Test Prep: Short and Extended Responses

In Book 3, you will have to read paired passages (could be any genre) and answer short and extended response on them. The passages are most likely literary. You will be asked to notice and analyze the structure and how the structure affects meaning.

In Book 4, you will have to do the same. However, the passages will most likely be informational. Also, the focus will be on evaluating authors' arguments (looking at strengths and weaknesses) and assessing if the authors supported their arguments with sound reasoning and sufficient evidence). As a reader, you are being asked to be critical of the author. You will also most likely be asked to state and support your own arguments or claims with evidence.

Let's first focus on the rubric: http://engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/grade-8-ela-guide_0.pdf

Based on this rubric, we know that each response must:

• answer the question with accurate and relevant evidence
• be written in complete, correct sentences
• be concise - straight and to the point

Steps for writing the short responses:

1. Scan/skim the passage - determine genre
2. Think about the title and turn it into a question
3. Read the questions
4. Read the passage
5. Answer the question accurately and concisely:
• Read the question carefully; make sure you understand what you are being asked
• Think about the answer
• Go back to the passage and underline the details you will definitely use in your response; be sure to find the correct number of details. When including evidence/details from text:
• either paraphrase the information or use direct quotation; you can cite the source by referring just to the paragraph number)
• choose evidence that directly and accurately answer the question
• Plan out your response. Write a brief outline. Use the space provided. For the short response, list details in the margins.
• Write your response in complete, correct sentences. 
• Go back to the question to make sure you have completely answered it.
• Do not include your opinions unless that is what the question is asking of you. Otherwise, do not write "I think" or "I believe"
6. Proofread and edit your writing. Correct any grammar or spelling mistakes. 

Writing a paragraph for the short and extended responses:

1. write a topic sentence; in other words, state the overall main idea of the paragraph; for the short response, this should be the answer to the question

2. introduce the evidence; use sentence starters such as:

• According to…
• The author states/shows/explains/reports/informs/demonstrates…
• The author wants me to know…
• Based on…
• This article taught me…
• This article shows me…
• One example of… another example of…

3. state evidence - brief quote or paraphrase; make sure the evidence is accurate and relevant

4. elaborate on the evidence; explain what the evidence means and how it connects to and proves the idea you are making; make sure you have fully answered the question and connected the evidence; use phrases such as:

• This example suggests
• This fact proves 
• This shows
• This information implies
• As a result, 
• Thus, 

Example for #64 in Book 3:

John Henry would rather die than be replaced by new technology. In the poem, he says "I'll die with a hammer in my hand." He also understands that as a human being, he is slightly inferior to a machine. This is shown in the line, "A man is nothing but a man."