This chapter contains an in-depth look at using the restate-the-question strategy to improve student writing in the classroom, in high stakes testing, and in content-area assessment. The author describes the strategy as both a real-world skill and a portal to good answers in spoken and written form.

This chapter contains an in-depth look at using the restate-the-question strategy to improve student writing in the classroom, in high stakes testing, and in content-area assessment. The author describes the strategy as both a real-world skill and a portal to good answers in spoken and written form. She offers examples of restating a question along with a discussion of the vocabulary to be used when forming open-ended and closed restatements. Also provided are approaches to helping students learn to apply the strategy. Suggested resources for developing a restatement lesson include fairy tales, NPR interviews, and released state assessment questions. Additionally, the article offers teacher support ideas helpful when scripting a restatement; integrating partner collaboration; and assessing student application of the strategy. (author/ebm/jrs)