Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 FCAT Writing Mode Matters

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 The prompt should present a topic in a format that serves to encourage, stimulate, and evoke a written response; appeal to the greatest number of students possible; and present the intended purpose for writing (mode). What is the purpose of a prompt?

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Narrative Writing (Grade 4) The unmistakable purpose of this type of writing is to recount a personal or fictional experience based on a real or imagined event and to create a central theme or impression in the reader’s mind. Goal – use of insight, creativity, drama, suspense, humor, or fantasy to develop an identifiable story line (one that is easy to follow and paraphrase) through use of events and details that work together

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 MODE MATTERS! What’s the PURPOSE? Narrative Writing Recounts a personal or fictional experience Tells a story Creates a central theme or impression; develops an identifiable story line (easy to follow and paraphrase)

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Narrative Prompt Specifications The prompt should tell the student the subject (topic) and the purpose for writing. Cue terms in narrative prompts – write about a time, tell what happened when, or write a story about Term to avoid - why (tends to elicit exposition)

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Example of a Narrative Prompt (Writing Situation:) Everyone has done something that he or she will remember. (Directions for Writing:) Think about a time you did something that you will always remember. Now write a story about the time you did something that you will always remember.

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Grades 4, 8, and 10 Expository Writing The unmistakable purpose of this type of writing is to inform, clarify, explain, define, or instruct. Goal – carefully crafted presentation of facts, examples, or definitions that create a clear, central focus and enhance the reader’s understanding; although objective (not dependent on emotion), often lively, engaging, and reflective of writer’s commitment to the topic

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Expository Prompt Specifications The prompt should tell the student the subject (topic) and the purpose for writing. Cue terms to use in expository prompts – why, how, or what

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Grades 8 and 10 Persuasive Writing The unmistakable purpose of this type of writing is to convince the reader that a point of view is valid and/or that the reader should take a specific action. Goal – clearly stated topic, issue, or opinion with elaboration that indicates the writer’s understanding and conviction; writer may refute counterarguments to clarify the position

Renn Edenfield, FCAT Writing Specialist Fall 2008 Persuasive Prompt Specifications The prompt should tell the student the subject (topic), audience, and the purpose for writing. Cue terms in persuasive prompts – convince, persuade, and why Avoid using how - (tends to elicit exposition or narration) Persuasive prompts should avoid writing to an audience of friends/peers (tends to elicit extremely informal writing, such as text messages and abbreviated language)