Analyzing the Prompt

Analyzing the Writing prompt
and the expectations for each genre

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and your class has discussed how the indigenous people of Ghalas-at were slaughtered by the Russian Captain Orlov and the Aleuts at Coral Cove. You decided to write a multi-paragraph story about Karana and Ulape as they gather abalone, a chore assigned to them by Chief Kimki, days after their father had been buried. In your story, show the challenges Karana and Ulape now face without their father and the men of Ghalas-at. Then show how they come up with a plan to help improve the lives of the villagers.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Island of the Blue Dolphins to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

REMEMBER: A well-written story:
* _has a clear plot and a clear order of events (beginning, middle , and end)
* _is well organized and has a point of view
* _uses details from the text to support their story
* _uses clear language
* _follows the rules of writing (spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage)

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and discussed and plotted the many survival tactics Karana uses to survive on the island. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about Karana's survival skills. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Using the book, Island of the Blue Dolphins, as your source, develop a main idea about Karana's survival skills. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

REMEMBER: A well-written informational article:
* _has a clear main idea
* _is well-organized and stays on topic
* _has an introduction and conclusion
* _uses transitions
* _uses details from the text (sources of book) to support your main idea
* _puts the information from the sources in your own words (paraphrase), except when using
direct quotations from the source
* _gives the title or number of the source for the details or facts you included
* _develops ideas clearly
* _uses clear language
* _ follows rules of writing (spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage)

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and discussed the rule in the text, which states: "The laws of Ghalas-at forbade the making of weapons by women of the tribe." Some students agree with the rule, and some disagree with the rule. Your teacher asks you to write a paper explaining your opinion about the rule.

In your paper, you will take a side as to wether you agree with the rule that women are forbidden from making weapons, or wether you disagree with the rule. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

REMEMBER: A well-written opinion paper:
* _has a clear opinion or claim
* _is well-organized and stays on task
* _has an introduction and conclusion
* _uses transitions
* _uses details or facts from the source to support your opinion
* _puts the information from the text or source in your own words, except when using
direct quotations from the sources.
* _it gives the name of the the source for the details or facts you included
* _develops ideas clearly
* _uses clear language
* _ follows rules of writing (spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage)

Number the Stars

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Number the Stars, and your class has discussed the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II. You decided to write a multi-paragraph story about Ellen taking Kirsti's green fish shoes to her father to be inked black. In your story, show the challenges the Rosen's face with the rationing of goods in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Then show how they come up with a plan to safeguard some of their remaining rationed items including the ink.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Number the Stars to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Number the Stars, and discussed and graphed how life was before rationing and the Nazi's occupation of Denmark. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about what life was like in Denmark before World War II. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Number the Stars.

Using the book, Number the Stars, as your source, develop a main idea about life in Denmark prior to the war. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Number the Stars, and discussed Annemarie's role in helping smuggle the Jewish Danes out of Denmark. Do you agree with her mother's decision to allow Annemarie out in the early morning hours to deliver the "package" to Uncle Henrik, or do you disagree with the mother. Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will take a side as too wether you agree or disagree with the mother's decision to have Annemarie deliver the "package." Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

Lincoln: A Photobiography

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the non-fiction text titled, Lincoln: A Photobiography, and your class has discussed what home-life might have looked like for the Lincolns while he was in his forties and working in the law office of Lincoln & Herndon. You decided to write a multi-paragraph story capturing what home-life might have looked like at the Lincoln's House. In your story, show the challenges that Abraham Lincoln may have faced with Mary Todd, his wife. Then show how Lincoln may have adjusted some of his "home-spun manners" to please Mary Todd at the end of the day.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Lincoln: A Photobiography to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, Lincoln: A Photobiography, and discussed the many challenges Abraham Lincoln faced during his Presidency and the Civil War. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about the challenges that Lincoln stepped up to in his Presidency. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Lincoln: A Photobiography.

Using the book, Lincoln: A Photobiography, as your source, develop a main idea about the challenges Lincoln faced during his Presidency. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, Lincoln: A Photobiography, and discussed the importance of Lincoln's plan to forgive and rebuild the South. Lincoln said:

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the
right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who
shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish
a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations."

The war was very bloody and nasty and many Northerners sought revenge and/or reimbursement from the South. Do you agree or disagree with Lincoln's stand for forgiveness and the rebuilding of the South. Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will take a side as too wether you agree or disagree with Lincoln's decision to have forgiveness and to start a period of regrowth for the South asx a plan to move the country forward. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from Lincoln: A Photobiography. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

The Giver

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, The Giver, and your class has discussed the community with which Jonas is trying to navigate as he receives memories from the Giver. At one point in the story, Jonas tried to stop Asher and Fiona from playing in a game of "war," which makes him feel misunderstood and alone. In your story, show the challenges that Asher and Fiona face in having a friend like Jonas as they ride off on their bicycles. Then show how they find a way to forgive Jonas' interruptions and come up with a plan to include Jonas in the next game.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from The Giver to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, The Giver, and discussed the communities features, differences, and rules reflecting "sameness." Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about those features of the community that are very different from our own commuity. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, The Giver.

