How to Mark a Book Cyber-Assignment
Homework is to write a 250 word summary of How to Mark a Book or respond to question 1 or 3 at the end of the essay in Topics for Writing.
No matter what your choice is, reflect on the type of reader and book owner you are (smile). Cite from Adler. Look at the questions at the end of the essay. We will talk more about the essay next week.
Post by tomorrow at 12 noon. Respond to two student posts here by Monday. Bring the Initial Planning Sheet to class next week, along with all other handouts. Bring a copy of your of the essay as well.
Homework is to write a 250 word summary of How to Mark a Book or respond to question 1 or 3 at the end of the essay in Topics for Writing.
No matter what your choice is, reflect on the type of reader and book owner you are (smile). Cite from Adler. Look at the questions at the end of the essay. We will talk more about the essay next week.
Post by tomorrow at 12 noon. Respond to two student posts here by Monday. Bring the Initial Planning Sheet to class next week, along with all other handouts. Bring a copy of your of the essay as well.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 4:37 PM
61 Comments:
Bianca Hsueh
Professor Sabir
English 1a
24 Aug 2012
Reading a Book
In “How to Mark a Book”, the author Mortimer J. Adler discusses the importance of making notes while reading a book. Adler believes that to truly respect a book, the reader has to have a conversation with it; this conversation can only happen if the reader chooses to mark the book. The annotations that the reader makes allows for them to remember parts of the book better. It also reduces the amount of skimming which amplifies the amount of details the reader can see when they read.
I believe that I am the type of reader who, “…has a great many book – a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought” (Adler, par 6). From a young age, I was taught to respect the books that I own; they were not meant to be marked as they were all bought brand new. I always thought that because they were new, I should keep them looking new, which is exactly what Adler claims for this particular type of reader. In addition, I never found a need to write in the books that I bought because I do not like writing my thoughts out; I prefer to keep them to myself in my head.
Nonetheless, I still agree with Adler on the importance of leaving notes when reading. For example, Adler writes “…a great book, rich in ideas and beauty, a book that raises and tries to answer great fundamental questions, demands the most active reading of which you are capable” (par. 10). I found this statement to be true in all aspects. Texts with intense depth and symbolism simply cannot be read without making annotations; there is so much happening in these texts that simply thinking about them will not get me to understand anything about the text. For example, I do not believe I could have gone through “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner in my English class if I did not make annotations on every page. The book was so complex and there was so much to analyze that I had no choice but to write down my thoughts and a few short summaries of what was happening every few pages or so.
Works Cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Bianca Hsueh
Professor Sabir
English 1a
24 Aug 2012
Reading a Book
In “How to Mark a Book”, the author Mortimer J. Adler discusses the importance of making notes while reading a book. Adler believes that to truly respect a book, the reader has to have a conversation with it; this conversation can only happen if the reader chooses to mark the book. The annotations that the reader makes allows for them to remember parts of the book better. It also reduces the amount of skimming which amplifies the amount of details the reader can see when they read.
I believe that I am the type of reader who, “…has a great many book – a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought” (Adler, par 6). From a young age, I was taught to respect the books that I own; they were not meant to be marked as they were all bought brand new. I always thought that because they were new, I should keep them looking new, which is exactly what Adler claims for this particular type of reader. In addition, I never found a need to write in the books that I bought because I do not like writing my thoughts out; I prefer to keep them to myself in my head.
Nonetheless, I still agree with Adler on the importance of leaving notes when reading. For example, Adler writes “…a great book, rich in ideas and beauty, a book that raises and tries to answer great fundamental questions, demands the most active reading of which you are capable” (par. 10). I found this statement to be true in all aspects. Texts with intense depth and symbolism simply cannot be read without making annotations; there is so much happening in these texts that simply thinking about them will not get me to understand anything about the text. For example, I do not believe I could have gone through “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner in my English class if I did not make annotations on every page. The book was so complex and there was so much to analyze that I had no choice but to write down my thoughts and a few short summaries of what was happening every few pages or so.
Works Cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
I am posting my response again because my last response did not have the correct formatting.
Messi Chaib
English 1A
Wanda Sabir
8/24/12
According to Mortimer j. Adler you can possess a book in two ways which are:
First, by paying for it like paying for other stuff such as cloths or food and this is just an introductory part to possession. Second by buying it and start reading and writing in it and this is the full possession which makes the book part of you because you do not get a full possession for something unless you start using it properly.
Owners of a book are three. The first buy most expensive books from the best sellers but the books have never been read or touched and the second one has a closet of books; he read some of them deeply and some slightly but he has never written in it which means he kept them new as he bought them first time. The third one has some or many books and he made them old by using it regularly, writing in it and marking in it which makes him owns it.
Marking a book is a necessity because guarding a book in a good reputation is a false reverence.
I think I am the third type because I always write in my books: I underline the important things and things that I did not understand to look it up in the dictionary or online which makes me understand what I'm reading and keeps me out of the details that I do not need. Marking my book helps me remember the important things from the previous reading just by looking at the notations without reading it again and resume what I'm reading instead trying to understand every word. For example, in other subject other than English such as math, science or physique, I usually start from exercises before reading the lesson which helps me to get the main idea of the lesson after finding problems which makes me know what I have to know to solve the exercise and through away the details of the lesson so whenever I get the same exercise I come back to the lesson where I have written the important things which make me understand the goal of the exercise. In any subject there are always key words which helps you understand the context so if you underline it or mark it in the book you do not need to understand every word to get the main idea and if you come back to it after a long time you are going to understand it easily just by reading your key words instead reading everything again.
According to Mortimer j. Adler in "How to mark a book" you can possess a book in two ways which are:
First, by paying for it like paying for other stuff such as cloths or food and this is just an introductory part to possession. Second by buying it and start reading and writing in it and this is the full possession which makes the book part of you because you do not get a full possession for something unless you start using it properly.
Owners of a book are three. The first buy most expensive books from the best sellers but the books have never been read or touched and the second one has a closet of books; he read some of them deeply and some slightly but he has never written in it which means he kept them new as he bought them first time. The third one has some or many books and he made them old by using it regularly, writing in it and marking in it which makes him owns it.
Marking a book is a necessity because guarding a book in a good reputation is a false reverence.
