Same Writing › Answering questions › TAG
What is the TAG writing strategy?
TAG is a three-step formula for answering a question: Turn the question into a statement, Answer it, and Give evidence from the text. It teaches kids to write complete answers that use the question's own words.
- Turn: “Why do owls hunt at night?” becomes “Owls hunt at night because...”
- Answer: finish that sentence.
- Give evidence: a detail or quote from the text.
Why schools teach it
Turning the question is half the answer
Kids are expected to answer questions by referring to the text (RI.3.1, RI.4.1). The hardest part for many is starting. TAG gives them a first move: reuse the question's words.
TAG has no explain step, so it's common for shorter answers. Many classes move from TAG to ACE or RACE as kids learn to explain their evidence.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Turn the question around. Start with its words.
TurnNow finish the sentence with your answer.
AnswerWhat in the text tells you that?
Give evidenceDoes your answer make sense without the question?
Skip this
- Starting with “Because” or “So.”Turn the question so the answer stands alone.
- Evidence from your own life.TAG evidence comes from the text.
- Rewriting the whole question word for word.Turn it into a statement, not a copy.
See it in action
Answering “What do koalas eat?”
Turn the question
Koalas eat...Answer it
Koalas eat leaves from eucalyptus trees.Give evidence
The text says, “Koalas eat up to a kilogram of eucalyptus leaves a day.”
Question words help: why → because; how → by; what → name the thing.
Free practice sheet
Make a TAG sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
What's the difference between TAG and RACE?
TAG has no Explain step. RACE adds an explanation of the evidence.
Is TAG ever used for longer answers?
Some teachers add “Add your thinking” to make TAG+ for longer answers.
My child can't turn the question.
Read the question aloud, then start the sentence for them with its words and let them finish.
Does the evidence need quotation marks?
If it's copied word for word, yes. If it's in their own words, no.