How do you know what a writing prompt is asking you to do?

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and understand what a prompt requires by underlining key words and deciding if you need to write narrative or essay.

Let’s Review Writing Process Generate Ideas Generate Ideas Write Drafts Write Drafts Revise & Edit Revise & Edit 1 2 3

A Common Mistake Rushing to start writing and not taking the time to figure out exactly what a prompt is asking you to do!

Core Lesson Read the prompt. 1 2 Underline key words. 3 Ask yourself, “Do I need to write a narrative or an essay?”

Read the prompt. 1 Imagine that one day during recess, you and a friend stumble across a wooden box hidden under some leaves. The box has a lock on it and appears to be very old. Write a story that tells what happens next.

Core Lesson 2 Underline key words. Imagine that one day during recess, you and a friend stumble across a wooden box hidden under some leaves. The box has a lock on it and appears to be very old. Write a story that tells what happens next.

Core Lesson 3 Ask yourself, “Do I need to write a narrative or an essay?” What clues are there in the prompt? I need to write a narrative. Imagine… Now write a story…

Core Lesson Read the prompt. 1 2 Underline key words. 3 Ask yourself, “Do I need to write a narrative or an essay?”

In this lesson, you have learned how to read and understand what a prompt requires by underlining key words and deciding if you need to write narrative or essay.

Guided Practice Read the prompt below. Using the steps from this lesson, determine what kind of writing it is asking you to do. Imagine that one day you come home and sitting in front of your front door is a dog. It looks hungry and lost. Write a story that tells what happens next.

Extension Activities Read the clues below. Decide which of the clues would not tell you to write a narrative. Imagine you have a new classmate. Tell a story. Explain why they’re important.

Let’s Review Quick Quiz Read the prompt below. Using the steps from this lesson, determine what kind of writing it is asking you to do. Imagine that one day you and a friend are at a slumber party. When you wake up, you both discover you are able to turn invisible while nobody else seems to have this unusual skill. Write a story that tells what happens next.