Response PaperGeneral Information
Definition: A response paper is an essay that conveys
a student’s response to one specific aspect in a text that he/she
has read. Most often a response paper is written in response to a
work of literature. Research is not typically done for this type of
paper, and it is usually less than four pages in length.
In a response paper, a text is interpreted and analyzed in a manner
that is as concise as possible. The response paper has a point or
thesis that focuses on a single idea or aspect of the work. Arguments
are used to justify that point, and these arguments are typically
supported with evidence from the primary text in the form of paraphrase,
summary and direct quotations. When information from the primary text is used, the page number is cited, MLA style, within the paper, but a works cited page is usually unnecessary since the paper’s information is all from the same source. However, if other writers’ points of view are included in the paper for support or refutation, then a works cited page must be included. Always check with your instructor.
Purpose: The response paper shows that a student is able to critically
analyze a work instead of just reading it and composing a restatement
or summary. A response paper requires the student to explore a work
while arguing to validate his/her response.
REVIEW
What is the purpose of a response paper?
Continue to Response Paper: Process
Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the
University of Houston-Victoria.
Created 2002 by Candice Chovanec Melzow. Revised 2005. |
