RESPONDING TO OPENENDED QUESTIONS RESPONDING TO OPENENDED QUESTIONS

RESPONDING TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

RESPONDING TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS • These guidelines should be used when responding to ANY openended question or writing prompt. • Examples include: Ø Ø PSSA or Keystone tests Study Island Benchmark tests Classroom Tests Assignments

RESPONDING TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS • These are the steps you should follow: Ø When allowed, use a highlighter to mark important information in the text. Ø Write in paragraph format. Ø Read the question carefully. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you. Ø Think about what you know about the topic and what you want to say.

RESPONDING TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS Ø Create a brief outline or make a graphic organizer. Ø Restate each part of the question. Ø Answer the question by stating your position. Ø Answer all parts of the question, if there are multiple questions. Ø Include an introductory statement or paragraph. Ø Watch your pronoun use! Ø Use names frequently, so that your audience understands who you are talking about.

RESPONDING TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS Ø Use complete sentences. Ø Stay on topic. Ø Use supporting details and explain why they are relevant. Ø Summarize your response in a concluding sentence or paragraph. Ø When you are finished, read your response and make sure you have answered all parts of the question and included the points you wanted to make. Ø Proofread for mechanical errors (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, etc. ).

SCORING ON OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS • In order to receive full credit on an open-ended response, you need to do the following: Ø Clearly demonstrate an understanding of the subject. Ø Complete all requirements. Ø Provide an insightful explanation through the use of supporting details and your own thoughts about the subject.

TYPES OF RESPONSES – LEAST COMPLEX TO MOST COMPLEX • When you respond to a question, there a variety of methods that can be used. • Using a more complex method of responding is more likely to ensure that your response will meet all requirements. • As you progress through school, you should also be able to formulate a more complex response. • The different response types include (from least complex to most complex): Ø Knowledge – demonstrates knowledge by recalling facts, memorizing information, and stating facts

TYPES OF RESPONSES – LEAST COMPLEX TO MOST COMPLEX Ø Comprehension – demonstrates comprehension through understanding or translation Ø Application – applies information in order to solve a problem in a new situation Ø Analysis – analyzes a text by breaking it down or comparing and contrasting Ø Synthesis – synthesizes information by putting together a unique creation or invention Ø Evaluation – makes a judgment supported by reasons, data, textual evidence, etc.

TYPES OF RESPONSES – LEAST COMPLEX TO MOST COMPLEX • Demonstrating knowledge and comprehension is important, but you will be expected to take that information and develop it to fit at least one of the higher level categories. • At the eighth grade level, you are expected to use critical thinking skills to provide insight into any written work. • For purposes of this class, all written responses should be at the level of application or above.