How to Write an Extended Response Paper

How to Write an Extended Response Paper
Standards:
Applies and explains organizational patterns of text (main idea, detail, plot, cause-effect)
Applies the writing process (drafting, revising, and editing)
Uses correct grammar, punctuation, and capitalization
Maintains focus and logical organization
Supports writing with details
Uses correct spelling in written work
Summarizes a variety of reading materials
Task:
You will be given one of the following three books. You will need to read your book and think
about the extended response question that goes with it.
Book 1 – Two Julias
Question for Two Julias - What did you learn about San Francisco’s history from reading this
story
Book 2 – The Case of the Missing Case
Question for The Case of the Missing Case – What did you learn about violins from reading this
story
Book 3 – A Visit to San Francisco
Question for A Visit to San Francisco – If you could visit San Francisco, what would you like to
see and do
After thinking about how you might answer your question, write a “how to” paper explaining
how someone could answer this question using an opening sentence, main ideas, details,
connections, and a closing sentence. Be sure to explain in detail to the reader what these five
things mean and how you would include them all in your answer. End your paper with a brief
summary (5 sentences or less) of the book that you read. Don’t forget to keep your writing
focused and organized.
When you have finished your first draft, have your writing edited by a peer and by the teacher,
then make the necessary revisions for a fantastic final copy.
**NOTE TO EDITORS** Not only should you check your peer’s writing for spelling, grammar,
punctuation, and capitalization, but you should be looking to see if they are organized, focused,
and have lots of details!

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How to Write an Extended Response Paper Rubric
1 2 3 4 5
Explanation of
main idea, details,
and connections
Incorrectly
explained what a
main idea is, what
details are, and
what connections
are
Correctly
explained 1 of the
following: main
idea, details,
connections
Correctly
explained 2 of the
following: main
idea, details,
connections
Correctly
explained what a
main idea is, what
details are, and
what connections
are
Writing process
Wrote a first draft
Wrote a first draft,
did not have it
edited, did not
make revisions,
wrote a final copy
Wrote a first draft,
had it edited by
the teacher or by a
peer, did not make
revisions, wrote a
final copy
Wrote a first draft,
had it edited by
the teacher or by a
peer, made
revisions, and
wrote a final copy
Wrote a first draft,
had it edited by
the teacher and by
a peer, made
revisions, and
wrote a final copy
Summary
Did not include
summary
Included few main
points in summary,
summary was not
brief (more than
10 sentences)
Included some
main points in
summary,
summary was
somewhat brief (6
– 10 sentences)
Included all main
points in summary,
summary was brief
(5 sentences or
less)
Spelling 6 or more errors 3 – 5 errors
No more than 2
errors
Grammar,
punctuation, and
capitalization
6 or more errors 3 – 5 errors
No more than 2
errors
Focus and Details
The paper has no
clear sense of
purpose or main
idea. There is no
real message.
Somewhat clear
and focused. It
holds the reader's
attention most of
the time. It
contains some
details to support
the main idea. The
main idea may not
be clear.
Clear, focused, and
interesting. It
holds the reader's
attention. Ideas
are fresh and
original. Related
details support the
main idea.
Organization
Not shaped yet.
The order of my
paper is jumbled
and confused.
Some really
smooth parts,
others need
work. The order
makes sense most
of the time.
Clear and
compelling. Has
chosen an
order that works
well and makes
the reader
want to find out
what comes next.