Unpacking Prompts Practice 41332v

NAME ________________________ DATE ____________ PERIOD ________

Deconstructing a Writing Prompt There are different ways to unpack a writing prompt. You may circle or underline significant words, or simply read it several times to yourself. One method that works well with ALL prompts is PAC.

Purpose: Are you writing to explain (expository) or convince (persuasive)? Audience: To whom are you writing? Context: What is the situation or the background (topic)? Writing Situation

In many schools students have vending machines full of snacks. Politicians have argued such vending machines usually have unhealthy options and should be removed.

Writing Prompt Example PAC:

Write a letter to your Governor convincing him whether or not vending machines should be removed from all public schools. Purpose: Write to Convince (persuade) Audience: Governor Context: Vending machines in schools

Writing Situation

Almost everyone enjoys amusement parks.

Writing Prompt

Think about your favorite amusement park located here in Tampa. Now, write to explain what is fun about that amusement park. Purpose: Write to Explain (inform) Audience: Adults (no specific audience named) Context: What is fun about Busch Gardens, your favorite amusement park in Tampa

Example PAC:

UnPAC the following prompts: We all have a favorite type of music. Think about what type of music is your favorite. Now write to explain why this type of music is your favorite.

P: __________________________________ A: _________________________________ C: __________________________________

We all have a position in our families as oldest, youngest, middle, or only child. P: ______________________ Think about why your position in the family is the best one. A: _________________________________ Now explain why your position in the family is the best one. C: __________________________________ FILE IN WRITING SECTION

TURN OVER

People live in different climates all over the world, and many prefer one certain type of climate. Think about what type of climate you prefer. P: ______________________ A: ___________________ Now explain why you prefer that type of climate. C: __________________________________ Many school districts are considering adding more elective courses at the middle school level. Think about what elective course you would like take in middle school. P: ______________ A: ___________ Now explain why you would like to take that elective course in middle school. C: ________________________

Government officials in Florida are presently encouraging Floridians to prepare for the hurricane season. P: ______________________ Think about why it is important for Floridians to prepare for hurricane season. A: ___________________ Now write to explain why it is important for Floridians to prepare for hurricane season. C: ________________

Your assistant principal is seeking your suggestions about how the school could improve school attendance. Think about how the school could improve school attendance. P: ______________ A: ___________ Now write to convince your assistant principal to accept your suggestions on how to improve school attendance. C: _______________________________________________________________ The United States Congress has decided that the “Star Spangled Banner” has become an outdated national anthem. P: ______________ Think about a song that would be a good national anthem. A: ___________ Now write to persuade Congress that the song of your choice would be a good national anthem. C: _______________________________________________________________ A local school principal is considering discontinuing the school mentor program for at-risk students. Think about your position on the program. Should it be discontinued or not? P: _____________ A: ________ Now write to persuade the principal of that local school that he should or should not discontinue the school mentor program for at-risk students. C: ________________________________________________________

Some parents and teenagers believe that teenagers need to have part-time jobs. P: ______________ Think about whether or not you should have a part-time job. A: _______________ Now write to convince your parents that you should or should not have a part-time job. C: _____________

Your principal is considering whether or not to include clubs at your school this year. P: ______________ Think about whether or not clubs are a good idea for your school. A: _______________ Now write to convince your principal whether or not to include clubs at your school this year. C: ___________