Writing Prompt Table for Benchmark Essays / Practice Essays

Practice Prompts

Writing Genre

Time Frame

Two prompts

Informative/
Expository

Prompt #1 – Aug 31-Sept 18

Prompt #2 – Sept 21 – Oct 9

 Goal: 4 focused revisions for each prompt that lead to increased scores for each revision.

Narrative

Prompt #1- Nov 2 – Nov 20

Prompt #2 -Nov 30 – Dec 18

Goal: 4 focused revisions for each that lead to increased scores for each revision.

Persuasive/Argument

Prompt #1 -Jan 11-Jan 29

Prompt #2 – Feb 2- Feb 19

Goal: 4 focused revisions for each prompt that lead to increased scores for each revision.

Literary

Prompt #1-March 1- March 19

Prompt #2 -March 22- April 9

Goal: 4 focused revisions for each prompt that lead to increased scores for each revision.

Grades 4 & 5:

1.Human Effect on the Environment 

2.Learning About an Animal and its Habitat

Grades 4 & 5:

1.Celebrating a Special Day with Family Traditions

2.Influencing an American Hero

Grades 4 & 5:

1. Neil Diamond’s “America”: A View      on Immigration

2. Vacation at a National Park

Grades 4 & 5:

1.Character Study

2.Grandpa’s Garden (students need to acquire this book)

Grades 6 – 8:

1.Natural Disasters

2.The Scientific Method

Grades 6 – 8:

1.A Time Machine

2.Lewis & Clark Expedition Summary

Grades 6 – 8:

1.Defending the American Revolution

2.The First Amendment

Grades 6 – 8:

1.Analysis of an Author’s Style

2.Analysis of a Literary Character

Grades 9 – 12:

1.Nourishment of the Cell

2.The Elegance of Cell Division Processes

Grades 9 - 12:

1.Time Spent with a Famous Person

2.Write a Creation Myth

Grades 9 – 12:

1.Roles of Citizens in a Democracy

2.Our Changing Society 

Grades 9 – 12:

1.An Epic Hero

2.Hasty Decisions in Romeo & Juliet

Benchmark Essay Prompts

Writing Genre

Time Frame

One Prompt

Note: open for one week only.

Informative/
Expository

Date Range: Oct 12-16

Grades 4 & 5:

Reducing Pollution

Grades 6 – 8:

Important Inventions

Grades 9 – 12:

The Components of Cell Theory

Narrative

*no assessment will be administered in the second quarter for this genre

Persuasive/Argument

Date Range – Feb 22- Feb 26

Grades 4 & 5:

The Greatest American President

Grades 6 – 8:

Individuals Affecting Government Action

Grades 9 – 12:

A Controversial Issue

Literary

*no assessment will be administered in last quarter for this genre

Portfolio

Complete and print the benchmark essay with grade for the portfolio.

Complete and print Assessment essay with grade for portfolio