This is a brief powerpoint to review the different ways of responding to an essay.

1. Writing Your
Response
RANDY REMAN

2. Advice for Writing Your Response
 Your response should address the topic and ideas in the original material
and not discuss whether you liked or disliked the piece.
 A response is a critical look at the subject. Think deeply about what the
author has to say on the topic and then reflect on your ideas about the
subject.
 When writing a response, keep the emphasis on your argument. You may
agree, disagree, or both agree and disagree with the author. No matter
which way you go, add something new to the conversation.

3. Response Technique1
 Analyzing the effectiveness of the text - In this case, the response analyzes
the key features such as the clarity of the main idea, the organization of
the argument, the quality of the supporting evidence, and/or the
effectiveness of the author's style, tone, and voice.
 This is more of a critical response and is one that advanced summary
response essays take.

4. Response Technique 2
 Agreeing and/or disagreeing with the ideas in the text - Often, responders
react to the ideas or the argument of the essay.
 In this case, the responders show why they agree and/or disagree with
what the author/text says.

5. Response Technique 3
 Interpreting and reflecting on the text - The responder explains key
passages or examines the underlying assumptions or the implications of
the ideas.
 Often the responder reflects on how his or her own experiences, attitudes,
and observations relate to the text.
 Remember, development for your response can come from personal
experience, evidence from the text, and evidence from other sources.

6. How Can I support My Response?
 Support your ideas with evidence from the article as well as from your
experiences.
 Demonstrate why you think the way you do. Provide reasons and
examples.
 You may also want to include evidence from another text to support your
response.
 Use features of integrated evidence (this week’s video on Blackoard)