Short Answer Response Guidelines

Short Answer Response Guidelines

Short answer responses are essentially mini essays This is not a personal response; it should remain formal and strongly worded. It should not contain any 1st person perspective. Maintain 3rd person at all times. Follow standard MLA format. Responses should be one continuous paragraph.

The following are the components your response must have:

Claim (Introduction):

• Restate the question.
• Include the title and author.
• Make your answer or position clear.

Evidence & Analysis (Body):

• Include three examples that prove your claim.
• Make each example specific, using evidence – QUOTES - from the text.
• Explain how and why that example proves the claim.
• Each of your examples require direct quotations from the novel to support your argument, with a proper in-text citation.
• Consider using transition words that make your three points clear (first, second, third).

Connect & Conclusion:

• Emphasize how these three examples prove your point.
• Connect the matter to a larger issue; leave the reader thinking. Do not simply point out what has already been said.

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Prompts: Choose only ONE of the following and write your Short Answer Response.

• Select one single word that best represents the theme/essence of “Harrison Bergeron.” Choose a word that relates to the overall message/purpose of the story. Then, provide three direct examples that illustrate the chosen word.

• Select one word that best represents the character of T.J. in “Antaeus.” Provide three specific examples from the text that illustrate the accuracy of the word you chose.

• Evaluate: What might the author’s purpose have been in writing “Harrison Bergeron?” Provide the answer and back it up with three examples from the text.

• Consider: Does either “Harrison Bergeron” or “Antaeus” make effective use of literary techniques such as diction, foreshadowing, symbolism, etc? If so, what are three techniques you can detect in the story and explain exactly how they work to make the story effective.

Short Answer Response: Essay Organizer and Proposal

Claim Sentence[1]:

Reason #1 (in your own words):

Quote that demonstrates reason #1:

Explanation of why this example and its quote demonstrate that the claim is accurate:

Reason #2 (in your own words):

Quote that demonstrates reason #2:

Explanation of why this example and its quote demonstrate that the claim is accurate:

Reason #3 (in your own words):

Quote that demonstrates reason #3:

Explanation of why this example and its quote demonstrate that the claim is accurate:

[1] Remember the claim must present a clear argument and list the evidence briefly: ______because ______, ______, and ______.