Open Ended Questions
Cheat Sheet
The open ended questions usually involve two or more questions that go beyond the reading in some way. The students who write responses that receive the highest scores usually follow a pattern that is logical and easy to follow.
Some tips:
1. Make a Plan
· Focus on each part of the question that makes is the O.E.Q.
· Make sure that you:
Ø Understand each part of the question
Ø Recognize key words such as: identify, explain, predict, etc
Ø Use context clues to help you understand.
Ø Refer to the selection as often as necessary.
2. Write a Response
· Use direct quotes when necessary
· Be sure to use transitional words
· It should extend and/or link your response to another literary work or real-life situation.
Ø Without this extension, you will be UNABLE to receive a grade of four according to the scoring rubric. THIS IS A MUST!
· Number of bullets = the number of paragraphs you need.
Format:
Open ended questions will always start out with a broad statement to focus your thinking about the text and the questions that are about to be asked of you. Use this to your advantage.
· Paragraph One-
o Topic sentence that directly answers the first question/bullet.
o Supporting details with specific references to the text. (for example…in the story…etc)
o Explain the connection of the supporting detail to the question asked.
o Extend your answer. (see below)
o Transition sentence to the next paragraph.
· Paragraph Two-
o Topic sentence that directly answers the second question/bullet.
o Supporting details with specific references to the text. (for example…in the story…etc)
o Explain the connection of the supporting detail to the question asked.
o Extend your answer. (see below)
o Concluding sentence that wraps up the question/bullets.
Extending your Answer- OEQ’s require you to connect your writing to something outside the piece of literature you are responding to. This is called an extension. When you write an extension, you are demonstrating your greater knowledge of the piece you are writing about.
Here are some ways to extend your answer:
· Connect to a real life situation that has happened to you. (ex-An incident with your family that is similar to the one in the story.)
· Connect to another piece of literature you’ve read. (ex- compare characters with other novels or short stories.)
· Connect to movies/TV shows. (ex- Harry Potter demonstrates strength of friendship and loyalty)