How to Write a Reaction Paper
In writing a good reaction paper, it is not enough to simply praise the strengths or criticize the
weaknesses of the text in question. More than that, you must be able to justify your "reaction." It is
important to provide the reasons why, for example, the first chapter of a novel is dragging, or why the
thesis of a particular essay carries a strong point. Of equal significance is your ability to further
support your reasons with academic theories or even statistical data. Here are some tips on how to
write a reaction paper.

It is highly advisable to create an outline before you start writing your reaction paper. Doing
so will help you determine beforehand how many "reactions" you have. It also affords you the
opportunities to search the justifications you need and to list the supporting theories to them.

In a paragraph, start your reaction paper with your introduction that includes a
brief summary of the material you are tasked to respond to. Devote at least three sentences for
this purpose. Remember to include the title and author of the work you have summarized. At
the end, write your thesis statement.

The second paragraph should contain your first "reaction." Write it concisely, preferably in
one short sentence. Follow this with your reason for having that perception. In both cases,
always refer to the work you are responding to. For instance, after stating that "I think the
first chapter of the novel is dragging" continue with another sentence such as "After the first
five pages, the protagonist does nothing exciting or provocative." Further substantiate your
reason by adding a theoretical perspective that will explain your observation.

Apply the previous method with the succeeding paragraphs for your other reactions. As much
as possible, use personal indicators such as "I believe," "I think," "I suppose," "In my opinion,"
and others.

End with your conclusion. Conclude with a restatement of your thesis and reactions. You may
wish to wrap-up your reaction paper with a challenge to your reader, if not the author of the
work you have just responded to.
Here are a few more reminders. In writing a reaction paper, keep in mind to state your opinion and
analysis of the work. It is thus appropriate to use the singular first-person point of view [the "I"], but
also adopt an academic tone. If you know how to write a reaction paper, it will be easy to identify and
justify your reactions.
An example
Personal Reaction Paper
Through sociology I have learned to think like an Interactionist. This means I have come to the conclusion that
my behaviors and what I consider to be normal have been a direct result of people who influenced me as a child.
This includes Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and other family. Mostly though when thinking of the people that
influenced me most as a child I think immediately of my mom and dad. George Hubert's theory of how the self
emerges in three stages of life begins for me though the behaviors of my parents.
My mother had a huge impact on the type of woman I have become today. I was lucky as a child and had a great
"southern" mom. My mom was very big in traditions. She was also the mother of six children. So the fact that she
had energy for any sort of tradition is mind boggling. When I think of my mom in the early years of my childhood I
think of a woman who was either pregnant or nursing a baby. I was the second of six children. So I learned early
to become a "little" mother. I can remember being in sixth grade and riding the bus home from school and
thinking to myself "I bet mom is waiting on me to help with the baby." Of course she always was. She was and
still is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. She taught me to be a good mom. She also
encouraged me regularly to go back to school. She taught me that traditions are not only fun they are crucial to
uphold in a family.
My father was much like a mother to me also. I used to think it was so unusual to have a father who was so
maternal about his kids. Now I realize that I am just very lucky. My dad helped me see that women can do
anything they want. He always wanted me to go into the medical field like him and his father, but I chose Early
Childhood. I know that he is still proud of me. One thing my dad has always let me know is that he is there for me
no matter what. This has helped me to choose my life partner. I realized through my dad...
In all of our assignments for HRM 503-110, I would like my students pinpoint to only the content in the assignment(s) only.
Not scrutinize on the assignment or the writing neither good nor bad. Thank you.