Review: Writing an Evidence-Based Response

Combine inference, evidence, and explanation into a complete written answer.

An evidence-based response brings together every comprehension skill. A reliable structure is: answer, evidence, explanation, and, when needed, a second piece of evidence with explanation, ending with a closing link back to the question. Suppose the question is: 'How does the author show that the old lighthouse keeper values his work? ' After reading a passage, a strong response might be: 'The author shows that the keeper deeply values his work through his careful routines.

The text states that he 'polished the great lens every evening, even on clear nights when no ships passed'. Polishing it when no one would notice shows he cares about doing the job right, not about being seen. Later, he refuses to leave during a storm, saying the light 'is my promise to every sailor'. Calling it a promise shows he sees the job as a duty to others. Together, these details reveal a man whose work is part of who he is. ' Answer, evidence, explanation, repeated, then a closing.

• 1Answer the question directly first.
• 2Give evidence, then explain it; repeat if needed.
• 3Close by linking back to the question.