A How-To Guide

The Short Answer Response

Objectives:Today you will know what a short answer response is, understand how to craft a well-written response, and write a short answer response using the kernelling method.

What is a SAR?SAR=Short Answer ResponseA SAR

directly answers a question,provides text evidence to prove the point,

andincludes connecting commentary that

explains how the text evidence supports the assertion.

Two Main RequirementsAll short answer responses require:A thesis– A direct answer to the prompt. Answer

with only ONE answer or thesis point.Text evidence – a quote or two from the

passage that helps prove your thesis(EMBEDDED)

The answer (thesis) and the text evidence must “match.” In other words, your quote(s) must relate directly to your thesis. Now, let’s talk about how you will be scored.

This response is too vague to understand; it’s unclear.

-or- This response fails to give any textual

evidence. (a quotation that directly supports thesis)

-or- This response makes an interpretation not

found in the text.-or-

This response is just a plot summary.

0Insufficient

1Partially Sufficient

This response only gives a thesis.-or-

This response only gives textual evidence and fails to answer the question.

-or-There is no clear connection between the thesis

and the evidence.

This response answers the question with a thesis and gives appropriate evidence (quote that directly supports the thesis).

The connection between the thesis and the evidence (quote) is clear.

2Sufficient

Everything a “2” has answers the question with a thesis gives appropriate evidence (quote) clear connection between thesis and quote

PLUS:Particularly insightful answerEmbedded quotationsExceptional vocabulary

3Exemplary

ExemplarsLet’s look at some score point 3 SARs. Students read an article; then they wrote a SAR to

the following prompt:After reading “Postcard: New Delhi,” do you think Gupta’s modified airplane is a good idea? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.

As we read these exemplars, notice how they fit the criteria listed for a score point 3 (Exemplary).

Exemplar #1

Exemplar #1 CritiqueIn this accomplished reading performance, thestudent presents the perceptive analysis that the modified airplane is a good idea because Gupta used his childhood experiences to inspire others to dream. The student uses a combination of direct quotations, paraphrase, and specific synopsis to support the idea. The combination of the idea and evidence demonstrates that the student has adeep understanding of the text.

Exemplar #2

Exemplar #2 CritiqueThe student uses specific paraphrased text taken from throughout the selection to develop a coherent synopsis that supports the validity of the analysis. The student’s perceptive analysis and well-chosen textual evidence reflects a deep understanding of the selection.

Okay, okay. I get it, you say.But how do I actually do it? you ask.Well, let me teach a strategy called kernelling.

What is a kernel? Kernels are the most important words in your text

evidence. The kernel is the essential part of a quote that will

help you to advance your point and support your argument.

How Does This Strategy Look?

Combine a paraphrase with a quotation:Not embedded: Tania Modleski suggests that “if television

is considered by some to be a vast wasteland, soap operas are thought to be the least nourishing spot in the desert.”

Embedded: In her critique of soap operas, Tania Modleski

argues that some view television as “a vast wasteland” and soap operas as “the least nourishing spot in the desert.”

How Does This Strategy Look?

Do not use a full-sentence quotation. Your own commentary or ideas should support and elaborate the quotation.

Not embedded: Richard Cory had everything going for him. “He was a gentleman from sole to crown.” “And he was rich—yes, richer than a king.”

Embedded: Richard Cory had

everything going for him. Not only was he a “gentleman from sole to crown,” but he was “richer than a king.”

How Do I Link Kernels in My Short Answer Responses?

1. Preview your prompt/question. This gives you a purpose for your reading.

2. Read the text and look for evidence that would support your answer to the question.

3. Highlight at least 2-3 complete quotes in the text that may answer your question.

4. Underline the “kernel” of information that specifically answers your questions – without “filler words” (the, she, he, it, they, but, and)

5. Choose the kernels that are thematically related to your answer.

6. Pre-write your ideas as to how the kernel will answer the questions (i.e. provide connecting commentary).

7. Build your answer around the linked kernels of text you have identified and explained.

Let’s try it!Read the passage on the following slide. Then respond to the prompt below.

