The Five Musts of Writing When responding to someone else’s writing, you must include the following…

1. Author & Title You must refer to the author’s name and title of the writing. “Raymond’s Run,” by Toni Cade Bambara, is a coming-of-age story about a girl named Squeaky.

2. Key terms You must include key words or phrases from the question. ~How did Bambara do such a great job developing Squeaky’s character? Bambara did a great job developing Squeaky’s character by…

3. Specific Details You must include specific details from the writing as examples of what you are trying to explain. In the beginning of the story, Squeaky feels that…But as the story progresses, Squeaky…

4. Literary terms You must use literary terms whenever possible. Bambara uses an idiom in her short story, Raymond’s Run, when Squeaky states that Raymond drives her up a wall.

5. Quotes You must make direct references or cite quotes from the writing and then explain what they mean. Squeaky shows selfishness when she says, “I always win because I’m the best!”

The Five Musts of Writing Using the 5 Musts will help you write an intelligent, organized, and succinct response.