How to answer a short answer questionpart 1 of the “success in civics” series

What is your instructor looking for in a short answer?

what do you remember?

Can you reproduce what you know?

can you demonstrate your understanding of the topic or idea/concept?

adapted from www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/study/exam-it/3.2.xml

know your directions

List - briefly note or state specific information in a list

Explain - clarify, interpret, elaborate on the material; give reasons for differences of opinion ; analyze causes

Compare - identify characteristics or qualities that resemble each other; emphasize similarities and mention differences

adapted from www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/study/exam-it/3.2.xml

know your directions

Describe - state the most noticeable qualities or features

Name/Identify - give the term by which something is known; establish the distinguishing characteristics of a person, group, idea, or thing

Discuss - point out the features and express some form of critical judgement

adapted from www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/study/exam-it/3.2.xml

answering the question

There are many benefits to having a republican government. One benefit is that because the laws are made by elected representatives, there is a greater likelihood that the lawmakers will create laws that are fair and that serve the common welfare. Another benefit of a republican government is that the common citizens have greater freedom and thus lead more comfortable and secure lives.

QUESTION:List the benefits of a republican government.

Answering the question

John Locke was an English philosopher who believed that the main purpose of government is to protect the basic rights of its citizens. Locke believed that for government to be effective, the citizens had to enter into a social contract, wherein citizens consent to follow rules/laws created by the government in return for protection of their rights. The Bill of Rights lists the rights that our government strives to protect. For example, the government protects our right to free speech. However, this does not mean that we can slander someone’s name. Our social contract with the government protects our rights, but it also protects the rights of others. Laws are established to ensure that those who publicly tell lies about a person will be punished. The social contract we enter into with the community we live in makes us well aware of the compromises that need to be made when living with others.

QUESTION: Explain how Locke’s ideas about the social contract helped to build the American government we have today.

answering the question

Compare/Contrast George Washington’s beliefs about civility and decent behavior with your own beliefs about civility and decent behavior.

Compare the organization of your school government to that of a republican government such as that of the US.

answering the question

Describe a situation in which basic rights clash with the common welfare.

Describe your “regular” school day under a “state of nature.”

answering the question

Identify the separate powers of each branch of the US government.

Identify the political philosophers whose ideas helped shape our republican form of government.

answering questions

Discuss the significance of the social compact in the success of a republican government.

Discuss the significance of the rule of law in maintaining a republican government.

short answer evaluation

overall quality of the answer

Does your answer display a sound understanding of the subject matter and course material

Does your answer demonstrate clear and correct grammar, mechanics, and style? Is the language you used appropriate for 7th grade level work?

Does the answer reflect a correct use of general and specific vocabulary?

from http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/tales/02-2/short_essay_guide.html

short answer evaluation

completeness and thoughtfulness of the answer

Does the support used in your answer correspond to the information sought in the question?

Does your explanation or identification display a sound and thorough understanding of the matter in question?

Does your answer reflect your thoughtful consideration of the material?

from http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/tales/02-2/short_essay_guide.html