2022 Short Response

• Preview the questions before reading the text

• Break down questions by isolating the question word and identifying the targeted skill

• Read the text and annotate using the questions to guide you

• Answer the Question using R.A.C.E. *Be sure to do the C & E in R.A.C.E TWICE

Let's read the article "Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library."

Question to consider:

-Based on paragraphs 6 and 13, what is the author’s purpose for writing the article? Use two details from the article to support your response.

• According to the (text, author) . . .

• According to paragraph ___ of the article, it states . . .

• For example, the (article, author, narrator, text) states that . . .

• For instance, the text (says, states, explains) . . .

• The writer goes on to say . . . (use as a follow up to a previous quote)

• In other words . . .

• This information/quote/evidence (shows, Illustrates, demonstrates) . . .

• The evidence is clear that . . .

• This quote suggests . . .

• This evidence proves . . .

Model Answer:

Based on paragraphs 6 and 13, the author’s purpose for writing the article is to illustrate the importance of Thomas Jefferson’s love of reading and its impact on the United States. In paragraph 6, “At the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Tom used all he knew, from all the books he’d read, to write the Declaration of Independence. These words started a new country, the United States of America.” This evidence clearly illustrates that Thomas' extensive knowledge gained through his love of literature gave him the ability to write possibly one of our nations most well known and beloved historic documents. In paragraph 13, the author states, "He couldn't let his country go without a library." The author is eluding to Jefferson's love for the United States by the sizeable donation of books he made to the Library of Congress. This quote also shows the value Jefferson placed on Libraries, illustrating his love of books.