How do i start off a reaction paper?

Question

for summer hw i have to read 3 books and write a reaction paper for each!!

the only problem is, i have no idea how to start the paper off.

like what do i include in the first paragraph? the body? the ending?

i kno its like my thoughts n opinion n stuff....but still not getting it!

:(

Answer 1

If you start with summary, I'd keep it no more than a sentence or two.  It is an option, but not necessarily the most exciting one.

You'll want to start with an attention-getter, something to get people drawn in to your paper.  Options include starting with:

-a powerful or thought-provoking quote from the book

-a statement beginning with "many people believe/might believe that", then a sentence explaining how the book disproves that (like "many people might believe that racism is no longer commonplace in the corporate world.  However, Molly Muncie's recollection of events in the book, Molly Muncieville, makes it clear that this is not the case").

- A surprising fact related to the book

Your intro will begin with an attention getter, then follow with explanation of relevance/meaning of that attention-getter, your thesis, and then a preview/overview of your paper.

Body paragraphs will be organized with one main point/topic per paragraph.  Put your main point of the paragraph in your first sentence, in simple terms.  The next sentence or two will include quotes or information to back up that point.  The last sentence will evaluate that information: in other words, it'll tell the reader why this all matters.

Your ending will basically summarize what you have said and explain what the bigger meaning is.  You can also sum up your reaction to the book.

Hope this helps!