginning of class on the date they’re due then they automatically revert to a
zero. In the uncommon event that your Reading Response is due on a date that has two readings
assigned, respond to the principal text (i.e., the novel that we’re reading over the span of that
unit).




1 See table sub.
2 The analysis of your selected quote should compose the majority of each response.
3 Since I’m asked about this a lot too, I’ll mention here that, no, you can’t just cut-and-paste what you wrote in your
response in your Essay. What you can do is take the successful idea(s) from your response and include those in your
Essay by rewriting/revising/paraphrasing. For your edification, using identical material from one graded assignment
for a separate graded assignment is a violation of academic honesty (this is called self-plagiarizing).
English 240Z Spring 2021
Due Date Table
A: 02 22, 03 17, 04 05, 04 26
B: 02 24, 03 22, 04 12, 04 28
C: 03 08, 03 24, 04 14, 05 03
D: 03 15, 03 29, 04 19, 05 05

Points of consideration that will inform my grading:
- Format/Structure: make sure to meet relevant MLA formatting standards (12 pt., T.N.R.
font, double-spaced, one-inch margins, etc.).
- Quote: You must cite at least one (1) direct quote from the assigned reading you’re
responding to (be sure to include an MLA formatted in-text citation).
- Mechanics: be sure to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and divide each
Reading Response into logical/appropriate sentences and paragraphs.
- Length Requirement: each Reading Response should be at least one (1) FULL page (and
should not exceed two (2) full pages).




















































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