The Writing Process: Writing A Response Or Reaction Paper ✓ Solved

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The Writing Process Writing a Response or Reaction Paper

Each semester, you will probably be asked by at least one instructor to read a book or an article (or watch a TV show or a film) and to write a paper recording your response or reaction to the material. In these reports—often referred to as response or reaction papers—your instructor will most likely expect you to do two things: summarize the material and detail your reaction to it.

PART 1: A SUMMARY OF THE WORK To develop the first part of a report, do the following: • Identify the author and title of the work and include in parentheses the publisher and publication date. For magazines, give the date of publication. • Write an informative summary of the material. • Condense the content of the work by highlighting its main points and key supporting points. • Use direct quotations from the work to illustrate important ideas. • Summarize the material so that the reader gets a general sense of all key aspects of the original work. • Do not discuss in great detail any single aspect of the work, and do not neglect to mention other equally important points. • Also, keep the summary objective and factual.

Do not include in the first part of the paper your personal reaction to the work; your subjective impression will form the basis of the second part of your paper. PART 2: YOUR REACTION TO THE WORK To develop the second part of a report, do the following: • Focus on any or all of the following questions. Check with your instructor to see if s/he wants you to emphasize specific points. How is the assigned work related to ideas and concerns discussed in the course for which you are preparing the paper? For example, what points made in the course textbook, class discussions, or lectures are treated more fully in the work? • How is the work related to problems in our present-day world? • How is the material related to your life, experiences, feelings and ideas?

For instance, what emotions did the work arouse in you? • Did the work increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way? • Evaluate the merit of the work: the importance of its points, its accuracy, completeness, organization, and so on. • You should also indicate here whether or not you would recommend the work to others, and why.

POINTS OF CONSIDERATION WHEN WRITING THE REPORT Here are some important elements to consider as you prepare a report: • Apply the four basic standards of effective writing (unity, support, coherence, and clear, error-free sentences) when writing the report. • Make sure each major paragraph presents and then develops a single main point. For example, in the sample report that follows, the first paragraph summarizes the book, and the three paragraphs that follow detail three separate reactions of the student writer to the book. The student then closes the report with a short concluding paragraph. • Support any general points you make or attitudes you express with specific reasons and details. Statements such as "I agree with many ideas in this article" or "I found the book very interesting" are meaningless without specific evidence that shows why you feel as you do.

Look at the sample report closely to see how the main point or topic sentence of each paragraph is developed by specific supporting evidence. • Organize your material. Follow the basic plan of organization explained above: a summary of one or more paragraphs, a reaction of two or more paragraphs, and a conclusion. Also, use transitions to make the relationships among ideas in the paper clear. • Edit the paper carefully for errors in grammar, mechanics, punctuation, word use, and spelling. • Cite paraphrased or quoted material from the book or article you are writing about, or from any other works, by using the appropriate documentation style. If you are unsure what documentation style is required or recommended, ask you instructor. • You may use quotations in the summary and reaction parts of the paper, but do not rely on them too much. Use them only to emphasize key ideas. • Publishing information can be incorporated parenthetically or at the bottom of the page in a footnote. Consult with your instructor to determine what publishing information is necessary and where it should be placed.

A SAMPLE RESPONSE OR REACTION PAPER Here is a report written by a student in an introductory psychology course. Look at the paper closely to see how it follows the guidelines for report writing described above.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: Understanding the Dynamics of Victor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”

In Viktor Frankl's seminal work, "Man's Search for Meaning," he recounts his harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps. The book serves as both a memoir and a study into the existential vacuum that can plague individuals without a sense of purpose. Frankl's thesis is grounded in his belief that the primary force driving human behavior is the quest for meaning. This central idea is elucidated through his experiences in the camps, showcasing how he and his fellow inmates survived through hope and the fulfillment of a personal objective.

The essence of Frankl’s narrative is that suffering can yield meaning. He argues that the contentment derived from our lives does not solely depend on the circumstances we face but on our decisions regarding them. Frankl illustrates this through poignant anecdotes about fellow inmates, particularly highlighting how their reasons for living were crucial to their endurance. For instance, Frankl mentions individuals who sustained their will to live by envisioning reunions with loved ones or completing unfinished works—demonstrating the capacity for the human spirit to find meaning in dire situations.

In reflecting on Frankl’s experiences, it is evident that his insights resonate within the framework of psychological theories discussed in my course. For example, the debates surrounding Maslow's hierarchy of needs emphasize the importance of self-actualization, which aligns with Frankl's arguments regarding meaning. Just as the fulfillment of basic physiological needs is essential, Frankl suggests that existential needs—the need for purpose—are equally vital for mental health. His premise challenges students to consider how societal systems can sometimes strip individuals of their purpose, reflecting the philosophical concerns discussed in our coursework.

Frankl also illustrates the psychological mechanisms at play that contribute to cruelty, notably through the behavior of the Capos, prisoners who were complicit with their captors. This creates a discussion on moral psychology, wherein the struggle for survival can lead individuals to act against their values under extreme duress. This observation speaks volumes about the complexities of human behavior, raising questions about ethics under pressure, a theme thoroughly examined in class.

Furthermore, Frankl’s argument prompts introspection regarding present-day life. In a world where many individuals find themselves in monotonous jobs devoid of meaning, Frankl's insights become increasingly relevant. Many workforce participants storm through their days focused primarily on monetary rewards while neglecting the intrinsic fulfillment derived from meaningful work. This societal tendency is echoed in the stresses and discontent experienced by countless individuals today and supports the notion that without purpose, life can feel hollow.

On a personal level, Frankl’s exploration of suffering prompts deeper reflection on how we perceive our challenges. For instance, the story of a friend who overcame significant obstacles to pursue an education resonates with the idea that perseverance through adversity can lead to a richer understanding of life's purpose. This demonstrates an application of Frankl's theory: that challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth and meaning rather than mere burdens.

Moreover, Frankl's assertion that our suffering can be meaningful sheds light on various societal behaviors. For instance, the trend of consumerism in contemporary culture often serves as a veneer for deeper existential crises. As individuals fill their lives with material goods to mask inner emptiness, they inadvertently reinforce their disconnection from meaningful existence. Frankl's critique of our society aligns with current psychological discussions regarding happiness pursuits that neglect genuine emotional fulfillment.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend "Man's Search for Meaning" to anyone engaged in introspective exploration of their existence. Frankl's insights challenge readers to confront their own values and questions regarding life's purpose. His poignant observations not only offer a universal truth about the human condition but also provide practical wisdom on the importance of finding purpose, even in difficult circumstances. Through this book, readers are encouraged to reflect upon their own lives and discover profound significance in their personal journeys, echoing the age-old inquiry: “What gives my life meaning?”

References

• Frankl, V. E. (1966). Man's search for meaning. New York: Washington Square Press.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370.
• Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. Basic Books.
• Frankl, V. E. (1984). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. New York: Penguin Books.
• Fromm, E. (1941). Escape from freedom. Rinehart & Company.
• Jung, C. G. (1961). Memories, dreams, reflections. Random House.
• Schopenhauer, A. (1966). The world as will and representation. Dover Publications.
• Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for ultimate meaning. New York: Beacon Press.
• Camus, A. (1942). The myth of Sisyphus. Vintage.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Free Press.

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