How to Write a Reaction Paper to a Lecture
It is always advisable that you know how to write a reaction paper to a lecture in order to effectively enhance your writing and analytical skills. Reaction papers are common assignments at school and knowing how to write them will help you to easily handle other academic papers as well. Contrary to what some may think, knowing how to write a reaction paper to a lecture can be quite easy when you follow the recommended guidelines.
A reaction paper or a response essay to a lecture requires you to explain in writing, what you have heard from the discussion or presentation. However, you have to critically analyze the message of the lecture in order to come up with a good commentary that is related to the subject and can appeal to your audience.
It should be noted that a lecture can be delivered in class, online or sent to you in the form of a document that you will be required to study and respond to.
Knowing how to write a reaction paper to a lecture will enable you to properly think and argue out points when writing academic papers. By writing good response papers, there is no doubt that you will always be guaranteed the best results, hence, improved performance.
Guidelines on how to write a reaction paper to a lecture
A response essay or reaction paper to a lecture is written to portray your thoughts on the subject of discussion. In order to be sure of success, it is recommended that you always try to make your paper unique and compelling.
You can easily know how to write a reaction paper to a lecture by following the guidelines outlined below
Understand the reason for writing the paper
A reaction paper to a lecture is not merely written to present you thoughts or opinions about the discussion or lesson. You must think carefully and determine the importance of the arguments that will be made in the paper.
Figure out what the assignment is seeking in order to effectively choose the best angle to take in writing the paper. Some tutors may ask you to analyze or evaluate the information conveyed in the lecture, hence, you have to specifically determine what is required.
On the other hand, you may also be asked to write a reaction paper to a lecture, based on certain themes. In case you are not sure of what the paper is asking, it is advisable that you get clarification first.
Take time to revisit the points or message of the lecture
Since students often take notes during lectures, it is important that you go back to the points noted down in order to properly understand the lesson therein. Try to piece the points together and make evaluations on the issues addressed in the lecture so as to get its context.
If there is something that you do not understand well, it is advisable that you do research from relevant sources. Such information may need citation in the paper and should be well marked for easy reference.
Come up with your initial reactions
For you to create a good reaction paper, you have to carefully think about the lecture and make logical claims that can as well be disputed. Try to write down a few opinions or thoughts that you have about the lecture.
These can be written in short statements that can be further discussed to give a sensible reaction to the lecture. Evaluate the reactions carefully, making comparison between them to determine the strong ones that can be used in writing the paper.
The following questions can help you in formulating a good reaction to a lecture;
- How do you feel about the message of the lecture?
- What do you agree or disagree with?
- Can you identify with the situation?
- What would be the best way of evaluating the story?
Pick an angle or thesis
Having outlines some of the possible reactions to the lecture, you should refine the thoughts to formulate an argument. Ask yourself whether there is anything interesting in the lecture. It is also important to find out what it is so to generate ideas for the paper.
The thesis is a statement that briefly tells readers about what you will be analyzing, criticizing or proving in the paper. It gives the focus of your paper so readers know exactly what to expect in the text.
Draft an outline
An outline is a ‘blue-print’’ showing the points that will be discussed in your paper, according to the right order. A good outline will enable you to properly plan and organize the paper. Besides, it will also ensure easy reference when writing.
Steps on how to write a reaction paper to a lecture
Writing a response paper should be easy and fast when you have all your points at hand. The following steps will direct you on how to write a reaction paper to a lecture.
Introduce the paper
The introductory paragraph to your paper should give the name of the lecture or identify the subject of the lesson, the person who presented it and focus of your text. Besides, you may also include the year when the lecture was given and any other relevant information.
The introduction should also tell readers about the purpose or aims of the lecturer. The final statements of the opening paragraph should contain your thesis and smooth transition to the rest of the paper.
Give your reaction
This is where you are required to comprehensively explain to readers about your opinions or thoughts about the lecture. However, you can only do this after evaluating the contents of the lecture so readers know quite well what you are responding to.
The body paragraphs of your paper should not merely summarize the lecture and give your opinions, instead, critique and analyze the information presented without limiting yourself to the facts.
Your arguments should be supported by quotes or evidence from the lecture and other relevant sources in order to be convincing. Make sure that all the reactions discussed in your text relate to the thesis. All your quotes should be well referenced based on the recommended citation style.
Explain the implications of the lesson
One of the best ways of analyzing and evaluating a lecture in writing is linking it to other ideas that your readers are familiar with. For instance, you can connect the discussion to something that you learnt in class or happens to people in daily life.
If the paper was asking you to give a statement about your personal opinion on the lecture, it is important that you conclude with it. Whatever way you choose to end the paper, it should be brief and strong like the introduction.
Remember to carefully read through the paper to ensure that all the points addressed therein are according to your expectations.
Examples of Reaction Papers
The following sample reaction papers can also give you more ideas on how to write a reaction paper to a lecture. Carefully read them to find out how a good reaction paper to a lecture should be crafted.
Example 1
Sam Kean Lecture Reaction Paper
‘’I went to a lecture by author Sam Kean on April 16, 2013. His lecture was based upon the book he released, titled The Violist’s Thumb. Through a funny and witty lecture, Kean explains how genes affect our abilities and outcomes in life.
Kean starts out by explaining the difference between genes and DNA. He explains how DNA’s, a chemical, job is to store information and pass the information on to the next generation…’’ Simply follow this link to read the rest of the sample paper.
Example 2
Reaction to the Burton Silverman Lecture
‘’Burton ‘Burt’ Silverman (b.1928) epitomizes the artist-philosopher in society in the classic sense. His understanding of his place within the culture, and the commentary of the artist as a recorder of the human condition is a positive and uplifting life’s effort.
Very early on in my life, I fell in love with the landscape of the human face, where all the emotional states of life are found, and the love affair has not faltered- Burton Silverman…’’ Read the whole sample paper here.
Example 3
Sample Workshop response paper on Interactive Teaching Activities
‘’What are the interactive teaching activities? How and why should they be implemented in the classroom? The answers to these questions were the focus of this skills based teaching workshop offered by the center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) on September 26, 1998. Twelve interactive teaching activities were presented that allow several important objectives to be attained in the classroom: participation, expansion and comprehension of ideas, application of material, and motivation to learn. Attaining these goals in any classroom creates an active learning environment and is essential for enhancing the learning process…’’Click to here read the rest of the sample response paper.
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References
http://classroom.synonym.com/make-reaction-paper-paragraph-4196.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Reaction-Paper
http://public.wsu.edu/~moonlee/WritingReactionPaper.html
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/reaction.html