What type of prompt is it?

What type of writing prompt is it?

By Lauren Ferguson

Poll

Sometimes it can be hard to understand what type of essay to write when I read a prompt for our glove writing.

• I agree! This can be confusing!

• I disagree, it's easy for me.

Today's lesson is going to teach you about uncovering the mystery of what to type!

You as an author have 3 purposes for writing.

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain​

Persuasive text tries to convince the reader that their idea is the best. They state an idea and reasons to support their idea. ​

For example: when we wrote to Mr. Meredith about the new playground or field trip. ​

​

Informational text tells the reader facts or information about a topic.

​

For example: when we wrote about what we would do for inside recess, ​when we wrote about our favorite sport or hobby

​

Entertaining texts tells the reader a story that can be true or untrue so they can be entertained.

​

For example: the hidden treasure story, the story about someone visiting your school. ​

Open Ended

What are the three purposes an author has for writing?

When you see a writing prompt, you have to figure out are they asking you to persuade, inform or entertain?​

1. First look for key words in the writing task. ​

Persuading key words include:

• ​Write a persuasive letter

• ​Urge your readers

• Write a speech to​ convince

• Write a letter to your principal about why...

​

Informing key words include:​

• Write to explain why...

• Write about making/doing...

• Explain the...

• Write an article for...

• ​Explain what animal/person...

• Describe...​

​

Entertaining key words include:​

• ​Make up a story..

• Tell a true story..

• ​Write a narrative about...

• From your own experience, tell about...​

Multiple Choice

Most people make an object with their own hands. Write about making something with your own hands or watching another person make something.

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is inform correct?

Multiple Choice

Jump out of bed! Look out the window! It's a perfect weather day! Write a story about a day when the weather seemed perfect.

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is entertain correct?

Multiple Choice

Your principal is thinking of building a new playground and needs your ideas. Write a letter to your principal telling him what equipment you need on the new playground.

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is persuade correct?

Multiple Choice

People find different ways to enjoy their free time. Some people play sports, others have hobbys. What do you like to do for fun? Write about your sport or hobby. Describe how to do the sport or hobby.

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is inform correct?

Multiple Choice

Describe what you like to do inside when it is raining? What type of activities do you enjoy indoors? How do you stay busy?

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is inform correct?

Multiple Choice

Finish the story. Tell what happens to Amy and her mom.

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Why is entertain correct?

After you decide the type of text, then you have to format your writing.

If the genre is entertain (or a story) you need to write a story.

​

If you are persuading you need to use the 5 paragraph essay

structure.

If you are informing, you can also use the 5 paragraph essay structure.

​

Each paragraph can be about 1 topic specifically.​

Multiple Choice

Finish the story. Tell what happens to Amy and her mom.

• Essay (topic/detail)

• Story (problem/solution)

Multiple Choice

Your principal is thinking of building a new playground and needs your ideas. Write a letter to your principal telling him what equipment you need on the new playground.

• Essay (topic/detail)

• Story (problem/solution)

Multiple Choice

Jump out of bed! Look out the window! It's a perfect weather day! Write a story about a day when the weather seemed perfect.

• Essay (Topic/details)

• Story (problem/solution)

Multiple Choice

Describe what you like to do inside when it is raining? What type of activities do you enjoy indoors? How do you stay busy?

• Essay (topic/detail)

• Story (problem/solution)

Multiple Choice

People find different ways to enjoy their free time. Some people play sports, others have hobbies. What do you like to do for fun? Write about your sport or hobby. Describe how to do the sport or hobby.

• Essay (topic/detail)

• Story (problem/solution)