The Reader Response Essay

What is a Reader Response?

A Reader Response is an active reading of a text. Actively read the text noting key passages, look for connections and contradictions, terms that can be further unpacked, and question who the author is writing to and why.

What are the requirements?

The format is really up to you. My only requirement is that is one page and includes the following:-A clear thesis-Evidence from the text with in-text citations-Application of one of Said’s literary lenses-Connection to one of the ISMs.-Response be one page in length.-Outside research about the text with citations.-Response be typed and double-spaced.

What I don’t want:What I don’t want:--A Sparknotes summaryA Sparknotes summary of the of the text!!!!text!!!!

How often will we be doing Reader Response Essays?

At the beginning of each unit, Mr. Sun-K will hand out a sign up sheet reviewing the texts, or reading schedule of a novel. Two – three students will sign up during each day of the unit. This may mean you may have a Reader Response essay the first day of the unit or the last. Keep in mind if you sign up at the end of the unit in one unit, in the next unit you will be asked to sign up at the beginning and vice versa.

How do I connect my assigned text to Said?

Mr. Sun-K will assign you a lens to use in your analysis. Please consider the following questions:-How has the author’s biography influenced the creation of this text? -How does your knowledge of the ISMs shape the historical importance of the text?-How have critics responded to this text? How has this shaped its meaning?-How did society react to the text when it was written? How does society react to the text today?-How does this text fit within the indigenous-assimilation-acculturation spectrum?

What is the deal with doing outside research on my assigned text?

Visit the following websites to find information about your assigned text:1. Bloom’s Literary Reference Online (See “Databases” on the KR Library website).2. McDougall-Littel Classzone (Website for the online textbook).3. Internet Public Library (ipl.org – look under “Arts and Humanities”)

How will I be assessed?

We will be using a rubric that assesses your writing using a spectrum from exemplary to below standard. What I am looking for is have you met the basic requirements of the assignment and what have you done to go beyond my expectations. Sometimes I will be assessing your Reader Response. Other times your peers will assess your Reader Response. Your evaluation will include two things you did well and two things to work on. Read these carefully. I expect to see improvements in your next Reader Response. Each Reader Response is worth 100 points.

Presentation

On the day you present your essay, bring the following with you:

1. a hard copy of your essay for Mr. Sun-K.

2. An electronic copy of your essay on a thumdbrive that can be displayed to the class on the SmartBoard.

3. Your rubric attached to the hard copy of your essay.

Read the Kain Essay!!!

Please read the Patricia Kain essay about how to write a Close Reading. She gives good guidelines how to write a Reader Response.

The Power is Yours

I want you to be open to broaden your definition of an essay.Move away from the 5-paragraph essay.You may consider a letter, a poem, a text message conversation, a series of tweets, a discussion on Facebook, an IM chat . The most important thing is you bring something to the table that informs the class a new perspective about the text as a basis for discussion.

Please Stand for Think on Your Feet