English 10-1

Guide to Writing a
Personal Response
Purpose

In a personal response, the writer:

Personally responds to the theme of a text
Chooses the manner in which they reflect on
theme.
Pulls in the original text either directly
(through quotes or references) or indirectly
(thematically)
Personal Response Forms

Personal essay (reflection)

Anecdotal or narrative essay (biographical in nature)
Journal entries
Letter
Speech
News Article
Feature Article (magazine)
Editorial
Script
Short Story
How you will be Questioned

A Critical Response asks the question:

What idea does the author develop about
theme?
A Personal Response asks the question:
What does the text suggest to you about a
theme?
Notice the use of You. This means it can be
opinion based! This is not the case in a CR.
Preparation

Read the literature.

On subsequent readings, answer the
question being asked (note that your answer
may not directly work its way into your
response, but you should keep it in mind for
the cohesion of your writing)
Choose the form your PR will take
Personal Response Essay Format

Paragraph 1Introduction (identify the topic

of your essay).
Paragraph 2Body paragraph that refers to
the text.
Paragraph 3Body paragraph that refers to
personal knowledge and/or experience.
Paragraph 4--Conclusion
Sample Introduction

When my alarm sang at 5:30 on that cool, autumn morning, I was

not aware that this day, the 18th of October, would change my
perspective of competitive show jumping. In the short story, To
Everything there is a Season, by Alistair MacLeod, the narrator
and his older brother, Neil, share experiences that are similar to
mine. The narrator and I both await a moment with eagerness
and anticipation. As a result, we are able to take on a new
perspective. The narrators older brother, Neil, and I have
begun to recognize that with responsibility and hard work come
reward and a sense of accomplishment. As I echo this moment
again and again in my mind, I understand the significance of
that autumn morning.
Sample Conclusion

October 18th marked the first day of the Spruce Meadows

Harvest Classic, and as I repeatedly reflect on the
moment, I am able to conclude that my perspective of
competitive show jumping has changed me. Before the
competition, all that was important was winning. How
well I rode or my effort did not matter, only the ribbons I
brought home. As I continue to compete, I will keep in
mind this outstanding moment and memorize the feeling
and sense of accomplishment I experienced weeks after
the competition ended. True winners take pride in the
opportunity of the moment.
How a Personal Response is Evaluated

Ideas and Impressions (10 marks)

Is topic addressed and explored? (Theme Present)
Are ideas confident and insightful? (Depth of Theme)
Is the support appropriate and specific? (Evidence and
Details)
Presentation (10 marks)
Is the voice distinct and convincing? (Style, Vocab, Format)
Are mechanics (spelling, punctuation, sentence structure)
correct and sophisticated?
Is the tone appropriate?
Is there consistency from beginning to end?