Writing a Reaction Paper

Writing a Reaction Paper
v A reaction paper is an analysis and an evaluation of the material presented.
v In a reaction paper, make sure to give a detailed overview of the experience and tell what exactly was taken out of the experience.
v A reaction paper should be more than a simple summary of the material that you are reacting upon.
v It should include your opinion or reaction to the material.
v This may take on a variety of forms:
      § You may compare the work to other related material;
      § You may come up with ways to improve the work;
      § You may express what you learned;
      § You may concur with the work or argue against the work
v You can even use “I”, or the first person, in this type of paper.
How to Write a Reaction Paper
Consider these general steps as you plan your writing:
    • Pull your thoughts together on what you just experienced.
    • Come up with a thesis statement.
    • Come up with what reaction you want to put down on paper.
    • Decide on your organization and format draft your reaction paper.
As a starting point for your reaction paper, select two or three major points from the following list and write a paragraph for each point.
  § React to the ideas presented.
        Are they clear and suitable? Explain the ideas, give examples of their application in the material presented, and compare/contrast the ideas with your own.
  § Compare it to another material.
        How was it similar to the other material? How was it different? Which did you enjoy more? What makes it more enjoyable? Which did you learn more from?
  § Discuss specific insights or facts you have learned or gained from reading the material presented.
        Discuss each insight or fact you have learned in a detailed paragraph, using direct examples from the material presented. Include a page reference to the material you are reacting to.
  § Make a judgment about the material presented and support it.
        Did you like it?... [continues]

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