Quick Tips:
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Always make the question part of your answer.
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A good ASE is usually 3–5 sentences: one for the answer, one for the support, one (or two) for the elaboration.
A. S. E. (SCR Link)
ASE is my new acronym.
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A – Answer the Question
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Restate the question in your answer.
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Example: What motivates the protagonist? → The protagonist is motivated by greed.
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Not just “Greed.”
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S – Support with Evidence
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Give at least one example, detail, or quote.
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Tie it directly to the answer.
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Example: In the story, he takes money from his best friend even though he doesn’t need it.
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E – Elaborate
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Explain how the evidence proves your answer.
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Go beyond “This shows…” by clarifying the why.
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Example: This proves greed motivates him because he risks losing his only friendship just to gain more money.
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Full SCR using ASE: The protagonist is motivated by greed. In the story, he takes money from his best friend even though he doesn’t need it. This proves greed motivates him because he risks losing his only friendship just to gain more money.
100 points (Strong in all areas)
What motivates the protagonist?
(A) The protagonist is motivated by greed. (S) For instance, he takes money from his best friend even though he doesn’t need it. (E) This proves greed motivates him because he risks losing his only friendship just to gain more money. His choices show he values wealth above loyalty, and in the long run, this selfishness leaves him isolated.
85 points (Partial in one or more areas)
What motivates the protagonist?
(A) The protagonist is motivated by greed. (S) He takes money from his best friend. (E) This shows he is greedy because he wanted more money.
(Explanation connects, but it’s shallow—stops at “this shows” instead of pushing deeper.)
70 points (Minimal / Barely meets expectations)
What motivates the protagonist?
(A) The protagonist is motivated by greed (S) because he took money. (E) This shows he is greedy.
(Answer is too short, support is vague, elaboration repeats instead of deepening.)