I think I am the third type because I always write in my books: I underline the important things and things that I did not understand to look it up in the dictionary or online which makes me understand what I'm reading and keeps me out of the details that I do not need. Marking my book helps me remember the important things from the previous reading just by looking at the notations without reading it again and resume what I'm reading instead trying to understand every word. For example, in other subject other than English such as math, science or physique, I usually start from exercises before reading the lesson which helps me to get the main idea of the lesson after finding problems which makes me know what I have to know to solve the exercise and through away the details of the lesson so whenever I get the same exercise I come back to the lesson where I have written the important things which make me understand the goal of the exercise. In any subject there are always key words which helps you understand the context so if you underline it or mark it in the book you do not need to understand every word to get the main idea and if you come back to it after a long time you are going to understand it easily just by reading your key words instead reading everything again.
Wai Man (Remy) Tang
English 1A 8-8:50 AM
Professor Sabir
August 24, 2012
How to Really Read a Book
Mortimer J. Adler's article, "How to Mark a Book," is about the
importance of annotation during the reading of a book.
Adler is not talking about books made for pleasure reading, but
ones that are full of ideas for readers to think and discuss
about. We usually do not take the time to annotate what we are
reading; therefore, Adler says we do not really understand what we
are reading. In order to get our minds to remember and think about
what we are reading, we have to actually put our thoughts down on
paper. We have to mark all the important points made in the book.
It is only then that we fully understand and truly own this book
that we are reading.
Wai Man (Remy) Tang
English 1A 8-8:50 AM
Professor Sabir
August 24, 2012
How to Really Read a Book
Mortimer J. Adler's article, "How to Mark a Book," is about the importance of annotation during the reading of a book. Adler is not talking about books made for pleasure reading, but ones that are full of ideas for readers to think and discuss about. We usually do not take the time to annotate what we are reading; therefore, Adler says we do not really understand what we are reading. In order to get our minds to remember and think about what we are reading, we have to actually put our thoughts down on paper. We have to mark all the important points made in the book. It is only then that we fully understand and truly own this book that we are reading.
I am posting again because the preview showed a differnet version of my post which made me screw up the formatting.
Pablo Hernandez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
8-24-12
Making a Book Your Own
In “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer Adler the point of making a book your own by consuming it and making it part of ones body. Adler suggests that a book should be consumed into our body like steak, “I am arguing that books, too, must be absorbed in your bloodstream to do you any good” (Adler, par 3). Marking a book all the way through is the way to make the book part of you, having all your agreements and disagreements with the author as if you were having a conversation with the book. Adler says that writing in a book is not to mutilation but an act of love. Annotating and marking up a book is always handy when taking down notes or questions help you pick up where you left off reading.
Adler pointed out that there are three types of books owners in the world. The first type of book owner rarely reads books and lets the library collect dust. The second has a good collection and sometimes reads, the last owner is the best owner having books that are all used up. “Toscanini’s score of the C-minor Symphony is so thoroughly marked up that no one but the maestro himself can read it.”(Adler, par 8). This statement is a perfect example someone absorbing the writing. Each person interprets a book in their own way and writing in the book clarifies those ideas and making them into your own.
A person can read a whole book and in the end ask themselves what exactly they read. “When you’ve finished reading a book, the pages are filled with your notes, you know that you read actively.” (Adler, par 11). Anybody can relate to this statement. Adler tells a story about how President Hutchins from the University of Chicago loves to read, Hutchins reads but gets bored and does spaces out. Taking the necessary notes throughout the book can help you remember and it stays in your memory long after you have finished the book. Adler gives suggestions on what symbols can be used to help you be organized in note taking. Adler also goes on to give ideas to the people that will not take the advice and write in the book.”How about using a scratch-pad slightly smaller than the page size of the book, so the edges of the sheets won’t protrude?” (Adler, par 24). Adler gives something for everyone to use to better improve the reading skills of everyone.
Virginia Tan
English 1A
Professor Sabir
Aug. 24, 2012
The article, “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler discusses about the importance of making notes when reading a book and how to make a book your own. According to the author, Adler explains that there are two ways to make a book your own. For instance, buying the book, just like paying for your clothes and your other needs. Another way is to make yourself part of book by writing in it. There are three kinds of book owners in this society. The first group has all the bestseller books but they are barely read or touched. The second group has many great books, some were read but most of them remind new as the day they were bought. The third group has many books or a few, these books are continually use, but they maybe all scratch up or have writing marks inside.
Every time I read a book I will make myself a small note because most of the time I have forgot what happen previously. I am kind of in the third categories. It is useful to take notes because I do not have to go back and read it again. The annotations can help me refresh my memories. Also writing my thoughts down can help me think actively. In addition, sometimes I will put my own opinions down. All of this annotating and analyzing can help you fully understand of what you have read.
Virginia Tan
English 1A
Professor Sabir
Aug. 24, 2012
Make yourself own that book
The article, “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler discusses about the importance of making notes when reading a book and how to make a book your own. According to the author, Adler explains that there are two ways to make a book your own. For instance, buying the book, just like paying for your clothes and your other needs. Another way is to make yourself part of book by writing in it. There are three kinds of book owners in this society. The first group has all the bestseller books but they are barely read or touched. The second group has many great books, some were read but most of them remind new as the day they were bought. The third group has many books or a few, these books are continually use, but they maybe all scratch up or have writing marks inside.
Every time I read a book I will make myself a small note because most of the time I have forgot what happen previously. I am kind of in the third categories. It is useful to take notes because I do not have to go back and read it again. The annotations can help me refresh my memories. Also writing my thoughts down can help me think actively. In addition, sometimes I will put my own opinions down. All of this annotating and analyzing can help you fully understand of what you have read.
Pablo R. Hernandez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
8-24-12
Making a Book Your Own
In “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer Adler the point of making a book your own by consuming it and making it part of ones body. Adler suggests that a book should be consumed into our body like steak, “I am arguing that books, too, must be absorbed in your bloodstream to do you any good” (Adler, par 3). Marking a book all the way through is the way to make the book part of you, having all your agreements and disagreements with the author as if you were having a conversation with the book. Adler says that writing in a book is not to mutilation but an act of love. Annotating and marking up a book is always handy when taking down notes or questions help you pick up where you left off reading.
A person can read a whole book and in the end ask themselves what exactly they read. “When you’ve finished reading a book, the pages are filled with your notes, you know that you read actively.” (Adler, par 11). Anybody can relate to this statement. Adler tells a story about how President Hutchins from the University of Chicago loves to read, Hutchins reads but gets bored and does spaces out. Taking the necessary notes throughout the book can help you remember and it stays in your memory long after you have finished the book. Adler gives suggestions on what symbols can be used to help you be organized in note taking. Adler also goes on to give ideas to the people that will not take the advice and write in the book.”How about using a scratch-pad slightly smaller than the page size of the book, so the edges of the sheets won’t protrude?” (Adler, par 24). Adler gives something for everyone to use to better improve the reading skills of everyone.
