THESIS BUILDER
Prompt: Why does the fox stop trying to reach the grapes?
Which thesis BEST answers the prompt?
A. The fox stops trying because he is tired
B. The fox stops trying to reach the grapes because they are too high
C. The fox stops trying to reach the grapes because he convinces himself they are not worth having
D. The fox stops trying because he leaves
C. The fox stops trying to reach the grapes because he convinces himself they are not worth having
Thesis:
The fox stops trying to reach the grapes because he convinces himself they are not worth having.
Which evidence BEST supports this thesis?
A. The text states in paragraph 2, “He stepped back, gathered his strength, and leaped into the air.”
B. The text states in paragraph 3, “His movements became less controlled, and his efforts more erratic.”
C. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “They appeared ripe and inviting.”
C. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway.”
Evidence:
The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway,” he muttered, turning away with forced confidence.
Which explanation BEST connects this evidence to the fox’s motivation?
A. This shows the fox is tired of trying to reach the grapes
B. This shows the fox changes his opinion about the grapes after failing to reach them
C. This shows the fox does not like grapes
D. This shows the fox is walking away from the vineyard
B. This shows the fox changes his opinion about the grapes after failing to reach them
What is the BEST way to begin a short constructed response?
A. Start with your opinion about the story
B. Restate (steal) the question and answer it
C. Begin with a summary of the entire passage
D. Start with a quote from the text
B. Restate (steal) the question and answer it
What is the MOST important part of the introduction in an extended constructed response?
A. A long summary of the text
B. A clear thesis that answers the prompt
C. A question to the reader
D. A detailed description of the setting
B. A clear thesis that answers the prompt
Prompt: What does the fox’s behavior reveal about his character?
Which thesis BEST answers the prompt?
A. The fox’s behavior reveals that he jumps a lot
B. The fox’s behavior reveals that he becomes frustrated
C. The fox’s behavior reveals that he struggles to accept failure
D. The fox’s behavior reveals that he walks away
C. The fox’s behavior reveals that he struggles to accept failure
Thesis:
The fox’s behavior reveals that he struggles to accept failure.
Which evidence BEST supports this thesis?
A. The text states in paragraph 2, “He believed he could still obtain them.”
B. The text states in paragraph 3, “Each time, he adjusted his approach.”
C. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “He noticed a cluster of grapes hanging high above him.”
C. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway.”
Evidence:
The text states in paragraph 4, “Though he spoke dismissively, his earlier determination suggested a different truth.”
Which explanation BEST connects this evidence to the fox’s character?
A. This shows the fox was determined earlier in the story
B. This shows the fox is dishonest about his true feelings
C. This shows the fox is tired after jumping
D. This shows the fox wants the grapes
B. This shows the fox is dishonest about his true feelings
What is the BEST way to include evidence in a short constructed response?
A. Paraphrase the story without citing it
B. Add a quote without explaining it
C. Use a quote from the text with a sentence stem like “The text states…”
D. Give your opinion about what happened
C. Use a quote from the text with a sentence stem like “The text states…”
What is the BEST way to organize an extended constructed response?
A. Write everything in one paragraph
B. Jump between ideas as you think of them
C. Group ideas into paragraphs with a clear focus
D. Only write about one small detail
C. Group ideas into paragraphs with a clear focus
Prompt: How does the setting contribute to the message of the story?
A. The setting shows where the fox is
B. The setting contributes to the message by creating a situation where the fox cannot easily succeed
C. The setting contributes to the message by placing the grapes out of reach
D. The setting contributes to the message by describing the vineyard
B. The setting contributes to the message by creating a situation where the fox cannot easily succeed
Thesis:
The setting contributes to the message by creating a situation where the fox cannot easily succeed.
Which evidence BEST supports this thesis?
A. The text states in paragraph 1, “They appeared ripe and inviting.”
B. The text states in paragraph 2, “His jaws snapped shut just below the fruit.”
C. The text states in paragraph 3, “Each time, he adjusted his approach.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “A cluster of grapes hanging high above him.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “A cluster of grapes hanging high above him.”
Evidence:
The text states in paragraph 1, “A cluster of grapes hanging high above him.”
Which explanation BEST connects this evidence to the message of the story?
A. This shows the fox is in a vineyard
B. This shows the grapes are difficult to reach, which leads to the fox’s failure
C. This shows the grapes look appealing
D. This shows the fox notices the grapes
B. This shows the grapes are difficult to reach, which leads to the fox’s failure
What is the BEST way to explain your evidence?
