What is a journal response and what is its function?A journal response is an essay which argues, explicates, or analyzes a poem, short story, essay, or any piece of literature/medium that we read in class or as a part of homework assignments. Criteria for organization: Journal essays must be structured as essays; therefore, all papers must have: A thesis statement (one sentence found at the end of the introduction of the essay) Organized body paragraphs which each present and discuss individual points Clear ideas which you argue Support from the text and your analysis/explication of the literature using direct quotations, cited correctly using MLA format Active, direct language and verbs Journal essays must NOT include the following: Summary: JOURNAL ESSAYS ARE SUMMARIES. Pronouns: Pronouns limit your clarity and quality of writing. Passive voice Essay length: two pages, double spaced