I am the type of reader that does not like to write in the book and I prefer to write on a separate sheet of paper. I respect the books I own and I also do no not like creases on any of my books. Adler makes a perfect point of trying to make the book my own. I sometimes read, and I question what I have read. Taking notes will simplify my thinking process and let me concentrate on what the author is trying to say. I usually read and I forget to write notes so re-reading is always in issue for me which leads to a waste of time. I agree with Adler’s ideas and will apply the suggestions given in my own reading and maybe I can better understand the reading and actually have intellectual conversations with my classmates.
(Sorry Professor Sabir I have two drafts that i saved under the same name So i posted the wrong one. This is my final response.)
Emily Lam
English 1A 11-11:50am
Professor Wanda Sabir
August 23, 2012
I have recently read How to Mark a Book which was written by Mortimer J. Adler. This article talks about how it can be hard to understand what the author is trying to say when you are reading. The author expresses that sometimes when a person is a reading a book, magazine or even the newspaper, you might have to reread the passage over again just so that you could understand the information a little bit better. Adler says that when a person borrows a book from a friend or librarian, the librarian or that person’s friend expects to get the book back clean. When he said clean, he means by not having any marks in the book, any side notes or annotation by the end of the text. Your friend or the librarian may want the book back clean, but sometimes books are made to be marked in.
The author claims that some people likes to read a book, magazine or newspaper straight through without making any stops. It may be nice to just read it straight through, but sometimes when you just read it all the way through without making any stops, it might be hard to understand what you are reading. Adler says that it’s nice to make stops while you are reading. The reason you should stop while you are reading is so that you could write little notes or annotate the book on the edge of the page. It may slow you down, but it will definitely help you understand what you’re reading better. Adler believes that this is the proper way to read a book and mark something when you find something interesting. At the end of the article, he even gives you tips about how to make marks in the book to make reading a little more interesting.
Keelan Sunglao-Valdez
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11:00-11:50
8/24/12
Every reader is different, and every book is meant to be read differently. The best thing for a reader to do is to be fully invested in his or her reading. To do that, through out the book the reader must identify or emphasize key statements and points made by the author. This will give the reader a better understanding of the author's message. Mortimer J. Adler's How to Mark a Book aids students in being more fruitful with their reading by providing techniques on writing and marking in books.
J. Adler depicts a true book owner as a reader who studies their reading, and who questions the authors message. A healthy reader is an active reader, and an active reader fills their books with notes and markings. Acting as a way of retaining information and sharpening ones understanding of the book, note taking allows the reader to remain attentive and constantly thinking.
A strong reader is not someone who races through a book as fast as they can; a strong reader buries themselves into the reading, searching for the message raveled beneath the text.The reader uses tools to aid their search such as, underlining, circling and note taking. By placing the mind into ones reading, a person's thoughts take grasp at the rich ideas created by the author.
I consider myself to be a reader who owns several books and knows a few by heart. Although I do not write in many of my books, I keep a pocket notebook on hand where ever I go. In my notebook, I take notes on my books, and extract ideas or quotes. This allows me to better understand the author while creating my own ideas and applying them to art- whether it be my photography, drawings or even poetry. The mind must first take in and learn before it can create.
Works Cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Luchanda Williams
Professor: Sabir
English 1A
August 24 2012
How to Mark a Book
In the article “ how to mark a book” the author Mortimer J. Alder discusses the different types of book owner, but emphasizes on the significance of note taking when reading a book in oder to comprehend it to it’s fullest. The author believe that a very good reader expresses themselves through the use of annotation. Also that a good reader does not read for speed but rather they read to absorb the information the are taking in. The author also presumes that note taking enables you to recall your thoughts or that of the author.
In addition I believe that I am the reader who, “has a great many books– a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought” (Adler, par 6). When I was younger growing up in the Caribbean school book were bought by the parents and not sponsored by the Unified School District, so I taught not to destroy the book in any way possible for example no smudges, writing or dog-ears. Now that I am older no much has changed I still think that making annotation causes the appearance of a book’s inside to be dirty. Furthermore I find that taking notes on a separate notebook does more good to me than annotating.
However I do agree with Alder when he demonstrates the importance of note taking by stating “ you can pick up the book the following week or year, and there are all your points of agreement, disagreement, doubt and inquiry. It’s like resuming and interrupted conversation with the advantage of being able to pick up where you left” ( Alder,par 13). This I believe makes the book so much simpler and more understandable when trying to read it a second time. Also when reading being able to agree or disagree with the writer in my opinion intensifies ones thinking by drastically enhancing it.
Works Cited Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book.
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Antionette Armour
Prosseor Sabir
English 1A 8-850am
24 August 2012
How to Mark a Book
In his essay “How to Mark a Book”, M. Adler encourages readers to “write between the lines” or to mark a book to become active readers (1). However, he emphasizes the importance of being a real book owner rather than someone who buys a book. Furthermore, Alder persuades readers of the many advantages that comes with writing in a book, which you have “made it a part of yourself” by doing so (4). The author first explains, how writing in a book forces you to really think about what the author is saying and “it keeps you awake”. He then goes on the say that marking up a book can really help you become an active reader. Then lastly, it helps “you remember thoughts you had” (9). In addition, Alder gives a couple of hints of how to mark a book. He gives his way of doing it; by underlining, drawing lines, numbering, circling key words, using asterisks, and writing in the margins to write questions or major statements. Moreover, for the people who hesitant to write in their books, Alder suggests that they insert a piece of paper with notes in the book.
Alder finally takes book ownership to a new level, by providing advice to his readers about treating their book sacred as they would your diary, “you won’t want to lend them because a marked copy is a kind of intellectual diary, and lending it is almost giving your mind away” (26).
The type of reader and book owner I am is one who would buy the cheapest book that I can find (most likely on Amazon) and when I receive it, I would mark all in the book. Most of the time the books that I purchase are used and mark up already; however, I tend to embrace the book as my own and mark it up as well, while adding on to the notes that the previous owner had already made. On the other hand, I do not mark up all the books that I purchase. Most of the books that I mark up are books that I have to read for my classes. The books that I do not write in are books that I read for my enjoyment. I guess I am guilty when it comes to ownership of all my books because I have no problem lending my books to others and share the knowledge that I take in from books.
