How to Interpret a Prompt

1. How to Interpret a Prompt

2. Issue • What is the issue/problem that the prompt is asking? • You have to be able to cut through the details to get to the core question. • You can use the details later in the evidence part, if needed.

3. Issue The arts curriculum in high school often includes visual art, music, dance, and theater. Some educators, concerned about the academic progress of students, have suggested eliminating arts education in high school. They argue that not having these classes would allow more time for students to study the basics: English, Math, Science, and History.

4. Issue • The penny is a coin that has been a part of the United States monetary system since almost the beginning of our country. With prices always on the increase, some people are in favor of abolishing the penny. Today, it actually costs more than a penny to make a penny. Other people disagree and worry that prices will increase even faster if stores have to round up prices to the nearest nickel.

5. Purpose or Task • You must determine What you are supposed to do. • This is what you use for your thesis statement.

6. Purpose or Task • Write an editorial for the school newspaper in which you defend that in order to win, others must lose or that when one wins, everyone wins through cooperation. Try to convince the readers of your viewpoint. Include reasons, examples, and evidence to convince your readers to agree to your position.

7. Purpose or Task Write a paper to be presented to the city council in which you describe your ideas for a program that can help bridge the generation gap between teenagers and senior citizens. Try to persuade them that your program should be adopted. Use reasons, examples and evidence to convince them to adopt it.

8. Purpose and Task • Write a letter to mayor in which you either defend the teen curfew or oppose the teen curfew. Clearly state your position and support it with reasons and examples. Try to convince the mayor to agree with your position.

9. Audience and Format • To whom are you writing? • This will determine what language to use. • What format should you use? • Letter? • Essay? • Editorial? • Speech? • Composition?

10. Audience and Format • Write an editorial for the school newspaper in which you defend that in order to win, others must lose or that when one wins, everyone wins through cooperation. Try to convince the readers of your viewpoint. Include reasons, examples, and evidence to convince your readers to agree to your position.

11. Audience and Format • Write a letter to mayor in which you either defend the teen curfew or oppose the teen curfew. Clearly state your position and support it with reasons and examples. Try to convince the mayor to agree with your position.

12. Audience and Format • Write a speech to the city council convincing them that they should build a new skate park in your neighborhood.

13. Use T.A.P.E. • T = Topic • A=Audience • P=Purpose • E=Essay Format

14. 1 Writing Situation Recently, there has been keen attention given to the affects that Hip Hop has on today’s youth. Some argue that it has contributed to the deterioration of our society’s moral fabric…declaring, “It has poisoned America.” Others, on the other hand, express that Hip Hop should not be held responsible for raising our nation’s children, parents should. Writing Directions Write an essay to be read to Congress, convincing it that Hip Hop is or is not hurting today’s teenagers. Be sure to include reasons and examples to support your position.

15. 2 Writing Situation: Immigration has recently become a contentious issue in the United States. Some people believe that illegal immigrants are responsible for the increase in crime and the increase of taxes being spent for healthcare for the uninsured, and therefore should be immediately deported. Others believe that many of today’s illegal immigrants are beneficial to the country because they work undesirable jobs and help support agriculture, and therefore should be allowed to stay in the United States. Directions For Writing: Write a letter to governor in which you support or oppose a bill that demands that illegal immigrants in your state be immediately deported if discovered. Be sure to use convincing evidence to support your ideas.

16. 3 Writing Situation: On June 4, 2010, Governor Sonny Perdue signed a new law that bans texting while driving. However, the law allows drivers to use mobile GPS and to view emails from their cell phones. The legislature is considering a total ban on cell phone usage while driving. Governor Perdue has asked the sponsors of the bill to resolve the issues with future legislation. Writing Directions: Write a letter to your state. Convince the senator whether or not the new law should also include a total ban on cell phone usage while driving. Be sure to use convincing reasons to support your arguments.

17. 4 Writing Situation Most people have a special person who he/she admires. This special person could be a family member, a teacher or coach, someone in the community or a celebrity or athlete. Writing Directions Think about the person you admire. Write a composition to your classmates, explaining to them why you look up to this person. Be sure to use specific details to support your main points.

18. Practice • Now practice with the sheet of topics provided. (homework)