How to Write a Personal Response

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers on crafting a personal response essay, emphasizing a two-paragraph structure. The first paragraph requires understanding and referencing the original text, focusing on its theme or story. The second paragraph invites personal connections, drawing from one's own experiences or emotions. The essay should be written in the first person, using expressions like 'I think' or 'I feel.' The title should be formatted as 'Personal Response to [title of text]', and the essay should be concise, around 200 words, incorporating at least two prompts from the provided list in each paragraph.

Takeaways

• 📝 A personal response essay is a reaction to a text, video, or reading material, requiring the writer to understand and respond to the original content.
• 📖 The essay is structured in two paragraphs, each with a specific goal: the first to explore and understand the text, the second to make a personal connection.
• 🔍 In paragraph one, the writer should demonstrate comprehension of the original text by making references and noting elements such as theme, story, or events.
• 🌟 To show understanding, use expressions like 'I noticed that the author says' or 'I think the theme is' to highlight the writer's analysis.
• 💭 Paragraph two is for personal reflection, where the writer connects the text to their own life, experiences, or emotions.
• 🎶 Personal connections can be made using prior knowledge, family experiences, song lyrics, or even TV show characters that resonate with the text.
• 🗣️ Use first-person singular pronouns like 'I' and 'me' to emphasize that the essay is a personal response.
• 📑 The title of the essay should be in the format 'Personal Response to [Title of Text]', indicating the subject of the response.
• ✍️ Aim for a concise essay of about 200 words, which is roughly 10 to 16 sentences, ensuring clarity and brevity.
• 🔗 Incorporate at least two prompts from the provided list in each paragraph to effectively illustrate understanding and personal connection.
• 📚 A handout with further guidance is available on the class webpage for additional support in writing a personal response essay.

Q & A

What is a personal response essay?

A personal response essay is a type of writing where the author reacts to and reflects on a text, video, or any form of media they have read or watched.

How many paragraphs should a personal response essay have?

A personal response essay should be divided into two paragraphs, each with specific goals.

What is the main goal of the first paragraph in a personal response essay?

The main goal of the first paragraph is to explore the text and demonstrate an understanding of the original text's ideas, such as the theme, story, or events.

How can you show your reader that you understand the original text?

You can show your reader that you understand the original text by making references to it and using expressions like 'I noticed that the author says' or 'I think the theme is'.

What is the purpose of the second paragraph in a personal response essay?

The second paragraph is for making a personal connection with the story, sharing your life experiences, opinions, and feelings in relation to the text.

Can you use someone else's experience to make a personal connection in the essay?

Yes, you can use a family member's experience or even lyrics from a song to make a personal connection with the text.

What is an important quality of a personal response essay?

An important quality is the use of the first person singular, making it clear that the essay is about the author's personal thoughts and experiences.

What should the title of a personal response essay include?

The title should be 'Personal Response to' followed by the title of the story or text in quotations.

How many words should a personal response essay be?

A personal response essay should be around 200 words, which is approximately 10 to 16 sentences.

How many prompts should be used in each paragraph of the personal response essay?

At least two prompts should be used in each paragraph to illustrate that a personal connection is being made in the second paragraph and an understanding of the text in the first.

Where can you find a handout for writing a personal response essay?

A handout can be found on the dcte class page on the web.