Works Cited:
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
(Hello Professor I don't know if it is reported to you but I had to post my summary plenty of times due to this site not allowing me to copy and paste my double spaced windows document, and when I double space manually it comes out looking weird, So sorry for the ongoing notifications if you are receiving them, if not please disregard :).)
Hello Messi Chaib,
I totally agree with you on starting your math and science exercises first rather than reading your chapter lesson in order for you to get a feel of what the chapter is about. I also think when taking a test, looking over the problems and marking noted along the side of them would help you when going back and reading the storyline or directions. Marking in a book is very helpful because when I do get into the story and avoid taking notes, I tend to forget what I read or important key points. Marking in a book is very helpful when the reading seems very difficult to read or comprehend.
-Antionette
Hi Luchanda,
I absolutely agree with you about a book looking dirty with writings in it. When I was young I was also taught not to write in a book and to treat your property with respect, which means my lessons about respecting my property contradicts Alder's statement about treating your books like they are sacred to you. However, I have learned in my years in college, that when take notes in my books I start to have a relationship with it and converse with it because I relate whatever I read to my life. In addition, I think when you start making a habit of marking in your book; reading starts to become easy to you.
-Antionette
De Long Liang
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50am
24 August 2012
Reading a Book
According to the article “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler suggested that we should take notes while we’re reading. There are two reasons why we should be taking notes while we’re reading. First, writing will keep our mind focus, and it’ll help us to have a better understanding about the given material or information. Secondly, a note is a reminder, in which it will help refresh our memory. Therefore, it is a great practice to take notes while we’re reading.
The reader can read the material repetitively, but if the reading isn’t active; it is not efficient. Active reading is defined as thinking, and thinking tends to express itself in words, spoken and written (Adler, p 377). So an active reader should be taking notes. The notes does not necessarily have to be ideas from the author, it can be ideas from the reader too. The main goal is to consume the information and preserve them in one’s memory. An easy way to help one to achieve that goal is by writing, because the physical act of writing, with your own hand, brings words and sentences more sharply before your mind (Adler, p 378).
I disagree on putting marks in a book. I believed I’m the die-hard anti-book-marker; all my books are still in brand new condition (Adler, p 379). Firstly, I do not take notes on my reading as much. Secondly, I look at books as a masterpiece. But after I read “How to Mark a Book”, I found the author is very persuasive. The author provided us a great tool to become a better active reader.
Work Cite.
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Notes: My apology Professor. My internet was down for the past 3 days. The technician finally comes over today to fix it.
Bianca,
I fully understand what you are trying to say about respecting your belongings. I was also raised the same way but if I were to write in a book I would be punished for my actions. A book in my parents eyes is a sacred thing and should not be written in. I never got to write in any book, and to this day I am uneasy about doing so. When you say that you prefer to keep your thoughts to yourself I could only think how you described me. I do not like to share my thoughts because sometimes I think I have dumb ideas.
-Pablo R. Hernandez-
Luchanda,
I have always done what you have, and always took notes on a separate piece of paper. Somehow it bothers me to even write a small note on a book. It is also hard when renting college books. A book it to keep for life, and trying to preserve them as long as possible. Writing on a piece of paper is the same as writing in a book, the difference is that you can be more organized on paper. Overall trying new things is never bad and I will try writing in a book. Although Adler gave ideas on how to be a better reader, each person has their own way of learning.
-Pablo R. Hernandez-
Tabari Davis
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
25 August 2012
Part of reading a book is understanding what the content is about and what you
take away from the information presented to you. Without doing so, there is very little
purpose in actually reading a book. In Mortimer J. Adler’s “How to Mark a Book,” the
importance of marking up a book is expressed in vivid details as he stresses for more
readers write notes in their books. He explains that without jotting down your thoughts
of your book in the pages of it, you aren’t fully taking possession of your book, nor are
you gaining the full potential of the experience. When you read a book, you want to keep
yourself alert, thinking, and remembering as you progress through it. “If, when you’ve
finished reading a book, the pages are filled with your notes, you know that you read
actively.” (Adler par. 11) By the end of the reading you’ve done, you are able to recollect
upon what you’ve learned, thoughts you’ve had, and things you agree or disagree with.
Personally, I don’t feel like I read enough books. If I did, I think I would be the
kind of reader who reads a book, yet leaves it untouched. To keep the book in mint
condition as long as possible is only the natural thing to do, so despite it being the typical
route to take for a reader, it isn’t wrong to do so. Don’t get me wrong, I would definitely
take away valuable information from the book, but I would do it by other means. Instead
of claiming the book all for myself, I might suggest it to a friend so that we can discuss
what each of us got out of it. In doing so, you expand on the topic whereas writing all of
your thoughts down without anyone else seeing it can look like a rather close-minded
approach in my opinion. All in all, allowing the information you are reading to process
and stick into your mind by writing in your book isn’t a horrible idea, conversely it also
isn’t the only option available to you.
Bianca Hsueh
Professor Sabir
English 1a 11-11:50
26 Aug 2012
Hello Antoinette,
I must admit that the way I read books is different for every book too. You mentioned that you only mark books for your classes, but not the books you read for enjoyment.
In a way, I follow this principle too. For the classes where I need to read a book, I always feel the need to make annotations because I want to understand the book better. Making annotations helps me during class discussions and when I am writing essays because I do not have to try so hard to remember the thoughts I had when I was reading the passage. From this, I concluded that we do not make notes in the books we read for enjoyment because we do not feel that our enjoyment book needs to be deeply analyzed; the notes that Mortimer J. Adler wants us to make to deeper our understanding are just extra work.
Bianca Hsueh
Professor Sabir
English 1a 11-11:50
26 Aug 2012
Hello Tabari,
I agree with your statement that writing in a book is not the only for people to better process what you read. I particularly like your idea of having conversations with people who are also reading the book. By having a discussion with other people about the book you read, you can get multiple takes on a certain scene from the book. In other words, it shows you different perspectives about the book which can also deeper your understanding of the book.
Nonetheless, I think annotating your book would be a great technique for furthering your analysis of the book. For example, I found that before a class discussion of a book, it was easy for me to participate if I had my annotations because I did not have to read a whole chapter again to know what I thought about it – all I had to do was read my annotation. Therefore, I would say that the best way to understand a book would be to annotate and discuss with other people who are reading the book.
