Reflect and React

When reacting and reflecting on a piece of nonfiction writing, it's important to move beyond summarizing the content. Instead, focus on engaging with the ideas, arguments, and implications of the text. Here are some options when Reflecting and Reacting.  You don't have to use all of them every time.

1. Start with Personal Engagement

• Prompt: How did this piece make you feel? Were there moments that surprised, inspired, or challenged you?

• Example Response: “When the author described the challenges of climate change, I felt overwhelmed but also motivated to think about solutions.”

2. Analyze the Author’s Purpose and Effectiveness

• Prompt: What is the author’s main purpose? Do they achieve it effectively? Why or why not?

• Example Response: “The author’s purpose seems to be persuading readers to support renewable energy. Their use of statistics was convincing, but their tone felt overly critical, which might alienate some readers.”

3. Evaluate the Evidence

• Prompt: What kind of evidence does the author use? Is it credible and relevant? Are there any gaps?

• Example Response: “The author uses personal anecdotes to appeal to emotions, but they don’t include much scientific data, which weakens their argument.”

4. Connect to Broader Themes or Personal Experiences

• Prompt: How does this text connect to other things you’ve read, learned, or experienced? Does it relate to current events or societal issues?

• Example Response: “This essay about resilience reminds me of the novel we read last semester about overcoming adversity, and it also ties into recent stories about mental health awareness in schools.”

5. Pose Questions

• Prompt: What questions do you have after reading? What would you like to explore further?

• Example Response: “I wonder how this argument would change if it addressed perspectives from different cultures. What solutions do other countries propose for this problem?”

6. Discuss Implications

• Prompt: What are the real-world implications of the ideas presented? How might this text influence people or decisions?

• Example Response: “If policymakers read this article, it might push them to consider stricter environmental laws, but they’d need more actionable steps outlined.”