Short Answer The Jane Schaffer Method

Essential Question: How does the JS method help me respond to questions in a more thoughtful way?

The Method

    Topic Sentence Concrete Detail Commentary Commentary

Topic Sentence

  Take the question and use it to start your answer to the question. ◦ Begin with In “Title,” ◦ Phrase the response so that it reads like a response and answer the question. Example: ◦ In “Leaping Lizards,” what is one character trait that Scales possesses?  In “Leaping Lizards,” Scales is character trait

Topic Sentence continued…

  Add the word because and your reason.

◦ In “Leaping Lizards,” Scales is courageous because he saves the baby squirrel from the owl. Your because statement should support your answer.  Notice that “because he saves the baby squirrel from the owl” supports that Scales is courageous.

Topic Sentence Practice

    Take the following questions and turn them into your topic sentences.

In “Little Red Riding Hood,” what is one conflict Little Red faces during her walk?

Based on the actions in “The Three Little Bears,” what is Goldilocks’ biggest problem?

Why does the simile in paragraph six apply to the narrator’s feelings?

Concrete Detail

    ◦ ◦ The quote or proof that your answer is valid. Intro your proof with a “lead.” ◦ The author states, “quote.” Little Red says, “quote.” For example, “quote.” Concrete detail should not echo the topic sentence. The narrator states, “He hesitated only a moment, and then pulled the squirrel to safety just as the owl swooped in for the kill.”

Commentary

   This is your analysis or explanation about how your answer applies to the question. Commenting at least twice allows you, the writer, to explain your thoughts completely. This analysis doesn’t just summarize what happens; it looks into the deeper meaning about the concept(s) you’re discussing.

Commentary Examples

 Despite his initial fear of owls, Scales is able to overcome his fear in order to save his friend. He learns that an act of courage can change his life forever.

Put it all together

In “Leaping Lizards,” Scales is courageous because he saves the baby squirrel from the owl. The narrator states, “He hesitated only a moment, and then pulled the squirrel to safety just as the owl swooped in for the kill.” Despite his initial fear of owls, Scales is able to overcome his fear in order to save his friend. He learned that an act of courage can change his life forever.

Summary / Reflection

Please answer the essential question. Once you’ve answered the EQ, I want you to summarize the main points from the notes.