On-demand writing

On-Demand Writing Purpose To provide students the opportunity to demonstrate independently the communication skills they have developed through instruction To reflect authentic reading and writing— understanding the role reading plays in the development of writing without testing reading ability To use source material to promote authentic content in writing To reflect the type of writing required for college and career readiness

Why does this matter?

Two types of prompts Stand-alone – choice between two prompts in a given writing situation – you have 40 minutes to write Passage-based – One prompt, based on a provided reading selection – you have 90 minutes to write

Modes and Forms Three different modes of writing: – Argumentative – Informative/explanatory text – Narrative *Argumentative and Informative/explanatory are most common for 10 th grade Form: the format of the writing piece – Editorial, memoir, friendly letter – Speech, blog, article

Approaching the prompt Role of the Writer: Who are you as the writer? A pilgrim? A soldier? The President? Audience: To whom are you writing? A political rally? A potential employer? Format: In what format are you writing? A letter? An advertisement? A speech? Topic: What are you writing about?

Narrative Tell a story using examples and details Establish a clear purpose for your writing that fully addresses the prompt Use a “hook” at the beginning to draw your reader into the story Organize your writing logically so that it makes sense to your reader Focus on your audience Use a variety of techniques in your writing – dialogue, descriptions, quotes, etc.

Informative/explanatory Establish a purpose for your writing that fully addresses the prompt Focus on your audience! Thoroughly explain the topic and develop your ideas completely using details and examples Organize your writing logically so that it makes sense to your reader Use tone appropriate for your purpose and audience

Argumentative Establish a claim – thesis statement! Stay focused on supporting your claim Focus on your audience Give examples to support your opinion Use textual evidence in passage-based responses Organize your writing logically so that your ideas make sense to your reader Use appropriate tone for the purpose and audience Consider other perspectives – acknowledge the other side of the argument