SAQ(Short Answer Question)
An SAQ is divided into 3 parts.
● Part A
● Part B
● Part C
Each part should be answered using 4-
5 sentences.
● Use correct punctuation and spelling.
Do not abbreviate words.
Ex: you vs u with vs w because vs bc
● Write in complete sentences. Do not
use bullet points. Use punctuation!
SAQ(Short Answer Question)
*Always respond to an SAQ using T.E.A format
(total 4-5 sentences)
Most common command terms used in a prompt:
● Identify and explain: Provide an answer & give details
● Discuss: Provide details to prove your point
● Describe: Give a detailed account
How to write using T.E.AWe will begin slowly and work our way up to
3 SAQ’s for the Unit 3 Test.
uT- Topic (1 sentence)
uE- Evidence (1-2 sentences)
uA- Analysis (2 sentences and
includes the word “because”)
**SAQs will be appear as
modifications to your lessons so
check your planner for the
modification icon on each lesson.
Icon looks like
Tips for Writing an SAQ #1ALWAYS write in paragraph formatOne important geographical location in ancient Egypt
was the Nile river.
The Nile provided much needed water to crops and
animals and created a very rich empire.
Water is the most important resource in the universe;
without it there would be no land. So, because of the
abundance of water, Egyptians were able to create an
empire.
One important geographical location in ancient
Egypt was the Nile river. The Nile provided much
needed water to crops and animals and created a
very rich empire. Water is the most important
resource in the universe; without it there would be
no land. So, because of the abundance of water,
Egyptians were able to create an empire..
RIGHT!!
Tips for Writing an SAQ #2DO NOT QUOTE!--paraphrase instead
“If a man has destroyed the eye of a
member of the aristocracy, they shall
destroy his eye.” This would be considered
harsh these days.
If a man destroyed the eye or broke the bone of
a person from the upper class person, they
must do the same thing to themselves. If a man
destroys the eye or breaks the bone of a
commoner or slave the man pays a fine as his
punishment.
RIGHT!!
Tips for Writing an SAQ #3Topic Sentence
restates & answers the prompt
The Nile river provided water to
the area so that farmers could
grow crops and raise animals
One very important feature in
ancient Egypt was the Nile River.
RIGHT!!
Tips for Writing an SAQ #5Analysis is 2 sentences,
includes“because”statement,& uses evidence to prove topic sentence is correct
This reflects social class hierarchy
because everything is fair.
The social hierarchy of Mesopotamia
shows the upper class to be favored
because the punishments for crimes
against them were much harsher than the
punishment for crimes against a
commoner or slave. People at the top of
society in Mesopotamia were more
favored than those who were at the
bottom tier of society.
RIGHT!!
Tips for Writing an SAQ #4Evidence must be specific
Mesopotamian society contains
people of high value to the lowest
value.
Kings, Pharaohs, Gods, or high class
people get treated with respect. If
they lose an eye, the offender also
has to give his eye as punishment.
But, if a slave got hurt or killed, you
have to pay one-half of that slave’s
value.
RIGHT!!
MORE Tips for Writing an SAQ
Do not use the phrases:
● I think….
● I feel….
Use evidence not feeling to
support the topic sentence
Write your response as if you are
writing to your grandmother.
● I will not make assumptions. If you assume I
will know what you mean, you are wrong.
● Be specific. No vague statements. Do not
start topic sentence with a pronoun. (he,
she, they, them, it)
Simple SAQ Example: (Let’s try this one together)
Part A: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice cream
Part B: Describe one similarity that ice cream shares
with all other desserts.
Part C: Discuss how ice cream is different from a cookie.
Part A: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice
creamWhich T (topic sentence) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) It’s good.
B) One characteristic of ice cream is that it is cold.
C) Ice cream is cold.
B- It restates the prompt & provides the answer
Part A: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice
creamWhich E (evidence) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) Ice cream must stay frozen, so it is stored in the freezer.
B) So it doesn’t melt.
C) It is so good. Everyone likes ice cream.
A- Evidence is written in a complete sentence and is
SPECIFIC and supports topic sentence.
Part A: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice
creamWhich A (analysis) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) In conclusion, everyone likes ice cream because it is good to eat on a hot summer
day
B) It melts.
