YOUR GOAL: A reader response essay summarizes the text that you have read and contains your reaction to the text. In your essay, you may explain why you agree or disagree with the ideas in the text, how the ideas in the text relate to something you have experienced, and how the ideas in the text relate to other texts youve read. Your essay may also include an analysis of the author and audience of the text and your evaluation of whether the text persuades its audience of its main point.

THE PROCESS:

FIRST, you will choose one of two assigned readings as the subject of your essay.  Note that activities are assigned each week to help you engage with the readings and practice summarizing and responding to the text.  Your instructor’s feedback will be extremely valuable in developing these skills and ensuring you are on the right track, so be sure to spend time reviewing your feedback.  You will choose one of the following readings as the subject for your essay:

Mother TonguePreview the document” by Amy Tan
The Crane WifePreview the document” by CJ Hauser
THEN,  engage with the readings, activities, and discussion forums assigned each week.  All assignments are purposefully structured to build critical steps into the reading/writing process.  Skills you will learn include:

Step 1: Strategies for understanding a text
Step 2: Strategies for reflecting on a text
Step 3: Strategies for responding to a text
Step 4: Writing essays
FINALLY, write the essay.

ESSAY COMPONENTS (you can find a rubric herePreview the document):

An introduction that identifies the text you are analyzing with brief background information (the author, year published, and important background of the text).
A thesis statement that clearly and directly provides a response position.
Targeted summary or description of the text.
Reactions to the text.
A conclusion that leaves the reader with a lasting impression as to why the essay is impactful.

ESSAY REQUIREMENTS:

APA formatting, including a Title Page, page numbers, running heads, 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spacing. Don’t forget to use the APA Template.Preview the document
A reference page including the essay chosen as the subject of your analysis.  No additional research is required.
Approximately 700 words or 2.5 to 3 pages of content (excluding title and references page).