GRADE 6



80 PROMPTS (56 WAG, 24 Lit)

GRADE 6 (10 prompts, 8 WAG, 2 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG6_01

All nationalities have special foods. Burritos and tacos are two popular Mexican foods. Ravioli and lasagna are famous Italian dishes. Choose any two international food favorites, and compare the ingredients used, appearance, and taste.

PH_LA_WAG6_02

Statues and monuments are built to honor people. Think of an important person you would like to see honored by a statue or monument. Write an essay explaining why this person is important using reasons and examples to support your choice.

PH_LA_WAG6_03

Anyone who has ever owned a pet has an opinion on which animal makes the best pet. Take a stand on which kind of animal makes the best pet. Write an essay using reasons and examples to support your choice.

PH_LA_WAG6_04

Think about a time period at your school that you would like to change, such as lengthening the lunch period or adding a study hall at the end of the school day. Write an essay that examines the causes and effects of this change.

PH_LA_WAG6_05

Many people have hobbies. Choose a hobby, such as skateboarding or collecting baseball cards. Write an essay explaining how to get started in this hobby.

PH_LA_WAG6_06

Think of a book that you really enjoyed reading. Write a letter to the author of the book telling why you liked it and using examples from the book. Give the author suggestions, and ask questions about his or her writing process.

PH_LA_WAG6_07

Imagine that your class is creating a magazine for students called Jobs of the Future. Write an essay describing a job you think will be important in the future. Tell what skills or knowledge the workers will need for this occupation.

PH_LA_WAG6_08

Opinions vary on whether students should have one long summer vacation each year or several short vacations throughout the school year. Which point of view do you agree with? Write an essay explaining why one vacation or many vacations would be the right choice for your school. Use reasons and examples to support your opinion.

PH_LA_LIT6_09:

Write an entry for a reader's response journal for "Greyling" by Jane Yolen. The entry should focus on whether you liked or disliked the story. Include specific examples from the literature to back up your opinions.

PH_LA_LIT6_10:

Choose one of the memorable characters in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan. Write a review of the story in which you discuss the traits that make this character stand out.

GRADE 7 (10 prompts, 8 WAG, 2 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG7_01:

In some schools, students must maintain a "C" average in order to participate in school sports, clubs, and other after-school activities. Do you think this policy is fair? What are your views on this policy? Write an essay explaining your point of view. Use reasons and examples to support your position.

PH_LA_WAG7_02:

Think of the most exciting, most enjoyable, or weirdest place you have ever visited. What are the qualities and features that give the place its special character? Write a descriptive essay that will allow a reader to share your impressions of the place.

PH_LA_WAG7_03

All people are expected to obey laws at home, school, and in your community. Think of a specific law that you are expected to follow. Write an essay explaining how the law effects you, and why you think it is fair or unfair. Use reasons and examples to support your choice.

PH_LA_WAG7_04:

Think about a controversial issue at your school, such as the price of lunches, the quality of food, class schedules, or attendance policies. Take a stand on a school issue. Write an essay supporting your position and be sure to provide reasons and examples.

PH_LA_WAG7_05:

It's fascinating to see how screenwriters make a movie from a book. How do they decide what to stress, what to leave out, or what to add? Think of a book that has been made into a movie. Write a comparison-and-contrast essay that explains what is similar and what is different from the two. Be sure to discuss which one you enjoyed more and why.

PH_LA_WAG7_06:

Think of a homemade gift, such as a collage, trinket box, picture frame, or beaded bracelet. Write a how-to essay giving step-by-step instructions for making this gift.

PH_LA_WAG7_07:

We have all watched someone perform either in a sports competition, a musical performance, a presentation or speech, or any kind of contest. Write a cause-and-effect essay that explains how a person's ability and other factors shape how he or she performs.

PH_LA_WAG7_08:

Think of a book, short story, essay, or poem that you really liked or disliked. Write a review for your classmates explaining your opinion of the work. Include details to support your point of view.

