HOW TO WRITE AN ORQ
Tips from Mrs. Henson
BEFORE YOU WRITE…
1.
2.
3.
4.
READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY and
then… follow them!
Read the prompt several times. If you are
confused, ask questions (hello, that’s my job!).
PACE YOURSELF- you have limited time,
so use it wisely!
Plan out what you will say: Intro, support,
quotes, conclusion.
I.
Introduction- 1 or 2 sentences!
a.
b.
What is your claim/point you are making?
How will you support your answer?
i.
ii.
II.
Example 1
a.
b.
III.
Quote!!! (use “quotation” marks!)
Explain how the quote proves your point- why does this
prove you are right?
Example 2
a.
IV.
Example 1
Example 2
See above
Conclusion- 1 or 2 sentences!
a.
b.
Restate your claim/point- what is your answer?
Remind the reader how you proved it
WHILE YOU WRITE…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduce the topic! (i.e. answer the question!)
ALWAYS use complete sentences.
Make your claim/point in the beginning!
USE QUOTES!
ALWAYS explain your quotes- don’t assume
the reader can make the connection.
WRITING… (CONT’D)
6.
Spell out numbers and words like:


7.
8.
9.
too/to/two
before, without, because, & and
Use academic language- this is not your blog!
Never begin a sentence with “but,” “because,”
or “and.”
Do not use “I” except on rare occasions.
AFTER YOU WRITE…
1.
2.
3.
4.
Reread your “essay.”
Do your thoughts flow together? Is it coherent
and well organized?
Make sure it has an intro, support WITH
QUOTES, and a conclusion.
Check spelling, grammar, & punctuation.
EXAMPLE OF A GOOD ORQ RESPONSE:
*NOTE: THIS IS NOT PERFECT- IT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK, BUT IT ANSWERS ALL ASPECTS
OF THE QUESTION AND GIVES EXAMPLES. READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT HOW YOU
COULD MAKE IT A BETTER RESPONSE.
A)
B)
The purpose of “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe is to
entertain but at the same time disturb and scare
[the reader].
Poe does a really good job of accomplishing his
purpose. For example, we know that a raven back
then is bad luck, so that sets the tone to be scary or
eerie. He also uses repetition and rhyme a lot, but
in an old-fashioned way.
“The Simpsons” also did a good job changing the
purpose around. They did satire, basically making fun
of “The Raven,” by adding similar and funny quotes
like “Eat my shorts!” and “Doh!” It makes it funnier
knowing it is a cartoon. Another way they made it
funny was they actually had Homer chase the bird.
That was really funny.
RUBRIC FOR ORQS

BLANK:


SCORE 0:


You did not give any answer at all.
Your answer is totally incorrect or irrelevant.
SCORE 1:
You show minimal understanding of the question.
 You address only a small portion of the question.

RUBRIC FOR ORQS

SCORE 2:
You complete some important components of the question and
communicate those components clearly.
 You demonstrate that there are gaps in your conceptual
understanding.


SCORE 3:
You complete most important components of the question and
communicate clearly.
 You demonstrate an understanding of major concepts even though
you overlook or misunderstood some less important ideas or
details.

RUBRIC OF ORQS

SCORE 4:
You complete ALL important components of the question
and communicate ideas clearly.
 You demonstrate in-depth understanding of the relevant
concepts and/or processes.
 Where appropriate, you choose more efficient and/or
sophisticated processes.
 Where appropriate, you offer insightful interpretations or
extensions (generalizations, applications, analogies).

THE NEXT STEP…
Consider 3 things you need to do to improve your
writing responses.
 Write them down on a ½ sheet of paper.
