March 24-28
Short Answer- Single
 An analytical response to a single reading selection
 Short Story (fiction)
 Poem
 Nonfiction
How do I organize my ideas?
 T - thesis
 E - evidence
 A - analysis
Short Answer - Single
 Sample prompt from DBA
After reading “Postcard: New Delhi,” do you
think Gupta’s modified airplane is a good idea?
Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from the selection.
First Step: What is the questions asking me?
It’s not simply a YES or NO question. You have
to explain why you think his modified airplane is
or is not a good idea.
Literal vs. Nonliteral
Answers and Analysis
 Literal = surface level
 Plot summary
 Repeating the text
Did you barely scratch the surface
with your answer?
 Nonliteral = deeper
understanding
 What is the bigger
picture/message the selection
is trying to convey?
 What is YOUR interpretation
of the text?
…or did you dig a little deeper?
Blended Quotes
Does it look like you just copied and pasted your quotes?
Chunked:
“‘We are fulfilling life wishes,’ says Gupta.” “Still for
many passengers, the experience is mainly about letting
dreams take wing.”
Blended:
The modified airplane is “fulfilling life wishes,” but
mostly “the experience is mainly about letting dreams
take wings.”
Single Selection Score
Let’s look at student samples from the DBA! Why
did they get a 3, 2, 1, or 0?
Student Example – Score 0
No it’s not a good idea because they don’t have enough
money to make the plane to be good. They was have lost
luggage, flight delays and were low on food. They also
wasn’t as safe, they had to kids to a seat. Then they
passengers was crammed so…the flight wouldn’t be as
comfortable.
Incorrect answer!
Student Example – Score 1
I think that Gupta’s modified airplane is a good idea. It’s
a good idea because where he’s from most people don’t
know what to do on an airplane because they’ve never
ridden on one before, so he’s trying to help people better
know what to do when and if they do ride one. “People
have money, but do not know how to behave.” People
can pay for a ticket on an airplane, but they don’t know
what to do, or how to behave when they ride one.
Is the purpose of the modified plane to teach people how to act on a
plane? No, this point is made as a secondary reason. If you look in
the article, the wife states the idea in the last paragraph.
All answers that were related to this idea received a 1 because they
were surface level answers.
Student Example – Score 1
After reading “Postcard: New Delhi” I think that Gupta’s
modified airplane was a good idea because it educates
people about how to act on airplanes. Gupta’s wife
Nirmal Jindal says “we want to orient them about
aviation manners.” This shows that they want teach
people how to act on airplanes. Because no one wants a
rude passenger to fly with them.
Is the purpose of the modified plane to teach people how to act on a
plane? No, this point is made as a secondary reason. If you look in
the article, the wife states the idea in the last paragraph.
All answers that were related to this idea received a 1 because they
were surface level answers.
Student Example – Score 2
In “Postcard: New Dehli,” Gupta’s modified airplane is a
good idea because it simulates the experience of air
travel to the people who can’t afford it. Gupta’s plane
“offers the adventure of air travel without the cost – or
even the travel.” The innovation of the modified
airplane gives the sensation of air travel without actually
flying. Passengers learn how to act and behave in an
airplane and what to do in case of an emergency. The
experience of air travel can happen by paying a small fee
or it might even be free.
Now we are digging a little deeper! The purpose of the plane is to
give people an experience that they might never have in the future.
Student Example – Score 3
Gupta’s Airbus 3000 proves to be a success due to the fact
that it has inspired many Indian people. It is “fulfilling
life wishes,” but mostly “the experience is mainly about
letting dreams take wings” (Robinson 4-5). The airbus is
an amazing idea because it teaches people about planes,
inspires them about being a pilot, and lets them
experience what it is like to be on an airplane. It is also a
very smart idea because it educates children, and
teaches them what a plane does. Overall, the Airbus
3000 has let people have an experience of a lifetime that
they could never afford, and has inspired them in many
ways.
This answer is a more perceptive idea, and the text evidence used
is specific and well chosen.
Student Example – Score 3
Many lower-class income families would love to have a
plane ride experience; thus, building a plane replica is a
great idea because it widens children’s job selections
while allowing them to experience a new adventure.
Gupta believes that he, “…[is] fulfilling life wishes,” and is
showing kids that “… if they study hard they might
become a pilot.” Due to the comments of the
“passengers” and attendants, it’s apparent that Mr.
Gupta is immensely changing the lives of people that
have come in contact with his Airbus. Allowing people
to life a dream is a refreshing and inspirational idea for
the people of India.
The student had a unique answer that looked at the bigger picture
for India.
Practice:
“Waka’s Gift”
Why
you think
think
Dodoyou
that Rinko has conflicted feelings about
her gift? Explain your answer and support it with evidence
from the selection.
Peer Critique
 Let’s look at our practice short answers.
Short Answer Crossover

2
Texts
 Short story/short story
 Short story/poem
How do I organize my ideas?
