Signal words and writing prompts

Facilitating higher level thinking skills

Signal words Analyze - break apart, examine

methodically

Reader’s voice as well as author’s

Cite evidence Mention in support (of a thesis

statement); refer to as an example

Specifics using quotes or paraphrasing essential details

Compare/contrast

When asked to evaluate two related passages

evaluate Make a judgment after weighing

specific evidence

Judgment is reader’s evaluation of what author writes

Specific evidence (in text) should correlate/support judgment

Generalize

Draw conclusions based upon presented information

Correlation/support with essential specific details (in text)

Interpret

Provide meaning: make it clear

Readers should use own language

Sentence startersUsing language of PSSA

Anchors, PA Reading Standards

“interpret and/or analyze the effect of . .”

Include the impact/effect upon the reader

Need both reader and author input when:

Analyzing Interpreting Evaluating generalizing

Writing prompts

Things to consider

Reading passages Shorter in length Higher in rigor

Lend themselves to analysis, evaluation, interpretation, etc.

Target passage types Fiction

Story Poem

Non-Fiction Informational Biography (auto) OR practical/how-

to/advertisement Essay/editorial

Prompt Related to a PA reading

standard/anchor Incorporate language of the

standard/anchor Ask for supporting

details/examples from passage

Writing prompt response

Requirements Need to respond directly in first

sentence or two Incorporate key words/phrases from

prompt Cite evidence from text to support Should support with more than one

essential detail

considerStudent response should be

brief and to the point:5 or 6 sentences max

PSSA rubric for open ended reading items

Included in handout

Familiarize students with the language

let students evaluate other responses using the rubric