Unit 1.pdf - Southwest High School

Activity 1.6
continued
Introducing Reader Response
Critical Theory
The Elements of Reader Response Criticism
The Reader
One significant factor in Reader Response Critical Theory is that it takes
into account the person doing the reading. This model takes the reader
into account in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, the
individual’s opinions, attitudes, beliefs, and background knowledge.
Consider some of the ways in which your personality, attitudes, and
personal goals influence you every time you are looking at text. For
example, what do you read on your own Do you read novels, or do you
read sports magazines If you read quite a few novels, then being asked
to read 30 pages in a single session might not seem difficult. This is just
one way in which you influence the reading process.
The Reading Situation
The reading situation includes why you are engaged in reading, when
you are reading, and where you are reading. Some of these factors are
within your control, but others are not. Anytime that you read a text
because someone else told you to read it, the choice has been made for
you. How much you are supposed to read is also often decided for you.
However, where and when you choose to read the text can be up to you.
If you decide to sit in a comfortable stuffed chair at midnight to read
your book, you might tend to lose concentration and drift off to sleep.
The last few pages you read before falling asleep might be a little less
clear than pages you read at your desk earlier in the evening.
The Text
The text is defined as whatever is being read. Textual features vary,
depending on the source. For example, a textbook will present text
differently than a magazine or a pamphlet. Numerous other factors
influence the text, from level of difficulty to the typefaces and
illustrations.
Quickwrite: With a small group, create a summary statement of all
that you have learned about Reader Response Critical Theory. Share
your responses and choose the clearest, most comprehensive summary
statement.
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14 SpringBoard® English Textual Power Senior English