Preview Questions:
- What does it mean to “respond” to writing?
- When do we respond to writing? Why?
- Can I use “I” or other personal pronouns in a response essay?
- Can’t I just use AI to write my personal responses?
Responding to a written text
Response writing is an opportunity to engage with the text. As a reader, you should be reading actively, thinking about the information in the text. In this course, you will develop your understanding of the theme for Essay 1 by responding to one of the articles provided.
When writing a response assignment, your teacher is looking to hear “your voice.” An AI-generated response may lack your authentic voice. Write the first draft of your response on your own and use AI to refine it. BUT, be very careful of what information you share with ChatGPT since it does store all data you input. Many experts recommend avoiding inputting personal, confidential information.
Directions: Read the example and answer the questions below.
Selective Summary response example
Topic: Strategies that students at UW-Madison used for making connections
Selective Summary Response of “Madison Becomes Second Hometown for International Students”
In the article “Madison Becomes Second Hometown for International Students,” Xinlin Jiang (2023) describes the experiences of several international students who attended UW-Madison and the factors that drew them to the university. More specifically, Jiang explains the strategies that three of the students used to make personal connections at the university. For example, Ruohan Yuan from China took advantage of an online platform to seek advice from alumni, and in the process, met a sophomore at the university who helped orient her to the city of Madison and some of the activities to do there. In another case that Jiang describes, Camille Liu from Peru found a sense of connection in university organizations and clubs, and also enjoyed attending campus sporting events–joining the thousands of other fans wearing the school colors on game day. Finally, Jiang introduces the reader to a student from Mexico, Eduardo Martinez Villegas, who developed a better connection with himself during the time he spent alone as an international student living in a city far from his home.
One idea from Jiang’s article that I would like to respond to is about getting involved with student organizations. Camile Liu, the vice president of the WISA says, “I feel a sense of belonging when I’m in WISA. I’ve met people there who feel like my family” (as cited in Jiang, 2023, p. 4). In other words, joining this organization has connected her with people who are as familiar as family members. This example resonated with me because I recently joined the Malaysian Student Association. Before I even left my home country, I was invited to join the Malaysian Undergraduate Student Organization of Madison, which allowed me to connect with other Malaysian students ahead of time and eased many of my worries about moving so far from home. Meeting people through the organization helped me arrive in Madison feeling supported and already part of a community. After reaching campus, joining the Malaysian Students’ Association at the University of Wisconsin strengthened that sense of belonging even more, giving me opportunities to form friendships through shared events, study sessions, and casual meetups at coffee shops or restaurants off campus. These connections have made my transition to life in Madison far smoother and have given me a network of friends who continue to shape my experience here.
Reference
EXERCISE #1: Analyze the selective summary response example
- Look at the first two sentences of the summary. Has the writer included the required elements of a summary introduction?
- Identify the overall thesis and narrowed scope.
- Where does the response begin? What language signals the start of the response?
- Does the writer properly introduce and cite the quotation?
- What is the idea the reader responds to?
- What techniques has the writer used to respond to the idea?
- What information is included in the reference?
- Identify all the transitions used in the summary response.
EXERCISE #2: Practice responding to ideas in an article
- Look at the article you will respond to and identify one or two sentences you find interesting.
- Paraphrase the sentences.
- With a partner, read the original sentences and your paraphrase.
- Discuss your reaction to the idea you have chosen.
