*OPEN-ENDED
QUESTION Response
HSPA
Mrs. Tanis
What is an Open-Ended Question?
Open ended questions
are questions that lead to
a further discussion. They
are questions that do not
have a simple answer like
yes or no or a number.
They are to be thoroughly
explained in paragraph
form with supportive
evidence from the
reading selection.
What is the point of learning how to
write an open-ended question
response?
It is going to be on the HSPA!!!
It is the proper format for writing a
response to a reading comprehension
question (literature, college, etc…)
What does an Open-Ended Question
look like?
Stem:
Unable to see or hear, Helen Keller lived a
solitary existence before Annie Sullivan came
into her life.
Requirements:
- What was Helen like before she
learned that everything had a name?
- How did learning to communicate
change her life?
- What other obstacles do you think
Helen had to face throughout her
lifetime?
What should the FORMAT of an
Open-Ended Question Response
be?
The open-ended response should look like
a mini essay.
There should be a:



Beginning (*Introduction) >> STEM
Middle (*Body) >> BULLET QUESTIONS
End (*Closing) >> CONCLUSION (add one!)
How LONG should an open-ended
response be?
About 4-5 paragraphs
Stem= Introduction (1 short par.)
Bullets= Body (2-3 paragraphs
depending on number of bullets)
Closing= Conclusion (1 short
paragraph)
How does one write a proper
RESPONSE for the open-ended
question?
Follow the
R A C E format?
What does the
‘R’ in Race stand
for?
Re-state the stem in your own words
(include author and “title” of reading
selection)
Stem:
Unable to see or hear, Helen Keller lived a
solitary existence before Annie Sullivan came
into her life.
What does the
‘A’ in Race stand
for?
Answer all the bullet questions (one
paragraph for each bullet written in complete
sentences)
Example)
- What was Helen like before she
learned that everything had a name?
- How did learning to communicate
change her life?
What does the
‘C’ in Race stand
for?
Cite information (use supporting
details from the reading selection to
support response; include “quotes”
from reading)
What does the
‘E’ in Race stand
for?
Edit and end response. Add a
conclusion. Sum up ideas or draw a
connection at the end (relating new to
known)
IMPORTANT: The writing prompt will not tell
students to write a conclusion. Students have to
take the initiative and write it themselves. Do not
forget to ADD a CONCLUSION (2-3 sentences).
REVIEW of O.E. Question
Response FORMAT
When answering an open-ended question, use the
following format.
R- Re-state the stem in your own words (include
author and “title” of reading selection)
A- Answer all the bullet questions (one paragraph
for each bullet written in complete sentences)
C- Cite information (use supporting details from the
reading selection to support response; include
“quotes” from reading)
E- Edit and end response. Add a conclusion. Sum up
ideas or draw a connection at the end (relating new
to known)
MODEL Open-Ended Question
Prompt
Open- Ended Question
The Crucible- Acts II & III
Stem: The relationship between John and Elizabeth has become
mistrusted and strained as a result of John’s affair with Abigail.
However, after Elizabeth is accused of being a witch (by Abigail),
John proves himself to be a sincere man and a devoted husband.



(Act II) Why is John hesitant about exposing Abigail in court as a
fraud? How do you think this makes Elizabeth feel?
(Act II) When Reverend Hale asks John to recite the Ten
Commandments, which one does he forget? What is significant
about this sin?
(Act III) What information does John confess to the court about
his marriage? Why does he confess such private information?
What does his confession say about his character?
MODEL RESPONSE:
Stem (re-state)
Arthur Miller, in The Crucible, describes a distrustful
marriage between two characters, John and Elizabeth Proctor.
As a result of an act of adultery, John learns the value of his
marriage and becomes a devoted husband.

John is hesitant about exposing Abigail in court as a fraud
because of the consequences. First, he fears that she will
tell of their affair. If the act of lechery is revealed, John’s
reputation will be tainted. Additionally, in Puritan Salem,
adultery is against one of the Ten Commandments which
can result in severe consequences. In effect, Elizabeth feels
hurt and betrayed by her husband. In response to John not
wanting to tell the truth about Abigail and the girls’
fraudulent behavior, Elizabeth states coldly, “You cannot
keep it John… Good then, let you think on it.” This shows
that Elizabeth is still angry and has not yet forgiven John for
the affair. This marriage appears to be in jeopardy.
At this point in The Crucible, John and Elizabeth’s marriage is rocky
because of his infidelity. This is clear when Reverend Hale asks John to recite
the Ten Commandments, and ironically, he forgets the one he committed. He
fails to name adultery as a sin. His wife even reminds him in an embarrassed
voice saying, “Adultery, John.” This is significant because it shows that John
wants to forget about what he has done. He feels ashamed of himself and
wishes that he hadn’t committed that sin. Reverend Hale came to the Proctor’s
home that night to learn what kind of Puritans John and Elizabeth really are.
What he doesn’t learn is that John is a man of great character and honesty. He
confessed his faults to his wife. Furthermore, he never judged his neighbors
when they were accused of witchcraft. In all, John Proctor is truly a good
Puritan and a man who is trying to be a reliable husband.
John’s true character becomes evident in Act III. In court, John
confesses to adultery and spoils his good name. He says, “I have known her
sir. I have known her.” As one can see, he says this without trying to protect
himself. He is only trying to prove that Abigail is a liar. John regrets what he
did, but he knows that it is more important to expose Abigail as a fraud, saving
his wife and friends, than to protect his reputation. He is a man who is willing
to sacrifice himself for the good of others in his family and community.
In summation, John Proctor made a terrible mistake that almost
destroyed his marriage. On the other hand, everyone makes mistakes that
affect the health of our relationships. For instance, persons often disappoint
parents or friends, yet people can hopefully learn from whatever they have
done and become better, more trustworthy individuals.