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).
More strict laws for illegal immigrants were imposed making harder for them to live in Arizona. Although the Robotics
team had many achievements, they didnt had stable jobs that could support their families. Their struggle had garnered
media attention. Scholarships and donations were given to the students so that they could continue to pursue their
educational goals. Most of them applied for colleges. Oscar applied for residency back in Mexico but was rejected.
Oscars supporters asked the government to reconsider Oscars case and he was able to get residency in the U.S after
a year. Hollywood began filming about the students but they were given happy endings and not the reality of these
students. After 10 years beating MIT, Lorenzo works as a cook, Oscar as a veteran foreman, Luis works in cleaning
and catering with Lorenzo. Fredi and Allan still helps the robotics team in Carl Hayden.
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.
This was the final chapter of the book, the story of these boys struggle was finally over. They may still struggle till this
day and we may not know of their struggles but we were able to get a glimpse into their story of hardships and hard
work as they grew up. I felt sad that they were not able to pursue education or jobs that would greatly benefit them
because of their status. There may be kids who have the potential and knowledge to do great things but are barred
from doing so because of situations like lack of education or immigration problems.
3. 2 discussion questions. These should be openended questions that could lead to an interesting conversation, not
factbased yes or no questions.
Should there be easier immigration laws to people who will be essential to a nation because of their knowledge and
hard work?
Would the students survive without the media attention?
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:
The reading process went smooth as I was really interested in their lives after the competition. The students has all
grown up and pursued jobs. They werent able to secure stable jobs because of their status but Oscar was able to get
the residency status because of the help from other people. This reminded me of my parents where they started off
really poor and worked their way through and am now able to support their children.
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.

Antithesis - a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. I didnt know the
meaning

Trickle - (of a liquid) flow in a small stream. I didnt know the meaning
Potentate - a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one. I didnt know the meaning

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.