GUIDE TO WRITING A REACTION PAPER

Science,
Technology
and Society
I. Introduction

1 Introduce the topic and briefly summarize the issues of the

topic.
2 Why is this being discussed? What is important about it?

3 Explain your position about the topic in 1-2 sentences.

II. Analysis/Evaluation

1 Support the main idea with evidences and examples. (be

sure to use citations to the references)
2 Develop this paragraph by explaining what you think without
using too many “I” pronouns because you need to convince
your instructor that what you think has been informed by
what you have read or watched.

3 Explain what you thought about the TOPIC before and after
you have read or watched the material.
II. Analysis/Evaluation

4 What are the STRENGHTS and WEAKNESSES of the piece?

5 Answer specific questions like:

• Was the piece convincing? Why or why not?
• Is it well-researched? Why or why not?

6 Is the piece one-sided, or does the piece present a

“balanced” view?
III. Your Reactions

1 How do you react to the piece on a personal level?

2 How does the piece relate to your experience?

3 GOAL: Share your own impressions and your experience with

other readers.
4 Did the piece hold your interest? Why or why not?
III. Your Reactions
5 Did the piece bother or annoy you? Why or why not?

6 What did you realize as a result of reading or watching the

piece?

7 What questions did the piece raise for you – about the
material, about other things?