Writing the Reaction Paper

Writing a reaction is like having a conversation with some text you have just read or
engaging in an internal conversation as you encounter a vivid experience. During a significant event
such as experiencing something for the first time or reading a text that has piqued your imagination,
you may have felt certain emotions or thought of striking insights that have had profound effects on
your attitude and behavior. You may have laughed in delight, shouted in horror, shaken your head in
consternation, or asked a question out loud to no one in particular. These genuine reactions may be
expressed best in writing. The readiness to write about your reactions to a unique experience
assumes that you carry within you a spirit of openness and wonder. Indeed, the gift of a distinct
experience is best appreciated with a strong sense of being present in the moment. Whether it is a
reading experience that took you somewhere, writing about it is about it is one of the most gratifying
ways of honoring the moment and remembering it for a long time. When shared with others; the
reaction paper becomes a testament to unique individual experiences that bind us together in our
common humanity.
Features of a Reaction Paper
A reaction paper illustrates one’s thoughts, feelings, and attitude toward a specific
experience. In the sample essay written by Muanpuii Saiawi, the main reaction is one of enjoyment
for the things she experienced in her two and half-year stay in Korea. She writes this clearly in the
first sentence of the first paragraph.
It has been two and a half years since I came to Korea, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. When I first
landed here, I couldn’t speak any Korean. I have since become fairly good at Korean, along with having received a
black belt in taekwondo, reconnected with my Korean school friends. I can sincerely say that these years have provided
such beautiful memories that I would like to share my wonderful experiences with others.
Notice how her main reaction is balanced with a seeming predicament of not knowing how
to speak Korean when she first arrived. But this is contrasted by a brief rundown of her
achievements from the time she began her journey. The last sentence of the first paragraph reiterates
the main reaction and goes on further to state the desire to “share my wonderful experiences with
others.” The first paragraph then, indeed, illustrates a clear and relevant reaction to a unique
experience.
The paragraphs that follow the first one develop and support the main reaction of
enjoyment. In the second paragraph, the reaction illustrated in the first sentence is consistent to that
illustrated in the first paragraph.
From the moment I landed at Incheon International Airport I felt excitement build up within me, and as we
drove toward Seoul I was impressed by the magnificent bridges and smooth expressways.
Describing the feeling of “excitement” and being “impressed by the magnificent bridges and
smooth expressway” make the reaction coherent in its development. The rest of the second
paragraph continues with a tone of amazement and wonder at the sights all around the city. Indeed,
the strength of Saiawi’s essay is its keen attention to sensory pleasure of her experiences and
observations. These examples support her main reaction in a vivid manner. More importantly, her
reaction leads her to describe the Korean people and culture with concrete details. This is
demonstrated in her illustration in paragraph 3.
I was touched by the kindness of people who stopped to help me find my way. Language did not pose a huge
hurdle as some of the Korean people would even go 10 minutes out of their way to guide me to a subway station. My
most joyful moment was when a Korean staff member of our embassy located my Korean friends with whom I had
attended St. Anne’s High School, in Mumbai, through the net.
In paragraph 4, she narrates her experience of seeing a childhood friend and feeling the
hospitality and acceptance of a Korean family.
We got together the following morning and spent a beautiful afternoon at Gyeonbok Palace. We walked
hand-in-hand, as we did as students, along the arts area of Samcheong-dong, all the while catching up on each other’s
lives. On the day of her wedding, Ho Hyun’s father asked me to stand up for the guests, while explaining that I used
to attend school with his daughters in India. I attend most of Ho Hyun and Ho Jin’s important family gatherings,
like Lunar New Year’s and Chuseok holidays. They seemed to have so graciously accepted me as part of their family!
The narration also allows us a glimpse of Korean landscape and culture. These vivid details
continue to develop and support her positive reactions toward her experiences in the country.
Paragraphs 5-8 continue to illustrate specific aspects of the culture such as the hiking activities and
the dedication of her Korean teachers. Another notable feature of the reaction paper is illustrating
striking and relevant insights. One example of this is that last two sentences of paragraph 8:
I am struck by the fact that even in the process of modernization, Koreans have continued to embrace their
traditional values such as respect for elders, discipline, family relations, and impeccable hospitality for guests. Perhaps it
is because Indians also value such traditions that I have never felt out of place in Korea.
Finally, the concluding paragraph of Muanpuii Saiawi’s reaction reveals an upbeat attitude
toward what she would like to do in the future as a result of her experiences in Korea.
It is my deepest desire to fulfill my role of bringing together the peoples and the cultures of our two countries. I
would like the people of Korea to have a chance to experience the culture and people of India.
The essay shows how a genuine and earnest reaction may lead to a remarkable and positive
growth in attitude that is complemented with a desire to take concrete action. In this way, the
reaction paper becomes more than a recollection and description of memories, impressions,
thoughts, and feelings. It is a written testament to an experience leading to profound change.

