A constructed response is a type of open-ended essay question that demonstrates cognitive
knowledge and reasoning. The answer must be provided using information that can be found in
a particular text or other prompt (map, picture, graphic organizer, etc.) and is not meant to
demonstrate opinion, but to show how you are able to extract information and use this as the
basis for forming a complete answer.
To understand and answer the constructed response question, the easiest way is to memorize
the acronym, “DEER”. This stands for define term & state a topic sentence from the question,
give an example from the text, explain the example, and refer back to the question
(conclusion).
D – define term and state a topic sentence from the question
E – give example(s) from the text
E - explain the example(s)
R– refer back to the question