Rules / thoughts for written answers to questions

[riceball72]

Dear Teachers

I posted this request in the 'Ask a Teacher Forum' but thought this might be a more suitable place for it.

I am asking for your opinions, what you remembering being taught at school and what expectations you have with your students with regards to answering questions - written form.

I would appreciate it if you could give me your opinion based on what you as a native speaker would do when answering a comprehension question connected with a story, and also what your expectations for non-native speakers are.

I am talking about things like:
1. how much of the questions should be included in the answer...
2. should the answer use the same words as in the story or the students own words etc etc....

Can you remember any 'rules' you were taught when it came to answering questions?

Can any recommend any good websites or books that deal with this matter.

I am just trying to get a broader perspective on this topic and have had no luck finding information on the web......

thanks in advance
riceball

[sandgrain]

Students should answer using their own words as far as
possible to show they have understood, without copying
chunks from the questions.