A summary and response essay is a type of paper that provides a summary of a certain text, article, or speech, and then offers the writer's personal response or critique to that text. This type of essay is commonly assigned in college and university courses as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of a particular piece of writing.
An example of a summary and response essay might be a paper that summarizes and responds to an article about the negative effects of social media on mental health. The summary portion of the essay would provide a brief overview of the main points and arguments made in the article, while the response portion would offer the writer's own thoughts and opinions on the topic.
To begin a summary and response essay, the writer should first provide a brief introduction that explains the purpose of the essay and provides some context for the text being summarized. This can include a brief overview of the topic or issue being discussed, as well as the main points and arguments made in the original text.
Next, the writer should provide a summary of the text, highlighting the main points and arguments made in the original piece. This summary should be concise and objective, focusing on the key ideas and details presented in the text rather than offering personal opinions or analysis.
After the summary, the writer should then move on to the response portion of the essay. In this section, the writer should offer their own thoughts and opinions on the topic or issue discussed in the original text. This can include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the arguments made in the text, as well as any criticisms or counterarguments the writer may have.
Finally, the writer should conclude the essay by summarizing their main points and offering a final assessment of the original text. This can include a restatement of the writer's overall response to the text, as well as any recommendations or conclusions they may have.
Overall, a summary and response essay is a useful way for students to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of a particular piece of writing. By providing a summary of the key points and arguments made in the original text, and then offering their own thoughts and opinions on the topic, students can demonstrate their critical thinking skills and engage in meaningful discussions about important issues.
