Activity 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt

​Activity 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt

By Donna Kapa

Activity 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt

​Objectives

• review the characteristics of expository writing

• identify the topic, task, and expectations of an expository writing prompt

Activity 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt

​Assessment

• 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt quiz.

Activity 3.03 Breaking Down the Prompt

​Review

The characteristics of expository writing

Multiple Choice

You are writing a report on climate change. The heading you see in a section says “Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Cities.”
What is the most likely topic of this section?

• The history of ocean exploration

• The impact of sea level rise on cities

• How to build a boat

• The politics of city governments

Multiple Choice

Which text feature usually tells you the overall purpose or main idea of the entire article?

• Glossary

• Caption

• Table of contents

• Title

Drag and Drop

The ​ ​

Placeholder

is often located at the beginning of a textbook and lists the titles of chapters so you can preview the topics covered.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Table of Contents

Glossary

Foot Notes

Multiple Choice

Look at the chart titled “World Energy Use.” What does this chart most likely help you do?

• Learn the definition of global energy use

• Determine the author’s opinion

• Visualize changes in Global energy use over time

• Brainstorm solutions to minimize energy use in the future

Multiple Choice

A photograph of a factory with a caption reading “Coal plant emissions contribute to greenhouse gases” supports which likely purpose?

• Illustrate a cause of air pollution

• Persuade readers to build more factories

• Entertain readers with a scary story

• Describe a factory owner’s business philosophy

Drag and Drop

The signal words as a result, therefore, because indicate a ​ ​​

Placeholder

relationship between ideas.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

chronological

cause and effect

descriptive

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the primary purpose of expository writing?

• To entertain with fictional stories

• To argue for or against a position

• To explain, inform, or clarify a topic

• To persuade readers to take action

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best reflects the style of expository writing?

• “The storm was a monster, roaring across the plains.”

• “First, gather your materials. Then, follow these three steps to build your model.”

• “I believe everyone should try this recipe—it’s the best!”

• “What if you could live forever?”

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a common signal word for cause and effect?

• Because

• Therefore

• As a result

• Similarly

Expository Writing

• Purpose: To inform and explain an issue, problem, or concept.

• Tone: Neutral — no taking sides, no trying to persuade.

• Central Idea: Presented clearly so the reader understands the topic better.

Expository Writing

• Key Features:

  • Clear central idea

  • Facts, examples, and explanations

  • Signal words (because, for example, first, next, as a result) that show structure

  • Objective tone — no “I think” or “you should”

Multiple Choice

Read this passage:

“Some companies have experimented with shortening the work week from five days to four. Studies show this can lead to increased productivity and better employee well-being. However, others worry that it could reduce overall output.”

• To argue that all companies must adopt a four-day work week

• To persuade readers to demand shorter work weeks

• To explain the pros and cons of a four-day work week

• To entertain with a story about working less

Drag and Drop

Read this passage:

“Some companies have experimented with shortening the work week from five days to four. Studies show this can lead to increased productivity and better employee well-being. However, others worry that it could reduce overall output.”

The signal word in this passage that shows it uses a compare/contrast or pros/cons structure is​

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Studies

However,

others

Match

Matching:

Match the signal word to the text structure:

• Because

• Likewise

• To begin

• As a result

• Temporary fixes

Cause/Effect

Compaer/Contrast

Chronological

Cause/Effect

Problem/Solution

• Cause/Effect

• Compaer/Contrast

• Chronological

• Cause/Effect

• Problem/Solution

​The Prompt

In the world of academic writing, finding a starting point can feel tricky.

Good news: prompts are here to help!

A prompt is like a GPS for your writing — it guides you toward your destination.

When you read a prompt, look for keywords — especially action verbs and signal words — that tell you what to do.

​The Prompt

In the world of academic writing, finding a starting point can feel tricky.

Good news: prompts are here to help!

A prompt is like a GPS for your writing — it guides you toward your destination.

When you read a prompt, look for keywords — especially action verbs and signal words — that tell you what to do.

​The Prompt

After reading the two articles on automation in the workplace, write a multi-paragraph essay that explains how advances in automation are changing job roles and worker skills.

Multiple Choice

Read the following prompt:

After reading two texts about renewable and non-renewable energy sources, write a multi-paragraph informational essay that examines the relationship between these energy types, especially in terms of their impact on the environment.

Which structure would best fit this essay type?

• Problem/Solution

• Chronological

• Cause/Effect

• Compar/Contrast

Multiple Choice

Read the following prompt:

After reading two texts about the rise of food waste in the United States, write a multi-paragraph informational essay that explains the problem of food waste and presents two or more solutions supported by evidence from the texts.

Which structure would best fit this essay type?

• Problem/Solution

• Chronological

• Cause/Effect

• Compar/Contrast