Writing Situation:
Teachers and educational experts say that TV is rotting the mind of today’s youth. They maintain that young people watch far too much television. Do you think this is true? Do you think that children watch too much television? Should parents restrict the number of hours their children watch?
Writing Directions:
Write an opinion essay to convince your parents of your point of view on this issue. Should parents limit your TV viewing? Be sure to use reasons and examples to support your response.

• informative
• opinion
• narrative

Writing Situation:
Your school is considering changing the date of the annual field day from spring to fall. Those who want to keep the spring date feel spring is a perfect time for field day as a celebration of the hard work throughout the year. Those who want to change the date feel fall is the perfect time for getting families involved with the school early in the year. The school council is asking students to share their opinions.
Writing Directions:
Should school change the annual field day from spring to fall? After reading the situation, write a letter to the school council in which you answer the question and explain your reasons. Give several examples to support your opinion.

• informative
• opinion
• narrative

Writing Situation:
Everyone has the potential to be a hero.  Even one small action or word may turn one into a hero.  Heroes are often characterized by traits of bravery, courage, devotion, integrity, and intelligence.
Writing Directions:
Write a report for your literacy class describing a time in which you have been a hero.

• informative
• opinion
• narrative

Writing Situation:
Bullying has become a major problem in our schools today. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. Calling names and talking bad about someone are the main ways bullying can be spotted, but even ignoring someone or leaving someone out of an event can be a sign of bullying.
Writing Directions:
Think of a time that you have been or seen someone being bullied. Write an article for your school newspaper telling about this event. Remember to describe how it made you feel and what you learned from the situation.

• informative
• opinion
• narrative

Writing Situation:
The 5th grade students are going to be learning about the Civil War in Social Studies, and Ms. Mills wants to give the students a head start.
Writing Directions:
After reading the passage, “American Civil War,” write an article in which you summarize the causes of the Civil War, and explain the differences between the views of the North and the South. Give several examples from the text to support your article.
***This prompt would be a 90 minute write with an article to read.***

• informative
• opinion
• narrative

Writing Situation:
Heroes are a valuable part of our world and everyone’s daily life. When we look at their lives, wee see many traits of qualities they have in common.
Writing Directions:
Write a speech you will present to your class. Identify traits heroes possess and provide examples of these qualities. Be sure to explain why these qualities are important.

• informative
• opinion
• narrative