Grade 4 & Grade 5 Reading Focus -  Better Response Formula

Our classroom  focus this year will be on developing written responses to reading.  We will be following the model explained in Ardith Cole's book, "Better Answers".  Students are expected to use this template to answer all reading responses.  

During writing activities, students will also use this colour-coding format to ensure all parts of  a paragraph are included.  

How to Write a Better Response:

1.Use the colour coded chart when writing a 'Better Answer'.  It will help you remember each part of your answer.

2. The red text is the restatement of the question in the answer.

3. The green text is the "gist" statement (What is the author’s message).

4.  The blue text is the supporting details from the text.  This may include a personal connection or direct quotation from the text).

5.  The purple text is the concluding statement.

Example Text:  The Lion and the Mouse

Question: Why did the Lion think that the Mouse would never be able to help him?

The lion thinks that the mouse will never be able to help him because the lion underestimated the mouse and thought that he was powerless.  In the text it states that the lion thought the mouse's offer of help was laughable.  He thought the mouse was too young and small, and that he (the lion) would never find himself in a situation where he could be helped by something as insignificant as a tiny mouse. That is why the lion doubts the mouse's abilities.