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Writing Prompt Table for Benchmark Essays / Practice Essays

Goal:

Completing the practice prompts is key to successfully completing the benchmark assessments. Focused revisions for each prompt that lead to increased scores for each revision.

Dates September -
October
November -
December
January -
February
March -
April
Genres Persuasive/
Argumentative
Informative/
Expository
Persuasive/
Argumentative
Literary
MY Access
Practice Prompts
Prompt #1
Aug 29-Sept 16
Prompt #2
Sept 19 – Oct 21
Prompt #1
Oct 31 – Dec 12
Prompt #2
No second practice prompt
Prompt #1
Jan 9-Feb 3
Prompt #2
No second practice prompt
Prompt #1
March 28 – April 14
Prompt #2
No second practice prompt
MY Access
Grades
4 & 5
1. A Visit to the Rain Forest


2. Top Vacation Place
Why Bugs are Interesting and Helpful

The Greatest American President
 

 

April Rain Song
MY Access
Grades
6 – 8
1. A Manned Mission to Mars


2. Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
Egg Laying Species

Choosing an Exotic Pet


 

“The Tree” by Sarah Orne Jewett
MY Access
Grades
9 – 12
1. Was Life Better in the U.S. Better in the 1900’s or the 2000’s?


2. Alternate Energy Sources
Growing Towards Maturity

Do Teens Consider Consequences?

 

 

Choice Made by a Literary Character
Benchmark Assessment Prompts
Students can only “submit” once, but can “save and finish later” multiple times within one week and the 2 hr revising/editing period.
Grades
4-12


Complete through My Access
Persuasive/Argumentative

Date Range:
Oct 24-Oct 28


(4-5) Should All Young Athletes Receive an Award?

(6-8) Are Organic Foods Worthwhile?

(9-12) Choosing a Rewarding Occupation
  Persuasive/Argumentative

Date Range:
Feb 6-Feb10



(4-5) Service Animals


(6-8) How Would You Improve Your Community?

(9-12) Truth and Lies
 
Portfolio & Grading My Access generated by student; ES to print Assessment essay with grade for Fall sample   My Access generated by student; ES to print Assessment essay with grade for Spring sample ES & parent Rubrics available in: Benchmark Essay Booklets
Grades TK-3 Students may use:, Benchmark Essay Booklets, or Writing Prompt Topics

*Instruction and practice is encouraged before the benchmark assessment.
*Outlines, rough drafts, revisions strongly encouraged.