 Compare or Contrast
 Thesis
 Evidence 1
 Analysis 1
 Evidence 2
 Analysis 2
Contrast
•
•
•
•
•
Thesis
Evidence 1
Evidence 2
Analysis 1
Analysis 2
Short Answer- Crossover
 Sample prompt from DBA
What message do you think the speaker in
“Sunday Morning Early” and the narrator of “I
Wish I Was a Poet” are trying to convey? Explain
your answer and support with evidence from both
selections.
1. Message… trying to convey
2. Explain
3. Evidence from both selections
Crossover Rubric
 Let’s look at scoring, then our short answers
Analysis: Literal vs. Deep
To interpret means "to offer possible meanings.”
Literal
plot summary
repeating what happened
Intepretation
perception
Deeper meaning
Something NEW
Student example- score 1
 In both of these poems it’s saying that things should
just be left alone. In Sunday Morning the speaker just
wants to “leave well enough alone.” In I wish I was a
poet she says “it’s just a story.” These poems show that
things should just be left alone.
The answer does have text evidence. They
are both blended quotes.
but…
Literal, nothing NEW
Do the quotes ADD meaning, or are they filling space? Quote
needs support- needs the analysis! That is where the scoring
comes in- the analysis. The quote is not the reason or the
meaning. It’s the analysis.
Student example – score 2
 The message that both the speaker in “Sunday
Morning Early” and the narrator in “I Wish I Was a
Poet” are trying to convey would be to appreciate the
simple and important things in life. “That’s the trick in
life- learning to leave well enough alone.” (Romtvedt)
This quote emphasizes the fact that the speaker
realizes the importance of that moment. “… she leaned
over a bowl of red roses that were there and ever so
gently breathed in the sweet smell. (Childress) This
line shows how this lady came to appreciate something
as simple as roses. Both authors realize there is
something about simple things to treasure.
Student example- score 3
 The speaker in "Sunday Morning Early" and the narrator of "I
Wish I was a Poet" are trying to convey that some things can't be
described as a few simple words because of their feelings towards
the words. In "Sunday Early Morning," Romtvedt thinks "I want
to say just the right words, / something stronger and truer than a
lame I love you" (Romtvedt 17-18). In "I Wish I Was a
Poet,"Childress explains that "I'd like to tell people about
[experiences] in a poetry way; only I don't know how, and when I
tell it, it's just a plain flat story" (Childress 1). In the selections,
both the speaker and the narrator seem to be at a loss for
words. They both explain in different ways that some things are
just too beautiful to describe in a few words. Conveying that
experience into words would be one of the hardest tasks of their
lives. But that was the beauty of all it. Some things are best left
to be experienced first-hand. Combined analysis and connects to readers
Practice:
“Waka’s Gift” and “The Giving Tree”
 “Our relationships with others help us to define
who we are.”
 How do “Waka’s Gift” and “The Giving Tree” convey
this message? Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from both selections.
Peer Critique
 Let’s look at our short answers
Test Taking Tips:
 Read Thoroughly
 Annotate and underline as you read
 Carefully read questions
 Hint: Think about your answer before looking at the
answer choices
 Thoroughly read each answer choice
 Return to the text or use a dictionary.
 Eliminate nonsense answers
 Don’t panic.
 Take a break if you need one.
Revising and Editing
Common Mistakes:
Fix the Tweet:
On Your Own
 Read “Language Lesson” and “In Support of
Shakespeare” and complete the corresponding
exercises.
Essay Organization &
Thesis Writing
DO NOW:
Turn to the section titled “Expository Essay: Thesis
and Organization”
PREPARE TO TAKE NOTES
Organization styles
Compare/Contrast
explain how 2+ more
things are alike and
different
Organization styles
Cause/Effect
identifies one or more causes
and the resulting effects
Organization styles
Definition
Describes characteristics or
Features of something
Thesis Statement
A single sentence that expresses what you
want your readers to understand; the
controlling idea of your essay and road map
for your paper
indent Introduce the topic of the essay
with background information-------------------------------------------------------------.---------------------. -------------------------------------.-----------------------------------------.Thesis statement is
the last sentence of the intro paragraph.
Thesis Statements
What does a thesis look like?
Main idea of paper that answers the question + transition word(s) + topics/reasons of
paper.
Examples:
Prompt: What are the multiple meanings of family?
Though the family unit has multiple aspects, two meanings of family
are loyalty to one another and acceptance of differences.
Prompt: What social action topic is the most critical and in need of immediate attention?
The water crisis is the most critical social action topic and in need of
immediate attention because lack of clean water affects millions of
people around the world, and it can easily be solved with social
action.
Thesis Statement=Roadmap
Prompt: What social action topic is the most critical and in need of immediate
attention?
The water crisis is the most critical social action topic and
in need of immediate attention because lack of clean
water affects millions of people around the world, and it
can easily be solved with social action.
¶ #1 Topic Sentence
Residents of Sub-Saharan Africa,
East Asia, and Latin America
suffer from unclean drinking
water.
¶ #2 Topic Sentence
The water crisis is in need of
immediate attention because the
problem can easily be solved with
water filtration and well systems.
