A reaction paper is a type of written assignment that requires you to analyze and evaluate a text, media, or other piece of content, and then provide your personal thoughts and reactions to it. In APA (American Psychological Association) format, a reaction paper typically consists of four main parts: the title page, the abstract, the body, and the reference list.
The title page should include the title of the paper, your name, and the name of your school or institution. The abstract is a brief summary of the paper, usually around 150-250 words. It should briefly describe the content you are reacting to, as well as your main thoughts and reactions to it.
The body of the paper should be organized into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the content you are reacting to. You should start by providing a brief overview of the content and its main points or themes. You should then discuss your personal thoughts and reactions to the content, using specific examples to support your points. You should also discuss any new insights or perspectives you gained from the content, and how it has affected your understanding of the subject matter.
Finally, the reference list should include a list of all the sources you used in your paper, formatted according to APA style guidelines.
Here is an example of an APA-formatted reaction paper:
Title: "My Reaction to 'The Catcher in the Rye'"
Abstract:
In this paper, I analyze and evaluate J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye." Through my reading of the text, I have come to understand the main themes and ideas presented in the novel, as well as my own personal thoughts and reactions to the content. I discuss how the novel has affected my understanding of adolescence and coming of age, and how the main character, Holden Caulfield, has resonated with me on a personal level.
Body:
"The Catcher in the Rye" is a classic coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a young man struggling to make sense of the world around him. Throughout the novel, Salinger presents themes of loss, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems cruel and unfair. As I read the novel, I found myself relating to Holden's struggles and questioning my own place in the world.
One of the most impactful themes in the novel for me was the loss of innocence. Holden grapples with the death of his brother Allie and the loss of his own childhood innocence as he tries to navigate the complexities of the adult world. This theme resonated with me on a personal level, as I have also experienced the loss of loved ones and the realization that the world is not always a fair or kind place.
Another aspect of the novel that stood out to me was the portrayal of adolescence and coming of age. Through Holden's experiences and observations, Salinger presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the struggles and challenges that young people face as they navigate the transition into adulthood. I found myself relating to Holden's struggles to find his place in the world and make sense of his own identity.
Overall, my reading of "The Catcher in the Rye" has been a thought-provoking and emotional experience. The novel has affected my understanding of adolescence and the complexities of coming of age, and has resonated with me on a personal level.
References:
Salinger, J.D. (1951). The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company.
