Differences Between A Reaction Paper And A Reflection Paper

Reaction Essay Vs. Reflection Essay

Reaction papers and reflection papers are two types of essays often considered as synonymous. Both types of papers feature a student’s reaction or thoughts regarding a certain topic, book, or film. The primary difference lays in the type of focus the student places on the topic about which he is writing. The following are some key points given by iwriteessays.com on how to differentiate a reaction paper from a reflection paper.

Reaction Paper

• A reaction paper, also called a response paper.
• It is has a design where the student shares his feelings on a topic.
• The student answers several different questions in a reaction paper, including how she feels about the topic, if she agrees with it, if she identifies with it and her evaluation of the topic.
• After a brief description of the topic, a reaction paper contains the student’s personal reaction to the topic or idea. It focuses primarily on how the student feels about the topic and whether the student agrees with the idea.

Reflection Paper

• A reflection paper is similar; however, the student focuses on what he has learned rather than his feelings on the topic—although personal feelings are still a major component of a reflection paper.
• A reflection paper focuses on statements and feelings, answering questions including what the student thinks, sees, and feels. It also explains the student’s opinion and the main points of the topic.
•  A reflection paper is a way for the student to reflect on the topic of the paper, sharing the ideas the student learned from the topic and his thoughts on the subject.

How to write a reflection and a reaction essay

A reaction and reflection essay asks for your opinion, reaction, and analysis about a text, film, experience, or issue. The key to writing this genre of essay is to think carefully about a topic, to express your thoughts on it and to provide evidence for every opinion you present.

1. Prepare

 Take notes and jot down questions as you read. If you are writing an essay about a memory, brainstorm about the experience using concept mapping, free writing or listing so that you can record everything that comes to mind.

2. Outline

Once you have the content gathered, you should make an outline to organize the points you wish to make before writing the essay. For example, if you are reacting to a short story, you might include quotations of the characters' dialogue or plot elements to which you are reacting.

3. Don't Summarize, React

For this genre of essay, the writer expresses his or her thoughts and ideas on a particular topic. Reaction and reflection involves exploring cause and effect, motivation, themes and correlations to other texts and events, rather than re-telling an experience or story.

4. Proof and Polish

Check for proper spelling and grammar, and make certain that you have thoroughly reflected on and analysed the topic.