WRITING A REACTION

PAPER, REVIEW, AND

CRITIQUE
 Reaction Paper
is a form of writing in which the writer
expresses his ideas and opinions about what
has been read or seen
requires a student to analyze information and
give commentary on a certain topic
A review, which is sometimes called critique or
an evaluative paper, critically and carefully
examines another writers work
 A review of a book, movie, or theatrical
performance depends upon detailed
breakdown of the reading or viewing
experience
Provides 1) some general background about
the author and the work, 2) an overview of
the topics the author covers, 3) an
acknowledgment of what the author does well
or of the contribution the work has made to
the field, and 4) an analysis of what could
have been done better
 A must for reviews:
Careful reading
Deep research
Writing should be structured and grammar
and spelling correct
Should also consist of references and citation
to support a students viewpoint
PURPOSE
To communicate a fair assessment of
situations, people, events, and literary and
artistic works and performances;
Conveys incisive insights into its analysis of
events, its interpretation of the meaning or
importance of a work or artifact, or its
appreciation of the moral or aesthetic values
reflected in the work or performance
COMPONENTS
It may include:
1. Main purpose of the event;
2. The devices and strategies employed
3. An evaluation of its success or failure
4. Assessment of its significance and
relevance, timeliness or timelessness
 Guidelines for Writing the
Reaction Paper/Review/Critique
1. Value Communicated
a. sound critical judgment
b. a fair and balanced assessment
of situations or events, people
and things
2. Basic Content
a. Ranges from an off-hand gut reaction,
favorable or unfavorable, merely
expressive of emotion to a more rational
impersonal critical analysis that seriously
communicates some value, ethical or
moral, some hidden or forgotten truth,
and some aesthetic delight
b. May take the form of a reflection, an
appeal, a protest, a tribute or
denunciation, a speculation
c. In general, the content would include the
following topics:
1) For human situations:
a) A brief description of the event
b) People involved, their roles and
contributions
c) Other driving forces, in the open or
hidden and unsuspected
d) Implications and consequences
e) Assessment and prognostication
f) Some offered solutions
2) For cultural affairs, people, works,
performances:
a) The central purposes of the event or
product
b) The means, devices, strategies
employed to achieve the purposes
c) An evaluation of the achievement:
success or failure
d) The significance (if any) beyond mere
entertainment of the event or product
in ethical and/or aesthetic terms, its
timeliness and/or timelessness
3. Modes of Ordering
a. From the event/performance/artifact/work
presented and described/narrated in themselves
to the writers critical evaluation of the entire
event, show or work in a sequence of its elements
b. Discussion that intersperses critical comments
between mention or description of the details of
the event, show or work
c. From cover statement giving an over-all judgment
of the event, show or piece to a discussion of each
angle, aspect or element of the event, show or
work illustrating or providing evidence for the
evaluative cover statement
4. Basic Qualities of Good Reaction Paper
a. Gives fair and balance social commentary
b. Provides relevant and accurate factual information on
the situation
c. Exhibits by means of thorough and in-depth analysis
and appreciation of context (including time, place,
people, involvement, their motivation, and
actuations)
d. Makes a clear distinction, through language, between
what is actual and what is probable or possible
e. Exhibits a deep sense of humanity and an
understanding of the human situation even while
expressing disapproval or disagreement most
intensely
5. Basic Qualities of an Adequate Critical Judgment
a. Provides accurate and relevant information on the event, show,
or work
b. Exhibits full appreciation of the purpose behind the event, show,
or work
c. Shows a clear understanding of the means (strategies,
techniques, devices, etc.) and their appropriateness and power
in achieving the purpose
d. Exhibits fairness and balance in the judgment made
e. Projects incisive and profound insights into its (1) analysis of the
event on artifact, (2) interpretation of the underlying meaning
or significance of the event or artifact, and (3) appreciation of
the values (moral and/or aesthetic) unfolded in every detail of
the event or artifact
 Parts
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
 Introduction
A brief summary of the content, question or material you
are asked to respond to; condense the content of the work
by highlighting its main points and key supporting points
Rule of thumb is to devote at least 3 sentences for intro
Include title and author of the text
Use direct quotations from the work to illustrate important
ideas
At the end of the intro, write your thesis and this should
support your argument
 Body (Your Reaction)
Should contain your response of first reaction
Give reasons behind your reaction
Strictly focus on the text you are
analyzing/substantiate your reasons for your
perception by adding a theoretical content
explaining your observations
 Conclusion
Overall assessment of the work and/or a
recommendation, usually with justification
Recommendations
Dont miss it. It is well worth seeing
I wouldnt recommend it because
I highly/thoroughly recommend it
You should definitely see/You might
enjoy