i need an outline for what i should take notes on while i read a book because when i finish reading i need to write a book analysis.

thanks in advance

Keeping a reading log or reading journal is the best way to remember what you read and what you were thinking about when you read it. Here are some websites with further explanations and examples:

http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/puller.html

http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/readjrl.html

And here are the instructions I give to students at the beginning of each semester:

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Directions for Keeping a Reading Log

1. Write in a spiral-bound or 3-ring, 8½ x 11-inch notebook.

2. The format for a good reading log is this:

~Take your notebook and draw or fold a line running vertically down the center of each page so you have two columns approximately 3" wide each.

~Put the date and the title and author of the assigned reading at the very top of the page. You should also keep track of page numbers as you go, so you will be able to reference ideas later in the semester.

~At the top of the left column, write NOTES; at the top of the right column, write RESPONSES.

~As you read (during your second reading, as explained on pp. 2-4 and 8-10 in The Riverside Reader) or participate in a study group in or out of class, write your notes paraphrase, quotation, or summary) or questions in the NOTES column, leaving the corresponding space in the right column blank for the present.

~Later, go back and reread your notes. Then add your responses in the empty column as you reflect on the whole reading. You may use this space to answer any questions you posed (even if your question was “What does the author mean by _________?”), to comment on anything you found particularly important, fascinating, well written, confusing, etc. Responses may be written when you are alone or in a study group.

~As you practice, you will develop processes and patterns for yourself. You will find this one of the ways to become a more active reader. (It is also a helpful method when dealing with difficult textbooks.)

~This is a good study technique to use in any subject area, and there are many ways to vary it, including the following:
~~>instead of making columns on each page, use the left page of an open notebook for NOTES and the right page for your RESPONSES;
~~>across the top of the first page of a reading selection, write a statement about the work, so you'll know what each group of notes is referring to;
~~>at the end of each reading selection, write a very brief summary of that set of notes.

To create an outline of what to take notes on while reading a book for a book analysis, you can follow these steps:

1. Start with the basic information: Write down the title and author of the book and the date you are starting to read it.

2. Divide your note-taking page into two columns: Draw a vertical line down the center of each page to create two columns approximately 3" wide each.

3. Label the left column as "NOTES" and the right column as "RESPONSES" at the top.

4. Take notes as you read: In the "NOTES" column, jot down paraphrases, quotations, summaries, or any important information you come across while reading. You can also write questions about the text for further analysis.

5. Reflect and respond: After completing the reading or during a study group discussion, go back to your notes. In the "RESPONSES" column, write your thoughts, reflections, comments, and analysis on what you have read. Answer any questions you posed in the "NOTES" column and explore the significance of the ideas you encountered.

6. Review and expand: Reread your notes periodically to deepen your understanding of the book and to add more responses as you reflect on the entire reading. Use this space to comment on important or confusing areas, highlight well-written sections, or make connections to other texts or personal experiences.

7. Optional variations: As you get familiar with this note-taking process, you can experiment with different techniques. For example, instead of dividing each page into columns, you can use separate pages for notes and responses. You can also write a statement about the work at the top of the first page to help organize your notes or include a brief summary at the end of each reading selection.

By following these steps and creating a reading log, you will have a comprehensive set of notes and responses that will facilitate writing your book analysis.