Steps in Writing the Reaction Paper

Writing the reaction paper requires that you are attentive to the subject of your reaction.
Often, focusing on your sensory experiences and thought processes allow you to develop an
insightful reaction to the topic of your paper. Equipped with this keen sense of attention and
openness, you may find that writing this particular type of essay may lead to you to greater sense of
understanding your topic.
 The second step is applying the effort to understand where your reaction comes from. Are
they based on experiences or observations? What are these experiences and observations? Now is
the time to draft a description and narration of concrete details that may justify your main reaction.
Perhaps your reaction may come from something you have also read previously on a similar topic.
Perhaps, your prior reading may have validated or invalidated your insights and feelings on the
matter. Acknowledge and cite references if they are part of your supports. This may demonstrate the
initiative to balance your views and show that are informed by previous relevant knowledge.
Third, write your reaction as an effective main idea or thesis statement. You may choose to
write your main reaction as a complete statement or even as a question that emphasizes a point.
Begin with a concrete stand. The statements below show sample thesis statement that express a
reaction to a concrete subject.

 Although I agree that climate change is a serious issue worth examining, I feel confused and
helpless when it comes to taking care of the environment.

 Hiking up Mt. Pulag was the most reverent activity I have ever completed in my young life.
If you are writing a reaction to a written text, remember to acknowledge the original idea
that you are reacting to; acknowledge the writer as well to maintain a formal language register for
this kind of academic task. For example:

 Yeb Sano’s call “to stop the madness” of ignoring climate change has motivated me to be a
more proactive and conscientious consumer.

 I like Doreen Fernandez’s insight in her essay “Food as Language

that a homemade gift shows personal regard for someone, because I delight in making my
own gifts to give to special friends.
After completing an initial outline of your main reaction supported by bullet points of
relevant support from your experiences and observations, you are ready to write a draft. You may
choose to continue writing your draft as an outline the shows the logical development of your main
reaction and its relevant support. After writing a draft, work with a partner and give feedback on
each other’s work. Some guide questions that you may consider are:

 Is there a concrete and specific subject that the essay reacts to?

 Is the main reaction clear and easy to understand? Is it stated in one complete sentence?

 Does the essay illustrate concrete and relevant support to explain the reaction?

 Is the language in the reaction paper respectful and fair?

 Is the language appropriate for an academic task?

 Is the explanation of the reaction developed consistently until the end?

 Does the concluding paragraph illustrate a change or affirmation of attitude and behavior?
 The last step in writing the final paper. Write the final essay only after you have addressed
the feedback on your draft. Check for inconsistencies in grammar and mechanics. Be sure to write
an appropriate and relevant title for your reaction paper. Avoid writing a one-word title as it may be
vague and misleading. Writing an effective title is one way to help your reader identify the topic and
direction of your reaction paper. Remember that the title of your essay is the synthesis of your main
reaction.