2. Using APE for Literary Responses 5 th ELAR

3. EQ: What is APE? 0 APE is an acronym that will help you remember the steps to writing a solid Short Answer Response on the STAAR test and in the classroom. 0 Think of APE as a checklist that you can use whenever you are answering a question based on a reading from class. 0 From now on, all of your written responses will need to be in APE format.

4. A is for… 0 Answer the question. 0 This is the first sentence of your response. 0 Here, you rephrase the question into a complete sentence. 0 Never start an answer with the following statements: 0 “I think…” 0 “Yes, because…” or “No, because…” 0 “In my opinion…”

5. P is for… 0 Proof! You can’t make a statement about a text without providing proof to back up your argument. 0 Relate this to lawyers in the courtroom. They can’t just say, “Justin stole the clothes from the store!” They have to provide PROOF to PROVE that Justin stole the clothes. 0 When writing about texts, your proof comes in the form of textual evidence (quotes from the text).

6. E is for 0 Explanation. 0 In a sentence or two, you will explain how your quote relates to your answer. 0 Remember that your quote must always relate to your answer, the first line in your response.

7. TIPS for using APE 0 “Yes” and “No” answers are not acceptable. Do not start any of your answers with “yes” or “no.” 0 Remember that you are starting your response with an answer to the question.

8. APE Acronym 0 A: Answer the question 0 P: Proof 0 E: Explanation