Keeping track of all the reading required in college courses and business seminars can be quite a challenge. One useful tool is to keep a Reading Reaction Journal. Then, when it is time to participate in a class discussion, to prepare for an exam, or to write a critical essay, you will have valuable notes to review.

Using a loose leaf notebook makes it easier to keep the reading journal organized. Draw a line down the center of each sheet of loose leaf notebook paper. On the left side of the page, write “Quotation from the text.” (Be sure to include the page number from which you took the quote.) On the right side of the page write “Reaction/Observation.”

As you read, be watchful for literary techniques and elements that you find interesting or unusual in whatever story, poem, essay, novel, or play that you are reading. Write the passage (or a portion of it if it’s lengthy) in the left hand column and include the page number.

Be selective when you choose passages to quote. Write your reaction to the quotation in the right hand column. Don’t waste your time saying things like, “This is weird,” or “Wow! This dude is angry.” Such reactions will not help you in discussions, in writing essays, or in preparation for exams.

I have posted examples of good and poor entries in a Reading Reaction Journal on the www.teacherspayteachers.com website. To find them and other valuable materials, just search for my name.

A valuable reaction or observation would be to notice literary techniques used (alliteration, simile, metaphor, etc.); the tone of the passage (joyful, angry, etc.), characterization (foil, protagonist, antagonist, etc.), setting, foreshadowing, or any other techniques that you recognize.

Use your reading reaction journal during class discussions, as a study tool for exams, and as a way to include citations in essays and any other writing assignments you do. Your journal will be a valuable asset and help you remember the seemingly endless list of material you will be required to read.