READERS WRITE
about texts
A basic constructed response: Grades 2-12
Convert the last thought as a reader into the first thought as a writer.
Photocopy the bookmark sheets back to back and cut them individually. Students reference the FRONT side when they are practicing BASIC constructed-response writing. Then, they use the BACK after learning the ingredients to a more POLISHED constructed response.
RACE bookmark | Yes MA’AM bookmark | CER bookmark
Expect readers to show their thinking.
Explain inferences in writing.
Take advantage of a consistent formula.
Write the 1st sentence.
Readers repeat key details from the question/prompt within the response.
Write the 2nd and 3rd sentences.
Readers include evidence to support their thinking.
Use sentence stems in class discussions.
Introduce evidence with blended sentences.
Readers know that all details are not evidence.
Google Jamboard Template
Goldilocks is a criminal
Remain neutral when asking How do you know? Have questions ready to encourage students to refer back to the text.
Readers know how to cite visual, audio, and video-based evidence.
Analyze photos, illustrations, and political cartoons for people/subjects, actions/activites, and setting/objects.
Within infographics, note the main idea/subject, data, source, text/words, visuals, and organization of the information.
Within video clips/movie excerpts, use the 2-column T-Chart to note the audio and visual details.
Write the 4th sentence.
Readers explain their thinking in a concluding statement.
Teacher Missy Biddinger (St. Joseph Consolidated School in Hamilton, OH) explained this joke to her students and compared it to writing the final sentence.
Practice converting inferences into constructed responses
All readers can practice making inferences using visuals. NOTE: There is no answer. It’s about being able to prove an inference and then communicate it in writing.
Provide 4 images and ask students
“Which one doesn’t belong?”
