Reader Response Essay Example ENGL 1301

Summary

In this instructional video, the speaker discusses the structure and formatting of a response essay, using a student example provided by Professor Roper. The focus is on adhering to MLA guidelines, crafting an engaging title, and developing a clear thesis statement. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a well-structured essay with an introductory paragraph, summary, and body paragraphs that explore personal opinions and experiences related to the material. The video concludes with advice on writing a strong conclusion that ties back to the thesis and personal insights gained from the material.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script is a guide on how to write a response essay, using an example from another professor's student.
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker emphasizes the importance of MLA formatting, including proper header with last name and page numbers.
• 📝 The student's name, professor's name, course, and date should be included in the essay header, with specific instructions on how to address the professor.
• 📖 The essay should have a clear title that reflects the content of the paper, not just the type of essay it is.
• 🔍 The introductory paragraph should be at least three sentences long, with a strong thesis statement located near the end.
• 📈 The second paragraph of the essay should be a summary of the material being responded to, without the writer's personal opinion.
• 📝 The body paragraphs should each focus on one aspect of the material, providing the writer's opinion and expanding on the thesis.
• 🚫 The speaker warns against using a question to start the essay unless it's the first paper of the semester, to avoid repetition.
• 📚 The essay should be double-spaced, which is a requirement for MLA format, and the speaker expresses difficulty grading single-spaced papers.
• 📝 The conclusion paragraph should wrap up the essay by tying back to the thesis and summarizing the writer's personal takeaways and expanded beliefs.
• 💡 The script encourages students to follow the guidelines but also challenges them to add their own insights and richness to their essays.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is discussing and analyzing a student's response essay example, focusing on MLA formatting, essay structure, and content.

Who provided the student example discussed in the script?

Professor Roper provided the student example discussed in the script.

What is the importance of MLA formatting in the context of this script?

MLA formatting is important as it sets the standard for how the essay should be presented, including the header, spacing, and citation of the author's name.

What does the instructor emphasize about the title of the essay?

The instructor emphasizes that the title of the essay should not be 'response essay' but rather an actual title that reflects the content of the paper.

How should the student's name and the professor's name be presented in the essay header?

The student's first name and last name should be presented, followed by the professor's last name only, without any initials or first names.

What is the instructor's stance on the use of questions to start an essay?

The instructor allows the use of a question to start an essay but limits it to one use per semester, advising students to be judicious with this approach.

What is the recommended structure for the introductory paragraph of a response essay?

The introductory paragraph should include a thesis statement, which is typically the last or second-to-last sentence, and should mention the title of the work being responded to and the author's last name.

What is the purpose of the second paragraph in a response essay according to the script?

The second paragraph in a response essay is meant to be a summary of the work being responded to, without including the student's personal opinion.

How does the instructor advise students to approach the body paragraphs of their essays?

The instructor advises students to focus each body paragraph on one aspect of the work, providing their opinion, and to avoid repeating the same points in multiple paragraphs.

What is the significance of the conclusion paragraph in a response essay?

The conclusion paragraph is significant as it wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points, reflecting on the student's personal beliefs, and connecting back to the thesis.

What additional advice does the instructor give regarding the essay's header for Google Docs users?

For Google Docs users, the instructor suggests looking up how to insert the last name and page number in the header, as the process may differ from Microsoft Word.