Reaction papers are often short papers (usually not much longer than 1-2 typed pages) that present the reader's opinions about a text. The text you need to write a reaction to could be a movie, novel, essay, newspaper article, piece of art, class discussion, or anything that relates to class! Check the course syllabus or ask your teacher if you are unsure what you are suppose to write about.
Sometimes the assignment may first ask you to summarize the text and then state your reaction. Often this assignment is called a "Summary Response."
Additionally, the instructor may often have questions to guide your response. Sometimes answering these questions is optional and other times it is required. Be sure to check with your instructor to make sure you clearly understand his/her assignment guidelines and expectations.
Finally, when writing a reaction paper it is generally safe to assume your reader will be familiar with the text you are reacting to. This does not, however, mean that you don't have to tie your reaction to the primary text. Be sure you illustrate each point you make with a specific example from the text. If you say, for example, the essay's argument was brilliant, point out a few of those brilliant observations that blew you away.
The OWL is an extension of the Community College
of Denver Writing Center. Bret Hann, Writing Center Coordinator This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Technology Learning Grant and Revolving Loan Program, State of Colorado, Department of Higher Education. We are also grateful for the ongoing support of Colorado Community Colleges Online (CCCOnline).
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