A brief constructed response question or item requires the student to write a "brief constructed response." The question assesses the student's comprehension of factual knowledge.

The BCR should take the form of a short essay (one or more paragraphs) and should be written within a 3 to 5 minute period.

In formulating a BCR, the student demonstrates his/her ability...

• to put together ideas to write a description or an explanation
• to make comparisons
• to make contrasts
• to define
• to select evidence that will support ideas (justify)
• to identify advantages and disadvantages
• to analyze charts, illustrations, data.

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The BCR Item or Question

After reading the stimulus material (assignment, novel, passage, etc.), the student is presented with the BCR item.

Example: "Describe the conflict between the main character and her mother. Explain how the author resolved the conflict. Be sure to include details and examples to support your answer."
A BCR item usually has three parts.
Question	Follow-up	Reminder
Directly asks the student for information, or for an explanation	*May include the higher level thinking component	"Include details and examples to support your answer."

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Helpers:

Anchor Word	What to Do
1. Describe	Give details.
2. Explain	Give the reasons or steps.
3. Summarize	Briefly state the main points.
4. Compare	Point out similarities.
5. Contrast	Point out differences.
6. Illustrate	Give examples.
7. Discuss	Tell about the topic from all angles.
8. List	Give no details, just items.
9. Justify	Give proof/evidence.

Building Levels of Cognitive Demand
Competence	Skills Demonstrated	Anchor Word(s)
Knowledge	Make observations Know vocabulary Know basic concepts Know definitions Recall information	Find Show Name Choose List Define Label
Comprehension	Interpret facts Compare and contrast simple ideas Identify relationships	Compare Contrast Order
Application	Apply learned information to abstract and real life situations Solve problems using required skills Use concepts and theories in abstract situations and real life	Describe Explain how Apply
Analysis	Identify/describe cause and effect Make inferences Make a decision Recognize unstated assumptions	Analyze Decide Extend
Synthesis	Generalize from given facts Make Predictions Draw conclusions Relate information/knowledge from several sources	Summarize Generalize Substitute Predict
Evaluation	Verify the value of evidence Make choices based on reasoned argument Compare and discriminate between ideas	Justify Explain why Conclude Support Judge