Danielle Carmon
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50am
25 August 2012
In the article How to Mark a Book by Mortimer J. Adler he goes into great detail about what it means to really read a book. In his opinion he believed that only by annotating your books that then will you have truly become one with the book. When reading novels, or any other books you should be taking your time when reading to annotate your texts I agree but it all depends really on the reader. Each time that you open a book it's a new experience and if you write in your books you can capture your thoughts or arguements that you might think of when in the middle of reading. I am very forgetful so when I enjoy a specific part in a book I like to highlight it so that if I needed to I could find it with ease. In the article Adler talks about three different types of book owners; ones with collectables that are never opened and read, ones whom contain multiple books but rarely read them, and lastly someone that has a variety of books all with notes and thoughts jotted down. Adler said, "it keeps you awake, reading, if it is active, is thinking...writing helps you remember the thoughts you had." I personally write in the columns of my books while in the middle of a lecture, because there are so many different ways at looking at the text before you. For those who disagree with writing in their texts Adler gives a great recommendation, “how about using a scratch-pad slightly smaller than the page-size of the book.” It just goes to show it is always a good idea to take at least some form of notes and keep them with your texts, so that you won’t forget each fact that you have absorbed.
Works cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Stephanie Berrospe
Professor Sabir
English 1A
26 August 2012
In the article, “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler discusses the importance of buying your own book to be able to mark it. He acknowledges the act of keeping your mind active while reading by making notes. By doing so, readers have the ability to disagree, question, and argue with the author/teacher. Alder shares many ways to annotate or books that will allow us to memorize parts of the book easier, actively think during reading and to simply stay awake. Annotating include underlining, vertical lines at the margins, asterisk, numbers in the margins circling, and writing in the margins. All of these techniques are met to keep “a conversation between you and the author” (2). Moreover, I am the type of reader who prefers to respect books by not writing in them. I am the type of reader who does not buy books, which is the only thing I disagree with Alder. I prefer barrowing from a local library. However, I do write notes to be able to memorize certain parts like Alder suggested. Rather than writing inside the book itself I instead write my notes on a separate paper. Overall Alder shared good techniques in which I plan to develop and practice more often.
Keelan Sunglao-Valdez
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11:00-11:50
8/26/12
Tabari Davis,
I agree with your statement about sharing the same reading with others. It is a great collaboration method that brings all kinds of different ideas to the table. Everyone thinks differently, and collaborating together will spark many conversations- Agreements on ideas or debates on different interpretations of the text.This exercises the mind, while opening it to new thoughts and analysis. Also, having a reading buddy is always beneficial.
Antionette Armour
I can relate to your comment about which books you choose to write in. The books i read for entertainment, I tend to use my pocket notebook if any writing is necessary. This is simply because in my notes i tend to rant-becoming way to much to fit onto one page. When it comes to reading books for a class, this is when i decide to write in my books. The notes i make are usually quick annotations or markings to help me remember key points. I choose to write in my class books because i can easily access them if needed for a paper or etc.
Keelan Sunglao-Valdez
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11:00-11:50
8/26/12
Tabari Davis,
I agree with your statement about sharing the same reading with others. It is a great collaboration method that brings all kinds of different ideas to the table. Everyone thinks differently, and collaborating together will spark many conversations- Agreements on ideas or debates on different interpretations of the text.This exercises the mind, while opening it to new thoughts and analysis. Also, having a reading buddy is always beneficial.
Antionette Armour
I can relate to your comment about which books you choose to write in. The books i read for entertainment, I tend to use my pocket notebook if any writing is necessary. This is simply because in my notes i tend to rant-becoming way to much to fit onto one page. When it comes to reading books for a class, this is when i decide to write in my books. The notes i make are usually quick annotations or markings to help me remember key points. I choose to write in my class books because i can easily access them if needed for a paper or etc.
Abiodun Apata
Professor Sabir
English 1A
08/24/12
Summary Of How To Mark A Book
Reading and writing between lines of books, a significant way of marking up a book provided it’s your book. Purchasing a book indicates the financial power while reading, writing between lines and digesting a book shows the ownership. There are three types of books owners; those that never read the book, those that read through but attempt to keep the physical appearance and those that read, write between lines and mark the books. The third category referred to as main book owners. Maintaining the physical appearance is a false respect of such a book. Marking up a book is indispensable to reading because it keeps the reader wide awake, active and helps to remember personal thoughts and author’s thoughts. It also helps to preserve ideas in memory and becomes integral part of the book permanently; the literal expression of differences or agreement of opinions with the author.
The author iterate it’s marking procedure which includes underlining of major points, vertical lines at the margin, use of star, asterisks or other doo-dad at the margin, numbers in the margin, numbers of other pages in the margin, circling of keywords or phrase and writing in the margin, top, bottom of the page or personal index at the back of the book. The front end paper is important because it is used for fancy booklet as an integrated structure. A scratch card with smaller size compared to the book can also be used to make index and outlines. Measure of intelligence is the ability to read different books differently based on their worth and not how fast a book is read. It is best to avoid lending marked books out to friends; it is like giving out one’s mind.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Keelan Sunglao-Valdez,
I perfectly agree with you on the later points about yourself but kind of agree with Adler that those books that were not marked is not fully yours.
Hi Wai Man (Remy) Tang,
I agree with your points. If we can read all our class with this view, we will have a better understanding and grade.
Tatiana Johnson
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11:00-11:50
26 August 2012
How to Read a Book
In “How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler, he explains that the way a reader owns a book is by using annotations. There are two different ways that one can own a book. The first way is by just paying for the book but that is not full ownership of the book. Full ownership of the book comes when you make the book part of yourself by writing in it; “Full ownership comes only when you have made it a part of yourself, and the best way to make yourself a part of it is by writing in it.” (Adler, Paragraph 4) Marking notes and thoughts in a book is very helpful because it is usually the thought-through book according to Adler. Writing will help you remember your ideas about the book.
The type of reader that I am is one that buys a book and start reading it and never finish it, than about a year later I try to pick up where I left off and I have to end up starting all over. I’m not really a reader because every time I read something I never remember what I read. Adler states “Finally, writing helps you remember the thoughts you had, or the thoughts the author expressed.”(Paragraph 9) I never thought about making citations or notes on the pages besides in high school I would do that but never in my own book. I agree with Adler because you will be able to understand a book better with an illustration to make the point clear. Overall I believe that Adler gave some good techniques on how to read a book and I plan on using them in the future.
Works Cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: N.p., N.d. Print
Tabari Davis
I agree with the fact that you said you may suggest your book to a friend because I usually pass my books down to friends or donate them. With that being said I believe that it is important to keep them as neat as possible for the next individual. Also I do think the way in which you take care of your book say a lot about you as a person.
- Luchanda Williams-
Messi Chaib
I do agree with you when you state that in most books there are key words to help you understand the context and if you underline it you can return and easily understand it, however that’s not like me. Also like you I find it easier to read it a second time when I put them into my own words. This for me makes more understanding and less complicated.
- Luchanda Williams-
Virginia Tan
I do like the fact that you stated taking notes is useful because you don’t have to go back and read it. This is so true for me also because when I do read a book and take notes and someone ask me questions about it my brain reverts to the notes I took in oder to respond to their question.
- Luchanda Williams-
Lhadze Bosiljevac
8:00a.m.-8:50a.m.
Mrs. Sabir
English 1A
How to Mark a Book: Summary
In the essay “ How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler, the common misconception of possessing a book is presented with examples of annotations, and methods to assert ownership of the paper and binding with writing on the pages giving an advantage to the reader. Adler
embarks in his statement that “...marking up a book is not an act of mutilation but of love.”(p.g.376, para.2), where some people are afraid to write in a book as if it were to create havoc on the pages or ruin the story plot. But this can be the case if the treatise or novel etc. is not the property of the person reading it. Books from the library primarily should not be dog-eared as well as annotated inside because it simply does not belong to the person using it. Where if you do have the urge to blemish the books pages than buy a reprint for a cheaper price to tattoo the pages in words. However, Adler then explains that buying a book is one of the first steps to making it part of you. With this said he moves forward explaining with even the monster collection of books owned and shelves lined with great vast amounts of literature, the physical existence is dry. Being able to write in the pages, reading and being able to ‘consume’ the words, the books on the shelves are then granted as a persons book. He explains later that the person, even having a
scarce book collection, the one jotting all his notes and folding the paper to signal pages is the
one who is the most interactive with the book and truly owns the work in the bindings.
Unquestionably, the reader must form some type of dialogue with sentences with comments back
to the text helping to remember unanswered questions, or share a observation to the pages; an
indirect conversation with the author. Although at this point Adler realizes that some people may
like their books crisp, so using small sheets of note paper can be just as useful to slip in the
pages. Marking in the margins, creating asterisks, and circling key words and phrases are all
important with understanding and knowing the books opinions. Mortimer explains the readers
emotion, thoughts, and care to the book that must be stored away, concealed annals of the mind.
Where the car and the coat are easier rented than the book and the notes.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anthony Roberts
8/25/12
Prof. Sabir
English 1A
Summary: How to Mark a Book
The author, Mortimier J. Adler, surely has some strong opinions on how to read a book and get the most out of the text in his short essay, “How to Mark a Book.” Mr. Adler feels the most efficient way to read is to mark up the book like a graffiti writer takes to the streets. He suggests to mark every aspect as one reads a text, including underling of major points, using a star or other symbols to emphasize important ideas and statements, and numbering of points in an argument and using numbers to organize the whole thought of a argument. His strategy is really brilliant in that it will help a reader to truly grasp the subject matter, and better organize his thoughts. The author says it best, “it’s like resuming an interrupted conversation with the advantage of being able to pick up where you left off” (Adler par 13). When the book is earmarked, and noted up, all one has to do is take a quick note to his notes and they will be back into the thick of the story. The author believes this is the best way to not only read, but understand a book and keep it with ones-self locked in their brain for the rest of their life.
Works Cited
Adler, Mortimer J. "How to Mark a Book." N.p.: N.p., N.d. Print
Winsome Wei Zhang
Professor Wanda
English 1A
Summary of How to Mark a Book
This is an article that talks about how to mark books while reading. When you borrow a book from library, librarians do expect you to keep it clean. However, if you want to mark on the books, then you better own it instead to borrow it from library or your friends. The easy to own a book is to buy it from bookstore or somewhere. When you own the book, then you may take the ownership to write on it, and make it as yours. There are three kinds of book owners. The first type is to own many books but never touch it. The book will just stay in the bookshelf alone. The second type which have a lot of books but never have enough time to read all of it. They may have time to read some of it but not all. The third type which has a few book, but they do read every single one of it. A book also can be the score of a piece of music, it just like the conductor make the notation on their musical sheets. Marking book while reading will help to keep you awake, and to be a active reader. The physical act of writing will bring your words, and sentiments more understanding of the story. Also, when you reading a book, it will just like to process the information and conversation between you and the author. There are many ways to mark the books such as: underline, vertical lines at the margin, star, numbers of the margin, circle the words, and writing in the margin. Making books may slow down your reading speed, however, it does help you to understand the content better.
David Barksdale Jr.
Professor Sabir
English 1A
August 27, 2012
In reading “How to Mark a Book” I grew to have a better understanding of the way we read and how to really pay attention to what I have read. Looking for the meaning of a sentence instead of just reading it like it doesn’t help explain the story or information that’s being told.
Now Mr. Adler first spoke about the type of book owners and the importance of the treatment of books and how they describe the difference of a reader and a collector. A collector has a few books in perfect condition and have beyond repair in sort; with pages bent the cover almost coming off, with writing all throughout. These readers have taken the time to observe their books, learning the author’s point of views and find their own point of view within. According to Adler this is the right way to treat a book. Any other way in his words is disrespectful.
This passage of reading from Adler is giving us the best way to not only read books but to retain what we have read. To me I believe this can help me be a better reader in the near future and helps me with this class.
Joseph Carlo O. Tolentino
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 8:00 – 8:50
27 August 2012
Summary on “How to Mark a Book”
Mortimer J. Alder’s work, “How to Mark a Book, “ delves deep into the mind of book owners, where he recognizes two ways a person may own a book and the three types of readers: the delusional collector, the restrained reader and the avid reader.
Mr. Alder describes that although a person may purchase a book, one doesn’t have complete and total ownership until he/she marks it as his/her own and connects it with their very being. Purchasing the book only gives material ownership with no sequel or proof that one has owned the book. At the same time, the books are treated differently by the here types of readers.
The delusional collectors often buy the book without touching/reading it, therefore wasting the value and destroying the sense of books. They find it sacred and a sacrilege should the pages be touched or blemished. The other two types are more… down to earth. The restrained reader may have read the book and have enjoyed them, but they may limit the times they read the book out of fear of ruining it.
