reaction essay example

How to Write a Reaction Paper

Guide for Writing a Reaction Paper

A reaction paper is a common assignment in most high schools and universities. It gives students the chance to show their understanding of source material by asking them to summarize, analyze, and give their personal opinion. A reaction paper requires critical thinking as well as creative writing skills, so it can be a challenge to write. Whether you were looking for the answer on how to write a reaction paper about a movie, how to write a reaction paper example, or how to write a reaction paper to an article, you will learn everything you need including a step-by-step guide and an outline here!

What is Reaction Paper?

A reaction paper is a written assignment that asks a student to briefly summarize and then give personal opinions about a book, article, video, etc. Unlike a critique or review, the main focus is on the personal opinions, thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the student.

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How to Write a Good Reaction Paper?

Writing a reaction paper takes time and effort and there are several steps to take before getting to the actual writing. These steps will help you understand the source material as well as help structure the eventual paper.

What is the purpose?

Not all reaction papers have the same purpose. While all of them ask you to analyze and give opinions about the source material, the focus of the analysis can be different. Make sure you carefully read the guidelines of the assignment and if you have any questions ask your professor for clarifications.

Figure out whether the emphasis should be on the analysis or on your personal opinion and reaction.
The professor may ask you to react to the source material in a way that relates to the course that you are taking. For example, a reaction paper for a sociology class will be different from a reaction paper for an economics class even if the source material is the same.
Sometimes you may be asked to compare one source material to another piece of writing similar to a compare and contrast essay.
A reaction paper can focus more on objective analysis or subjective opinion
Remember that the goal of a reaction paper is not just to state your opinion. Any claim you make must be backed up by evidence from the source material.
The purpose of a reaction paper is not to say whether you liked the source material or not, it is to analyze it and connect its deeper meanings to larger themes.

Go over the source material several times

Just because it's called a reaction paper doesn't mean you can get away with going over the source material once and then quickly writing down what you felt about it. Even if you are trying to learn how to write a reaction paper to a movie, you can't just watch the movie once. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to go over the source material at least a few times. Not only do you have to understand every element of the source material, but you also need time to process, think about, analyze, and make connections.

While it's good to think about deeper concepts when going through the source material for the first time, just focus on getting a general feeling about the article or movie. Focus on your specific insights and reactions when going over the source material for the second and third times.

What to do after your first go through

After the first time you read the article or watch the video, spend some time writing down your initial reactions. Think of this as a brainstorming session where there are no bad ideas, write down whatever you want. This can include opinions of what you thought the strengths and weaknesses were, what you liked and didn't like, deeper meanings and connections that jumped out at you, connections to your course, etc.

The importance of notes

After you have your initial reactions down, it's time to go over the source material again and take in-depth notes. If it’s an article or a book, print it out so that you can take notes in the margins. Highlight important quotes or pieces of information, draw arrows connecting different sections, write yourself notes and reminders in the margins, draw diagrams that help you understand the structure of the article, do whatever helps you understand the material better. No one else is going to see the notes you make so be as creative as you want to be. The more time you spend taking notes the better you will understand the source material and the easier writing the reaction paper will be.

Craft a thesis statement

Think of a thesis statement for a reaction paper as the main takeaway from your analysis. A good thesis statement is concise and focused. It should help guide the rest of your paper with every paragraph lending support to your thesis statement. You can come up with a thesis statement by asking yourself what the goal of the author was, how the source material impacts the world, what are the motivations of the main characters, what was the purpose of the source material, what were the major strengths or weaknesses of the source material, etc.

Paragraph Structure

Making a reaction paper outline is a useful endeavor because it helps organize your notes and understand the flow of the paper overall. A reaction paper follows a typical five-paragraph essay format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The next section will go in-depth into how to write a reaction paper section by section.

In general, the first introductory paragraph should contain a brief summary of the source material. The body paragraphs should start with a clear topic sentence followed by evidence for the claim that you are making, and the conclusion should reiterate the thesis and main evidence.

When making an outline, write down the topic sentence and then a quick list of evidence that backs it up. Make sure that each paragraph connects to your thesis statement so that you don't lose focus during the paper. A useful way to structure each paragraph is to first elaborate on something from the source material and then give your opinion backed by evidence.

Using quotations

Once you have an outline and understand how the paragraphs will be structured, go through your notes and find specific quotations from the text that back up your claims. Don't just list quotations, make sure you analyze them and explain why they are important as evidence. Depending on the word count of the assignment you should limit the length of quotations and paraphrase when necessary.

