Spare Parts - Reading Response Journal

Reading Response Journals (RRJs) are an informal space for you to explore the readings as well as your own reading
process. The first step to writing an RRJ is to read carefully, taking notes on the text as you go. RRJs should include the
following:
1.

A brief summary of the chapters (5-8 sentences) including major events, characters, and important information
about setting (place and time).

In these two chapters we got the history for two more things. The first thing we got the history for was
the Immigration witch hunt in Arizona. Hundreds of people a month were being questioned, and
some, deported because they looked Hispanic. We also got the backstory for Oscar Vazquez, and
how he got to the United States, how his dad first came over until he was deported, how afterwards
his family went over all together.

2.

Your response to the reading (5-8 sentences) including your opinions about and reaction to the assigned
chapters. This section is a place to think deeply about the book and the emotions and complex ideas it brings up for
you.

I am enjoying this book more and more. I am still on the fence about it but I am starting to get a better
feel for it. I really enjoy getting to hear the authors own interpretation of certain events, I feel like that
gives a really good insight into the storys creation. The creation stuff, especially, is what I enjoy the
most.

3.

2 discussion questions. These should be openended questions that could lead to an interesting conversation, not
factbased yes or no questions.

How realistic is deporting all of the illegal immigrants in America?

How long would it take you to learn a new language after complete immersion?

4.

An explanation of your reading process. How did this weeks reading go for you? Discuss specific sections that
made you confused or questions that you have about the text. Point out strategies that helped you overcome
challenges in your reading. Choose one or two of the following prompts to develop your ideas:
While I was reading,
I felt confused when so I
I was distracted by but then I
I started to think aboutbecause
The time went quickly because
I figured outby
I finally understood
I remembered that earlier in the book
I was reminded of

I read the first chapter on the train so I lost a little of the information paying attention to what stop I
was getting off.
I drew comparisons to the other students treks to Mexico and compared how each of them started.

5. 3-5 significant words from this particular readingwords that you feel are important to understand the text, or
that you have decided to learn to develop your academic vocabulary. Define the words you choose and explain
why you chose them.

Type the words that you found significant here with your explanations

Carnitas Usually a pig being killed was the signification that a party was happening in Oscars
household.

Deportation Hundreds of Hispanic people were deported because of how they looked.
9/11 Inspired Oscar to join the military.

You will receive complete credit on every RRJ (20 points) by thoughtfully completing the steps as described above, looking
at the rubric to check completeness, and by turning your RRJ in on time. The RRJs are a space for you to think through
the readings without having to worry too much about grammar, organization, and the other requirements of more formal
writing assignments. However, do follow basic rules such as capitalizing I and using appropriate language.