A. Repeat the quote in different words
B. Explain how the evidence proves your answer
C. Say “this is important”
D. Add another quote
B. Explain how the evidence proves your answer
What is the BEST way to use evidence in an extended constructed response?
A. Use only one quote from one text
B. Use multiple pieces of relevant evidence to support your ideas
C. Avoid using quotes
D. Only summarize the story
B. Use multiple pieces of relevant evidence to support your ideas
Prompt: What tone does the author create when describing the fox at the end of the story?
Which thesis BEST answers the prompt?
A. The author creates a frustrated tone when describing the fox
B. The author creates a neutral tone when describing the fox
C. The author creates a critical tone when describing the fox’s reaction
D. The author creates a serious tone when describing the fox
C. The author creates a critical tone when describing the fox’s reaction
Thesis:
The author creates a critical tone when describing the fox’s reaction.
Which evidence BEST supports this thesis?
A. The text states in paragraph 3, “His movements became less controlled, and his efforts more erratic.”
B. The text states in paragraph 4, “Though he spoke dismissively, his earlier determination suggested a different truth.”
C. The text states in paragraph 2, “He stepped back, gathered his strength, and leaped into the air.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “They appeared ripe and inviting.”
B. The text states in paragraph 4, “Though he spoke dismissively, his earlier determination suggested a different truth.”
Evidence:
The text states in paragraph 4, “Though he spoke dismissively, his earlier determination suggested a different truth.”
Which explanation BEST connects this evidence to the author’s tone?
A. This shows the fox worked hard to reach the grapes
B. This shows the fox is frustrated with himself
C. This shows the author is pointing out that the fox is not being honest with himself
D. This shows the fox leaves the vineyard
C. This shows the author is pointing out that the fox is not being honest with himself
Why should you include a “why it matters” sentence in your response?
A. To make the response longer
B. To summarize the story again
C. To restate the evidence
D. To explain the deeper meaning or importance of your answer
D. To explain the deeper meaning or importance of your answer
What is the BEST way to earn points for commentary in an ECR?
A. Add more quotes
B. Repeat the evidence
C. Explain how the evidence supports your thesis and connects ideas
D. Restate the prompt again
C. Explain how the evidence supports your thesis and connects ideas
Prompt: What does the author suggest about how people respond to failure?
Which thesis BEST answers the prompt?
A. The author suggests that people fail often
B. The author suggests that people become frustrated when they fail
C. The author suggests that people stop trying when something is difficult
D. The author suggests that people may change how they view something to protect their pride
D. The author suggests that people may change how they view something to protect their pride
Thesis:
The author suggests that people may change how they view something to protect their pride.
Which evidence BEST supports this thesis?
A. The text states in paragraph 3, “Each time, he adjusted his approach.”
B. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway,” he muttered, turning away with forced confidence.
C. The text states in paragraph 2, “He believed he could still obtain them.”
D. The text states in paragraph 1, “They appeared ripe and inviting.”
B. The text states in paragraph 4, “They are probably sour anyway,” he muttered, turning away with forced confidence.
Evidence:
The text states in paragraph 5, “his quick glances back at the vines revealed lingering frustration.”
Which explanation BEST connects this evidence to the author’s message?
A. This shows the fox is still thinking about the grapes, even after saying they are not important
B. This shows the fox is walking through the vineyard
C. This shows the fox is looking around
D. This shows the fox is leaving the area
A. This shows the fox is still thinking about the grapes, even after saying they are not important
What is the BEST approach for writing a strong SCR within the 475-character limit?
A. Write as much as possible, including every detail
B. Focus on answering the question, using one strong piece of evidence, and clearly explaining it
C. Include multiple quotes without explanation
D. Retell the entire story in your own words
B. Focus on answering the question, using one strong piece of evidence, and clearly explaining it
What is the BEST approach to writing a high-scoring extended constructed response within the 2300-character limit?
A. Write as much as possible, including every detail from both texts
B. Write one long paragraph that includes all ideas
C. Answer the prompt clearly, organize ideas into paragraphs, use relevant evidence, and explain how it supports your thesis
D. Focus mostly on summarizing both texts to reach the character limit
C. Answer the prompt clearly, organize ideas into paragraphs, use relevant evidence, and explain how it supports your thesis