1. How can I make sure my answer is strong?

2. In this lesson you will learn how to polish your answer by avoiding repetitive words and phrases.

3. Let’s Review Analyze the Prompt Prepare the Case Judge the Evidence Find the Evidence Finalize the Case

4. A Common Mistake Not polishing your response I’m done! Yahoo! Assessment of Writing CriteriaScore Response Evidence Writing Is the response complete? Is the response well written?

5. Core Lesson Ask yourself, “Do my sentences have varied beginnings?” 1 2 Ask yourself, “Is my word choice varied?”

6. In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because Mr. Gray hit her and sold her puppy. In the story, Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. In the second paragraph on page 5, it says Mr. Gray sold Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or sold. 1 The story tells us that On page 5 in the second paragraph,

7. Core Lesson In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because Mr. Gray hit her and sold her puppy. The story tells us that Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. On page 5 in the second paragraph, it says Mr. Gray sold Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or sold. 1

8. Core Lesson In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because Mr. Gray hit her and sold her puppy. The story tells us that Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. On page 5 in the second paragraph, it says Mr. Gray sold Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or sold. 2

9. Core Lesson In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because Mr. Gray hit her and sold her puppy. The story tells us that Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. On page 5 in the second paragraph, it says Mr. Gray sold Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or sold. 2 they he

10. Core Lesson In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because they hit her and sold her puppy. The story tells us that Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. On page 5 in the second paragraph, it says he sold Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or sold. 2 took money in exchange for given away

11. Core Lesson In my opinion, the Grays did not feel like Alexis, their dog, was “just like a member of the family” because they hit her and sold her puppy. The story tells us that Mr. Gray struck Alexis with his cane. On page 5 in the second paragraph, it says he took money in exchange for Alexis’s puppy. Even though the Grays treated Alexis kindly, a member of a family should never have to worry about being beaten or given away. 2

12. Core Lesson Ask yourself, “Do my sentences have varied beginnings?” 1 2 Ask yourself, “Is my word choice varied?”

13. In this lesson you have learned how to polish your answer by avoiding repetitive words and phrases.

14. Guided Practice Polish this response by asking yourself the questions used in today’s lesson. I think Alexis was sad that her puppy went away because she was afraid and could not eat. On page five in the third paragraph, the author tells us that Alexis felt sick because she was afraid for her puppy. The story, “A Dog’s Tale,” also says that she is so afraid that she cannot eat.

15. Extension Activities I know the Grays are wealthy because they live in a big, beautiful house and employ a nurse for the baby. When Alexis, the dog, moves into the house, she describes it as “a fine great house.” The narrator also talks about the nurse hired to care for the baby on pages two through five. I know wealthy people have big houses and nurses so the Grays are wealthy. Polish this response by asking yourself the questions used in today’s lesson.

16. Extension Activities Even after the godmother gave her a coach and beautiful gown, Cinderella had the nerve to ask for glass slippers. The famous folktale also tells us that transportation and finery for one ball wasn’t enough. Cinderella had to go to three! Selfish people ask for more and more so I know Cinderella was selfish. Polish this response by asking yourself the questions used in today’s lesson.

17. Let’s Review Quick Quiz Alexis proved that she was brave by going through flames, dragging the baby from her crib, and dragging her to safety. In the story, Alexis fell to the floor and dragged the baby through thick smoke. When someone risks their own safety to help someone else, they are brave. Polish this response by asking yourself the questions used in today’s lesson.