Learning Target: Students will write a single and connecting short answer response using textual evidence. Language Objective: Students will review an outline and model as an aid to write a single and connecting short answer response. Success Criteria: I wrote an insightful answer that is clearly connected to the question. I embedded accurate textual evidence that supports my answer. I elaborated on how the evidence supports my claim. I made inferences to the text using abstract nouns. Agenda: Discuss Exam Review Short Answer Response Review Compose Short Answer Responses Submit Homework: None Today!

STAAR Exam The STAAR Exam has two types of short answer responses Single Selection – this is a short answer question that refers to only one passage. Connecting Selections – these short answers ask a question about two passages that share a theme.

What is the difference between a short answer and analytical response? Structure and Requirements The judges want to see if you understood the story. Can the reader answer the question correctly? Can the reader find text evidence that proves their answer is accurate. The evidence must be well chosen, and use ellipses (…) to pinpoint the idea Can the reader make a correct inference and explain by going beyond the piece to explain the impact or long term consequence.

Pre- Write Example Remember: Little Question (what you have to identify) & Big Question (the how or why) Question: How is the theme developed in the poem “Still I Rise”? Little Question: What is the theme? Big Question: How is the theme of ______ developed in the poem?

Creating an Original Answer Why is it important to create an original answer? Answers that simply restate information from the text do not show the grader that you comprehend the text. It only shows that you have read the text. How do I create an original answer? By inferencing! After reading the question, try to come up with an answer without looking back at the text. Then ask yourself, what did I read in the text that helped me create that response? This is making an inference- forming your own conclusion by using evidence given by the author.

Providing the Best Textual Evidence Why is it important to provide textual evidence? By providing textual evidence you are showing the grader that you can support your answer. Textual evidence is proof that your answer is right! Without proof, your answer is invalid. How do I provide the best textual evidence? Identify a quote that directly supports your answer. If you are not sure, or you cannot explain to yourself how the quote supports your answer, then choose a different quote. Just as you would give your best defense in a verbal argument, you want to provide your best defense to prove that your answer is correct and supported by evidence.

Elaboration of Textual Evidence Explain how the details from your quote(s) how it supports your answer. How did words and ideas lead you to your answer? What do these word and/or ideas reveal about the characters or event?

Guide Answer Cite Inference (explain) Make an inference: Answer the question completely. Here you can include the title of the author or work. Cite Identify and embedded evidence that proves your answer is accurate. Inference (explain) Make an inference: Explain how the characters were impacted Explain what the characters realized Discuss how they were the change characters changed as a result? ***For a connecting response you will need to include evidence from both selections to prove your answer is accurate.

Sample Single SAR How is the theme developed in the short story “Jim at Bat?” "Jim at Bat" explores the theme of success by having the main character determined to succeed even when everything else fails. Although Jim "cannot strike a mighty blow", he still "swings as hard as he is able" and gives it all he’s got. The description of Jim striking out but still trying as hard as possible, helps portray Jim’s determination. Jim lacks the skills to hit a baseball, but still confidently tries to improve on his hits by trying harder. His love of the game continues to motivate him to succeed. The boy’s persistence and determination eventually aid in his success. 585/675 words

Sample Connecting SAR What is one similarity between “Jim at Bat” and “A Crystal Clear Love Affair”? In both "Jim at Bat" and "A Crystal Clear Love Affair" the idea of baseball bringing people together is portrayed. Jim spends time with “all three of the uncles” as they “shout encouragement each time” he swings the bat. The encouragement of the uncles helps strengthen their bond as Jim and his uncles spend time together through baseball. In addition, Crystal “and the neighborhood kids” would play baseball from “sunset to sundown”. By playing all day long, Crystal interacts with the neighborhood kids, enjoying the game of baseball as they play together. In both selections, Jim and Crystal use baseball to create strong bonds of friendship with those around them. 671/675 characters