PH_LA_LIT7_09:

Many students opt to spend their free time playing video games or watching television rather than reading a book for enjoyment. Write a letter to the president of your town's school board about getting students more interested in reading. Offer ideas on how to get students to choose reading over other types of entertainment.

PH_LA_LIT7_11:

Think about an unforgettable day out you had with a friend. Tell the story of this experience, reflecting on your reactions to it then and now.

GRADE 8 (11 prompts, 8 WAG, 3 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG8_01:Think about events you have been studying in your social studies class. Which event interests you the most? Write an essay about the causes and effects of this event.

PH_LA_WAG8_02:Some people argue that television has been a destructive force in our society. What do you think about the impact of television on people? Write an essay explaining your point of view. Use reasons and examples to support your position.

PH_LA_WAG8_03:Almost everyone has a favorite food; it might be brownies or scrambled eggs. Choose a favorite food, and write a how-to essay explaining how to prepare it.

PH_LA_WAG8_04:Students learn many things when they are not in the classroom. Think of a field trip that would be a learning experience for your whole class. Write a letter to your principal that describes the field trip and provides convincing reasons for why it would be an enriching learning experience.

PH_LA_WAG8_05:Some people argue that freedom of expression ends at the school entrance. Choose an issue involving self-expression, such as school uniforms or the rights of school newspapers. Write an editorial expressing your position on the issue you selected.

PH_LA_WAG8_06:Think of two songs you enjoy, and write an essay comparing and contrasting them. You can focus on style, rhythm, lyrics, mood, or other qualities of the songs.

PH_LA_WAG8_07:Think of a novel, short story, essay, or poem that sends a message (or theme) to readers. Write an essay showing how the author uses plot, characters, images, language, and other techniques to convey the message. Then give your own opinion of the theme.

PH_LA_WAG8_08:Think of a memorable trip you have taken somewhere, such as the beach, a relative's home, a big city, or even the supermarket. Write a description of the trip and the place you visited. Tell why the trip was memorable.

PH_LA_LIT8_09:Read "Thank You M'am" by Langston Hughes and "The Story-Teller" by Saki. In your review, compare how the authors reveal theme in each story. Detail what is similar and what is different about the way each accomplishes conveying his message.

PH_LA_LIT8_10:There are rules for when and where teenagers can work. Write to the US Department of Labor to request information about the rules and regulations that apply to teenagers.

PH_LA_LIT8_11:Write an autobiographical narrative that tells the story of a humorous mix-up or misunderstanding that you have experienced. In addition to details showing what happened, include your thoughts and feelings about the event.

GRADE 9 (11 prompts, 8 WAG, 3 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG9_01:Select an American president or world leader who has governed most effectively. Write an essay in which you give reasons and examples to support your choice.

PH_LA_WAG9_02:Write a letter to an author explaining your reaction to his or her book, play, or story. In your letter, use specific evidence from the work of literature to support your opinion. Include questions that your own analysis has left you unable to answer.

PH_LA_WAG9_03:Television networks have come under attack for the violence that is presented on the news and in dramas. Write an editorial in which you criticize or defend a network's programming choices.

PH_LA_WAG9_04:Think of an American, living or deceased, who is a role model for today's young people. Write an essay that explains this person's admirable qualities and achievements.

PH_LA_WAG9_05:Most communities encourage residents to recycle paper and metals. Some communities have laws requiring people to recycle because they might not do so voluntarily. Write an essay in which you suggest a solution to the lack of interest in voluntary recycling.

PH_LA_WAG9_06:Think of a career or job you might be interested in pursuing. Write a letter to a local professional to ask for an interview that will help you to learn more about what the job demands.

PH_LA_WAG9_07:Technology has changed our lives in many ways. Think of a development in technology, such as the widespread use of cellular phones or the availability of the Internet. Write an essay in which you explain the causes and effects of this development on our lives.

PH_LA_WAG9_08:The United States contains a remarkable variety of landscapes and climates, ranging from the frigid wilderness of northern Alaska to the deserts of Texas. Write an essay in which you compare and contrast the landscape and climate of two regions of the country.