Now this isn’t negative, in fact the restrained readers are sensible and are simply a step below avid readers who owns books with obvious signs of use and labels.
I personally find myself in the avid reader category as I have owned a multitude of books that I had to part when I moved. It simply broke my heart to leave them as they were very enjoyable, although I rarely mark and place comments directly on the book as I want them to last long, so I may be somewhere in between the two levels.
Jocelyn Carvajal
Professor Wanada Sabir
English 1A 8:00-8:50am
27 August 2012
Quite often, when you read a book and you see writing in it, it's thought of as vandalism. Mortimer J. Adler perspective was that it was a way to make yourself a part of a book. He mentioned, "Marking up a book is not an act of mutilation but of love," which helped me understand what he meant.
Also mentioned, he describes three different types of book owners. Basically based on the condition of the owners books, it defines the difference between people who own just paper and ink, and those who make the books their own. Those who have their books in newer condition haven't made their books theirs as much as the ones owned by those who keep their books in worse conditions.
Jeannae Williams
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8-8:50am
23 August 2012
The reading of " How to mark a book" was intresting, which covered some main ponts on how to own a book. It explained how active one should be as a reader when reading, and how important it can be to write in books by the owner. Keep in mind, if one is not the owner of the book that is being bread, should by no means attempt to mark thoughts nor notes in a book that is not his/hers. Being that a book is like a diary to certain individuals who own books. Another indication that stood out, is that it does not matter what speed one reads at as long as that reader understands what is being read. to make a long story short, when one is reaing be an active reader because it sharpens a readers intelligence, but on the other hand as a book owner try not to furnish a book that belongs to present company, so that one's mental qulities are not took without permission. "...marking up a book is not an act of mutilation but of love".(Adler pg.376)
Sam Everett
Professor Sabir
ENGL 1A
8-8:50
27 August, 2012
How To Mark a Book
In How to Mark a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler, the argument is made that the most effective way to read is to write in the book that you are reading. Adler explains that just because someone purchases a book, it doesn’t mean belongs to them. They have not yet acquired the knowledge within the text. The book belongs to a person when it becomes a part of them, and them a part of it. This partnership is gained through a conversation the reader has with the book. A reader can write his or her agreements, disagreements, questions and concerns with the book. This not only makes the reader a part of the book, it helps the reader remember their ideas, and can act as a reference to past thoughts on the book once original ideas are forgotten. There are seven different methods that when combined allow a reader to communicate with text. The first, underline major points. Second, use vertical lines in margins to find locations of marked phrases. Third, use symbols to point out important statements. Fourth, use numbers to map out the authors arguments. Fifth, connect different parts of the book by writing page numbers. Sixth, circle words and phrase. Seventh, write in margins to record your thoughts on the text. Even though this method of reading takes longer, it is more important to get a lot out of a few books then a little out of a lot of books. After someone converses with their book, the book cannot be shared because it is the original readers intellectual property.
Personally, I don’t “mark books” when ever I freely read. Every time I have annotated a text, I did it because I was assigned to by a teacher. I find that when I do communicate with a text, my understanding does increase, and I am able to form my own opinions on what is being written. I recommend communicating with a book. It does take more work, but if you are reading to increase your knowledge or intellect as much as possible, it is necessary.
Adler, Mortimer J.. “How to Mark a Book.” Selected
Class Arguments. 1940, revised 1972.
Rachel Avalos
Professor Sabir
ENGL 1A
8-8:50
27 August 2012
Active Reading
Throughout the essay “How to Mark a Book” the author, Mortimer J. Adler, maintains the idea that in order to truly own a book a person must write in between the lines. To start with the author likens marking the pages of a book to “reading between the lines” meaning that both are forms of reading comprehension. I believe that is an interesting thought and is a useful form of active reading, although I do not write in books since I often lend my books to friends; in addition I borrow a lot of the books I read. Writing in the pages of a book is a useful form of active reading that allows the readers to return to their thoughts without forgetting what they thought when reading a certain line. Adler says that writing in a book helps keep the reader awake, since they are focusing on writing down main points and understanding the text. I use this technique of annotating a text when reading essays and articles so that I might ensure that I know what the authors are talking about, writing on the pages also allows me to go back to the articles and look up words and answer questions that I had about the particular writing. The author of “How to Mark a Book” implies that by marking a book the book becomes “as much a part of you as your head or your heart.” The books which have been marked become like a diary, preserving your exact thoughts at that time when you read that specific book.
Amanda Lara
professor sabir
English1A
8~8:50am
August 27,2012
"How to Mark a Book" by Mortimer J. Alder is a great resource guide not just for students but for all readers. It defines the different ways one can own a book, the different type of book owns, why marking a book is indespensable to reading it and other note taking strategies that can help us own the book. When reading books and articals readers should not just be gliding through the lines but actually writing thoughts, questions, highlighting points, circling words and emphazing statements in order to really understand what we are reading. The author describes the book as a "sacred diary" something only yours since its your thoughts. He wants to persuade readers to read "between the lines" and to " write between the lines" so that we can own the book. There are two types of book owners that Mortimer decribes, the ones that purchase the books and those who make it a part of themselves by writing in it from front to back. The different kind of book owners are those who own many books but have them unread or untouched. The second are those who own a bit less and have read some but the books are maintained clean and unmarked. The last type of book owners are those who own a few but have read all of them and marked them from page to page with notes and thoughts, those are real book owners. Marking a book is important because it keeps us the readers awake and active, let's us understand the book, helps express ourselves, remember thoughts and bring words more sharply to the mind. The different ways to take notes are undlining; vertical lines at the margin; star asterisk; numbers in the margin; circling words or phases; and writing in margins or between lines. A book should be a diary or place where you can have a conversation with the author where you can agree or disagree with the author. A book should not be lend to a friend or any one since it would be like giving your mind away. His idea is to persuade us the readers to really own a book and to make it part of us.
Joseph Carlo O. Tolentino
I perfectly agreed about keeping your favorite book because I kept a few of them myself. Those books are the ones that I took "extra" care of. They're are all so enjoyable and memorable.
-De Long Liang
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jonas Sota
Professor Sabir
8 Aug., 2012
Adler begins by writing about what 'ownership' of a book means. He says that to own a book is equal to consuming a piece of meat, that in order to make the book your own you must cut into it, chew, and swallow. Adler is adamant in convincing the reader that writing in a book is not defacing the book, and that rather it's necessary to better understand the ideas of the writing. Adler then supports the idea that writing down your ideas helps you formulate and remember them.
