Response Paper--Any English teachers out there??

Question

For the Response Papers. I am looking for thoughtful pieces that are clear and reveal that you`re engaging with the material. Don`t turn in a summary of the article. Spend time with the reading, think about it -- reflect.

Could you put this in other words for me, like what exactly does she want--not sure I know what is meant by engaging with the paper or whaterver--I'm great in Math & Physics :D

Answer 1

Engaging with the material means that you've read it, thought about it, and applied it to your life, education, etc. For example, lets say you've read an article about the food pyramid. What she does NOT want is for you to summarize what the article says about the food pyramid. What she DOES want is for you to explain how you could change your own eating habits based on what you now know about the food pyramid.

Phrases like "I agree/disagree with this because" are a good start. Best of luck!

Answer 2

I'm assuming you are responding to a scholarly article about a piece of literature.

Your goal is to analyze the argument presented in the paper. Pick it apart, and set up your own argument in response to what it says. Unless it's on something that very little has been written about, your author may be participating in a debate on the topic, disagreeing with people who have come before; your job is to choose a side and add your "rebuttal" based on your own reading of the work it's about.

First, try to condense what is being said into a few sentences.

Then decide whether you agree or disagree with the paper's main standpoint.

Next, analyze the argument part by part. Is it well presented? Convincing? Based on what you know about the topic, is each part of the argument valid? Thorough? If not, point out flaws and alternatives. If so, don't just say, "The argument is convincing, valid and thorough," but explain why you think it's well done.

It's usually easier to disagree than agree, but if you do agree entirely with it, you can add your thoughts to it rather than writing against it. Perhaps you will find an area that the author only mentions or begins to discuss but never solves. This is a good place to add your ideas, especially if you don't have much to disagree with.

Another option would be to relate the article to other things you have read in class. E.g. perhaps the article is about one novel, but you've read another novel that it could also apply to.

Good luck!

Answer 3

DON'T say what happened - i.e: don't re-tell whatever you just read. Reflect upon what you've read, though.
Say what it meant to you, why it was moving, etc.