Purpose
Response essays are typically assigned as a precursor to an evaluative essay or a critique. These papers are typically written in response to a short literary passage, an editorial, a speech, or an artistic work. The response essay is useful because it gives students the opportunity to express their opinions in a professional manner without having to use sources. Students often find this paper simple and enjoyable to write because they can write in the first person and state their opinion. The primary goal is to engage with the material on a personal level while maintaining a formal and objective tone.
Tone
Getting the tone correct is one of the most difficult aspects of the response essay. Because students can use the first-person point of view, they are often tempted to write in an overly informal manner. Be careful to avoid overly informal language or slang in this essay. Even though the audience of the essay is typically the instructor or the other students in the class, it is essential to maintain an even, objective tone to establish credibility. A balanced tone demonstrates respect for the subject and the audience, ensuring that personal opinions are communicated effectively and professionally.
Maintaining a formal tone does not mean that the essay should be devoid of personal insights or emotions. Instead, it means articulating those insights in a way that is respectful and thoughtful. For example, rather than saying, “I think Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ is awesome,” you might say, “Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ profoundly impacted me due to its stark use of monochromatic color and the emotional intensity conveyed through its composition.”
Introduction
The introduction should explain the item that the student is responding to, as well as provide background. For example, if the student is providing their response to Pablo Picasso’s painting “Guernica,” they should explain who Pablo Picasso is, the year the painting was produced, and explain the premise of the painting. Providing context helps the reader understand the basis for the response and situates the work within its historical or cultural framework.
The thesis should explain the general response to the work according to the criteria the writer established. The response can be positive, negative, or a mix of both. For example, “I enjoyed Pablo Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ because of the stark absence of color, the unique use of perspective, and the skillful way in which Picasso wove the tale of the bombing of Guernica into his work.” However, the response can also include critical elements: “While Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ effectively conveys the horrors of war, its chaotic composition can be overwhelming and difficult to interpret for some viewers.” There is no right or wrong answer because it is the author’s opinion, but it should be clearly articulated and supported by specific observations.
Supporting Paragraphs
The supporting paragraphs should discuss each of the points mentioned in the thesis. The response paper only asks for the author’s opinion. As a result, no sources are necessary. However, it is important to explain the reaction clearly and precisely, and to use criteria. Just stating that you liked the colors is not enough. Explain why you liked the colors, what impact they had, and how they contributed to your overall perception of the work.
Example Supporting Paragraph
Consider a supporting paragraph that expands on the thesis statement about Picasso’s “Guernica”:
“The stark absence of color in ‘Guernica’ powerfully enhances the painting’s emotional impact. The use of black, white, and gray creates a somber, bleak atmosphere that reflects the despair and devastation caused by the bombing of Guernica. This monochromatic palette strips the scene of any potential beauty or distraction, forcing the viewer to confront the raw, unfiltered horror of war. This deliberate choice by Picasso not only aligns with the somber subject matter but also serves to universalize the experience of suffering, making it more relatable and poignant for a wide audience.”
In this paragraph, the student explains their reaction to the use of color in the painting and provides a detailed analysis of how this element contributes to the overall effect of the work. This level of detail helps to make the response more convincing and insightful.
Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize the overall response and reiterate the main points discussed in the supporting paragraphs. It is also appropriate to explain how the work changed your view of the genre, the medium, or the subject matter. For example, if the student earned a new appreciation for impressionistic art as a result of evaluating the painting, they should say so in the conclusion. Reflecting on the broader implications of the response can provide a satisfying closure to the essay and leave the reader with a deeper understanding of the student’s perspective.
Example Conclusion
“Overall, Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ is a profoundly moving work that succeeds in conveying the atrocities of war through its stark imagery and powerful composition. The painting’s monochromatic palette, fragmented forms, and haunting expressions leave a lasting impression, challenging viewers to reflect on the human cost of conflict. This response to ‘Guernica’ has deepened my appreciation for Picasso’s artistry and the role of art in social and political commentary. It has also inspired me to explore other works of art that address similar themes, broadening my understanding of the ways in which artists can influence and reflect society.”
In this conclusion, the student summarizes their response, reflects on the impact of the painting, and considers the broader implications of their analysis.
Practical Tips for Writing a Response Essay
Start with a Strong Introduction
Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that provides context for the work you are responding to. Include background information about the author or artist, the historical or cultural context, and a brief overview of the work itself. This sets the stage for your response and helps the reader understand your perspective.
Develop a Clear Thesis
Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your overall response to the work. Ensure that your thesis is specific and reflects your personal viewpoint while also being analytical. Your thesis should serve as a roadmap for the rest of the essay, guiding the reader through your analysis.
Use Detailed Examples
Support your thesis with detailed examples from the work. Whether you are responding to a literary passage, a painting, or a speech, provide specific references to elements that influenced your response. Describe these elements in detail and explain their significance.
Maintain a Formal Tone
Even though response essays allow for the use of the first person, maintain a formal tone throughout your writing. Avoid slang, overly casual language, and personal anecdotes that do not directly relate to the work being analyzed. Strive for clarity, precision, and professionalism in your writing.
Organize Your Essay
Organize your essay into clear, coherent paragraphs that each focus on a specific aspect of your response. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph and ensure that each paragraph supports your thesis. This helps to create a logical flow and makes your essay easier to follow.
Reflect on Broader Implications
In your conclusion, reflect on the broader implications of your response. Consider how the work has influenced your understanding of the genre, medium, or subject matter. This reflection can provide a deeper insight into the significance of your response and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Revise and Edit
After writing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Ensure that your analysis is well-supported and that your writing is clear and concise. Proofread for grammatical and typographical errors.
Seek Feedback
Consider seeking feedback from peers, instructors, or writing centers. A fresh perspective can help identify areas for improvement and provide suggestions for enhancing the overall quality of your essay.
Conclusion
Writing a response essay allows students to engage with a work of art or literature on a personal level while maintaining a formal and objective tone. By starting with a strong introduction, developing a clear thesis, using detailed examples, maintaining a formal tone, organizing the essay effectively, reflecting on broader implications, and revising thoroughly, students can produce insightful and professional response essays. This type of essay not only enhances critical thinking and analytical skills but also provides an opportunity for personal expression and reflection.