Over the course of the semester, you must write reading responses for, at least, five (5) pieces of literature that we read in class. You must submit reading responses the week that we read the piece of literature you are responding to. For example, if you want to write a reader response for a short story we read during the second week of class, then you must submit that reading response by the end of the second week of class. Do not wait until the last week of class to submit ALL your reader responses. I will not grade them, and you will not receive credit for them.
Guidance
A reader response is not a summary of your reading. A reader response is a way of writing about your thoughts and your reaction(s) to a reading. A reader response is not a formal paper, but should be well thought-out, fully developed, and carefully written, nevertheless. It should demonstrate not only that you have carefully read the text (more than one time), but also that you have thought carefully about the text and engaged with it in some way. In addition to thinking about the reading overall, also think of the smaller sections that compose the reading. How does one incident or phrase or symbol echo the larger meaning of the work?
An effective reader response will demonstrate that you have thoroughly read and understood the reading (or that you ask questions that reveal careful reading). It might develop connections between the reading and the themes of the course or discussions we have in live instructional hours. Your response should also demonstrate that you have considered the implications of the readings. It may suggest questions for class discussion. Be specific about the work you’re discussing, provide details from the text to back up any assertions you may make by quoting directly from the text, and finally, pay attention to grammar and mechanics.
Some Questions You Might Consider in a reader response (Try to think about just a few of these; a successful reader response will consider one or two issues in depth rather than attempt to answer each one of these questions.)
● How does the reading demonstrate the values (good and bad) of a particular culture?
● How did you feel about what you read, and why do you think the text provoked this response in you? Did the reading reflect or challenge your own values and assumptions, and how so?
● How does the reading highlight/address social issues? (i.e. racism, sexism, immigration, class inequality, gentrification, etc)
● Do you find the form, tone, and/or style of the reading particularly compelling? Why? How does the form, tone, and/or style complement or undermine the reading’s content/message?
Sample Solution