Writing Prompts

Summary:  Students write a short essay in response to a writing prompt related to a theme or issue raised within the Minnesota-China Connection Web site. (Note: prompts are designed to support student preparation for the Basic Standards Test (BST) and Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments II in writing.)

Minnesota Academic Standards Information

Subject Area Focus: Language Arts/Writing

Educational Level: Teachers may adapt the activity for the various grade levels. Intermediate, Middle, High

High (9-12) Level

Basic Skills Test in Writing

For the test specifications, see http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/index.html.

Middle (6-8) Level

Basic Skills Test in Writing

For the test specifications, see http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/index.html.

Intermediate (4-5) Level

MCA II Writing Test (5 th Grade)

For the test specifications, see http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/index.html.

Primary (K-3) Level

For the complete standard, see the Minnesota Academic Standards web site at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/index.html

LEARNING ACTIVITY

Directions

Objectives: To write a composition with the following characteristics:

• Clarity of central idea;
• Coherent focus;
• Organization;
• Detailed support or elaboration of ideas;
• Appropriate use of language conventions (sentence formation, vocabulary, word order, language mechanics).

Preparation: None

Time Required: Varied

Description

Below are a variety of writing prompts for use with students preparing to take writing assessments (the Basic Skills Test (BST) of Written Composition and the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments II (MCA II). Integrate the prompts within your regular writing instruction and assessment practices.

The writing prompt questions are intended to be used within the context of classroom writing instruction and are not official testing prompts. These prompts are related to the Minnesota-China Ventures project and provide more context than questions typically used in the BSTs or MCA II testing.

Writing Prompts for Basic Standards Test (BST)

You have been working on this Minnesota-China Ventures project for _____ weeks. Write about what you have learned about China through this project. Explain what you have learned. Include enough detail so your adult reader will understand the importance of this experience.

When traveling in other countries, it is common custom to give a small, inexpensive gift to your foreign hosts. Often these gifts are somehow representative of the traveler’s home community. Imagine you were going to travel to China. What Minnesota gifts would you bring to share with your hosts there? Explain why the gifts represent your home community. Give specific reasons why each gift is important in Minnesota.

The primary purpose of the Governor’s Trade Mission is to promote Minnesota to the people of China and establish partnerships between Minnesota and China. What would you say if a person in China asked you why they should travel to Minnesota? What do you think is the best feature of Minnesota? Name what you think is the best thing about Minnesota and give specific reasons why you think so. Give enough detail so that your teacher will understand your ideas.

Writing Prompts for Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments II for Grade 5

Descriptive Prompts:

• Describe a place in China that you have studied to someone who has never seen it.
• Imagine you are writing to a pen pal in China. Describe your classroom to him or her.
• Describe a place in your community you know well to a visitor from China.

Narrative Prompts:

• Write about work you have done as part of the Minnesota-China Ventures project.
• Write about a story you heard from one of the students or trade delegates accompanying the Governor on the Trade Mission.
• Imagine you are writing to a pen pal in China. Write about something that happened to you at school.

Problem/Solution Prompts:

• Imagine you are writing to a pen pal in China. Describe to him or her a conflict you had with a friend and how you resolved it.
• Remember a problem you had using or learning to use some kind of technology tool. Describe what the problem was and how you solved it.

Clarification Prompts:

• Choose a place in China that you would like to visit. Name the place and tell why you would like to go there.
• Choose a place in Minnesota that you would like to visit. Name the place and tell why you would like to go there

Learning Resources: Minnesota Department of Education Testing and Assessment Web Site http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/index.html

This site provides a variety of information on the BST and MCA II tests, including manuals, testing dates, sample tests, and specifications.

Printable Materials: None

Evidence of Learning: The following product(s) supply evidence of student learning.

• Student’s written essays and responses to writing prompts.
• Process evidence, such as brainstorm notes, concept maps, and outlines.

Special Notes

Technology Integration: Students are currently asked to write the BST and MCA II tests by hand. If, however, your instructional emphasis is on the thinking and writing process, consider having students word process the pieces or construct their thoughts using concept mapping software. If, however, you are helping students prepare for the testing situation, it may be best to have them write by hand.

Accommodations

Change the activity to accommodate students with different needs, knowledge and skills.

• Coach students through the various writing process steps.
• Conduct a short classroom discussion before the writing session to help generate possible ideas.

Extensions

Extend students' learning with additional activities.

• Use the writing as a way to generate inquiry questions for further research.
• Have the students select one of the writing prompt questions to produce a more developed and polished piece. Publish these pieces within a class or school newspaper or as part of a display.

Entire List of Curriculum Activities