A formula for constructed response. Understanding TRIAC A formula for constructed response.

Why is this important for all content areas? Just like a Math formula provides students with a step-by-step process for logically solving an equation, the TRIAC formula provides students with a step-by-step process for creating an organized, logical and coherent piece of writing. The step-by-step instructions are paired with a visual representation to help the more visual learners grasp the concept of constructed response.

Topic Sentence T: The first sentence introduces the topic of the paragraph. Reword the question you are given into a statement. For example: Write a paragraph explaining what you did over Spring Break. Give one specific example. Over Spring break, I spent a lot of time with my family and had a lot of fun.

Restatement R: The second sentence can restate or restrict what was written in the first sentence, making the topic more specific. You should repeat key words from the question here. We went shopping, to the beach, visited my grandma and just spent quality time together.

Illustration I: Illustration. This portion of the paragraph consists of the illustrations that support your topic sentence. In a constructed response, this will always be a quote from the text or some sort of specific example. Always introduce a quote: For example, for instance, the author states, one example, etc. For example, one day we went to a water park and my brother and sisters and I got to enjoy the warm weather all day.

Analysis A: Analysis. Then you should explain, interpret, or contextualize the illustrations that have been made. Never leave illustrations by themselves; their effectiveness lies in your analysis. You analysis will always start with: “This quote shows…” Explain why your quote matters. Again, use key words from the question. This example shows how my parents took us to do a lot of great things that enabled us to spend time together and have fun doing it.

Conclusion The final sentence might review what the paragraph has discussed, or it can re-emphasize what the illustration and analysis suggest. Your paragraph is a gift and it needs a bow! Once more, use keys words from the question. In conclusion, I had a great time over Spring break, not only engaging in time with my family but also enjoying the warm weather and break from school!

Final Product: Over Spring break, I spent a lot of time with my family and had a lot of fun. We went shopping, to the beach, visited my grandma and just spent quality time together. For example, one day we went to a water park and my brother and sisters and I got to enjoy the warm weather all day. This example shows that my parents took us to do a lot of great things that enabled us to spend time together and have fun doing it. In conclusion, I had a great time over Spring break, not only engaging in time with my family but also enjoying the warm weather and break from school!

Final Product (continued) If students follow TRIAC, they will always have 5 complete sentences. They should be able to locate each piece of TRIAC in their final paragraph. The final product should address the prompt several times throughout the paragraph, using key words from the question. If a prompt asks students for more than one example, they will simply add an extra “IA”.

Constructed Response Sample What are the benefits of healthy eating? Give 2 specific examples. T:There are many benefits to eating healthy. R: A healthy diet helps individuals maintain their weight, have more energy and feel better about themselves. I: For example, a diet high in fiber keeps your digestive system active and regular. A: This example shows one way that healthy eating benefits the human body. I: Another example of healthy eating is that a large intake of fruits and vegetables helps the skin, eyes and other bodily functions. A: Having healthy skin and a clear complexion boosts self confidence, another benefit to healthy eating. C: In conclusion, healthy eating has a positive effect on the human body and on one’s self esteem.

Now It’s Your Turn… Using TRIAC, create a paragraph about one of the following topics: The best musician/musical group out right now The movie worth going to see in theaters What you want to do over Spring break

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