Writing Prompt Types

Writing Prompt Types

Expository/informative, Persuasive, Narrative

Expository/Informative

• Writing that explains or informs

• Example prompt: Write an essay explaining why reality TV shows appeal to so many people.

• Common words: Explain, inform, analyze, compare, define

Persuasive

• Writing that persuades

• Example prompt: In recent years, music in languages other than English—including Spanish, Hindi, and Korean—has surged in popularity in the US. However, many radio stations still hesitate to play non-English tracks because they worry it might turn away listeners who don’t speak the language the song is in. Do you think US radio stations should play more non-English songs? Why or why not? Write an essay to support your opinion.

• Common words: Persuade, argue, prove, agree/disagree

Narrative

• Writing that tells a story. It can be fiction or nonfiction.

• Example prompt: Write a story about a time you learned a secret. What did you do with this information?

• Common words: Story, tale

Practice! What kind of writing is the prompt asking for?

Multiple Choice

Your teacher comes into the room and places a book on the desk. The book begins to move. Write about what adventure occurs when the book is opened and tell what you learn from this adventure.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

High school is the time when some students begin to look for part-time employment. What is a good part-time job for someone your age? Why would this job be appropriate for a teenager?

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Do children and teenagers learn more from their peers than from adults? Write an essay to support your opinion.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Many people have an activity or hobby they like. Choose one of your favorite activities and explain it to someone who doesn’t know much about it.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Research shows that people communicate messages about who they are by the clothing they wear. Explain how and in what ways you think clothing sends messages to other people.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Tell a true story about a time you really appreciated getting help from someone. You may have been given advice, given help with a project, been loaned something you needed, or given some other kind of help you appreciated.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Think of something you would like to have changed or added in your school. It could relate to a school policy, a facility or building, or course offerings. Take a position on one specific issue and convince others to agree with you.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Many people influence us. Sometimes they introduce us to a new interest or hobby, or sometimes they affect our views on things. Think of someone who has had a significant influence on you and tell a true story about it.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

We all get angry at times, but different people react in different ways. Some people show their anger openly, and some hide it within themselves. Explain and describe what you do when you get mad and how it affects you.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Currently, no US states allow teens to apply for full driver’s licenses before age 16.

Should states lower their legal driving ages? Write an essay to support your opinion.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Many people are convinced that violence on TV influences children and teens to be violent in real life. Do you think that this is true? Do you think that the violence on TV is responsible for increased violence among today’s youth? Take a stand on this issue, and write an essay to convince your reader of your position on whether TV causes violence in real life.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

On your birthday, a strange-looking lady came to your door and handed you a wrapped present. You rattled it. It made a noise. Write a story about this present.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Write an essay that describes the most critical steps communities can take to prepare for tornadoes.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

Write a tale about a careful, highly organized character whose plans go in an unexpected direction.

• Expository/Informative

• Persuasive

• Narrative

Open Ended

What will you do to figure out what kind of writing you are doing for the ISASP test?