Response Essay: Revealing Personal Observations in Writing

Certain disciplines, like literature, art, or music, presuppose writing a response essay revealing your personal attitude and observation. For instance, it may be your reflection on visiting art exhibitions, music or dance performance, etc.

Possible suggestion for your response essay:

1. The possible assignment for your essay can be writing reflection on the attended concert of your favorite music band. Before getting down to work, you should make up a list of questions:

• What part of the concert was the most remarkable for you?
• How did you feel before and after the performance?
• How did the audience perceive the concert?

2. A response essay may elaborate on your evaluation of a particular film or book. In that regard, you should divide your writing into three parts:

• Introduction containing the general information on the issue.
• Brief summary of the basic points.
• Critical evaluation of a book or movie.

3. A response essay can also be connected with some abstract thinking. For instance, your professor can give an example of a situation where you should give your personal assessment.

The peculiarities of writing a response essay:

1. A response essay is not a mere account on your personal experience but also an evaluation of the phenomena from different aspects.
2. Due to the fact that a response essay is your reaction, it should be saturated with effective stylistic devices emphasizing your expressiveness.
3. A response essay is a well-structured piece of written work despite the emerging opportunity of creative thinking. Additionally, it should also conform to the format requirements and standards of writing.
4. Remember that a response essay should be based on a strong thesis statement; otherwise, the paper will lose any sense.