Characteristics of a Good Response Module One

What is a Response? A response is the opportunity for a writer to engage with a source in a way that goes beyond a summary A response focuses on what the writer thinks about the source and its contents versus how they feel How does the source confirm what the writer already knows? How does the source challenge what the writer already knows? What new questions are raised? What new ways of seeing the issue are presented?

How Do I Start? Read the entire document, book, essay, etc. Take notes or highlight areas of interest, differences, and/or facts and opinions Be aware of new pieces of information or things that raise questions

A Strong Response Presents the writer’s engagement with the source honestly and clearly The response supports the source text or other sources as presented by the writer Should include a connection between the writer’s thinking and the source text What is the writer’s response? What part of the text caused the response? Why did the text lead to that response?

A Strong Response cont. Will provide a brief summary of the source Will state the overall thesis Will identify specific elements to which the writer provides a response Will offer reasons that allow the reader to understand how these elements connect with the writer’s response Will be specific and concrete

4 Types of Strong Responses Rhetorical Critique Ideas Critique Reflection Blended

Rhetorical Critique A rhetorical critique analyzes a text’s rhetorical strategies and evaluates how effectively the author achieves his or her intended goals. Discuss how the text is constructed What strategies are employed? Facts, images, emotion How effective does it appeal to logos, ethos, and pathos? Critique can be with the grain or against, or both.

Ideas Critique An ideas critique focuses on the ideas at stake in the text. Treat the text as a voice, a perspective on an issue Your response is based on how your ideas on the subject mesh or conflict with the author’s. Agree or disagree? If you agree, supply more supporting information If you disagree, challenge the author’s stance and provide counter arguments

Reflection A reflection is an introspective genre; it invites you to connect the reading to your own personal experiences, beliefs, and values. How has the text affected you personally? What memories has it triggered? A reflection critique is more open-ended and thoughtful.

Blended Response All styles of response can overlap. Responses can contain a bit of each type. First, analyze the text’s strategies, what is it trying to do or tell you? Next, how does the text challenge your own values and beliefs? Lastly, does the text conflict with your own ideas and research?

Writing a Thesis for your Strong Response A thesis should include the points you want to develop and discuss. Your thesis should surprise your reader with something new or challenging. Your thesis can focus entirely “with the grain” or “against the grain”. Most thesis will be a combination of with/against. See examples of well-written thesis statements on page 110.

Framework of a Strong Response Introduction Summary Thesis statement can come at the end of the summary or follow in its own paragraph. Body Conclusion Works Cited