How to write a BCR
Take out your writing notes and be
ready to write!
BCR Rubric
 3 Points
 The response demonstrates an
understanding of the complexities of the
test
 Completely addresses the demands of
the question
 Effectively uses text-relevant information
to clarify or extend meaning
 Demonstrates excellent usage of CUPS
BCR Rubric
 2 Points
 Partially addresses the demands of the
question
 Uses text-relevant information to show
understanding
 Demonstrates a good to average usage
of CUPS
BCR Rubric
 1 Point
 Minimally addresses the demands of the
question
 Uses minimal information to show some
understanding of the text in relation to
the question
 Demonstrates fair to poor usage of CUPS
BCR Rubric
 0 Points
 The response is completely incorrect,
irrelevant to the question, or missing
Developing a BCR
 The Question
 Read and make sure you fully
understand the question
 Identify the specific elements that are
required
 Rephrase in the margins to ensure you
know exactly what they want you to do
 Address both parts of the question! Don’t
stop after the 1st part!!
Developing a BCR
 The Approach
 State your answer precisely, avoid
generalities.
 Poor example: The use of mood helps the
reader in many ways.
 Put your information in a logical order
 Opening, Support, Conclusion
 Keep yourself out of the answer! Don’t
put “I” in your answer!
Developing a BCR
 The Support
 Provide accurate, appropriate, and
adequate supporting details
 Avoid vague references with your details
 Use logical order when providing
supporting details
 Cite examples when needed or requested
Developing a BCR
 The Conclusion
 Restate (NOT repeat) the focus or
primary message
 DO NOT repeat your opening sentence as a
conclusion!
 Emphasize the importance of the main
idea
Developing a BCR
 The “Wrap-Up”
 Utilize the “CUPS Checklist”
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Capitalization
Word Usage
Punctuation
Spelling
 Proof your final answer.
Damon and Pythias BCR #7
 Answer:
 “But Dionysius was so filled with astonishment
and admiration at the loyalty of the friends that
he might be admitted to his and Damon’s
friendship.”
 True friends go to great lengths for each other
 A loyal friendship is admired by others
 Damon offered to be a hostage for the safe
return of his friend
 Pythias traveled a great distance, even
overcoming life-threatening obstacles to reach
Damon and prevent his beheading
 Dionysius pardoned Pythias and asked to be a
part of their friendship
What did this person do well?
List 3 things after reading their BCR
 In the story “Damon and Pythias” the moral
shows that strong loyalty and friendship can
bring out the best in people. The swordsman
was about to kill Damon, Pythias knelt down
to receive his rightful punishment. “Dionysius
was so filled with astonishment and
admiration at the loyalty of the friends that he
pardoned Pythias, and even asked that he be
admitted to his and Damon’s friendship.” This
shows that he was touched by their strong
friendship and loyalty and wanted to become a
part of it. Loyalty and friendship can bring out
the best in anyone, even an angry tyrant.
How could this person improve.
List 3 suggestions after reading it.
 I chose the sentence “Hold your
sword! Here I am!” b/c this means
the author puts pation and feeling
into his characters.
Damon and Pythias BCR #9
 Answer:
 Loyal, strong friendship
 Brotherly love
 Damon offered to be a hostage for the
safe return of a friend
 Pythias traveled a great distance, even
overcoming life-threatening challenges to
return back to Damon and prevent his
beheading
 Dionysius pardoned Pythias and asked to
be a part of their friendship
What did this person do well?
List 3 things after reading their BCR
 Damon and Pythias are close friends and
loyal to each other. For example, when
Pythias asked the king if he could go home
to settle his affairs, Damon offered to be
the hostage even though his life would be
at risk. Also, Pythias is loyal to Damon
because he fought through all of the
obstacles in his way to reach Syracuse and
save Damon from death. Damon and
Pythias are close and loyal friends.
How could this person improve?
List 3 things.
 The relationship between Damon and
Pythias is good. I think this because if
it was not Pythias many not tried to
go to Damon he would have just let
him die.
Look at your BCR’s.
 List three ways your could have
improved your BCR’s.
 This will be collected as a class work
grade!