1. An angle Reaction papers have to be critical and have some evaluation of the text. Below are a few types of questions you can ask yourself when beginning to write your paper: Type of angle/analysis Definition Example Contextual A focus on the historical or cultural background of the text. * When and where was the text written? * Is it important to be aware of the time period or place in which the text was written? Why or why not? “The characters’ actions in Pride and Prejudice are modeled closely upon acceptable behaviors during the English Georgian Era.” Comparative A comparison between two separate texts or characters. * In what ways are these two people/storylines the same? * In what ways are they different? “While Harry Potter learns over the course of seven books how to practice and perfect magic, Will Stanton is granted this knowledge immediately, in the first book of The Dark Is Rising series.” Character study An in-depth look at one or more individuals within a text. * Describe the character growth of this person. * Describe how this person relates to other characters “When we first meet Matilda, she is an extremely intelligent young girl who has very little experience of the outside world.” 2. A thesis What is particularly interesting about the text? What questions or ideas does it call to mind that you will be able to analyze further in your paper? After carefully reading the text, take all your observations and opinions and combine them into one claim. Points/observations/opinions Thesis statement * The Dursleys refuse to tell Harry about his true background * At first, Harry doesn’t know anything about the wizarding world * Harry experiences immediate reactions towards certain people who end up being dangerous or unpleasant (Snape, Malfoy, Quirrell) “Harry Potter was only able to access the sorcerer’s stone through a combination of his own instincts and his ignorance of dangerous magic and wizardry.” 3. Textual evidence You must be able to back up your claims with textual evidence. Annotating in the margins of the text will help you easily locate quotations, key plot developments, and character descriptions. Once you begin writing your paper, it will be easy for you to go through and find the relevant quotes to use.