A response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then write commentary about it.It is a popular academic assignment because it requires thoughtful reading, research and writing.These writing tips will teach you how to write a reaction paper.
Step 1: Understand the purpose of the paper.
When you read a text, you should assign a reaction or response paper so that you can think about it.You need to evaluate the text's strengths and weaknesses in order to write a response paper.A reaction paper is more than just a paper where you say something.The text that goes beyond the surface meaning is what these papers need to read.You have to respond to implied ideas, evaluate, and analyze the author's main points.You can use the first-person "I" when writing reaction papers.Back up your ideas with evidence from the text along with your own connection of ideas, texts, and overarching concepts.If you are asked to agree or disagree, you have to show why you feel that way.You have to analyze how the texts relate if you respond to multiple texts.You should connect the text to the overarching concepts and themes discussed in the class if you respond to one text.Films, lectures, field trips, labs, or even class discussions can all be given the same assignment.A reaction paper isn't a summary of the text.It doesn't say, "I liked this book because it was interesting or that I hated it because of it."
Step 2: Determine what the assignment is asking.
You have to figure out what your teacher is looking for before you start your paper.Some teachers would like you to analyze or evaluate the reading.A personal response is what other teachers want.You need to understand which kind of reaction the assignment calls for.Ask the teacher what they expect from the assignment.In light of another text, you may be asked to react.You will want to use quotations from both texts if this is the case.In the light of the class themes, you may be asked to react to the text.If you are in a Sociology of Gender Roles class, you will want to read and react to how gender roles are described in the book.It is possible that you will be asked to react to the text.Sometimes the teacher just wants to know if you have read the text and thought about it.Your opinions of the book are what you should focus on.
Step 3: After you are assigned a text, read it.
You have to give your opinion and turn in the paper to complete a reaction paper.A reaction paper takes the information you read and brings it together so you can analyze and evaluate it.To put the ideas together, you have to digest what you've read and give yourself time to do the readings.One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute to read.After reading and rereading, a reaction is considered.You may need to read it again.First, to read the text, then to think about the assignment and your reactions.
Step 4: Write down your reactions.
Take your initial reactions to the text and write them down.On any subsequent readings, do the same thing.Try to finish the sentences after you read them.
Step 5: As you read, be attentive to the text.
Contribute something to the text when you read it again.You can easily locate quotations, plot lines, character development, or reactions to the text with annotating in the margins.It will be more difficult to create a cohesive reaction paper if you fail to thoroughly annotated.
Step 6: As you read, ask the question.
You have to start questioning the text as you read it.This is where you begin your reaction to the material.What issues or problems does the author address?The author has a main point.How does the author back up her assumptions?What are the strengths and weaknesses?There are problems with the argument.How do the texts relate to each other?How do these ideas connect to the overall ideas of the class?
Step 7: Write.
Write your reactions and evaluations of the author's ideas.Put into words what you think the author is trying to do and whether you agree or disagree.Explain why you think these things.If you want to get your ideas on paper, freewriting is a great way to start.When you're done, read over what you wrote.What are your strongest and most convincing reactions?You should prioritize your points.
Step 8: You have to decide on your angle.
Reaction papers need to be critical and evaluate the text.You are just summing up what you read.Determine what your angle is after freewriting.As you craft a coherent reaction, keep asking yourself the same questions.Think about why the author wrote the story in the first place.Why did he structure things this way?What does this mean to the outside world?
Step 9: Determine your thesis.
You can now shape this into an argument after completing your freewriting.What do you think is interesting about what you just read?It's important to state why what you said is interesting.The core of your paper is this.Combine your points, opinions, and observations into one claim to prove it.This is your thesis.A thesis is a statement that explains what you will do with the text.It will keep your paper focused.
Step 10: You should organize your paper.
Basic essay format is what your paper should follow.The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are needed.Your thesis should be supported by each body paragraph.You should be reacting to different parts of the text in each body paragraph.Write your reactions into paragraphs if you organize them into a few topics.If you are reacting to a theme in a book, you can split the paragraphs into how the setting, antagonist, and figurative imagery communicate the themes successfully or unsuccessfully.
Step 11: They should gather quotations.
You need to find quotations that support your points after you organize your ideas.Evidence from the text is what you need to back up your claims.There are quotations that support your thesis.Paragraphs should introduce quotations, analyze them, and comment on them.
Step 12: You should structure your paragraphs.
Paragraphs should start with a topic sentence.You have to figure out how to structure your paragraph.You can follow the author's words with your reaction.You can start with the author and then follow with how you feel.You want to start with what the author says and then follow it with your reaction.structuring your paragraph is a good way to think about it.
Step 13: Write your introduction.
The name of the text, the author, and the focus of your paper should be stated in your introductory paragraph.If relevant, you may want to include the year of publication and the publication it was taken from.It is a good idea to include the author's purpose in the text.Your thesis should be the last sentence of your introduction.
Step 14: Make a stance by reading your reaction paragraphs.
Although most papers don't ask for your opinion, you should critique, analyze, and evaluate the text instead of sticking to the facts.Look for places where you simply report what the text says.
Step 15: Explain the bigger implications of the text for the class, author, audience, or yourself.
It's a good idea to connect the text to other ideas in the class.How does this text compare to other texts?If you are asked to give a statement about your opinion, the conclusion may be the best place to put it.Personal opinions may be allowed in the body paragraphs of some teachers.Make sure to check with the teacher first.
Step 16: For clarity and length can be edited.
You don't want the papers to be long since they are usually short.500 words to 5 pages are what they can range from.To make sure you follow directions, read your assignment carefully.For clarity, read through.Are your words clear?Did you fully argue your points?Is there a place where you are confused?
Step 17: Check your document with proof and spell.
It is possible to proof by reading for errors.Look for run ons, fragments, and tense issues.Make sure to check for spelling.
Step 18: Do you respond adequately to the assignment?
Make sure to double check your guidelines.Make sure you follow your teacher's instructions.It is ready to be submitted if you did.