What is a reading response?
A reading response typically demonstrates that you have understood an assigned text or texts and that you have rigorously explored your thoughts and speculations about what you read. A successful reading response includes critical thinking and analysis of the text(s). It usually includes a succinct statement articulating the thesis or main argument of the reading and a few sentences about how the author builds their argument (methodology). You can include reactions or questions that the text raised for you and might include your thoughts on non-textual materials that you find relevant.
Typical Length: 250-1000 words (1-4 pages of double-spaced text)
Key characteristics
- Extracts ideas central to the text and explains/demonstrates why they are important.
- Establishes relevance to other texts and materials (within and outside of the course).
- Identifies your own central claim or focus that unifies your piece of writing.
- Reflects on the relevance of your focus to the selected text(s) or materials
Common pitfalls
- Contains unnecessary summarizing. Check that all your textual evidence serves your central focus or argument.
- Relies on quotations without utilizing them to advance your argument. Use the sandwich method of incorporating textual evidence.
- Provides insufficient textual evidence to support your argument or claims. Make sure you answer the question, “how do I know this?” Again, refer to the sandwich method for how to use and cite your text(s).
- Addresses unrelated arguments. Re-read your paper with your central focus/claim/argument in mind.
- Cut or adjust any parts that do not directly build upon that central theme. Sometimes a first draft changes direction partway through writing, and that’s fine. Just remember to revise the final draft for coherence.