The 26 Dialogue Journal Task Items:
1) Are the characters realistic (do they seem like they could be real people)? Why or why not?
2) Describe the major conflict. What side are you on?
3) Describe the most important event. Give at least three reasons why you think it is the most important event.
4) Describe the setting – when and where what you are reading takes place.
5) Describe the setting’s time and place. Create a new setting that you think would be better for the story and describe it.
6) Describe what was either believable or unbelievable about your reading.
7) Defend your opinion.
8) Describe the theme (central meaning/message) of your reading.
9) Explain how you have been surprised by what you are reading.
10) How have your feelings changed as you’ve been reading?
11) If you could change what you’re reading, how would you change it?
12) If you were the author, how would this end?
13) If you were the author, what would you change? Why?
14) Describe several insights you’ve gained from your reading.
15) List five major events in order from which happened first to last.
16) List the personality characteristics of the main character (feelings, interests, behaviors, etc.)
17) Predict what will happen next.
18) Pretend what you are reading is nominated for a national award. Explain why you think it should or should not receive an award.
19) What have you been reading? What does it remind you of in your own life?
20) What have you learned about life from what you’re reading?
21) What passage describes how you want to live your life? Why?
22) What questions would you like answered about your reading? Would you like the book/article better if you knew those answers now? Why?
23) Would you recommend this book to friends? Why, or why not?
24) Write a journal entry as if you were a certain character from your reading.
25) Write a review of what you just read (summary plus personal opinions).
26) Write the main idea of what you are reading and what are your reasons for thinking it is the main idea.