Body Paragraph Organization
1.) Topic Sentence – shows the main idea of the paragraph
2.) Evidence – facts/data, quotes, examples
3.) Analysis – your analysis, explanation, or interpretation of evidence
4.) Concluding/Transition Sentence – wraps up the main idea of the
paragraph, or leads the reader into the idea of the next paragraph
Hmmm, look a little familiar to short answers?
Each paragraph is like a short answer (thesis=topic sentence)
1. Sample prompt
Read the following quotation:
“In life, there are no mistakes, only lessons.”
― Vic Johnson, Day by Day with James Allen
Think carefully about how mistakes can be both positive and
negative.
Write an essay explaining the effect of mistakes on our lives.
Be sure to * state your position
*use appropriate organization
*provide specific support for your argument
*choose your words carefully
*edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
2. Sample prompt
Read the following quotation:
“For me, I was somebody who was a smart young
guy who didn't do very well in school. I didn't fit in
to the basic system of education; my intelligence
was elsewhere.”
― Bruce Springsteen, lead singer of the E Street Band
Think about whether it is better to be aware of the world around you
or better to be knowledgeable.
Write an essay explaining which is more important: book smarts or
street smarts.
Be sure to * state your position
*use appropriate organization
*provide specific support for your argument
*choose your words carefully
*edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
3. Sample prompt
Read the following quotation:
“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think about the positive aspects that arise from adversity.
Write an essay explaining the meaning of struggle in life.
Be sure to * state your position
*use appropriate organization
*provide specific support for your argument
*choose your words carefully
*edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
4. Sample prompt
Read the following quotation:
“If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow,
we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We must also
leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it looked
when we got through with it.
― Lyndon B. Johnson
Think carefully about what you would grab in an emergency.
If there was a world disaster, what would be most valuable to
save for future generations of society?
Be sure to * state your position
*use appropriate organization
*provide specific support for your argument
*choose your words carefully
*edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
Essay – Evidence and Analysis
 Evidence – proof that your topic sentence is true.
Cannot be debated. Examples of evidence: Literary or
historical examples, personal examples, facts or
statistics you know, etc. Evidence follows the topic
sentence in each body paragraph and should be only
about 2 sentences.
 Analysis – Arguable. This is opinion that answers the
question “So what!?” It also connects to a larger
audience. Think “Big picture.” Should be a minimum
of two to three sentences in each body paragraph.
Sample Prompt from the DBA
Read the following quotation.
“Unity is strength. When there is teamwork
and collaboration, wonderful things can be
achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek
Sometimes you can accomplish good things by yourself
but even better things with other people. Think
carefully about this idea.
Write an essay explaining why sometimes it is better to
collaborate with others instead of working alone.
Evidence / Analysis Brainstorming
 Evidence: I worked on a school project once and we got a
good grade because we helped each other. (This could
work, but there are better examples out there. You also
should add a bit more detail.)
 Analysis: My group’s average went up. We learned from
each other. (This is really weak analysis. How does this
story of your group project apply to all readers? “So what!?”)
 Analysis: When multiple minds come together, anything is
possible. Teamwork is successful because one member’s
weakness in the group could be another person’s strength.
Multiple talents and assets can be utilized to create an end
product that one member alone could not complete.
If possible, use historical or literary
references as evidence.
 Evidence: During the height of the Civil Rights movement,
blacks and whites worked together to accomplish peace and
equality. These freedom fighters were able to look past their
differences to focus on a common goal.
 Analysis: Groups are able to accomplish so much more
together than one person fighting for a cause ever could.
One person may be able to create some noise and gather
some attention for an issue, but groups of passionate
individuals coming together for a united purpose can change
the course of history.
On Your Own
Read the information in the box below:
Often during natural disasters or situations of war, many citizens feel that the
normal rules of society do not apply. In these life and death situations, looting,
violence, even murder has been committed by individuals who previously had no
criminal background. According to the New York Times, New Orleans is even
today still investigating the outbreak of violence, theft, and murder in the days
following Hurricane Katrina.
When it comes to survival, many think that rules do not
apply. Think carefully about this statement.
Write an essay explaining whether traditional laws of
society should apply in survival situations.
On Your Own
 Choose one of the two thesis statements provided (or
write one of your own!)
 Develop two body paragraphs on the provided lined
paper, complete with the following elements…




A topic sentence to introduce that paragraph (baby thesis)
Strong evidence (Think of historical examples or literary
pieces we have read this year!)
Analysis (The “so what?” and the big picture.)
A concluding sentence
Sample Body Paragraph
Another reason that laws should be obeyed in a catastrophe
is that your behavior in times of chaos is a direct reflection of
your character. For example, during the days following
Hurricane Katrina, even though many people were looting
and committing horrific acts of violence for survival, some
people chose to still follow the laws of New Orleans. This
decision to remain law-abiding amidst anarchy says a lot
about these individuals. It’s easy to follow the rules when
people are watching and there are consequences for bad
behavior. It’s quite another to do the right thing even when
it’s hard, or in this case, even when it means life or death.
Who a person is during a crisis is the most pure reflection of
their character because a person’s deepest capabilities and
motivations are revealed. It takes true character to remain
good even when the world around you is falling apart.