Reading Response Paper Guidelines

Response papers require you to read actively and engage the arguments within the readings. The ability to synthesize, evaluate, and critique large amounts of complex material in one to two pages is one of the most important skills you can learn in college. You will use these skills in your professional life such as writing policy or business memos, e-mails, blogs, professional presentations, etc.

Each student will write two reading response papers during the semester. These 2 page reading responses will help you practice critical analysis through concise synthesis and reflection. Your response paper will focus on one reading and must include: no more than a two or three sentence summary of the reading; discussion and analysis about a specific comparison/critique in the reading; and a conclusion that presents a question about the text that explores the consequences and implications of the reading. A response paper is about analysis and not opinion so tie your reflection to a specific passage from the reading to which you can make your original argument. For example, you may have a question that comes from a specific passage in the text. You will include the specific passage (including proper citation) and then provide your understanding of its meaning (its key concepts). Avoid obvious insights and avoid making this assignment a personal response on how you liked the text.

The Dos and Don’ts of Response Papers:

DO NOT: Only summarize plot

DO: Analyze the thematic and symbolic significance of events in the text

DO NOT: Say you didn’t like a character/reading

DO: Explain how a character was unlikable, how that effects the reading experience, and why that may or may not have been the author’s intent

DO NOT: Generalize and provide vague reasons behind your text analysis

DO: Use specific examples from the text (including quotes, if significant).

DO NOT: Make superficial, obvious insights (poor thesis: The Bluest Eye is about the struggles of growing up.)

DO: Think deeply, and look closely into the work. Notice things that a casual reader would not.

DO NOT: Simply repeat ideas mentioned in class by the professor or by other students.

DO: Build off ideas mentioned in class, adding your own thoughts and insights to your discussion