Revise and Edit

Once you're done writing your paper make sure that you go over it a few times. This is to get rid of typos and other silly mistakes, but more importantly to check for flow and clarity. You may find that certain paragraphs work better in a different order, or even that certain topic sentences don't back up the thesis statement. This is your chance to make your paper the best it can possibly be, so make sure you spend some time reviewing and editing.

Double-check your assignment guidelines

It's always a good idea to check your assignment guidelines once you are done with any type of assignment. You’ve put in all the hard work and you don't want to get a lower grade than you deserve because of something silly. Question what the assignment guidelines are asking you to do and make sure that you have followed all the rules.

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A reaction paper follows a typical five-paragraph format structure of essay writing. Let's take a look at each section.

Introduction

Like any type of writing, the first sentence of a reaction paper should engage the reader and make them want to find out more. Write a catchy hook by making a provocative statement about the source material, hinting at an interesting conclusion or reaction, stating an interesting fact or anecdote, etc.

Next, give some background information about the source material including the name of the article, the author, where and when it was published, any awards won, etc.

Follow this up with a concise summary of the source material. Remember, the goal of a reaction paper is to objectively analyze and then give personal opinions backed by evidence, so don’t take a lot of time on the summary in the introduction. The goal of the summary is to give readers an idea of what the source material is about, so highlight the most important elements and skip details. Specific information about the source material will come up as quotations and evidence in the body paragraphs.

End with your thesis statement.

Depending on the purpose of the assignment, your first body paragraph may be an expanded version of a summary or evaluation of the source material.

More typically the body paragraphs are where you talk about your reactions to the source material and back it up with evidence. Make sure that each body paragraph talks only about 1 claim you are making and that each body paragraph relates to your thesis statement. You can ask yourself the following questions to come up with ideas for specific body paragraphs.

What were the main themes of the source material and how do they connect with your thesis statement?
Is there a connection between the source material and real-world events?
How does the source material relate to your course?
What are the major claims that the source material is making?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the source material and why?
Did the source material impact your emotions in any way and how did it achieve it?
Did the source material change your perspective on an important issue?

Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph should restate your thesis as well as the topic sentences of each paragraph. Concisely explain the main pieces of evidence you have used to support your thesis, and briefly speak about any larger implications of the work.

You may be required to have a brief work cited page. This will usually be quite short because the main source is the specific source material. Just make sure to know what citation convention you need to use.

A reaction paper is one of the most enjoyable assignments for a student because it allows you to experience and give your opinion about something you like, if you were given the freedom to choose the source material, or something interesting if it was assigned by the professor. The most important thing to remember is to stay as objective as possible while expressing your opinion by backing up any claim you make with evidence.

If you have any more questions or need any help with writing a reaction paper, the experts at Studyfy are always here for you. They offer various academic writing services, including sociology essay writing services , help with argumentative essay , write my thesis for me , and college essay writing service . Their team of experts has vast experience in writing high-quality academic papers, and they can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to excel in your coursework.

Don't hesitate to reach out to Studyfy for any writing or academic support you may need!

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How to Write a Response Paper: Outline, Tips, & Reaction Paper Example

A response paper includes a summary, analysis, and personal response to a text, a movie, or a song.

A response or reaction paper is a form of a written assignment that includes a summary, analysis, and personal response to a piece of literary work (it can also be about an article, a movie, a story, a song, or a video).

This essay aims not only to express your thoughts and ideas but to prove them with facts and evidence. In this article, you will learn what kinds of response papers exist and what the difference between them is. You will also find 7 simple steps to writing a reaction paper and a simple reaction paper example .

❓ What Is a Response Paper?

📎 Response Essay: Summary, Critical, & Personal
👣 7 Steps to Writing a Reaction Paper

👀 Response Paper Example

📝 reaction paper example, 🔗 references.

The below guide breaks down the process of writing a response essay from scratch.

So, what is a response paper?

A response paper (or a reaction paper) offers a personal opinion on the given text. Since you need to show your opinion, it is important to state it based on your reaction and experience. It would help if you made it logical as well.

This kind of paper is usually assigned to students who work with scientific or literary texts in college. Since most majors involve these, almost every student has to write a response paper at some point. For example, a novel reaction paper or a political science reaction paper.

On the picture, the three types of response paper are compared: summary response essay, critical response essay, and personal response essay.

The three main types of response essays are:

Summary response essay
Critical response essay
Personal response essay

Let’s dive deeper into each of them.

Summary Response Essay

A summary response essay is a sort of reaction paper. It consists of two parts:

the summary of the piece of work,
your response to it.

It is usually around five paragraphs long.

The first part of the essay consists of a summary. Here, you need to mention the author, publisher, and publishing date. Then, summarize the piece of work and be sure to cover all the key points. You also should include some citations from the story.

By the way, we offer a free summarizing tool if you need to make a summary quickly.

Do not put your personal opinion in the first part. The second part of your essay is where you need to express your impression and give your reaction.

Critical Response Essay

A critical response essay is a form of reaction paper. It is more detailed and includes critical analysis . This essay aims to show your critical thinking and the ability to express your opinion.

To write a good critical response, you need to:

analyze the text,
interpret it,
summarize it.

You may think that critical response requires only analyzing the drawbacks of the text. However, the crucial part here is that you need to:

analyze the author’s idea,
think of its strengths and weaknesses,
find evidence supporting your point,
explain the evidence.

Personal Response Essay

A personal response essay is also a kind of a response paper. Here, you need to analyze the piece of writing and give a personal opinion based on your own experience . The important part is that you need to compare the author’s ideas with yours.

This kind of assignment aims to express your personal beliefs from a philosophical and logical point of view. You should prove it using the evidence from the given text.

The personal response essay requires your critical thinking and analytical skills. Try to write down all your thoughts and reactions as you read the text.

📎 Response Essay: Summary vs. Critical vs. Personal

Even though all three types of the essay are different, they have a lot in common. Before you begin writing your essay, make sure to read the guideline carefully.

Let’s break down what we’ve learned so far:

👣 How to Write a Reaction Paper? 7 Simple Steps

A good reaction paper offers a thorough analysis, reasonable claims, and a good structure.

Here’s the detailed step-by-step guide on how to write a reaction paper. You’ll find out what to include in the introduction, body, and conclusion with these simple steps.

The picture contains 7 steps to writing an A+ response paper.

Step 1: Understand Your Assignment

You must be wondering how to start your reaction paper.

Before starting your writing, you need to understand what kind of paper you need to write. Read your assignment carefully and define if it’s a summary response, critical response, or personal response.

The format of your essay depends on what kind of assignment you have. After defining the type of paper you need to write, you can manage your time effectively and start preparing an outline.

Note that you can use first-person point of view in your response essay.

Step 2: Read the Text Assigned

A lot of people don’t start reading the assigned text until the very last moment. Here’s why it is entirely wrong.

If you read the assigned text as soon as possible, you’ll have more time to digest and evaluate the information and get more ideas and insights.

Sometimes, your opinion might change over time. That’s why you should try giving yourself more time to reflect on what you’ve read.

Moreover, it is necessary to read the text more than once to get a better understanding. Remember that you need to summarize it, so try reading it as many times as you can.

Simply giving your opinion on the piece of writing is not enough. You should analyze it, evaluate, and combine all the ideas you get from it. That’s why you need to read it very carefully.

Step 3: Work with the Text

There are also techniques for working with the text more effectively.

While reading the text for the first time, try to write down the rough draft of your thoughts.

Then, reread and try to put your comments. It will be much easier to find the correct quote or your initial reaction if you do this. Moreover, it can save a lot of time later.

Finally, ask questions. Think of the questions that can uncover more details about the text.

Some of the questions you can ask:

What are the strong and weak parts?
What are the author’s main ideas?
How does the author support their claims?
How are the topics from the text related to what we have discussed in class?

By answering these questions, you can understand the author and the text better.

Step 4: Write Down the Ideas

Now, you need to collect all your ideas and reactions by writing them down. Give your opinion on the author’s ideas and explain their point of view. Here, you need to either agree or disagree with the author.

After you finish, choose the points that you’re most confident in. These will be the basis of your essay.

After that, try to decide on your point of view. Since analyzing is the key, try asking questions about the text. Why did the author write this story from this angle? What connection does it have to real life? You can evaluate the text by answering these questions.

Now, you should collect all the points that you’ve made and write down your thesis statement . The thesis statement should contain the claim that you’ll prove in your essay. Try to summarize all your observations and ideas into one statement.

Need help with formulating a thesis statement? You are welcome to use our free thesis maker !

Step 5: Outline Your Response Paper

How to outline a response paper? Well, it depends on its type, but usually, an outline consists of:

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)
Body (around 3-4 paragraphs)
Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)

Here’s the sample of what you can write in each part:

Step 6: Write Your Draft

Now, let’s start writing your draft.

