Open Response
7 steps to writing a MATH open
response
Facts about Math Open Response
 Open response questions are worth 4 points.
 Multiple choice and short answer are worth 1
point each.
 20 out of 54 possible points are from the open
response questions.
 This means that 37% of the total possible points
come from answering these questions correctly.
 Therefore, open response questions will end up
determining if you are a proficient math student.
Step 1
Read the question and highlight
or underline important
information.
Read and underline/highlight
 In the grid below, each square represents
one square yard of land. Twenty carrot
plants can fit in one square yard of land.
Quick Time™ and a
TIFF (Unc ompres sed) decompres sor
are needed t o s ee t his pict ure.
Step 2
 In parts a, b, and c, number the questions
that you need to answer.
Number the question parts
 a.1How many square yards are in Pedro’s
garden? 2How many plants can fit in
Pedro’s garden? 3 Show or explain how you
got your answer.
Step 3
 Use the question to help write a complete
sentence and put a line highlighting the
location of the answer.
Write a complete sentence.
a. 1How
many square yards are in Pedro’s
garden? 2How many plants can fit in
Pedro’s garden?
 ____ square yards are in Pedro’s garden
and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.
Step 4
 At the end of the sentence, write the
words…
“Show work:” or “Explain answer:”
Write “Show work” or “Explain answer”
 A. ____ square yards are in Pedro’s
garden and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s
garden.
Show work:
Step 5
 Show work or explain answer where
necessary.
Showing work or explaining answer
A. ____ square yards are in Pedro’s garden
and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.
Show work:
Area= Length X width
3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2
9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants
Step 6
 Write your answer on the blank line to
complete the sentence.
Write answer in blank.
 9 square yards are in Pedro’s garden and
180 plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.
Show work: Area= Length X width
3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2
9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants
Step 7
 Re-read question and then re-read your
answer to make sure that your answer
makes sense.
Re-read question and answer
a. 1How many square yards are in Pedro’s garden?
2How many plants can fit in Pedro’s garden? 3
Show or explain how you got your answer.
A. 9 square yards are in Pedro’s garden and 180
plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.
Show work:
Area= Length X width
3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2
9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants
Repeat the 7 steps
 Use the 7 steps process for parts b & c.
Review the 7 steps
1. Read the question and underline/highlight the
important info.
2. Number the questions that you need to answer.
3. Use the question to help you write a complete
sentence leaving a blank line for the answer.
4. Write the words “Show work” or “Explain answer”
at the end of your sentence.
5. Show your work or explain answer.
6. Write answer in the sentence’s blank line.
7. Re-read question and answer to make sure it
makes sense.
Final thought: “Don’t Forgets”
 You must use your best penmanship.
 The answer and work to question “A”
should be right next to the letter “A”.
 You must make sure all parts of your
answer have the proper labels. For
example:Stem/Leaf, key, x-axis,y-axis, bar
notation, and titles on graphs.