Using the book, The Giver, as your source, develop a main idea about the unique features of life in the community. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, The Giver, and discussed the attributes or abilities of the Giver as compared to other members of the community. Obviously, the Giver is all wise, but Jonas has some abilities beyond the Giver because the Giver has stated he doesn't know what bravery is and yet it seems like Jonas may. In your opinion who is the most wise? Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will take a side as too wether you agree the Giver is most wise or is it Jonas. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

Charley Skedaddle

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Charley Skedaddle, and your class has discussed Charley Quinn's adventures as Bowery Boy turned drummer turned friend of Granny Bent. In the beginning of the story, Charley runs away from his Bowery home to join the war effort unbeknownst to his sister. In your story, show the challenges that Noreen and Michael Demarest would face in the future with Charley, and then show how they come up with a plan for raising Charley for the next few years.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Charley Skedaddle to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Charley Skedaddle, and discussed the qualities of "manhood" as Charley understands them through the various qualities of characters in the text. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about three characters in the text that teach Charley Quinn on how to be a man. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Charley Skedaddle.

Using the book, Charley Skedaddle, as your source, develop a main idea about the unique features of "manhood" as presented by three characters in the text. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the historical fiction text titled, Charley Skedaddle, and discussed the Battle of the Wilderness and how Charley picked up Jem's rifle and shot a rebel. In your opinion, do you think Charley should have picked up Jem's rifle and shot at the Confederate soldier? Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will state your opinion as too wether you agree that Charley should have shot the soldier in the Battle of the Wilderness. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

Shooting Kabul

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, Shooting Kabul, and your class has discussed how Fadi had been navigating the social structures at school especially when it came to bullying. At one point in the story, several of Fadi's friends decide to confront the school bullies, Ike and Felix, at Lake Elizabeth. In your story, show the challenges that Ike and Felix must now face as new social rules are set in place. Then show how they find a way to more friendly and inclusive at school.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Shooting Kabul to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, Shooting Kabul, and discussed how all of Fadi's family members feel at fault for leaving Mariam behind in Afghanistan. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about the deep regret the family is feeling while they are here in the United States. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Shooting Kabul.

Using the book, Shooting Kabul, as your source, develop a main idea about how each family member feels upset and guilt for Mariam's absence. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the fictional text titled, Shooting Kabul, and discussed the impact of war and how it can have a devastating affect on the family unit. Fadi and his family escape Afghanistan and the Taliban through the use of human traffickers, when they lose Mariam. The truck driver refuses to stop or turn back. Knowing that the Taliban are following behind, do you think the truck driver should have helped reunite the family or keep going as he chose to do? Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will write your opinion regarding the truck drivers decision to keep going leaving Mariam behind. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

Hitler Youth:
Growing up in Hitler's Shadow

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, Hitler Youth, and your class has discussed how the Nazi party brainwashed the youth through purposeful activities aimed at constricting family influence over national socialism. Write a story where one member of the Hitler Youth is challenged with convincing a friend. In your story, illustrate the challenges this friend has in convincing his friend who is torn in deciding. Then show how they finally come together and find a way to join.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from Hitler Youth to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, Hitler Youth, and discussed how the Nazi government rebuilt Germany after World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article regarding how the Nazi's negatively impacted the German youth. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, Hitler Youth.

Using the book, Hitler Youth, as your source, develop a main idea about how the Nazi government negatively impacted the German youth. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, Hitler Youth and discussed the influence the Nazi government had over the German youth in school and out of school. Impressionable children were exposed to Nazi political views and propaganda to further the Nazi cause. In your opinion what event was the greatest "red flag" for parents that the Hitlerjugend or Hitler Youth was misshaping young minds? Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will discuss one major event or "red flag" that stands out as a sign the Nazi's were up to no good with the misshaping and moulding of children and their minds. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Narrative Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, The Boy on the Wooden Box, and your class has discussed the fragile lives of the Leyson family as they navigate through the terrors of Nazi persecution. At one point in the story Moshe, Leon's dad, is beaten by Nazi's and dragged out of the family apartment. In your story, show the challenges that Leon and David face as they try to track down their father in Krakow. Then show how they come up with a plan to approach the Gestapo to find their father's whereabouts.

Writers use the text to add realistic details to the setting, characters, and plots in their stories. When writing your story, find ways to use information and details from The Boy on the Wooden Box to improve your story. Make sure you develop your character(s), the setting, and the plot using details, dialogue, and description.

Informational Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, The Boy on the Wooden Box, and discussed how Leon and his family were always trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazis. Your teacher has asked you to write an informational article about the steps Leon took to make himself look bigger, older or more useful than his peers or how he out-witted guards and soldiers. Your article will be read by students and teachers from other classes who have not studied or read the book, The Boy on the Wooden Box.

Using the book, The Boy on the Wooden Box, as your source, develop a main idea about how Leon tried to make himself look bigger, older, or more useful or how he out-witted guards and soldiers. Choose the most important information from your source to support your main idea. Then write an informational article that is several paragraphs long. Clearly organize your article and support your main idea with details from the sources. Use your own words except when quoting directly from the text. Be sure to give the source title or author when using details from the text.

Opinion Writing Prompt:

Your class has been reading the nonfiction text titled, The Boy on the Wooden Box, and discussed how kind, generous, and brave Oskar Schindler had been for the Leyson family. Schindler like others as well went to great lengths to help save the Jewish people from persecution. In your opinion, what was Schindler's greatest personal trait that led to him saving over 1200 people from Nazi persecution. Your teacher asks you to write several paragraphs explaining your opinion.

In your paper, you will write about Oskar Schindler's greatest personality trait. Your paper will be read by your teacher and your classmates. Make sure you clearly state your opinion, and write several paragraphs supporting your opinion with reasons and details from the source. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source. Be sure to give the name of the text, source, or book for the details of facts you use.

Analyzing the Writing prompt​and the expectations for each genre

Analyzing the Writing prompt
and the expectations for each genre