How does the paragraph developBeauty’s character? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Excerpt from “Beauty and the Beast”

At first nobody would hear of it. Beauty’s father and brothers, who loved her dearly, declared nothing should make them let her go. But Beauty was firm. As the time drew near for her to go to the Beast, she divided her little possessions between her sisters and said goodbye to everyone she loved. When the fatal day came, she encouraged and cheered her father as they mounted together the horse which had brought him back. It seemed to fly rather than gallop, but so smoothly that Beauty was not frightened. Indeed, she would have enjoyed it if she had not feared what might happen at the end of it. Her father still tried to persuade her to go back, but in vain.

Again, the question/prompt is…

How does the paragraph develop Beauty’s character? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Pre-WritingHighlight 2-3 quotes in the passage that

you think help develop Beauty’s character.

Did you highlight any of these? “As the time drew near for her to go to

the Beast, she divided her little possessions between her sisters and said goodbye to everyone she loved”

“It seemed to fly rather than gallop, but so smoothly that Beauty was not frightened”

“Her father still tried to persuade her to go back, but in vain”

Identify the KernelsUnderline the most important words in the

quotes you highlighted. These are your kernels. Don’t underline unimportant words like a, an, the, and, but, or, etc.

Did you get these key words? “divided her little possessions

between her sisters” “Beauty was not frightened” “in vain”

Connecting CommentaryExplain what each of the kernels shows

about Beauty’s character.Write your thoughts next to each kernel.

Notice how the comments in white explain how the quote characterizes Beauty. “divided her little possessions between

her sisters” - Shows that Beauty is not selfish. She wants to share her things with her sisters.

“Beauty was not frightened” – Though she is going to visit a monster, Beauty does not let herself become afraid. She is brave.

“in vain” – There is no use in persuading Beauty to stay behind; she is determined to help her family by going to the Beast.

Now let’s put it all together.Once you have this pre-writing completed, you simply need to put your thoughts and quotes into complete sentences that make sense. Look at my model SAR, notice how I embed my quotations within my own sentences.

When it’s all said and done, it looks something like this:“Beauty was not frightened” by having to

go and live with a monster, and her bravery shines through. She showed her unselfishness when she “divided up her little possessions between her sisters,” and her character is further revealed by her determination at being dissuaded from her task despite her Father’s plea which was “in vain.” Beauty showed herself to be a loving, giving, and determined woman who is willing to sacrifice for her family.

Now it’s your turn!How does the author develop the

protagonist’s character in “The Sniper”?

Follow the steps on the next slide to write an effective SAR to this question/prompt.

1. Preview your prompt/question. This gives you a purpose for your reading.

2. Read the text and look for evidence that would support your answer to the question.

3. Write at least 3 complete quotes in the text that may answer your question.

4. Underline the “kernel” of information that specifically answers your questions – without “filler words” (the, she, he, it, they, but, and)

5. Choose the kernels that are thematically related to your answer.

6. Pre-write your ideas as to how the kernel will answer the question (i.e. provide connecting commentary).

7. Build your answer around the linked kernels of text you have identified and explained.

Kernelling ChecklistCheck your SAR.

My short answer response contains no full length quotes (True or False)

My short answer response fully answers the question (True or False)

My text evidence is linked into my response effectively and fluently (True or False)

I have provided enough text evidence in my SAR to support my ideas (True or False)

I have written an insightful response to the short answer question that demonstrates my understanding of the subject matter (True or False)

Last Words1. The answer should directly answer the writing prompt. 2. The answer and the text evidence must match. 3. Make sure your quote is embedded and fully illustrates your thesis.4. If you write commentary or conclusion sentences, stay focused on your thesis. Do NOT write about NEW ideas in the conclusion sentence. Simply link your conclusion sentence back to your thesis.5. Do not write outside the box.