Writting a Response

Response

Format for the Polished Response

You should respond to what the GUIDING QUESTION that is being asked.

Intro: 

1.      Hook: you should get the interest of your reader; try not to make this a question!- try to use strong statements that reflect your opinion of the issue/theme/ideas that you are going to talk about.

2.      Thesis Statement: This is what you are going to be talking about; the issue/theme/idea and what you are going to say about it.  Ex. War is the issue; you will be talking about motivations to fight; Thesis statement: Going to war takes a special type of person, but the motivations to kill can be many.

3.      You should mention those works that you will use in your response.

Body:

1.      You need to make a world connection or Media connection.

·        These connections should reflect both a greater issue/idea/theme, but be explained using specific quotes from the text and an event from the world.  Do not be vague!  Do not avoid detail- avoid summary!

2.      You need to talk about the authors techniques.

·        Here you discuss HOW the author presents their work.  Think about the impact of the writing and WHY they chose their techniques- an author does not write something for no reason.

·        Major elements are:

o       Point-of-view

o       Character and setting

o       Mood, tone, style

o       Allusion, irony, foreshadowing, metaphor, imagery

o       Symbolism

3.      You need to use QUOTES from the texts-

·        Be sure that these are specific to what you are talking about, and support your theme/issue/idea.

·        Be sure to annotate your quote (tell me where it came from) ex.: “My first three months of university were a challenge,…” (Tears of the Desert, p.174)

·        If your quote is very long (though it shouldn’t be) use three dots inbetween the first words and the last words of the quote and be sure to annotate.  Ex.: “My first three… come to pass” (Tears of the Desert, p.174)

Conclusion:

1.      This is where you finalize your ideas and tie-up loose ends.  Re-stating your thesis statement might seem repetitive, but be clear!  Do not add new thoughts or conclusions that you have not previously discussed or implied!  Be sure to include:

·        Your thesis statement (complete or paraphrased)

·        Consider final thoughts, opinions, and quotes.

·        Consider a thought provoking question or comment, quote, witty comment or fun final statement.