Reflective Response Papers-- requirements

English 1031/1032—Reflective Response Papers

Interpretive/Reflective Response
In this type of response, writers focus on a key passage or idea from the text, explaining and/or exploring it further. They also might reflect on their own experiences, attitudes, or observations in relation to the ideas of the text. The writer might use their response to consider how the author's ideas might be interpreted by other readers, how the ideas might be applied, or how they might be misunderstood.

Why reflect?

Reflecting on literature is important in English courses. The need to think reflectively improves your ability to read critically and analyze course readings, ideas presented in class and experiences in all areas of your life. As you write you clarify your own understanding. The process of thinking and writing reflectively helps you to lay philosophical foundations for yourself.
Reflection guides you as you
• explore issues or ideas that are important for you
• react to the text or situation by agreeing or disagreeing and explaining why
• discuss links between the ideas on a topic to the work of more than one writer (you need at least two)

Assignment for our Reflective Response papers:

Write a reflective response using some of the guidelines for a reflection as detailed above. The reflection should illustrate that you have spent time reading and reflecting. These papers should be 500 words typed, 12 pt. Times New Roman. Bring two printed copies to class.These reflection papers will be shared in small groups on the day they are due.

Your essay will be graded on the following criteria:
Kean University English Composition Grading Policies
Writing assignments are evaluated according to
a)genre/ audience;
b) clarity of focus;
c) quality of development;
d) effectiveness of organization;
e) correctness of mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation).