SIFT
Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then, Finally
Graphic Organizers
RAEES- Writing Questions
Other Bonus, but Difficult Questions
100

What does the "S" in SIFT stand for?

(hint: two words)

Structure and Speaker

100

Who does the “Somebody” refer to in a story?

the main character

100

What is a graphic organizer?

a way to write the important things you learn in the text; organize you thinking on paper

100

What does the acronym RAEES stand for?

Restate

Answer

Evidence

Explain

Summary

100

What is the first thing you need to look for when you read the questions?

Look for keywords in the question

200

What does the F in SIFT stand for?

Figurative Language

200

What is the purpose of the “Wanted” part of this strategy?

to understand the goal, or what they want, of the main character

200
What type of text should graphic organizers be used with for notes?

informative text, (nonfiction)

200

How can RAEES help you formulate better questions?

Helps you know what you need to include in the writing in order to get points

200

How do you determine or decide what notes to take per text?

You look at the title, any pictures, and read the first paragraph to get an idea

300

 How does the "T" in SIFT help you understand the poem better? 

(remember: there are two words in T)

Tone: helps understand the feelings of the poet

Theme: helps to show what the poem is about

300

What does the “But” signify in a story's plot?

that is the problem or the conflict and most stories need it for plot

300

Name one type of graphic organizer you might use for an informative text.

cause-effect, problem-solution, descriptive, compare-contrast, Venn diagram, bubble map, etc.

300

Explain the first “E” in RAEES and its importance in question writing.

We need to add evidence to support our answer

300

How many pieces of evidence do you need to include in an extended constructed response?

three evidences

400

Explain how SIFT can change your interpretation of a poem.

As a reader, you look for things the poet purposefully wanted to include in the poem

400

What symbol is used for "So" in a fiction annotation?

the paw prints (foot prints), because it is the steps to solve the problem

400

How can graphic organizers help in understanding complex information?

It helps you sort out the important details from non-important ones

400

What is one example of a question you can create using RAEES?

short constructed response

400

For paired passages, what can you use to figure out the which answer choice is the best answer?

a table to look at both texts and use checkmark or X's

500

 How can SIFT be applied to a poem with a strong theme of nature?

The poet can show how he feels about nature by how he writes it.

500

What is another word or phrase to describe "Then"?

Big moment, 

climax, or 

change in the story

500

Why is it important to choose the right graphic organizer for the information you have?

Using the wrong graphic organizer might make the notes confusing or not make sense for the text

500

Can RAEES be used to take notes on the texts?

No, it is for answering questions that require to write out the response.

500

What are some ideas for when you do not know the answer to a question?

Answers may vary but need to make sense (ex. reread the story and question, skip and go back to it later, eliminate the worst options and then reread what is left, justify the answers, etc.)