Standardizing Short Answer Responses

Improving Writing Using thePRAXIS Rubric

Short answer questions should have a specific format that is set by the department to improve writing for all students. The format could consist of the following:

Sentence 1: Thesis statement underlined for student and teacher identification.

Sentence 2: First supporting example.

Sentence 3: Answers the questions or explains how the first identified example supports the student’s point and/or answers the question.

Sentences 4-7: Repeat sentences 2 and 3 using two different examples.

Example

Identify the trend in the graph and provide three reasons causing the change in “Black Voter Registration.”

Student should identify the trend that Black registration for voting has increased in the first thesis sentence. The response should also include three specific reasons such as success of the Civil Rights Movement that motivated African Americans to lobby for change, the work of the Freedom Summer and/or the inspiration of the MFDP.

Using the PRAXIS Template to Improve Essay Writing

Teachers must use the template as a microcosm for essays. Sentence 1: Thesis statement

Sentence 2: First supporting example.

Sentence 3: Answers the questions or explains how the first identified example supports the student’s point and/or answers the question.

Sentences 4-7: Repeat sentences 2 and 3 using two different examples.

Opening Paragraph

2nd Paragraph

3rd Paragraph

4th Paragraph

5th ParagraphClosing: Once you have made your arguments, it is appropriate to close the paper with your conclusions. Do not use your concluding remarks merely to “sum up” what you have already written; that’s repetitious. You do not have to sum up a well-written paper, because you have made your points clearly the first time. Instead, use your conclusion to speculate on the larger implications of your argument. Here is a chance to ask yourself, if my argument is true, what else might be true?

Essay Topics

1. Connect imperialism to WWI using Africa 2. Connect American Exceptionalism to

imperialism3. Defend historic US “imperialistic” acts using

Cuba as an example or Panama