Response Paper Strategies and Guidelines

Miss Hod explains the structure and expectations for response papers in an Old Testament course. Students should provide a brief summary of guest scholars' talks, introduce their thesis, and approach arguments by agreeing, disagreeing, or asking questions. Examples are provided for each approach. The response papers should be between 500 and 750 words, and students are encouraged to expand or condense their arguments as needed.

What is the main purpose of the response papers in the Old Testament summer course?

• To respond to guest scholars' talks with a brief summary and argument

• To provide a personal reflection on the course

• To critique the guest scholars' presentations

• To summarize the entire Old Testament

What should the summary in the response paper primarily focus on?

• A brief overview of the guest scholar's main points

• Personal opinions about the guest scholar

• A critique of the guest scholar's presentation style

• Detailed analysis of the guest scholar's talk

What is the role of the thesis or argument in the response paper?

• To summarize the guest scholar's talk

• To introduce the writer's main argument or perspective

• To list all points made by the guest scholar

• To provide a biography of the guest scholar

Which of the following is NOT one of the three ways to approach an argument in the response paper?

• Ignore the scholar's points and write about a different topic

• Ask for clarification or pose a question

• Disagree and offer a counterpoint

• Agree with the scholar's point

What is an example of disagreeing with a guest scholar's claim?

• Agreeing with the scholar's interpretation of Leviticus

• Pushing back against the idea that Leviticus is only prophetic for the New Testament

• Ignoring the scholar's claim about Leviticus

• Asking for more information about Leviticus

When agreeing with a guest scholar, what should you include in your response?

• Your own insights and contributions to the discussion

• A summary of the scholar's entire talk

• A detailed critique of the scholar's work

• A simple statement of agreement

What is a good strategy if your response paper is too short?

• Find additional points to agree with or explore further

• Include more summaries of the scholar's talk

• Repeat the same arguments multiple times

• Add more personal opinions

What is the target word count for the response papers?

• 200-400 words

• 500-750 words

• 800-1000 words

• 1000-1500 words

What should you do if you have fully developed your argument but are under the word count?

• Submit the paper as is

• Increase the font size

• Add more summaries

• Include additional arguments or areas for inquiry