Dialectical Journal Directions: Dialectical Journals are a note-taking method that forces you as a reader to engage in an ongoing conversation with the text. Dialectical Journals are in a two column format where each side contains a specific function. Using the dialectical journal format as your note-taking for each assigned reading.
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Left Side [Quote] Think of this side as though The author is speaking/writing to you.
What key ideas would he/she say to you?
Choose a direct quote from the passage that presents an important idea or significant information.
For each entry provide page number and paragraph number of the chosen quote.
For each left side entry/quote you must provide a response/reactions in the right column.
Right Side [Reactions] Think of this side as your turn to speak/write to the author.
Choose ONE the following for EACH of your selected quotes. Each reaction should be thoughtful and written in complete sentences.
(R) Reactions: Do you agree/disagree with the author’s argument? Has something in the text surprised you? Added to your understanding? Contradicted a previous belief? Be sure to include statements of WHY you think or reacted in the manner you did to the text. Consider what experiences or background information influenced you.
(C)Compare/contrast: HOW do this author’s ideas compare or contrast to what you’ve read, have learned in history class, or experienced? How did the passage add to your understanding?
(S) Significance: Does an event, person, idea discussed have a larger impact beyond the time period discussed? Explain its significance to another time period, person, event, or similar situation to another country.
(Q) Questions: These should be higher order questions that would prompt discussion and cannot be answered by a simple “yes” or “no”. Offer a potential, reasonable answer for the question that you pose.