Short Answer Response Structure

Overall Structure
The structure of a short answer response is unlike an essay or your typical TEEL paragraph. You do
not need a formal introduction or conclusion as separate paragraphs.

Paragraph 1
- Introduction, state your direct answer the question, use key words from the
question and words from your unit.
- Example, your example, direct quote or paraphrased.
- Explain, explain the example in detail.
- Repeat example and explain

Paragraph 2
- Topic, state how your second example links to your answer.
- Example, your example, direct quote or paraphrased.
- Explain, explain the example in detail.
- Repeat example and explain

Paragraph 3 (Optional)
- Topic, state how your third example links to your answer.
- Example, your example, direct quote or paraphrased.
- Explain, explain the example in detail.
- Conclusion, restate your overall answer to the question, using words from the
question and your unit.

Tips:
 Quality over quantity, a few examples that are explained well are better than
lots of little examples.
 Be succinct and concise.
 Try not to repeat yourself
 Remember to rephrase the question in your own words.
 Use formal language throughout.
 Short Answer Response Structure

Paragraph 1 Breakdown
Introduction
- Directly answer the question, using words from the question and concepts learned in the topic.
- One sentence, do not make it long, be succinct and concise.

Example
- Provide an example that illustrates your point, introduce what it is.
- Use a direct quote (“ “), or indirect quote (re-phrase your example).
- Hints for writing quotes:
o If you leave out some words, use ellipses: The mayor stated it was “official…under the health
act”
o If you need to change a word (e.g. from ‘talk’ to ‘talking)’ use square brackets: the characters
“were talk[ing] about…”

Explanation
- Explain how your example works to illustrate your point.
- Be specific, use words and concepts you have learned throughout the unit.

Practice Question:
Discuss how language features have been used to present a perspective in the text provided.

Introduction:

Example then Explain and repeat as necessary.