GUIDE TO WRITING A REACTION PAPER
I. SUMMARY/SYNOPSIS- What are you reacting to?
GOAL: Show that you understand the opinion, main ideas, and supporting
ideas in the documentary piece you’re writing about.
Identify all of the basic information about the piece, including:
The title of the piece
The topic or subject of the piece. In other words, tell what the piece is
about in a word or a phrase.
II. ANALYSIS/EVALUATION – What are the strengths and weaknesses of the
piece?
1. Answer the “w” questions, like why, why not, what, what if, what for,
where, why, there, who, how, when … Specific questions you might take
up include:
Was the piece convincing? Why or why not, specifically? Is it well-
researched? Why or why not?
Did the piece overlook or leave out anything important? What?
Did the piece overemphasize or over privilege anything? What?
Is the piece one-sided, or does the piece present a balanced view?
III. YOUR REACTIONS- How do you react to the piece on a personal level? How
does the piece relate to experience?
GOAL: Share your own expressions and your own experiences with readers.
Here are some questions you might consider answering:
Did the piece hold your interest? Why or why not?
Did the piece bother or annoy you? Why or why not?
What did you realize as a result of watching the piece?
What questions does the piece raise for you- about the material, about
other things?
Reaction Paper Format
The reaction paper should be at least 500 words. This will be equivalent to typing
on one whole page of short bond paper, Times New Roman 12 pts., single-
spaced lines. All margins should be set at 1 inch.
The paper should identify the key points highlighted in the piece and then focus
on your personal perspective on issues raised through the piece. In addition to
your personal perspective, you should identify experiences or insights that have
shaped your perspective.
