Open Response

7 steps to writing a MATH open response

Facts about Math Open Response Open response questions are worth 4 points. Multiple choice and short answer are worth 1

point each. 20 out of 54 possible points are from the open

response questions. This means that 37% of the total possible points

come from answering these questions correctly. Therefore, open response questions will end up

determining if you are a proficient math student.

Step 1

Read the question and highlight or underline important information.

Read and underline/highlight

In the grid below, each square represents one square yard of land. Twenty carrot plants can fit in one square yard of land.

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Step 2

In parts a, b, and c, number the questions that you need to answer.

Number the question parts

a.1How many square yards are in Pedro’s garden? 2How many plants can fit in Pedro’s garden? 3 Show or explain how you got your answer.

Step 3

Use the question to help write a complete sentence and put a line highlighting the location of the answer.

Write a complete sentence.

a. 1How many square yards are in Pedro’s garden? 2How many plants can fit in Pedro’s garden?

____ square yards are in Pedro’s garden and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.

Step 4

At the end of the sentence, write the words…

“Show work:” or “Explain answer:”

Write “Show work” or “Explain answer”

A. ____ square yards are in Pedro’s garden and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.

Show work:

Step 5

Show work or explain answer where necessary.

Showing work or explaining answer

A. ____ square yards are in Pedro’s garden and ____ plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.

Show work:

Area= Length X width

3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2

9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants

Step 6

Write your answer on the blank line to complete the sentence.

Write answer in blank.

9 square yards are in Pedro’s garden and 180 plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.

Show work: Area= Length X width

3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2

9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants

Step 7

Re-read question and then re-read your answer to make sure that your answer makes sense.

Re-read question and answer

a. 1How many square yards are in Pedro’s garden? 2How many plants can fit in Pedro’s garden? 3 Show or explain how you got your answer.

A. 9 square yards are in Pedro’s garden and 180 plants can fit in Pedro’s garden.

Show work:Area= Length X width 3yds. By 3yds.= 9yds.2

9 x 20 carrots= 180 carrot plants

Repeat the 7 steps

Use the 7 steps process for parts b & c.

Review the 7 steps

1. Read the question and underline/highlight the important info.

2. Number the questions that you need to answer.3. Use the question to help you write a complete

sentence leaving a blank line for the answer.4. Write the words “Show work” or “Explain answer” at

the end of your sentence.5. Show your work or explain answer.6. Write answer in the sentence’s blank line.7. Re-read question and answer to make sure it

makes sense.

Final thought: “Don’t Forgets”

You must use your best penmanship. The answer and work to question “A”

should be right next to the letter “A”. You must make sure all parts of your

answer have the proper labels. For example:Stem/Leaf, key, x-axis,y-axis, bar notation, and titles on graphs.