Who am I? NJASK Game Directions: Read the following prompts and record your answers on the sheet provided. You must determine if the prompt is: Persuasive Argumentative Speculative Explanatory Open-Ended

A well known musical group has offered to give a free concert at your school. There has been much debate as to when the concert should be held-during or after school. You decide to write a letter to your principal expressing your opinion about when the concert should be held. Write a letter to your principal supporting your position whether the concert should be held during school time or held after school. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position. Who am I?

Persuasive

NJASK has asked you to read a short story about a company’s process of turning grapes into raisins. After reading the story you will need to answer 10 multiple choice questions and answer 1 or 2 questions that are in bullets. In your own words, summarize the process of how grapes become raisins. Include at least three examples from the passage in your response. Be sure to include examples from the beginning, middle, and end of the process. Who am I?

Open-ended

People enjoy playing games. Some take games they know and change the rules while other invent their own board games, ball games, or other games. Write an essay about a new game you created or might like to create, or an old game for which you changed the rules. Be sure to explain your game by using details and examples to support your explanation. Who am I?

Explanatory

Your school district is thinking about extending the school calendar to year round. Write an letter to the editor explaining your beliefs as to whether or not the school year should be extended. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position. Who am I?

Persuasive

You are submitting an essay to the annual essay competition at your school. You have been asked to consider how the following quotation is related to you. “You make the world a better place by making yourself a better person” - Scott Sorrell Write an essay explaining what this quotation means to you. Use details and examples in your essay. Who am I?

Explanatory

A young boy was very excited because he was going fishing with his uncle. Saturday finally arrived, and they drove to the lake. He listened to his uncle tell stories about special tricks for catching fish. When they arrived at the lake, they got into a small fishing boat and headed toward his uncle’s favorite fishing spot. Just as the boy was about to cast his fishing line into the water, he heard a loud noise behind him. Write a story about what happens on the fishing trip. Who am I?

Speculative

The city planners have decided to build a new highway exit for the downtown area in order to alleviate traffic. The problem with the new exit, however, is that it will move the access road 400 feet closer to the local elementary school. Parents and educators worry that this road will create noise pollution and distract students. They also worry that children could be endangered by moving the road closer to the school’s playground, even though the school is surrounded by a five foot chain link fence. Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim that building the highway exit will endanger and distract students. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position. Who am I?

Argumentative

The young girl was hoping to go with an after-school club that was going on a camping and hiking trip to one of New Jersey’s state parks. Her parents were reluctant to let her go on the trip. Write a story about the girl, her problem, and how she solves it. Who am I?

Speculative

The NJASK asked you to read a short story about a princess having an encounter with an evil frog. After reading the story you will need to answer 10 multiple choice questions and answer 1-2 questions that are in bullets. At the end of the story, the princess exclaimed, “Meeting this evil frog a stroke of luck!” As used in the story, what does this phrase mean? Explain why the princess was able to trick the frog. Use specific information from the story and any additional insight to support your response. Who am I?

Open-ended

In the past year, there have been several brown and black bear attacks. Some of these attacks have been on children. Several states presently allow bears to be hunted in order to reduce the bear population in developed areas. Those in favor of the hunt say that hunting is the best way to control the population of the bears. Those not in favor of the hunt state that bear hunting is cruel and should be stopped. Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim that hunting bears is the best way to control bear populations and prevent future attacks. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position. Who am I?

Argumentative

NJASK – It’s go time! You are ready! You are going to do a great job on the NJASK! Key Reminders: – You need #2 Pencils! – Bring a small eraser/sharpener so you don’t even have to get up! – Come to school on time otherwise, they will not let you start the testing. – Eat breakfast so you keep your mind sharp! – Get a good night’s rest! – Bring tissues if you have a cold and a book to read so you have something to do after testing!