Constructed-Response Strategy for the CSET

Mar
15

Filed Under CSET English, CSET Multiple Subject |

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Many teacher candidates studying for the CSET confuse constructed-responses with essay responses.

For the CSET, you are not writing an essay response. An essay response involves a thesis, body, and conclusion. If you attempt to write in essay response format, you will run out of time.

Think constructed-response when preparing for the CSET.

Writing Constructed-Response Answers

1. Read the question before you read the passage. The idea is to know what the question is asking for so that you know what you should be looking for as you read the passage.

2. You can write in the text booklet, use this to your advantage. Mark the keywords in the question. The key words are the verbs, character names, and key literary terms.

3. Rewrite the question in your own words, then turn that question into a topic sentence answer. Your first sentence should restate the question, but not answer it.

Example: Describe why students get excited about vacation?

Response 1: Students get excited about vacation because they like free time and sleeping late.

This is a bad response because you have said so much in your first sentence, that you have nowhere to go. It is hard to add more ideas, when you have said so much in your first sentence.

Response 2: Students get excited about vacation for several reasons.

This is a good first sentence. You have left yourself plenty of room to go on and describe more details in future sentences.

4. Go back to the passage and collect the needed information. Make sure you get the relevant details (if the question asks for 3 details, make sure you find 3 details).

5. Organize the details into a logical order.

6. Write your answer neatly.

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