Response or Reaction Essays

A response or reaction paper is usually assigned as a method for the teacher to get to know the thoughts and feelings about a subject that has been discussed in class, an event, video, a visit to a museum, reading assignment, or etc. Writing a reaction essay should answer questions such as:
• What do you (personally) think about what you have heard in class?
• What did you think about the video?
• Do you agree or disagree with what you have read?
If the class visits a museum the response should be written taking in the information learned in class as well as the student’s personal feelings about the topic. Usually the teacher is looking for a quality analysis of how well they have grasped the topic as well as his/her viewpoint of the museum.