Rules for Reading Responses
Carefully read these instructions before writing each response. Grades will be calculated based on these standards.
Rule #1: Compose in MLA style and format (12-point TNR, double-spaced, 1 inch margins, proper information in left-hand corner, running header). You may give your response an original title that reflects your argument, or you can just insert Response 1, etc., in the space for the title (centered). See the blog for a Sample First Page in MLA format
Rule #2: Your response should be about 1 page (a solid paragraph or two).Paragraphs must be indented. There is no need to include a conclusion.
Rule #3: Make sure to directly answer the question and to answer all aspects of that question. This is not a free-writing assignment where you provide me with your general impressions of the essay or the essay’s content.Your task is to thoughtfully analyze the essay in order to respond to the given question(s). The overall premise of your response should be founded on the reading assignment, and if you draw upon examples/ideas beyond the essay, make sure you illustrate how they connect and how they are relevant to your position.
Rule #4: Make sure your response is balanced. If the prompt poses multiple questions for you to answer in your response, don't spend the majority of the page focusing on one aspect of the question and then only write one sentence referring to the other portion(s) of the question.
Rule #5: Start strong and include all the necessary introductory information in the first sentence or two of your response.In the first sentence or two of your response, you need to do the following:
5a) Reference the complete publication title. “Articles/essay titles” are placed in quotation marks, andbook titles are in italics. Capitalize the first, last and any important words in titles.
5b) Identify author's full name, and spell it correctly. After the first reference, refer to the author by last name only.
5c) Include the date of publication (if available).
5d) Clearly state your position/answer to the question. Through your word choice, this statement should provide a clear indication that you are immediately getting to the assigned task (directly responding to the question(s)).
Example of first sentence:In"Full Title of Article" (Date), Author (full name) suggests/argues/illustrates (strong verb in present tense) that... (clearly state your position/argument/thesis that you plan to support in your response).
Rule #6: A reading response is formal, academic writing. OMG. It’s not sortakinda like this super awesome convo u had with ur bff.!!! See handbookpages 6-8 and 351-360.
6a) Use 3rdperson point of view (do not use 2nd person “YOU”/use “I” very sparingly).
6b) Do not use contractions, slang, symbols, abbreviations, or conversational phrases. If you use exclamation marks, do so sparingly and purposely. This is not a text message or a tweet.
6c) Use strong, present tense, verbs and vary your verbchoice (see list of signal verbs on page 113 in Handbook). Do not ever use the verb “talks about”; there are so many other verbs to use instead.
Examples: Campbell demonstrates, Smith identifies, This passage shows
6d) Use strong, assertive phrases to introduce your ideas. Avoid phrases like, “I feel that the author seems to say....." or "I think that this statement seems....." Furthermore, do not ask and answer your own questions. Use statements and fitting transitions instead.(see list of transitional words and phrases on pages 26-28 in handbook).
6e) Avoid the overuse of rhetorical questions. While rhetorical questions are appropriate in some literary genres, a formal essay or response is not one of them. In this case, I provide the questions, you provide the answers. Stringing together a list of rhetorical questions tends to confuse the reader as to what your answer actually is.
6f)Eliminate Passive Voice. Yes, you speak this way, but this is not the most effective way to write. How do you prevent this? Make sure the subject of your sentence is actively completing the verb. Writing actively also eliminates wordiness.
Passive – The paper was graded by the teacher. ACTIVE – The teacher graded the paper.
6g)Be mindful of your pronoun use. When you use pronouns like “it” or “this,” make sure that readers are clear as to what noun “it” or “this” refers. At the beginning of sentences, try to use specific nouns instead of these vague pronouns.
Rule #7: Do not consult any sources other than the response text and your brain.
Rule #8: Include specific examples to support your claims AND explain how/why they support your claims.Reminder: this is not a summary.Your purpose is to provide analysis—to think critically about the text through the assigned questions. Thus, when you bring in an example from the text, do not assume that the example speaks for itself; make sure you fill in the blank and explain how the example supports your thesis/position.
Rule #9: If you include direct language from the text, make sure to include quotations and to accurately record the quotation. If you do quote material from the text, include only SHORT quotations or phrases, and make sure that you introduce the quote and weave it into your own sentence. Do not just drop lengthy quotes in between your own sentences.
Rule #10: Proofread your work.All standard grammar, mechanic, capitalization, syntax and punctuation rules apply. Consult your handbook for assistance.This is a short writing assignment. Your sentences should be direct, your ideas should be clear, and your errors should be minimal.