This document provides guidance on writing responses for a 9th grade TAKS exam. It states that responses should have 4 sentences, with the first answering the question and the second explaining why the answer is correct. The third and fourth sentences should each include a quote from the text as proof of the answer. Examples are given demonstrating how to prove that a character is the murderer by referencing their actions and thoughts described in the text. Students are advised to check their spelling, punctuation, and that their response includes the necessary components.

1. Chunking Your survival formula for 9 th grade TAKS!

2. What is Required Four sentences First sentence MUST answer the question. (opinion) Second sentence tells WHY your answer is correct. (opinion).

3. What is Required Third Sentence gives PROOF that your answer is correct and needs to contain an EMBEDDED quote. Fourth Sentence gives PROOF that your answer is correct and needs to contain an EMBEDDED quote.

4. DON’T Don’t use YOU anywhere in your answer Don’t use phrases like “In my opinion. . .” “I believe. . .” etc. Don’t misspell words!

5. DO Check your spelling Check your punctuation Check for FOUR COMPLETE sentences Check to make sure your first sentence answers the question Make sure your proof PROVES your answer

6. Example 1 How does the author prove John was the murderer? Answer: The author proves that John is the murderer. John is the person with the weapon. “The gun was held loosely in his hand.” “He move slowly through the halls in search of a victim.”

7. Example 1 (contd) How does the author prove John was the murderer? Answer: The author proves that John is the murderer. John is the person with the weapon. “ The gun was held loosely in his hand.” “ He move slowly through the halls in search of a victim.”

8. Example 2 How does the author prove John was the murderer? Answer: The author shows that John is the murderer when he gives evidence throughout the story that John is guilty. He tells the reader what John is doing and thinking to show the John is the killer. The author states that John “carried the gun lightly in his hand” when he is looking for his girlfriend, proving that John had the murder weapon. While he is walking through the hall, John thinks that he will find “another victim” showing that he has already had at least one victim.

9. Example 2 (contd.) How does the author prove John was the murderer? The author shows that John is the murderer when he gives evidence throughout the story that John is guilty. He tells the reader what John is doing and thinking to show the John is the killer. The author states that John “carried the gun lightly in his hand” when he is looking for his girlfriend proving that John had the murder weapon. While he is walking through the hall, John thinks that he will find “another victim” showing that he has already had at least one victim.