1. Constructed Response “How To”
For the WWI Test on Monday, 02/29

2. Describe vs. Explain Describe Explain
Connects description to something else – shows a link
Example: Explain how Lincoln’s election led to the Civil War
Lincoln’s election led to southern states seceding from the Union because southerners believed the national government no longer represented their interests. Northern states did not accept secession and went to war to preserve the Union.
Uses facts to thoroughly communicate knowledge.
Example: Describe how Abraham Lincoln became President
Abraham Lincoln won the Presidential Election of even though he was not on the ballot in southern states.

3. Strategies for short answer questions
Carefully read the entire task
Identify all pieces of the task you need to address
Plan your answer
Construct your answer
Compare your response to the tasks you identified to be sure you answered completely

4. Practice question step 1: Carefully read the entire task
Throughout United States history, technological developments have played an important role in transforming American society. These developments have had both positive and negative effects on the United States and on American Society. Choose two technological developments from the list below/on the board and explain it’s impact on the United States and/or American society.

5. Technological Developments
Cotton Gin
Railroads
Lightbulb
Telephone
Airplane

6. List, Describe or Explain?
Practice question step 2: Identify all pieces of the task you need to address
List, Describe or Explain?
Explain impact of two technological developments on the US/American society.

7. Not all tasks are weighted equally!
Place these tasks in order from simplest to most complex
Describe
List
Explain
List – easiest, just naming something Describe – requires you to demonstrate you know what it is Explain – requires you to prove you know how it connects to something else

8. Practice question step 3: Plan your response
Technological Development
Explanation (How it impacted the US/society)
1) **Required**
2) **Required**
3) **Back up**

9. Practice question step 4: Construct your answer
Now it’s time to put your plan into sentences.
Make sure you stick to the topic
A complete & well-developed constructed response has:
COMPLETE SENTENCES! (We do not start a sentence with “so,” “because,” “well,” etc.)
1 – 2 paragraphs

10. Practice question step 5: Check your work!
Make sure you answered the question. (Did I list, describe or explain my answer fully?)

11. Reflection
Write one suggestion for yourself to remember as you write your WWI constructed responses.
PS: Don’t stress  If you can answer the practice question, you just answered an 11th grade test question!