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Response Paper

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66 views3 pages

Response Paper

Uploaded by

getaravindh11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HOW TO WRITE A RESPONSE PAPER IN 5 STEPS

Response papers provide an opportunity to express your likes, dislikes and reactions to a
subject. When formatting your response paper, it’s important to present your ideas in an
organized manner. This article defines what a response paper is and explore how to write one
in five simple steps.

What is a response paper?


A response paper, also called a reaction paper, is a short essay commonly assigned by college
professors to call on students to explain their reactions to a text (or set of texts). When writing
a response paper, there are several steps to keep in mind to ensure you cover all aspects of
your response and present your ideas in an organized manner.

How to write a successful response paper


A response paper differs slightly in format from the traditional academic essay. Use the
following five steps to help you put together a successful response paper:

1. Know the material


Before you begin writing your response paper, it's important that you thoroughly understand
the text. Read through the material multiple times if possible and take notes on aspects that
seem important or that give you have any strong reactions.

2. Organize your reaction


Your reaction will come easier in writing if you’ve thought it through before you start.
Reflect upon any strong opinions and jot down how you might sequence them. A response
paper is usually less formal than other kinds of essay writing, so you may not need a detailed
outline. However, you should have an idea beforehand of what you plan to say.

3. Write the introduction


Opening a response paper should have a few key elements that may differ slightly from a
research or argumentative paper. As with any paper, the introduction will welcome your
reader and state your topic, but it should also do the following:
Introduce the name and author of the work.
Include a very brief summary in concise terms, establishing just enough for a reader who is
otherwise unfamiliar with the material to be able to follow your analysis. Highlight the main
points and areas you'll cover in the body of your paper.
The summary should be objective and act as a gateway to your upcoming opinion.
While your introduction of the material shouldn’t include your opinions, you should still
close the paragraph with a thesis statement that does.
Read more: How To Write a Good Introduction to an Essay

4. Explore your reaction


The body of your response paper comes right after the introductory paragraph. The body is
where you'll discuss the topics, themes or subjects that most stood out to you. If there are any
points specifically outlined by your professor that should be covered in your paper, be sure to
do so in the body. A few questions to consider covering include:

How is the text related to other topics or ideas discussed in the college course you're writing
the paper for?
How does the text relate to present-day issues?
What was your initial response to the work?
What was your reaction after rereading the text?
How does the text relate to your life, feelings or experiences?
What emotions did you experience when reading the text?
Did the text increase your understanding of a particular topic or issue?
Did the text change your perspective on a topic or issue?
How accurate was the text?
Would you recommend this text to others interested in learning about the issue or topic
explored?
How does this work compare to other texts in its genre or field?
Use concise and short paragraphs to cover each topic, theme or reaction. Use a new
paragraph for each new topic discussed. Go into detail on your findings and reactions related
to the text and try to maintain consistency and a clear flow throughout the body of your
response paper.
5. Summarize your thoughts
In the conclusion of your response paper, sum up your reactions, ideas and arguments
concerning the text. Draw inference when possible and a clear summary of what was
discussed throughout your paper. Avoid introducing new ideas or repeating information you
included in the introduction of your response paper.

Here are a few tips to consider when composing a response paper:

Look at example response papers. If you've never written a response paper before, there are
several examples available online, usually on university pages. Take note of the style, format
and flow of the paper. Get inspired, but never plagiarize.
Proofread your work. Before submitting your assignment, be sure to thoroughly proofread
and edit it.
Format your work properly. Remember that whenever you cite outside works, you should
always properly credit your sources in the proper format which will usually be APA format in
a college class.
First-person is usually acceptable. An assignment like this more readily acknowledges its
author as part of the paper. For example, “I was overwhelmed by the gratuitous
‘ultraviolence’ throughout the work, but understand that some degree of shock was necessary
for me to truly get a grasp on the deteriorated state of youth in this dystopia.”

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