Idaho Direct Writing Assessment

Ninth Grade Practice Prompt

Based on the 2003 Prompt

 

·         You have ninety minutes to write.

·         Remember that expository writing explains.

·         Think carefully about what you are going to write.  Use scratch paper to list and organize ideas before you begin writing your rough draft.

·         Use Standard English, not e-mail abbreviations (LOL, TX, @).

·         You are limited to the front and back of one response form.

·         Use a black pen for your final essay.

·         Use your best handwriting.

·         Erase or draw a line through any errors you make and rewrite.  Do not use “White Out.”

·         You may use a classroom dictionary or thesaurus.

·         Reread your paper one final time.

·         Do your best.

 

Compare and Contrast Expository Prompt Background:

Looking at how things are the same and how they are different is something that we all do, sometimes without even realizing that we are making those comparisons.  Our ideas of things often change over time.  For example, the TV shows you enjoyed as a child, or clothes that were once your favorite, may no longer appeal to you.

 

Focus:

Think about how things have changed for you.  Select something from your past and compare and contrast it to something now.  These two things should be related in some important way.  Focus on how it seems much different now than it did in your past.  How have your ideas changed?  How have they remained the same?

 

Writing Assignment:

Write an essay for your English teacher that compares and contrasts something from your past with something related to the present.