Long Write Entries:R+A+T+E

Purpose:

  • Readers construct long write entries to:
  • Develop their reading ideas and reader’s theories
  • Expand on their short writes
  • Examine (closely) literary elements and large themes within texts
  • Extend our reader’s thinking to build connections/comparisons to other texts, experiences, and the world around us
  • Express their responses to literary questions

T.P.A.F:

Topic / Long Write Entries can be written about a variety of reading ideas, such as:
  • Character(s)
  • Conflict
  • Theme(s)/Lesson(s) Learned
  • Setting
  • Plot
  • Social Issues
  • Author’s Purpose
  • Author’s Craft
  • Reader’s Insights

Purpose / To inform
Audience /
  • Partner/Book Club members
  • Teacher
  • Ourselves 

Format / Long Write Entries are similar to essays and include:
  • Introduction paragraph (Main focus)
  • Body paragraphs (Develop argument/point, provide evidence, and explanation)
  • Concluding paragraph (Reinforce point/Wrap up ideas)

Formula 2:R+A+T+E

  • Restate the question and state answer
  • Answer the question with a “because”
  • Text evidence to support answer and tell significance (how shows/supports your thinking?)
  • Extend by building a connection
  • Text-Text Connection: Connecting the main text to another book, film, television show, article, etc.
  • Readers often have the most success building sensible connections that are Text-to-Text because you are drawing connection between two similar texts. Your written novel/short story has the same elements (characters, setting, plot, conflict, and theme) as a movie or television show since these are visual stories that often include the same elements.
  • Text-Self Connection: Connecting the main text to a personal experience
  • Text-World Connection: Connecting the main text to a world event or example.

Paragraph Breakdown for R+A+T+E:

If only one point/question to answer: / If two or more points/questions to answer:
¶ 1 = R+A+T
¶ 2 = Extend with a connection / ¶ 1 = R+A+T for question 1
¶ 2 = R+A+T for question 2
¶ 3 = Extend with a connection

Successful Planners for Long Writes:

When Using the R+A+T+E Formula

Good readers/writers know that planning out our writing ideas helps to guide our writing on the page. Taking the time to organize your thoughts and select your best fitting evidence will make your writing time more efficient and well-explained.

Also, good readers/writers know that they shouldn’t squeeze their ideas into an organizer. Instead, good readers/writers build an organizer to properly fit and organize their ideas. One of the most critical steps in the planning process is doming up with what your argument (points to be made) will be. By stating your answer (plainly), you can see how many points you will need to develop and explain with text evidence, and can then build an organizer from there.

On the next few pages, you will find three graphic organizers that good readers/writers use when constructing long writes. Readers should select the organizer that best matches their planning and writing style: not all organizers are one size fits all. If these planners do not seem to be suiting your writing needs, consider constructing your ideas in a way that best fits you. As long as there is evidence of planning before the writing, you are in good shape. 

Suggested Organizers:

-Boxes and Bullets

Model Reader’s Question for Examples Organizers:

Consider the characters in the text:

  • Which character has the biggest impact on the story?

Model Text: Across the Alley by Richard Michelson (Class read aloud)

R+ A 
A 
(because)
T 
E  / Boxes and Bullets Organizer
(One Question/One Point to Explain)

  • Grandpa is the character with the biggest impact because his beliefs impact Abe’s choices.
  • p. 4 “Grandpa says Jewish kids….play ball.’”
  • This shows his impact because…

  • Scooter’s beliefs and words of wisdom help to guide and change Crash

Boxes and Bullets Organizer
(One Question/One Point to Explain)
R+ A 
A 
(because)
T 
A2
(because)
T2
E  /
  • Grandpa is the character with the biggest impact because his beliefs impact Abe’s choices.
  • p. 4 “Grandpa says Jewish kids….play ball.’”
  • This shows his impact because…
  • Additionally, Grandpa is the character with the biggest impact because his actions change the course of the story.
-p. 9 “First Grandpa looks at me…position of his bow.”
-This shows Grandpa’s impact because…

  • Scooter’s beliefs and words of wisdom help to guide and change Crash
  • Scooter’s actions influence the plot of the story (emergency)