Expository or Persuasive?

Students often learn how to budget their time in order to complete important tasks and still have time for themselves. Explain how learning to budget time is an important skill for students. Use specific details and examples in your response.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This prompt is expository because it's asking the writer to EXPLAIN

Think about how daily life, from reading to playing games to communicating with others, has changed over the past hundred years because of technology. Using specific details and examples, explain how these advancements in technology have changed daily life.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is expository because it's asking the writer to EXPLAIN

American jazz legend Duke Ellington said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Explain the meaning of this statement and whether you agree or disagree with it. Use specific details and examples in your response.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is expository because it's asking the writer to EXPLAIN the meaning of the quote and then to PERSUADE whether you agree or disagree

The Roman philosopher Cicero wrote, "Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself." However, parents, friends, and teachers often offer advice. Should people listen to their own advice or to the advice of others? Use specific details and examples to support your response.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is persuasive because it's asking the writer to choose one side.

There is a common saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Think of something that has an unattractive appearance but that has special meaning to someone for other reasons. It might be an old car, a well-used toy, a faded photograph, or something else. Identify the object and explain why it has special meaning.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is expository because it's asking the writer to identify and explain.

Describe what it would be like to live on another planet. Use your imagination and use as much descriptive language as possible. Use specific details and examples to support your response.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is neither expository or persuasive! It's actually a descriptive prompt, which is not one of the types of prompts on the SOL.

Some people think that schools should offer only nutritious drinks such as white milk, water, and natural fruit juice. Do you agree or disagree with this policy? Use specific details and examples to convince your principal to accept your position.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is persuasive because it's asking the writer to disagree or agree with the idea.

Many schools have partnerships with local companies and organizations that allow students to explore certain professions. Write a letter to the manager of a local workplace that performs the type of work you would like to pursue. Convince the employer to allow you to visit. Include details about why you chose that workplace and the specific job.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

While this prompt has a lot of information, it's most closely a persuasive prompt because it's asking the writer to CONVINCE the employer.

Sometimes people recognize similarities between themselves and a character from a book or a movie. Write about a character from a book or a movie who you think is similar to you. What do you have in common with this character? Use specific details and examples in your response.

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is expository because it's asking the writer to explain

The Roman philosopher Cicero wrote, "Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself." However, parents, friends, and teachers often offer advice. Should people listen to their own advice or to the advice of others? Use specific details and examples to support your response

• Expository

• Persuasive

• Could be both

• Neither

Answer explanation

This essay prompt is persuasive because it's asking the writer to choose a side.