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ZOOM
Response Paper Guidelines
Due: June 16, Sunday, 11:59 pm
Where to Submit: under the appropriate rubric on Canvas
Works About Which You Can Write: Hemon’s essays, Lahiri’s stories, Danticat’s memoir,
Kincaid’s poem or novel and related topics
Length: 5-6 pages double-spaced
Format: Preferably 12-font Times New Roman. Your name and section number in the upper
right corner. Page numbers in the upper right corner.
Genre: This is not a paper with an explicit claim or an argument. This is an opinion piece (aka
response paper), similar to a book review. I invite you to reflect on a particular topic or a book
as a whole. Be sure to use quotations and close reading to support your opinion, but do not rely
on quotations exclusively to develop your review. I am primarily interested in what you think.
Purpose and Goals: So, what is the purpose of this assignment? It is an opportunity to form
and express your original opinions on any topic in an engaging and interesting way. Everyone
has their process, but – in general – this assignment will require you to engage in the following
four activities:
1) Brainstorming the Topics: What was the most important topic for you? What did you
feel strongly about? Did something anger you? Did something evoke a deeper reaction?
Whatever that is, it might be a good topic for your essay.
2) Writing: Initially, some of you will prefer to write about your opinions and ideas freely,
without structuring them first. Others will prefer to have an outline. Work in a way that
comes to you naturally (which means: choose a process that allows you to begin writing
without getting blocked, nervous, etc.). Beginning is huge. Saying “I will work on this
for 15 minutes today” is going to propel you.
3) Structuring Your Writing and Checking Your Grammar/Syntax/Vocabulary: No
matter how interesting an idea or an opinion is, it is hard for the reader to appreciate its
full value in a piece that has many grammatical and lexical errors. Have an introductory
paragraph in which you’re announcing your topic. Have a conclusion in which you sum
up your thoughts. Check your vocabulary. Check your grammar. Ideally, leave what
you write aside for a day and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Read it aloud. (Of
course, you can also take it to our Writing Center: this is not cheating; this is like
working with an editor who can help you master writing and editing skills one-on-
one.)
4) Submit Your Essay (on Time): Feel good about accomplishing this. Reflect about the
parts of the process that were helpful. My hope is that this assignment will be useful
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whenever you need to write something, whether it is a personal e-mail or a fellowship
application. You are learning how to form your opinions and thoughts, and how to
convey them in a legible, clear, and compelling way. This is a very useful skill.
Just a reminder: Writing can be a pleasant activity. This is not an injunction; this is an invitation:
try to enjoy writing about your opinions, and we will enjoy reading them.
