Reader Response Instructions English Composition 101 Fall 2015 ProfSue
Due Dates: Harris, “Small
Things:”
Intro. Only Week 3, day 1 T, 1-26
Final Revision Week 3, day 2 R, 1-28
Malin. “Mothers...Disappear:”
Rough Draft Week 4, day 1 T, 2-2
Final Revision Week 4, day 2 R, 2-4
What is a Reader Response? From Joy, Anna, Crossing Borders. Chapters 1, 2, 3,
“a
reader response is a summary of a reading, followed by a cultural analysis, providing
important information about the cultural contexts for the varieties of human behavior, and
including an objective and thoughtful comparison between your own
and
the reading’s
cultures. For instance, an analysis/comparison of why some cultures eat insects and yet
British and American cultures do not, leads you to realize that each culture eats what is
most plentiful in their environment.
Why write a reader response? Professors in your other classes throughout your college
career will call upon you to write reader responses to assigned readings in the
humanities or sciences fields.
To write a good reader response, you will need to practice your active reading skills as
well as your critical thinking abilities and apply these to your assigned readings. You
will find pointers on both in the appendixes in your Axelrod & Coopr textbook.
Comprehension of a reading requires active reading and critical thinking.
Follow these steps to write a reader response:
1.
Actively read the assigned essay from
Blackboard
, Course Materials. See your
Schedule to know which essay to read. (You will need to read the essay several
times, making notes in your journal as you read.)
2.
Because this is a formal essay, it should include an introductory paragraph that
cites
and
summarizes
the essay.
3.
Your (body)
cultural analysis
paragraphs each begin with a short quote from the
passage to which you will respond. You will want to have 3
–
5 body paragraphs
beginning with a short quote followed by your cultural analysis. Remember the
sample essay we looked at on the overhead in class.
4.
Add a conclusion that provides a sense of closure. Include your reflection of the
significance
of the essay as it relates to the world and to your personal
experience. Such as, some cultures eat insects because there are no mammals in
their environment. Remember to
be respectful of other cultures’
beliefs and
practices as you write. Think critically about your own beliefs and practices.
See the reverse side for the Outline you should use as well as the Grading Rubric for this
assignment.