Writing a draft is the essential part of your essay writing. It is better to start writing your body first. If you do that, you can build the basis of the essay. Then, you can proceed to the introduction and the conclusion.

Structure Your Arguments

Start your paragraphs with the topic sentences . After that, state the author’s idea and your reaction to it. Keep in mind that you can either agree or disagree with the author. So, it would be best to show how your ideas correspond with theirs or how they contrast.

Don’t simply write, “I disagree with the author because I don’t like his idea.” You should sound logical and always be ready to prove your claim.

Some of the templates you can use in your paragraph:

In my opinion
The author seems to
I did not like / I liked
My favorite / least favorite part was… because
The reader can conclude that
I agree/ disagree with the author because
I can’t understand the connection to
I felt that

Write Your Introduction & Conclusion

Let’s now dive deeper into the introduction and conclusion parts.

First of all, in your introduction, you should mention the author’s name, the title of the text, and the publisher if it’s required. The last sentence should be your thesis statement.

The introduction should grab your reader’s attention, so don’t make it too long and complicated.

Some of the introduction and conclusion ideas:

Step 7: Polish Your Draft

Now, it’s time to polish your essay. Follow these steps to do it.

Reread your paper and make sure your writing makes sense. Remember that instead of simply giving your opinion, you should prove it with facts.

Some teachers require your personal opinion in conclusion, but some may also allow it to be in the body parts. So, if there are any confusing parts of the assignment, make sure to ask your teacher.

If you’ve discussed some topics in class, it may be a good idea to connect them to the ideas in your paragraph.

Remember to keep it short. Your reaction paper should be from 500 words up to 5 pages long.

Proofread it carefully and check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Double-check the guideline and make sure you understand the meaning of the assignment correctly.

Now, you are ready to submit your response paper.

If you’re still wondering how to write a reaction paper, here’s a sample. It is A Rose for Emily response paper with a marked outline.

A Rose for Emily Response Paper

We’ve previously explored how to craft a response paper for a book, but what about scientific writings? When it comes to reacting to non-fiction papers, a well-structured response typically includes a concise summary of the work, your response to the findings with references to concepts learned in class, and a thoughtful conclusion. Here’s an example of how to approach a psychology reaction paper.

Psychology Reaction Paper Example

Now you’re all set to write your response paper. Share your lifehacks in the comments below.

Response Paper
How to Write a Response Paper – ThoughtCo
Writing a Response Paper
Writing a Response or Reaction Paper — Hunter College
Tips on Writing a Good Response Paper – MIT
Response Papers – Brown University

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How to Write a Reaction Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Are you struggling to write a reaction paper? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Writing a reaction paper can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start. A reaction paper is a type of academic writing that requires you to respond to a piece of literature, an article, or a film. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a reaction paper.

Understanding the Assignment

Reading and analyzing the source material is a crucial step in writing a reaction paper

Before you start writing your reaction paper, it’s essential to understand the assignment’s requirements. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and identify the purpose and goal of the reaction paper. Determine the format and length requirements, including the citation style, font size, and spacing.

It’s also crucial to identify the target audience and the tone of your paper. Is your paper formal or informal? Who is your audience? Knowing your audience and the tone of your paper will help you tailor your response and make it more effective.

Once you’ve understood the assignment’s requirements, you can move on to the next step, which is reading and analyzing the source material.

Reading and Analyzing the Source Material

To write an effective reaction paper, you need to read and analyze the source material thoroughly. Take notes and highlight important points. Analyze the author’s argument and evidence. Ask yourself questions such as, “What is the author’s main point?,” “What evidence does the author provide to support their argument?,” and “What are the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s argument?”.

It’s also essential to consider the context of the source material. What is the historical, social, or cultural context in which the source material was produced? How does this context influence the author’s argument? Answering these questions will help you develop a deeper understanding of the source material and write a more effective reaction paper.

Now that you’ve understood the assignment’s requirements and analyzed the source material, it’s time to organize your thoughts.

Organizing Your Thoughts

After reading and analyzing the source material, you need to organize your thoughts. Start by creating an outline for your reaction paper. An outline will help you structure your paper and ensure that your arguments are clear and concise. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, provide a brief summary of the source material and your reaction to it. Your introduction should also include a thesis statement that summarizes the main point of your paper.

In the body paragraphs, address the main points of your paper. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point and provide evidence from the source material to support your argument. Use specific examples from the source material to illustrate your points and provide context.

In the conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Your conclusion should also provide a final reflection on the source material and your reaction to it.