C) Ice cream must remain cold because it is made from milk. Since milk is a liquid, it
can melt.
C- 2 sentence of analysis that explains why the evidence
proves the topic sentence is true. Includes a “because” statement.
Part B: Describe one similarity that ice cream shares with other
desserts.
Which T (Topic Sentence) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) It is sweet.
B) Ice cream is similar to other desserts because it is sweet.
C) I don’t know.
B- It restates the prompt & provides the answer
Part B: Describe one similarity that ice cream shares with other
desserts.Which E (evidence) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) Desserts like brownies, cake, and cookies are also sweet.
B) I don’t really like dessert.
C) Dessert is my favorite part of a meal.
A- Evidence is written in a complete sentence and is
SPECIFIC and supports topic sentence.
Part B: Describe one similarity that ice cream shares with other
desserts.Which A (analysis) response is correct for prompt A? Answer in poll pod
A) Cookies are my favorite dessert. My mom makes really good chocolate chip
cookies.
B) Sugar, or some kind of sweetener, is used to make desserts.
C) Sugar is used to make desserts. Because sugar is used, desserts such as ice
cream, cakes, and cookies are sweet.
C- 2 sentence of analysis that explains why the evidence
proves the topic sentence is true. Includes a “because” statement.
How I grade your SAQs
Each part is worth 4 points.
● T- Topic (1 point)
● E- Evidence (1 points)
● A- Analysis (2 points)
*1 pt extra credit may be earned for an
exceptional response.
How to earn Points
T- 1 pt.--all or nothing. Restate the prompt & include the answer.
E- 1 pt.--Specific evidence used & you paraphrased evidence**DO NOT QUOTE**
A- 1 pt.--Analysis includes “because” statement & is a minimum of
2 sentences.
1 pt.--Analysis explains how evidence proves
topic sentence correct.
Your Turn to Grade: Put your score (out of 4) in the chat box
Prompt: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice cream
Ice cream is cold. Ice cream must stay frozen, so it is stored in
the freezer. In conclusion, everyone likes ice cream because it is
good to eat on a hot summer day
SCORE: T-- 0/1 *does not restate promptE-- 1/1 A-- 0/2 *Needs 2 sentences
* Does not use evidence to prove ice cream is cold
TOTAL: 1/4
Your Turn to Grade: Put your score (out of 4) in the chat box
Prompt: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice cream
One characteristic of ice cream is that it is cold. Ice cream must
stay frozen, so it is stored in the freezer. It melts.
SCORE: T-- 1/1E-- 1/1A-- 0/2 *Needs 2 sentences & “because” statement
* Does not use evidence to prove ice cream is cold
TOTAL: 2/4
Your Turn to Grade: Put your score (out of 4) in the chat box
Prompt: Identify and explain one characteristic of ice cream
One characteristic of ice cream is that it is cold. Ice cream
must stay frozen, so it is stored in the freezer. Ice cream
must remain cold because it is made from milk. Since
milk is a liquid, it can melt.SCORE: T-- 1/1
E-- 1/1A-- 1/2 *Needs 2 sentences & “because”
statement
TOTAL: 3/4
Your Turn to Grade: Put your score (out of 4) in the chat box
Prompt: Discuss how ice cream is different from a cookie.
Ice cream is different from a cookie because ice cream is
not baked when it is made. Martha Stewart says “Avoid
placing one sheet above another sheet in the oven, as
this causes uneven baking.”
SCORE: T-- 1/1E-- 0/1 * do not use quotes. Paraphrase in your own wordsA-- 0/2 *no analysis
TOTAL: 1/4
Your Turn to Grade: Put your score (out of 4) in the chat boxPrompt: Discuss how ice cream is different from a cookie.
Ice cream is different from a cookie because ice cream can melt
and cookies cannot. Ice cream when left out of the freezer, for
even a few minutes, will begin to melt. Cookies can be left out on
a table or plate and will never melt. This is because ice cream is
made from a liquid, while cookies are made from dry ingredients.
Dry ingredients don’t melt.
SCORE: T-- 1/1E-- 1/1
A-- 2/2 TOTAL: 4/4
And that is how you write aresponse to an SAQ!