When you respond to the text, 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 provide convincing evidence about why you feel this way. [2] X Research source If responding to multiple texts, you must analyze how the texts relate. If responding to one text, you probably should connect the text to overarching concepts and themes you have discussed in the class. The same assignment may also be given to films, lectures, field trips, labs, or even class discussions. A reaction paper is not a summary of the text. It also does not state, “I liked this book because it was interesting” or “I hated this because it was boring. “[3] X Research source
If you are unsure, ask the teacher to clarify what they expect from the assignment. You may be asked to react to the text in light of another text. If this is the case, you will want to use quotations from both texts in your writing. You may be asked to react to the text in the light of the class themes. For example, if you read a book in a Sociology of Gender Roles class, you will want to read, annotate, and react based on how gender roles are described in the book. You may be asked to react personally to the text. This is less common, but occasionally the teacher simply wants to know if you have read the text and thought about it. In this case, you should focus on your opinions of the book.
One of the biggest mistakes that students make is waiting until the last minute to read and react. A reaction is a thoughtful consideration after reading and rereading several times. You may need to reread the text multiple times. First, to read and familiarize yourself with the text, then again to start thinking about the assignment and your reactions.
Try completing some of the following sentences after you read: I think that. . . , I see that. . . , I feel that. . . , It seems that. . . , or In my opinion. . .
What issues or problems does the author address? What is the author’s main point? What points or assumptions does the author make, and how does she back that up? What are strengths and weaknesses? Where are problems with the argument? How do the texts relate? (if multiple texts) How do these ideas connect to the overall ideas of the class/unit/etc?
When you finish, read back over what you’ve just written. Determine what your strongest and most convincing reactions are. Prioritize your points.
Think about why the author has written the article or story as they have. Why did he structure things in this particular way? How does this relate to the outside world?[7] X Research source
Your thesis will be one statement that explains what you will analyze, criticize, or try to prove about the text. It will force your reaction paper to remain focused.
For example, 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.
Draft paragraphs that introduce quotations, analyze them, and comment on them.
A good way to think about structuring your paragraph is: detail, example/quotation, commentary/evaluation, repeat.
The last sentence of your introduction should be your thesis.
Look for places where you simply report what the texts says instead of providing a critique or evaluation of what the text says.
If you have been asked to give a statement about your personal opinion, the conclusion may be the best place to insert it. Some teachers may allow you to state the personal opinions in the body paragraphs. Make sure to double check with the teacher first.
Read through for clarity. Are your sentences clear? Have you supported and fully argued your points? Is there any place where you’re confusing?
