Prompts and Responses

Prompt: Write an argumentative paragraph explaining whether phones should be allowed in school. Use evidence from the article and respond to a counterargument.


Which of the following BEST shows that the writer understood the prompt?

• I don’t think phones should be allowed because students use them to cheat. One time I saw someone googling answers during a test.

• Phones help students feel safe and connected to family. Parents can reach them quickly. Schools should allow phones.

• Phones can be both helpful and distracting, depending on the student. Everyone has a different experience.

• Phones should be allowed in school because they help students learn and communicate, even though some people think they’re distracting. But the benefits are greater. According to the article, they can be used for learning apps, calculators, and research.

Prompt: Tell a story about a time someone surprised you. Make sure your narrative includes a beginning, middle, and end, and shows your thoughts and feelings.


Which student response follows the prompt MOST accurately?

• Surprises are fun, but they can also be scary. I like being surprised, but not when I’m expecting something serious.

• My friends threw me a surprise birthday party. It was so fun. The end.

• I walked into my house expecting a normal day, but something felt off. My heart started racing when the lights turned on and everyone yelled ‘Surprise!’ I froze, totally shocked. I couldn’t stop smiling.

• One time my cousin surprised me with a trip. I’ve always wanted to go to San Diego. We packed our bags and left. That was one of the best days of my life.

Prompt: Explain how the author builds suspense in the story. Use two examples from the text to support your explanation.

Which answer would score highest?

• The author builds suspense because you don’t know what will happen next. That made me want to keep reading.

• At first, the setting is quiet and peaceful, but then strange things start happening. For example, the author describes the sound of footsteps getting closer even though no one is there. That makes the reader feel nervous.

• Suspense is used a lot. In scary stories, you always need suspense or it gets boring. The twist at the end also helps.

• I liked the part when the character got locked in the basement. That part was really scary and interesting.

Prompt: Compare how two characters respond to challenges in the texts we read. Use evidence from both sources.

Which student response best follows the prompt?

• In both stories, the characters had hard lives. It shows how life can be tough for different people.

• Jamal uses his friends for support, while Miguel keeps to himself and tries to solve things on his own. In the text, Jamal tells his friend what’s happening, but Miguel says nothing. This shows two different coping styles.

• Miguel was more interesting to read about because he had more action in his story.

• The texts both had characters with strong personalities. They didn’t give up, and that made them inspiring.

Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether video games are helpful or harmful for teenagers. Use evidence from the article and address a counterclaim.

Which student response shows the clearest understanding of the prompt?

• Video games are fun and teach you to think fast. I’ve learned so much from games like Fortnite and Roblox.

• Some people say video games are a waste of time, but studies in the article show they can improve focus and teamwork. That’s why I believe video games help teenagers.

• Video games are cool and help pass the time. I think they’re good for people who are bored or lonely.

• My cousin plays games all day and still gets good grades. It depends on the person.

Prompt: Write a paragraph explaining how the setting affects the main character’s decisions in the story. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Which response follows the prompt MOST accurately?

• The story takes place in the mountains, and that makes it more interesting. I like nature settings like that.

• Because the character is stuck in a snowstorm in the mountains, he has to decide whether to wait for help or try to survive on his own. The cold and danger make him act fast, showing how the setting affects his choices.

• The setting is important in every story. That’s why authors use it to make things exciting.

• The character is brave and makes smart choices. He didn’t panic and that helped him survive.

Prompt: Write an informative paragraph about how music affects people’s emotions. Use evidence from the article to support your answer.

Which part of this response is MISSING something important?

• It explains the emotional impact of music clearly.

• It gives a personal opinion without supporting it.

• It doesn’t use evidence from the article.

• It talks too much about upbeat songs instead of sad songs.

Prompt: Write a story about a time a small mistake led to a big problem. Your story should include a clear beginning, middle, and end, and describe how the character feels during the situation.

Which student misunderstood the prompt?

• One time, I forgot my homework, and it made my teacher mad. I was embarrassed and learned to always double-check my stuff.

• A small mistake caused chaos at school when the fire alarm went off by accident. It started when a kid pushed the button on purpose.

• I accidentally sent a text to the wrong person, and it created drama with my friends. I felt awful, but eventually we made up.

• My cousin once forgot to turn off the stove. The fire alarm went off and smoke filled the kitchen. We all ran out. It was a huge mess.

Prompt: Write an argumentative paragraph about whether students should have to wear school uniforms. Use at least two pieces of evidence from the article, and explain why some people might disagree with you.

Which TWO things does the following response do well?

• Uses text evidence and addresses a counterclaim

• Takes a side and supports it with a reason

• Gives an opinion and a personal story

• Talks about both sides without picking one

Prompt: Explain how the author uses figurative language to show the narrator’s mood. Use at least one example from the story.


Which student response is closest to what the prompt is asking?

• The narrator is sad and confused. You can tell because the story is depressing.

• The author says the storm was ‘a crying sky,’ which shows that the narrator feels hopeless. This metaphor connects the weather to the character’s mood.

• The story is about someone who doesn’t know what to do. It’s kind of dark and gloomy.

• When I feel sad, I listen to music. That’s how I relate to the narrator.