Welcome to Responding to What Was Read!
Reading isn't just about looking at words on a page; it’s about what you do with that information! In this chapter, we focus on the final step of the reading process: responding. This means taking what you have read—whether it's an email, a news article, or a story—and sharing your own thoughts, answers, and opinions about it.
Don't worry if you find it hard to express yourself in English at first. We will break down how to move from "understanding the text" to "sharing your voice."
1. The Two Main Ways to Respond
When you finish reading a text in class or on an exam, you are usually asked to respond in two ways:
• Fact-Based Responses: Answering questions to show you understood the gist (the general idea), the main points, or the specific details.
• Personal Responses: Giving your own opinion, feelings, or ideas about the topic. This often involves saying whether you agree or disagree with the writer.
2. Answering Questions Effectively
To respond well, you first need to know what kind of information is being asked for. In English Communication I, you might focus on basic facts. By III, you will be expected to explain the writer's intent or the logical flow of the argument.
Quick Tips for Fact-Based Responses:
• Look for Keywords: If the question asks "Why...", look for words like because, since, or due to in the text.
• Don't Just Copy: Try to use your own words where possible, but stay true to the facts in the text.
• Check the "Who" and "When": For stories or news articles, make sure your response matches the specific characters or dates mentioned.
3. Sharing Your Opinions and Feelings
This is where you move from "What did the writer say?" to "What do I think?" The official syllabus emphasizes that you should provide reasons and evidence for your views.
The "Because" Rule:
A great response is more than just "I liked this story" or "I agree with the author." To make it a strong response, always add a reason.
Example: "I agree with the writer’s opinion because social media can sometimes make people feel lonely."
Helpful Phrases for Responding:
• To show agreement: "I agree with the writer because..." or "The author is right about..."
• To show disagreement: "I understand the writer's point, but I think..." or "I disagree because..."
• To share a feeling: "I was surprised to read that..." or "I felt sad when the character..."
4. Organizing Your Response Logically
As you progress from English Communication I to III, the way you organize your response becomes more important. Instead of just writing one sentence, you will start writing paragraphs (groups of sentences about one idea).
A simple structure for a response paragraph:
1. Your Main Point: Directly state your opinion or answer.
2. Reason: Explain why you feel that way.
3. Example/Evidence: Use a specific part of the text or a real-life example to support your reason.
4. Conclusion: Briefly restate your point in a different way.
5. Language Tools for Better Responses
To make your response sound more natural and professional, use these transition words (conjunctions and adverbs):
• To add information: Also, Furthermore, In addition
• To show contrast: However, On the other hand, But
• To show results: Therefore, As a result, So
Memory Aid: Think of these words as "signposts" that tell the reader which direction your thoughts are going!
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Mistake 1: Translating word-for-word. Try to think in English "chunks" rather than translating every Japanese word. The syllabus encourages us not to just replace Japanese with English, but to communicate ideas.
• Mistake 2: Forgetting the text. If you are responding to a specific article, make sure your response actually relates to what was written! Don't wander too far off-topic.
• Mistake 3: Being too brief. Even if your English isn't perfect, try to add one extra sentence of explanation. Using "diverse phrases" is a goal as you move into higher levels of English study.
Key Takeaway Summary
• Understand First: Identify the gist, main points, and details before you reply.
• Use Reasons: Always back up your opinions with "because" or "for example."
• Be Logical: Organize your response into a clear paragraph structure.
• Stay Focused: Use the vocabulary and grammar you've learned (like relative pronouns, conjunctions, and auxiliary verbs) to make your points clear.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes! The goal of responding is to keep the "interaction" going. Whether you are writing a comment on a blog post or discussing a story in class, your unique perspective is what matters most.