Formula for RCR

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TS

CM

CD

CM

CD

TS+CD+CM+CS

A formula for crafting a Reader's Constructed Response

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CD

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Topic Sentence

TS

This sentence introduces the topic. Include the TITLE of the literature, AUTHOR'S NAME, and answer to the prompt.

Ex. In the story, "The Scarlet Ibis", James Hurst uses the symbol of the grindstone to show how causing his brother's death has changed the narrator forever.

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TS

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CD

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CD

Concrete Detail

CD

This sentence presents a specific detail from the text that supports your topic sentence.

Ex. For example, in the opening paragraph, the author writes, "A grindstone stands where the bleeding tree stood," showing the narrator's intense focus on the grindstone.

CS

TS

CD

CM

CD

CM

Commentary

CM

This sentence is your opinion about why you chose your previous concrete detail. (It should support your topic sentence.)

Ex. This means the grindstone is a Biblical allusion in which the passage explains the Biblical punishment for harming a child, and this matters because Hurst uses this symbol to indicate the narrator is guilty of the death of Doodle.

CS

TS

CM

CD

CD

CM

Concrete Detail #2

CD

This sentence presents a DIFFERENT specific detail from the text that supports your topic sentence.

Ex. In addition, the author furthers the symbolism of the grindstone when writing, "I sit in the cool, green-draped parlor, the grindstone begins to turn, and time with all its changes is ground away-and I remember Doodle."

CS

TS

CD

CM

CM

CD

Commentary #2

CM

This sentence is your opinion about why you chose your SECOND concrete detail. (It should support your topic sentence.)

Ex. This quote shows the author using the grindstone to evoke the idea of the punishment that remains with the narrator for years, as it reminds the narrator, even as an adult of his actions and blame for Doodle's death.

CS

TS

CM

CD

CD

CM

Closing Sentence

CS

This is the last sentence in your constructed response that concludes your writing.

Ex. When analyzing James Hurst's short story "The Scarlet Ibis", one can see how the grindstone symbolizes the permanent change and regret the narrator experiences after killing his brother.