Maintaining a Response Journal

A response journal allows you to reflect and record those reflections both as and after you read. It's a particularly good method of responding to a text when that text is complex, and it's a good method of generating ideas for writing. You can ask and try to answer questions in a response journal:

  • What's the author's main idea or argument, and what are the important supporting points for that idea?
  • Do I agree or disagree with the main idea or argument? Why?
  • Does the information apply to something that I already know about?

A response journal also gives you the opportunity to record your own thoughts and reactions to the text.

Need Assistance?

Don't forget: if you would like assistance with this or any other type of writing assignment, learning coaches are available to assist you. Please contact Academic Support by emailing Academic.Support@esc.edu; calling 1-800-847-3000, ext. 3008; or calling the main number of the location in your region (see Academic Support Regional Contact Information for more information).

Questions or feedback about the SUNY Empire Collegewide Writing Center?

Contact us at Academic.Support@esc.edu.