The climax of Adler's piece is his account of seven tips or guidelines to follow when taking notes in a book, which he gives in an explicit manner.
Adler's short essay is a tutorial of how to best comprehend a piece of writing.
Fermin Carrera
Ms. Sabir
English 1A 8:00-8:50 AM
August 25, 2012
How to mark a book
To own a book means to physically write inside the book. To own a book also means that the owner has been apart of it. What this means is that he or she has taken notes of what the concept of the book is. By taking notes consistently shows that the reader has been paying attention of what going on and not just reading to make time pass.
Knowing how to mark a book is a skill yet to be mastered by those who do not read a lot. In How to Mark a Book, Mortimer J. Adler explains why and how to read a book effectively. Reading a book effectively enough to absorb information can be accomplished by writing within the book. The reader should take notes as he reads instead of just reading the pages. It is more effective when taking notes in the book, according to Adler. The reader will write his thought and comments of certain things that happen as he reads. As someone takes notes of the book and questioning what is going on, it is like having a conversation with the author according to Adler.
If the reader takes good accurate related notes to the book, then the reader can study his or her notes in the future. When the reader returns back to a certain page but does not remember what exactly happened, then by just reading the notes in the book, the mind of the reader is refreshed with what has been going on in the book. According to Adler, this is one important reason why taking notes in a book is very important.
One of the most important reason why writing while reading is that it keeps the reader actively aware of what is happening as he reads the book. If the reader reads without taking any notes of what he reads, then it is most likely that the reader will be mentally tired to a certain point where he or she no longer notices the text in dept. Adler stated that when the reader writes in the book, the notes will stay there for as long as he or she owns the book. Years can pass and the notes will be there. By having the notes, a recap of the book is available to the reader.
In Response, to Bianca Hsueh,
I can very much relate to you when you said that you have always kept your books neat and clean. But like you said, when it come to reading a complicated novel such as “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner, it is then necessary to annotate. I myself have read The Sound and the Fury, and I most certainty agree with you that one must annotate on almost every single page of the book, considering that it I complicated book to understand. You can still keep your book clean by annotating but instead you can use sticky notes. In the end it is good to write in the book, that way your conversation with the book stay permanent.
Hello Rachel Avalos,
After reading your blog post, I see that i both have something in common; I see that you borrow books and so do I. But by doing this, I think that it limits us from knowing our potential to understanding the book we read. I definitely agree with you that annotating has meet you actively reading. I would say that we become more aware of what goes in the book, which enhances our knowledge of the book.
Jocelyn Carvajal
I agreed with you on that feeling of vandalism, when you saw a book has markings in it. I, personally, disliked to put markings on a book unless is absolutely necessary. And I look at books as a masterpiece of work, rather the book is interesting/enjoyable or not.
-De Long Liang
Response to Fermin Carrera
I feel your summary was very descriptive of the meaning of How to Mark a Book. I really liked the point you made about how marking books makes our mind take in the books information better. By writing responses to what we read, we are thinking more about what an author is writing, and better remember the piece.
-Sam Everett
Response to Emily Lam
I enjoyed reading your summary on How to Mark a book. I noticed that you said that marking a book is not always necessary. I would have to agree. You don't need to write in a book if you are casually reading for entertainment. If you are trying to get something out of the book that you would like to take with you for the rest of you life though, you should mark the book.
-Sam Everett
Michelle Chim
Professor Sabir
English 1A; 11-11:30
August 28, 2012
“How to Mark a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler
I thought this reading was interesting. I actually know more about the meaning of marking a book after reading it. It’s more than just scribbling in a book; people may think it’s bad to write in a book because it ruins the book, but it is actually a good thing to write in a book. I was amazed how it mentioned the types of marking a book, and it tells what kind of reader you are by the way you mark it. It helps how to analyze a reading. When you mark the book it shows you are “breathing with the text” because as you write notes while you read, you are taking apart the meaning of a sentence or word or paragraph. It helps you understand what the whole reading is talking about. This helped me figure out what kind of reader I am, and it helped me how to analyze readings in general.
sorry so late.
weimei wu
Professor:Wanda Sabir
English:1A 8-8;50
08/28/2012
After I reading the purpose of this assignment is to provide an outline of the English 1A curriculum. Some of the factors involve conducting research, brainstorming and creating thesis statements. In addition, the writing process is also presented as a guide to write effectively where developing supporting information, evaluating and using a variety of sources as references to eliminate plagiarism and formulating conclusions are essential in effective writing.I very need this class, want to get a good grade from this class, and this is my last semester to transfer!
Kendra Jones
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8:00-8:50 AM
Sept. 2, 2012
Reading Adlers article reminded me of why I fell in love with reading. Being able to understand someones work is an amazing feeling and often inspires one to become a more active reader. Adler contends that "marking up a book is not an act of mutilation, but of love"(paragraph 2).There are two kinds of book readers. Adler clearly thinks the best owner of a book is the one with all the pages "..marked and scribbled in front to back" (paragraph 3)
I agree with Adler.Owning something means putting your mark on it. I am an active book reader. My collection of books is not so great as of this point. When I fist started reading I couldn't stop myself from taking notes and rewriting what I felt made more sense, falling in love with every word and punctuation.
I do plan to become a more active reader now that I am in school.
Remembering and understanding what you read helps you develop into a better writer. Adler explains in the article, how "..you have to read 'between the lines' to get the most out of anything."(paragraph 1) This sentence gets supported throughout his article and I agree. When reading I tend to take notes by underlining, making vertical lines, stars and writing at the margin.
Adlers article is about reading and the benefits of note taking. He gives examples on why he feels this way. Alder not only explains what kind of book owners there are but also describes in detail what kind of book owner he is."The reason why a great conductor makes notation on his musical scores-marks them up again and again each time he returns to study them-is the reason why you should mark on your book." (paragraph 8) This stuck out to me the most. Comparing writing music to writing in your book supported the whole article. It symbolized understanding the book for meaning, explaining why you would want to read the book more than once.
Adler, Mortimer J. How to Read a Book: The Art of Getting a Liberal Education (1940;revised edition 1972)
In response to: Wai Man (Remy) Tang
Remy, your summary was short yet clear. If I needed to know what this article was about before reading it, I would have a full understanding after reading your summary. Informative.
In response to: Virginia Tan
Virginia, I agree with you. If I don't write down notes while reading, then I won't remember what I've previously read. Out of all the responses I can relate to your experience with book ownership the most.
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