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Better Answer Formula. Looking good and sounding smart!. When do I use the Better Answer Formula?. Use the Better Answer Formula for short answer and extended response questions on: The ELA 6 test Math tests Social Studies tests Science tests Any test that has written responses!
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Better Answer Formula Looking good and sounding smart!
When do I use the Better Answer Formula? • Use the Better Answer Formula for short answer and extended response questions on: • The ELA 6 test • Math tests • Social Studies tests • Science tests • Any test that has written responses! • For the rest of your life! (job interviews, meetings, presentations, etc.)
Why do I use the Better Answer Formula? • Do you want to look good? • Do you want to sound smart? • That’s why!
What is the Better Answer Formula? • The Better Answer Formula has 5 steps: • Step 1 Restate the question. • Step 2 Construct a gist answer. • Step 3 Use details to support your answer. • Step 4 Stay on topic. • Step 5 Use proper conventions.
Step 1 Restate the question • Restating makes you sound smart and keeps you focused on answering the right question • Underline the words you will need • Cross out and rewrite words to make it sound right • Avoid pronouns—use real names! • Here’s what it looks like…
What did you do last night when you got home from school? • What did you do last night when you I got home from school… • Last night when I got home from school…
Now you try! • Turn to a partner and restate the following questions: • How do you and your friends have fun on the weekends? • How would you change your school, if it were possible? • How did you do?
Step 2 Construct a gist answer • Gist answers do not include details and make us want to ask, “What do you mean?” • They are the main idea or topic sentence • Here’s what it looks like…
What did you do last night when you got home from school? • Last night when I got home from school (restatement) I had fun. • Last night when I got home from school I did something exciting. • Last night when I got home from school I did the usual thing.
Here are some non-gist statements (Don’t do this!) • Last night when I got home from school I watched TV, made dinner, and went to bed. • Last night when I got home from school I was so mad at my kids because they did not start dinner and I was really hungry. I had not eaten lunch and really wanted my dinner ready! Kids these days!
Now you try Step 1 and Step 2! • Let’s go back to our sentences… • How do you and your friends have fun on the weekends? • How would you change your school, if it were possible? • Use your restatement and finish the sentence with a gist statement • Be ready to share
What’s next? • Finish with the rest of the formula… • Step 3 Use details to support your answer • Step 4 Stay on topic • Step 5 Use proper conventions
Here’s what it might look like Last night when I got home from school, I did the usual thing. Because I have 3 dogs and 4 kids, the “usual” thing can be a rather extensive process. First, I have to greet and feed my 3 overly-excited dogs. Sometimes this looks more like a wrestling match! Next, I have to greet and feed my 4 kids. The challenge here is that I usually have to fix dinner and get out the door to a soccer and/or volleyball match in about 3 minutes. Doing the “usual” thing after school can be exhausting!
Now you try! • Now it’s your turn to look good and sound smart • Use the Better Answer formula to answer the question…