1. Extended-Response Questions

2. Extended-Response and Short-Answer Questions
Typically difficult for students.
Each wants specific things from students.
To find these requirements, look at the scoring guide…

3. Patterns of a Four-Point Question

4. Questions contain keywords and expect an answer for each one:
Ex: Identify, describe, explain, compare, determine, list, draw, graph, give details, etc…
Special keywords:
Describe, explain and compare.
Require more depth and detail.
Worth two points since there is partial credit.
If a question has only three marked keywords in a questions while it is worth four points, then there are two keywords and one special keyword that requires more attention.

5. When reading the question, mark all keywords
When reading the question, mark all keywords. If there are fewer marked keywords than the number of points, the special keywords need extra attention.
For example, instead of a quick description, a full and detailed description is needed.

6. Test makers do not make all questions in the same way:
Questions have a mix of keywords, special keywords and subjects.
The most common combinations are:
Four Keywords
Two Special Keywords for one Subject
Two Keywords on two Subjects

7. Two Special Keywords for One Subject

8. Four Keywords

9. One Special Keyword for Two Subjects

11. Extended-Response Recommendations
For Reading, Social Studies, Science and Math.
Read the question carefully and completely.
Underline each keyword (action words).
Circle each special keyword.

12. Extended-Response Recommendations
Generally, students have a harder time responding to special keywords.
Think of examples and details for each “describe, explain and compare” question.
Often the difference between a score of 2 and 4 is the lack of details or support for each of these special keywords.

13. 8 Most Often Used Keywords
Clue Word
Action Required
Compare
Show both the similarities and differences.
Contrast
Compare by showing differences.
Criticize
Give your judgment or reasoned opinion of something, illustrating its good and bad points. It is not necessary to attack it.
Define
Give the formal meaning by distinguishing it from related terms. This is often a matter of giving a memorized definition.
Describe
Write a detailed account or verbal picture in a logical sequence or story form.
Discuss
Describe giving the details and explaining the pros and cons of the subject.
Explain
Give reasons for.
List
Produce a list of words, sentences, or comments.
This chart has the most common keywords used and what they are asking the student to do.

14. Short-Answer Strategies
A two-point question has two brief tasks or one detailed task
Have the same keywords and special keywords as constructed response. It asks:
Two keywords, or tasks.
One keyword for two subjects.
One special keyword about one subject.