Open Ended Response Evaluation: Odyssey Part I
Each response below has a weak “E” sentence. Read the original response and then rewrite the “E” to better
extend the answer. Think about what the reader learns based on the answer (A) and the evidence (C). Consider
using one of the sentence starters below.
Sentence Starters for the “EXPLANATION”:
This evidence reveals/shows/demonstrates that …
The author wants the reader to understand that …
The reader can infer that …
One can see from this …
When the character (makes this decision/says this quote) , we see that …
Sample Prompt 1: How does the encounter with Scylla demonstrate the idea of loyalty? Support your answer with
evidence from the text.
The section shows that Odysseus is loyal when he saves most of his men against Scylla. He lost six men but he saved most of
them showing that his loyalty to he is loyal to his men. “Scylla got six of Odysseus’ men from the ship.” The reader can infer
from him saving them that he is loyal to his men.
Improved “E”:
Sample Prompt 2: How does Odysseus use deception with the Cyclops? Support your answer with evidence from
the text.
Odysseus uses deception to give the Cyclops wine so when he falls asleep Odysseus and his men can kill him. “Three bowls I
brought him, and he poured them down” and “I drove my big hand spike deep in the embers , charring it again…” (page 10 &
11). As planned he fell asleep and he and his men drove their hot knife into his eye.
Improved “E”:
Sample Prompt 3: Who is responsible for Odysseus’ men’s deaths? Support your answer with evidence from the
text.
Odysseus is responsible for the death of his men. Odysseus says, “But as I sent them toward Scylla, I told them nothing, as they
could do nothing.” (pg 25) Odysseus knew that his men could and probably would get either harmed or killed and he sent them
to Scylla anyway.
Improved “E”:
Sample Prompt 4: The action of Odysseus’ men with the Cicones reveals what weaknesses? Support your answer
with evidence from the text.
The weakness that Odysseus’ men show is that they are impulsive and do not think about the consequences of their actions.
“And the new grief we bore with us to sea. We had our precious lives but not our friends.” This quote shows that Odysseus
and his men lost many men to a fight that did not need to happen.
Improved “E”:
Sample Prompt 5: How does Odysseus act as a hero in “The Lotus Eaters”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.
Odysseus acts as a hero in “The Lotus Eaters” by saving the remaining crew and warning them of Lotus. He shows this when he
tells us that “I drove them [the infected men] . . . to the ships…no one taste the Lotus, or you lose hope of home.” (pg 4)
Odysseus took action and saved them, otherwise they would’ve eaten the Lotus Flower and stayed there forever not
remembering their mission home.
Improved “E”: