

Underline key
words in the
question.
Answer the
question by
FLIPPING or
RESTATING
the question
into a
statement.

pare, contrast, discuss, evaluate, identify, analyze,, determine)



Look for task words
to tell you what to
do. (explain, describe, com-
This will
become your
topic sentence.



Use complete
sentences and make
sure you answer the
question
COMPLETELY using
ELABORATION
Be sure to use key
words from the
question in your
response
Make sure your
answer is
RELEVANT to the
text and question
Try to AVOID
the word “I”-I feel, I

think, I believe
PROVE your
answer!
USE EVIDENCE,
QUOTES, and
EXAMPLES from
the readings, graphs,
or il ustrations to
support your ideas
(doesn’t have to be
long)

QUOTE from the
text using “ “

Use SPECIFIC details
to support your
answer.

Use Proof Phrases::
*The author states…
*This shows __ because….
*According to the text…
*For example…
*This proves__because…
*Based on the evidence…

Explain how the
evidence makes
your point &
supports your
answer (What does

the evidence mean? How
does the evidence support your topic sentence?)


Extend your
response by
explaining the
connection
between the
evidence & the
answer.
ELABORATE!
Use transitional
phrases
*This evidence shows…
* It is clear that…
* In other words…
*Therefore…
*As a result…


In a paragraph,
Your last
sentence should
be a summary of
your entire
paragraph..
In an essay, the
last paragraph
should be a
summary of the
key points of
your essay.
Restate your
topic sentence
in a different
way.