Reading

Vocabulary

Reading Log Prompts

These prompts require you to make an opinion and to support that opinion with 
evidence from the book you are reading.

Fiction

Identifying Important Elements 
 
1.	What was the author trying to tell you in this story?
2.	What do you think was the most important or interesting part of this 
story? Tell why you think as you do.
3.	Who do you think was the most important character? Why was this 
character important?
4.	As you get into your novel, you should get to know the main 
character. Describe the person physically, but also give examples of how he 
or she feels what he or she does.
5.	Choose a character of the book who is important, but not the main 
character Describe this person, explain the relationship to the main 
character, and tell why he or she is important to the story.
6.	What surprised you in the story? Why was that a surprise? What did 
you expect?

Expressing Feelings about the story

7.	How did the story make your feel? Tell what parts made you feel this 
way.
8.	Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
9.	Would you read another book by this same author? Why or why not?
10.	What was going through your mind as you read this story?
11.	What was your favorite part of this story? Why is that your favorite?
12.	What character did you like best or least? Why?
13.	Did your feelings change as you read this story? How?
14.	Choose at least one character you would want to take out of this book 
and tell why.

Noticing The Author’s Craft 

15.	If you could change this book how would you change it?
16.	Is anything in this book strange or weird? Why do you think the 
author put that in the story?
17.	Did the author write this book in a special way? (for example, lots 
of visual images, flashbacks, told in the first person) Do you think that 
made the story better?

NonFiction

18.	What information surprised you?
19.	What is the most important, or interesting thing you have learned? 
Why?
20.	What techniques does the author use to make this information easy to 
understand?
21.	Copy a short passage that you found to be interesting. Explain what 
made it interesting for you.
22.	Write a summary of what you read in your book today.
23.	Explain some of the things that you have learned so far that you are 
not likely to forget in the near future.
24.	 What ideas might you have for turning this work of nonfiction into a 
work of fiction? Give a brief summary of what your story might be like.
25.	Explain the basic information that is being presented in terms of the 
5W's: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
26.	What is one thing that is unique about this nonfiction
27.	What are two new words you learned in this book? Tell about the words.
28.	What did you learn about life from the book, about different places, 
about history, science, religion? etc.
29.	 What was the purpose of this book (ex. to teach, to entertain, to 
give an opinion)? Back up answers with quotes and passages from the book.



Grading Rubric
score	Descriptor
4	The opinion generated by the chosen prompt is thoroughly discussed 
with thoughtful insights described. The evidence used to support this opinion 
is detailed and well chosen from the book using relevant illustrations and/or 
quotations. 
3	Five or more complete sentences addressing the chosen prompt are 
neatly and clearly written, showing evidence of student thinking. The 
evidence used to support the opinion is well chosen. The connection between 
the argument and evidence is clear.
2	Complete sentences that discuss the prompt are neatly and clearly 
written. Connections between the opinion and the evidence are not clearly 
supported from the book.
1	Sentences are attempted, but are not complete and/or on topic, or 
they are not readable, The evidence is not given or does not support the 
opinion.