How To Write A Reader Response Paper (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

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What questions did this text leave you with? What would you like to learn more about?

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What about the author’s style and methodology did you like or dislike? How are they using

sources and how does this reflect on the integrity and validity of their arguments?

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For useful things to keep in mind as you read the book, consult “How to Read a Secondary

Source” in Prof. Patrick Rael’s Writing Guide (you can link to it from the “Studying and Teaching

History” page on my website and also directly at ).

Sample format for a reader response paper of 4-5 pages:

1. Introduction/theme: 1-2 paragraphs that “set the stage” for what will follow. Possible entry

points include: a broader trend that interests you in American history and how this book’s

contents explain it; another book (or school of thought) that this book either supports or

refutes; assumptions or opinions you hold that this book might challenge.

2. Background: 2-3 paragraphs that introduce the book, its main arguments and context in which

it was written, and place the text in its historiographic context (i.e., how it relates to other

literature on the subject).

Analysis: use the remainder of the paper to hone in on a certain element of the book and

provide your opinion of it. This, as much as anything, is the “thesis” of this essay. You may

choose to focus on the main argument of the book, or just one element of the book (for

example, the author’s treatment of gender, or the author’s conclusions about the durability of

third parties, or the author’s style and research methodology). The analysis should contain

direct quotes or paraphrased examples from the book (all cited with page numbers) to support

your argument.

4. Conclusion: one paragraph that brings us back to your entering statement and states the wider

significance of this work to you, and to the literature.

And, as you write, do not forget the basic rules of style and grammar. See my handout “Some guidelines

for writing American history papers” ( ).

To understand and interpret the grade you receive on a paper or other assignment, also consult my

grading standards ( ).

How To Write A Reader Response Paper Page 2