Writing about what you've read:

The Basics

After you have read and reviewed a piece of writing, you should do your own writing to express your thoughts about what you have read.

As you write, here are some rules of thumb to remember:

Don't use "I think" - just cut those words out and state your opinion as though it was a fact.

Example (incorrect): I think multi-tasking is not a bad practice.

Example (corrected): Multi-tasking is not a bad practice.

Try to bring in specific details or ideas from the piece of reading.

Example: Even though researchers said multi-taskers were "more easily distracted and less able to ignore irrelevant information than people who do less multitasking," they never met me.

Make sure you provide evidence to support your idea.

Example: I multi-task all the time and do fine with it.

Provide the reader with details that help prove your evidence.

Example: I usually listen to music and have the TV on while I study and do homework.

Explain how your details and evidence prove your point.

Example: If multi-tasking was bad, I would have a grade much worse than a C.

Learn more about writing about a piece of text using MLA citation.