A closer look into the nature of essays that require a writer’s reaction.
A scientific theory boldly claims that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is also true in academic papers, particularly reaction essays. Students are sometimes tasked to write their reactions on certain events and other published material. Here we take a closer look at what constitutes a reaction paper, and what distinguishes it from other types of essays.
In a nutshell, a reaction paper is a response to a piece of information, especially those that involve an event or a narrative, whether in the real world or from a published source. Thus, in a reaction paper, students are expected to express their thoughts about a story of relevance or of value. But the ways in which reactions are provided cannot go without general guiding principles. In other words, a response cannot be just any other random reaction.
For the most part, reaction papers require responses that are articulated with the use of analysis and data. It is not enough to say that a film, for example, is worth watching. Rather, the writer must state the reasons why and should provide examples in the film to illustrate their point. The same is true when reviewing books or essays, music, a historical moment, or a current social event, among many others. The data-driven and analytic justifications provided will add color, so to speak, to the writer’s reactions.
As far as analysis is concerned, a framework is often adopted to give depth and guidance. This is usually in the form of a theory in the field of social sciences. For example, Karl Marx’s perspectives on communism may be used as the basis for the critique of a scene in a contemporary film. Sigmund Freud’s theory on psychoanalysis may also be used to frame the writer’s reaction to a chapter in a novel, or the development of the protagonist. In any case, a theoretical framework shapes the writer’s reaction into a structured and cohesive response.
As a final note, a reaction paper does not often stop with just a mere “reaction”. Otherwise, the essay will fall short and will leave the reader hanging. Instead, the reaction paper concludes with an alternative proposition or viewpoint. For example, if the entire discussion focuses on the culturally incorrect representation of ethnic minorities in a film, the writer must end the paper with a succinct explanation of what the film should have done instead. The point is to provide closure to the analysis by wrapping up the reactions with a solution.
That’s it for our guide on what constitutes a reaction paper. You may also refer to our guide on how to write a reaction paper, including effective ones. Otherwise, feel free to contact us if you need a reaction paper written completely from scratch. Click the image below to find out how.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!
In a nutshell, a reaction paper is a response to a piece of information, especially those that involve an event or a narrative, whether in the real world or from a published source. Thus, in a reaction paper, students are expected to express their thoughts about a story of relevance or of value. But the ways in which reactions are provided cannot go without general guiding principles. In other words, a response cannot be just any other random reaction.
For the most part, reaction papers require responses that are articulated with the use of analysis and data. It is not enough to say that a film, for example, is worth watching. Rather, the writer must state the reasons why and should provide examples in the film to illustrate their point. The same is true when reviewing books or essays, music, a historical moment, or a current social event, among many others. The data-driven and analytic justifications provided will add color, so to speak, to the writer’s reactions.
As far as analysis is concerned, a framework is often adopted to give depth and guidance. This is usually in the form of a theory in the field of social sciences. For example, Karl Marx’s perspectives on communism may be used as the basis for the critique of a scene in a contemporary film. Sigmund Freud’s theory on psychoanalysis may also be used to frame the writer’s reaction to a chapter in a novel, or the development of the protagonist. In any case, a theoretical framework shapes the writer’s reaction into a structured and cohesive response.
As a final note, a reaction paper does not often stop with just a mere “reaction”. Otherwise, the essay will fall short and will leave the reader hanging. Instead, the reaction paper concludes with an alternative proposition or viewpoint. For example, if the entire discussion focuses on the culturally incorrect representation of ethnic minorities in a film, the writer must end the paper with a succinct explanation of what the film should have done instead. The point is to provide closure to the analysis by wrapping up the reactions with a solution.
That’s it for our guide on what constitutes a reaction paper. You may also refer to our guide on how to write a reaction paper, including effective ones. Otherwise, feel free to contact us if you need a reaction paper written completely from scratch. Click the image below to find out how.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!