Here’s an excellent beginning from a real student…
It was an early Tuesday morning in Tokyo, Japan. The sun started to rise over Juan Lee’s house. Boom! Juan Lee and his friend Jen went to see what was with all of the commotion. Then the door came crashing down. It turned out that Juan’s Aunt Lee kicked the door down.
How does he start his story? How does he grab interest?
Prompt:
Think about a time when something unexpected happened. Write a narrative essay in which you tell about an unexpected event that happened to you or someone you know. Be sure to
include specific details so that your reader can follow your story.
*Try to get the reader involved in your story. *Use bright, strong, touchy images and expressions (“bright,” not in the meaning you are going to say that the sun is shining brightly, but in the sense the images you are using touch the soul of your reader). *Use dialogue! *Don’t be afraid to joke. *Don’t be afraid to sound funny or extraordinary. *Do not be afraid to question traditional views. *If you believe you have something new to say – say it.
1. Think about your favorite season, and then write an essay describing that season. Include sensory details so that a reader can imagine what it is like to experience the season, and make sure it is clear from your description why this season is your favorite.
2. Think of a time when you experienced a rainstorm. In a composition, use sensory details to describe what the rainstorm was like so that a classmate could clearly imagine the experience.
3. Most people have a place where they feel comfortable and relaxed. Think of a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Picture it in your mind. In a composition, describe this place for your classmates so that they can imagine what it is like and how you feel there.
What is an expository essay?
…Gives facts.
…Explains.
…Gives steps in a
process.
…Presents ideas in
logical order or correct
sequence.
What are the key words that show it is an expository prompt?
Most people enjoy some type of music. Think about your favorite type of music and explain why you like that particular type of music.
Sometimes even the best drivers can get lost at times. Explain how you would direct a lost man to get back to the interstate highway from your neighborhood.
Tell how to make a hamburger.
YOU WILL FINDTHESE WORDS IN THE PROMPT
EXPLAIN or TELL HOW.
Sample Prompts:
1. Write an essay explaining the importance of being able to see a situation from another person's point of view.
2. Write an essay explaining why it is important to forgive.
3. Music plays an important role in every culture and in every individual's life. Write an essay explaining the role music plays in your culture or in your own life.
4. Write an essay explaining what makes a great leader.
Present arguments against your reasons. Show them to be false.
Take a stand
Ask or call for an action.
What are the key words that show it’s a persuasive prompt?
1. Your city council is considering a proposal that would ban the use of cell phones in privately owned businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, and retail stores. Violators would be subject to a fine. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter in which you convince the city council to support your position, giving strong evidence for your reasons.
Persuasive Prompt
2. In some countries every young person must serve two years of military service. Should we have a similar policy in the United States? Write an essay stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
