Video Response Paper
The following guidelines will help you write video response/ reaction papers for Sociology 101. The response should be 2-3 pages.
1. Watch the documentary and take notes
You can only write a review or response to a documentary when you understand all its elements, contents, and message. If possible, it is a good idea to watch the documentary more than once in order to properly digest it. While watching the documentary, think of it as a story: note some of the striking features of the film, like characters, scenes, messages and how they are conveyed to you. As you take notes, try to make arguments, make comparisons between the elements.
2. Identify the focus of your review
The basis of a reaction paper is your opinion or thoughts about the documentary. These opinions and thoughts should be backed by examples or evidence from the film. Develop your idea based on how the documentary touched you. In the case you felt it was good, give a reason with evidence to support that claim. The same should also be applied to when you are in disagreement with the material.
When identifying the focus of your paper do not simply look at the documentary, instead, compare it with your general knowledge, other films on the same subject and even comments from experts in that field. You can also relate the documentary to your personal experiences.
A good response paper should be focused on a unique perspective that is outstanding from the documentary. Consider: what did you find interesting? What did you agree with? What did you disagree with? What surprised you? What was troubling?
3. Determine the elements to discuss
After identifying your opinion, collect points and evidence to support it. Gather sufficient points that are striking from the film to use in proving your reaction. That is, for every key point, provide evidence from the documentary to use in proving it. All the points that you make should connect back to the focus of the paper.
You can also do some research to find out more about the points to discuss in order to present a logical and compelling review (but this is not required!). Be specific in choosing the elements to discuss for clarity. For every point, identify about two or three examples to support it.
4. Create an outline
An outline is a simple plan showing how you intend to present the review. It should briefly highlight the introduction, body, and conclusion of the paper. The purpose of the outline is to provide you with a “blueprint” of the paper and easy reference when writing.
Just like other academic papers, a response paper should follow a particular writing format. The following procedures will direct you on how to write a reaction paper to a documentary.
a. Introduce the paper
Begin by giving a brief and accurate summary of the documentary in the opening statements of the paper. Here include basic information about the piece, including its title, producer, characters, etc.
b. Evaluate the documentary
This should make up the bulk of the paper, and present a comprehensive evaluation of the documentary. This section highlights the body paragraphs and should clearly indicate that you have watched and understood the context of the film. Every paragraph should properly establish and explain your position or response to the documentary, backed with evidence and examples. Devote every paragraph to a particular idea and a few related evidences. Your stance can be supportive or opposed to the view of the producer of the film.
c. Write the conclusion
The final paragraph of a response paper should present a summary of your position on the piece. This can be achieved through restating the focus of the paper and the key points that are discussed in the body paragraphs. Remember that the conclusion should just be short and not open a fresh discussion. Avoid introducing a new idea in the conclusion since that would confuse readers and alter the flow of ideas in the paper.
On the final part, you can also compare the documentary with others in the same genre or subject in order to make readers have a better understanding of the review.