A response essay is essentially a writer’s reaction to a particular text that he or she has read. In some ways it is best to think of a response essay as a commentary rather than a review. Response essays are definitely not summaries; rather, the response essay seeks to clarify the reader’s thought and feelings in regards to the text.
Response essays work best when the writer carefully outlines what he or she agreed with or disagreed, and highlights areas in the text where the evidence provided did or did not support the conclusions drawn. If you have been asked to write an essay in response to a certain text, have a look at the following guidelines for some insight into the response essay writing process:
Read the text in question twice. The initial reading is the first response to the text so it will be largely emotional. Pay attention to the emotions that arise; does the text make you feel angry, sad, or confused? The second reading is the analytical response.
Write down what does not make sense, what research or evidence you feel is lacking, and what the writer says in the text that you agree with and disagree. These notes represent the foundation of response essays, so be thorough.
Avoid emotional arguments and emotional language in your response essay. Although essays in response do include an emotional component, the language you use to describe the emotional component must be critical and detached.
Read more



