STAAR “Crossover” Short Answer Questions (SAQs) Mr. Brown English II

What is a “crossover” question? A STAAR “crossover” short answer question will require you to: Read two texts Answer a question that may be about similar themes within the texts, similar characters, differing characters, differing perspectives, etc. Use two details, one from each reading selection Explain how the details you chose prove your response Essentially, crossover questions test to see if you can synthesize (combine different ideas into a whole) information from two texts and write a response that analyzes elements of both works.

Rubric

For each SAQ, you will have a box like the one above that allows you 10 lines for your answer. Please note that the 10th line is the bottom edge of the box, and you cannot write below this point. Also, you may not “double line” and attempt to squeeze more writing in the box.

Example Prompt: What is one similarity between the narrator of “A Handful” and Curtis in “Writin’ on the Line”? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from both selections. Example Response: The narrator in “A Handful” talks in first person and the narrator in “Writin’ on the Line” third person. In “A Handful” the narrator constantly uses possessives like my and I and also has things like “I remember it” and “In a way I do”. However, in “Writin’ on the Line” the narrator talks using he’s and avoids possessives and talks like “his first bank” and “he’s now in demand for personal appearances”. Score Point 0: Insufficient The response does not answer the prompt, quotations provided are not relevant to the prompt, no reasonable idea or relevant textual evidence is provided.

Example Prompt: What is one similarity between the narrator of “A Handful” and Curtis in “Writin’ on the Line”? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from both selections. Example Response: Both the narrator of “A Handful” and Curtis had assistance from a close friend or relative. Kevin saved the narrator of “A Handful”’s life, as well as help him get over his fear of bridges. Kaysandra helped Curtis become an author as well. Score Point 1: Partially Sufficient This response offers a reasonable idea (assistance from a close friend or relative). The idea is not supported by relevant direct quotations from either story.

Example Prompt: What is one similarity between the narrator of “A Handful” and Curtis in “Writin’ on the Line”? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from both selections. Example Response: Both selections deal with a problem where a loved one helps another loved one out. In “A Handful” Kevin helps the narrator overcome his fear of bridges. “The only person who could calm me down was the person who saved me”. In “Writin’ on the Line” Kaysandra helps Curtis achieve his dreams of becoming a writer. “Fortunately, Kaysandra believed in those handwritten words”. With her support, Curtis was successful. Score Point 2: Sufficient The response offers a reasonable idea for each selection (Kevin helping narrator to overcome the fear of bridges; Kaysandra helping Curtis achieve his dreams of becoming a writer). Direct quotations support the ideas from both selections.

Example Prompt: What is one similarity between the narrator of “A Handful” and Curtis in “Writin’ on the Line”? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from both selections. Example Response: One similarity between the narrator and Curtis is that they were both helped by their loved one in an hour of need to finally attain success whether it be in the form of career or triumph over emotional turmoil. Curtis “would be the first [to admit] that without [Kaysandra’s support] his dream [would never have been realized]”. Despite the years that have gone by, even when the narrator’s parents thought the story was getting old, “Kevin just ignored them. [Instead], his face wouldn’t change, and…his voice only got softer” indicating that Kevin was there for the narrator regardless of what other people thought. Score Point 3: Exemplary The response offers the reasonable idea that both were helped by their loved one in an hour of need to finally attain success whether it be in the form of career or triumph over emotional turmoil. Quotations demonstrate a strong connection between textual evidence and the idea. Incorporated relevant commentary into their response.