Read the question quickly, then reread the question looking for specifics/key words to help you construct your answer.

 

Highlight specific key words and ideas in the question. Circle the “direction word(s)” or verb(s) in the question. The circled words will tell you what to do with the information. For example: analyze, compare, describe, judge, etc.

 

Paraphrase! Paraphrasing is saying or writing information in your own words.

 

·      Reread the entire original question

·      Restate each circled direction word using a synonym or translating the words you understand

·      Reread your new set of directions to make sure you understand exactly what to do.

·      Be sure to paraphrase the italicized blurb that is part of every MCAS prompt. It usually follows the directions. This introductory blurb can often give the careful reader helpful background info and provide clues about key ideas.

·      Be sure to paraphrase the open response question!

 

Read everything you are given before starting to answer. Read any introductory statements, charts, graphs, pictures and captions, diagrams, and maps. Highlight words, quotes, and facts that relate to the question(s).

 

Quickly organize your thoughts in order to answer the question. Create a web or chart that best matches the question. You may complete a rough draft, but a rough draft is not necessary.

 

Write the paragraph and be sure to support your answer with evidence * facts – details – quotes *  from the passage or info you have read in the passage. It is usually best to not include facts that you learned from having read other books or stories or your incredibly smart teachers at HMMS. Stick with only those facts presented in the assigned reading selection.

 

Edit and revise your answer. Use high level vocabulary and complex sentences. Even though spelling and punctuation are not scored on the 6^th grade reading test, you must make sure the scorer can understand your ideas. Reread your edited writing to make sure it’s exactly what you want.

 

Lastly, reread all the questions. Did you answer every question? Did you label your answers, if so required?

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS:

 

 Open response answers should never include the word “I”. For example, instead of writing “I think there is good evidence of personification in the poem”, write, “There are several powerful examples of personification in Thomas Hardy’s poem, “Throwing A Tree.

 

Open response answers should never include the word “you.” For example, instead of writing, “You will find two examples of alliteration in “Tom Sawyer”, write, “One will find two examples of alliteration in “Tom Sawyer.”

 

Include the author/poet and name of the work in the first or second sentence.

 

Never start a clincher with: this, these, those, that, all in all, now you know, thanks for reading, or I hope you liked my essay!

 

Use vocabulary from the excerpt. If a character is described by the author as being cantankerous (grumpy), then you should use the same adjective when you write about the character.

 

Quotes are the best evidence. Be sure to explain the relevance of each quote. Be sure to use quotation marks.

 

Over the last several years, MCAS open response questions have included the following direction. Cite relevant and specific information from the article/poem to support your answer. In other words, use facts and precise supporting details from the story that are related to the question. Some articles may be 12 paragraphs long, but the relevant details for the open response may be found only in paragraphs three and seven. Be a careful reader and mark and highlight!

 

Relevant = pertinent, applicable, germane, related, appropriate

 

Specific = exact, unambiguous, detailed, precise, explicit

 

Cite = refer to, write about, mention, quote