Once you’ve created an outline, organize your notes and ideas. Determine the main points you want to make and the evidence you’ll use to support your arguments. Make sure that your arguments are logical and build on each other.

It’s also essential to consider the structure of your paper. Use transitions to ensure that your paper flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph’s main point and make sure that each paragraph focuses on a specific idea. By organizing your thoughts and creating a clear structure, you’ll be able to write a more effective reaction paper.

Writing Your Reaction Paper

Now that you’ve analyzed the source material and organized your thoughts, it’s time to start writing your reaction paper. The first step is to write an introduction that includes a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should summarize your reaction to the source material and provide a roadmap for your paper. Make sure your thesis statement is clear, concise, and specific.

Use specific examples from the source material to support your points. These examples should be relevant to your thesis statement and should help you argue your point effectively. Be sure to use proper citation style when referencing the source material.

Use clear and concise language when writing your reaction paper. Avoid using jargon, slang, or overly complicated language. Your paper should be easy to understand and accessible to a wide audience.

Finally, end your reaction paper with a conclusion that summarizes your main points. Your conclusion should restate your thesis statement and provide a brief summary of your main arguments. You can also offer some final thoughts or recommendations based on your analysis of the source material.

Editing and Polishing Your Reaction Paper

Once you’ve finished writing your reaction paper, it’s time to edit and polish it. Review your paper for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure your paper flows logically and that your arguments are well-supported by evidence. Edit for clarity and conciseness, making sure that your language is precise and unambiguous.

It’s also a good idea to get feedback from a peer or instructor if possible. Ask them to review your paper and provide constructive criticism. Use their feedback to make any necessary revisions to your paper.

In conclusion, writing a reaction paper requires careful analysis of the source material and thoughtful reflection on your part. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can write an effective and compelling reaction paper that engages your audience and demonstrates your critical thinking skills.

How to Write a Response Paper

Writing Essays
Writing Research Papers
English Grammar
M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Most of the time when you are tasked with an essay about a book or article you've read for a class, you will be expected to write in a professional and impersonal voice. But the regular rules change a bit when you write a response paper.

A response (or reaction) paper differs from the formal review primarily in that it is written in the first person . Unlike in more formal writing, the use of phrases like "I thought" and "I believe" is encouraged in a response paper.

You'll still have a thesis and will need to back up your opinion with evidence from the work, but this type of paper spotlights your individual reaction as a reader or viewer.

Read and Respond

Grace Fleming

For a response paper, you still need to write a formal assessment of the work you're observing (this could be anything created, such as a film, a work of art, a piece of music, a speech, a marketing campaign, or a written work), but you will also add your own personal reaction and impressions to the report.

The steps for completing a reaction or response paper are:

Observe or read the piece for an initial understanding.
Mark interesting pages with a sticky flag or take notes on the piece to capture your first impressions.
Reread the marked pieces and your notes and stop to reflect often.
Record your thoughts.
Develop a thesis.
Write an outline.
Construct your essay.

It may be helpful to imagine yourself watching a movie review as you're preparing your outline. You will use the same framework for your response paper: a summary of the work with several of your own thoughts and assessments mixed in.

The First Paragraph

After you have established an outline for your paper, you need to craft the first draft of the essay using all the basic elements found in any strong paper, including a strong introductory sentence .

In the case of a reaction essay, the first sentence should contain both the title of the work to which you are responding and the name of the author.

The last sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain a thesis statement . That statement will make your overall opinion very clear.

Stating Your Opinion

There's no need to feel shy about expressing your own opinion in a position paper, even though it may seem strange to write "I feel" or "I believe" in an essay.

In the sample here, the writer analyzes and compares the plays but also manages to express personal reactions. There's a balance struck between discussing and critiquing the work (and its successful or unsuccessful execution) and expressing a reaction to it.

Sample Statements

When writing a response essay, you can include statements like the following:

I felt that
In my opinion
The reader can conclude that
The author seems to
I did not like
This aspect didn't work for me because
The images seemed to
The author was [was not] successful in making me feel
I was especially moved by
I didn't understand the connection between
It was clear that the artist was trying to
The soundtrack seemed too
My favorite part was...because

Tip : A common mistake in personal essays it to resort to insulting comments with no clear explanation or analysis. It's OK to critique the work you are responding to, but you still need to back up your feelings, thoughts, opinions, and reactions with concrete evidence and examples from the work. What prompted the reaction in you, how, and why? What didn't reach you and why?