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

circling key words and deciding if you need to write narrative

or essay.

Let’s Review

Writing Process

Generate Ideas

Write Drafts

Revise & Edit

1 2 3

A Common MistakeRushing 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 Circle key words.

3 Ask yourself, “Do I need to write a narrative or an essay?”

Core Lesson

Read the prompt.1

Sometimes, even the best of friends can disagree. Think about a time you and a friend had a disagreement. What did you disagree over? What happened? Now write a story about a time that you and a friend had a disagreement.

Core Lesson

2 Circle key words.

Sometimes, even the best of friends can disagree. Think about a time you and a friend had a disagreement. What did you disagree over? What happened? Now write a story about a time that you and a friend had a disagreement.

Core Lesson

3 Ask yourself, “Do I need to write a narrative or an essay?”

What clues are there in the prompt?

Think about a time…

Now write a story…

I need to write a

narrative.

Core Lesson

Read the prompt.1

2 Circle 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 circling 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.

Everybody has had moments where they acted bravely. Think about a time when you felt scared and had to act bravely. Why were you scared? What did you do that was brave? What happened afterwards? Now write a story about a time you acted bravely.

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

Read this new prompt. Circle the key words. Then, decide if you need to write narrative or essay.

Tell about a time you were excited. What were you excited about? What did you do because you were excited? Now write a story telling about a time were excited.

Let’s ReviewQuick Quiz

Read the prompt below. Using the steps from this lesson, determine what kind of writing it is asking you to do.

Everybody has times when they have to try something they’ve never done before. Think about a time when you had to do something that was new. What did you have to do? How did you feel? Now write a story about a time you had to try something new.