1. Improving SA/ER March 26, 2012

2. Extended-Response Questions

3. Questions contain keywords and expect an answer for each one:
Ex: Identify, describe, explain, compare, determine, list, draw, graph, give details, etc…
Special keywords:
Describe, explain and compare.
Require more depth and detail.
Worth two points since there is partial credit.
If a question has only three marked keywords in a questions while it is worth four points, then there are two keywords and one special keyword that requires more attention.

4. When reading the question, mark all keywords
When reading the question, mark all keywords. If there are fewer marked keywords than the number of points, the special keywords need extra attention.
For example, instead of a quick description, a full and detailed description is needed.

5. Test makers do not make all questions in the same way:
Questions have a mix of keywords, special keywords and subjects.
The most common combinations are:
Four Keywords
Two Special Keywords for one Subject
Two Keywords on two Subjects

6. Two Special Keywords for One Subject

7. Four Keywords

8. One Special Keyword for Two Subjects

10. Extended-Response Recommendations
For Reading, Social Studies, Science and Math.
Read the question carefully and completely.
Underline each keyword (action words).
Circle each special keyword.

11. 8 Most Often Used Keywords
Clue Word
Action Required
Compare
Show the similarities
Contrast
Showing differences.
Criticize
Give your opinion telling the good and bad points
Define
Give the formal meaning.
Describe
Write a detailed account a logical way
Discuss
Describe giving the details and explain the pros and cons
Explain
Give reasons for.
List
Produce a list of words, sentences, or comments.
This chart has the most common keywords used and what they are asking the student to do.

12. Types of Writing Question
Expository Prompt
Informational Prompt
Persuasive Prompt
Narrative Prompt
Letter Writing
Grades 7 to 10:
For prompts that overlap grade levels, the fourth grade version is more simple.

13. Writing Test Recommendations
You should ask yourself:
Did I answer the question completely?
Did I provide enough evidence or support to make my point?
Was my essay organized in a logical way?
Did I make good use of word choice and sentence structure?
Did I proofread my essay? (fix grammar, spelling, punctuation)

14. Short-Answer Strategies
A two-point question has two brief tasks or one detailed task
Have the same keywords and special keywords as constructed response. It asks:
Two keywords, or tasks.
One keyword for two subjects.
One special keyword about one subject.