PH_LA_LIT9_09:Write a descriptive essay about a place that holds a special memory or a favorite place to go. Provide details that will help the reader picture the place and understand why it is so special to you.

PH_LA_LIT9_10:Write a how-to essay in which you provide step-by-step directions for operating a household appliance. Include adequate detail and description so that a person who is totally unfamiliar with the product will be able to use it.

PH_LA_LIT9_12:Recall a time when you were truly surprised. Write a brief anecdote in which you tell the story of the situation and describe your actions.

GRADE 10 (12 prompts, 8 WAG, 4 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG10_01:Some educators believe that students lose valuable learning time during the long summer vacation. They have proposed that students go to school all year round with several shorter breaks during the year. What is your reaction to this proposal? Write a letter to your school board stating your position and listing reasons that support your point of view.

PH_LA_WAG10_02:Explore an environmental issue, such as the destruction of the rain forest, global warming, or landfills. Write a cause-and-effect essay in which you explain how the problems surrounding this issue affect the environment and our lives.

PH_LA_WAG10_03:Think about a global issue--achieving world peace or eliminating hunger and poverty--on which you can take a stand. Write a persuasive essay in which you support your position with good reasons and examples.

PH_LA_WAG10_04:Characters in literature often display intense courage when they face a difficult or dangerous situation. Choose a character from a work of literature you have recently read. Summarize the situation in which the character demonstrates bravery and explain how the character's courage helped resolve the problem that he or she faced.

PH_LA_WAG10_05:Think of a problem that people face in your neighborhood or school. Write an editorial to your local newspaper presenting a solution to the problem you have identified.

PH_LA_WAG10_06:Select two competing products that you would consider buying. Write a comparison-and-contrast essay in which you focus on the merits and shortcomings of these two products. Include a recommendation about which one is a better product or better value.

PH_LA_WAG10_07:Suppose you've just gotten a pet or an animal that you never owned before. Write a letter to a local pet store, pet owner's association, or veterinarian asking for information about how to care for your pet.

PH_LA_WAG10_08:Think about a novel that you have read recently. Write a review for your school newspaper that explains the most interesting aspect of the book, such as its character, theme, setting, or plot.

PH_LA_LIT10_09:School systems have to operate on a budgeted amount of money each school year. Often, there is not enough money to cover all program costs, and as a result, many extracurricular programs are cut. Think of a way that your community can help by either raising funds or utilizing buildings or programs in your town. Then, write a formal letter to the editor of your local newspaper outlining your solution.

PH_LA_LIT10_10:Think about the concept of democracy and the images it conjures up for you. For example, you may think of a person voting, a town meeting, or a king losing his crown. Then develop this idea in a descriptive essay defining democracy.

PH_LA_LIT10_11:Think about an experience you had in school that changed previously held beliefs. In an essay, explain why this learning experience had special meaning to you.

PH_LA_LIT10_13:Tell the story of a friend who has had a great influence on your life. Include your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to show how your friend has affected you.

GRADE 11 (12 prompts, 8 WAG, 4 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG11_01:Whether bestsellers or classics, novels allow us to meet fascinating characters that embark on adventures we might never experience. Write an essay in which you describe your favorite character and explain why the novel was so appealing to you.

PH_LA_WAG11_02:High schools, restaurants, work places, and the military all use dress codes. Think about the reasons for instituting dress codes and why they might be enforced in each case. Then, select one example of the use of dress codes. Write an essay in which you argue the benefits or drawbacks of a dress code in that situation.

PH_LA_WAG11_03:People send packages all around the world for many different reasons. What happens when one gets lost? Write a letter of complaint to the shipping company about the loss of an important package.

PH_LA_WAG11_04:Some people think that all 18 year-olds should perform one year of national or community service (for example, the Peace Corps, emergency medical services, Big Brother and Big Sister programs) before they pursue college or a paying job. What is your position on this issue? Write an essay in which you support your point of view with convincing reasons and examples.

PH_LA_WAG11_05:Choose a historical event, such as a declaration of war, the signing of a treaty, or the election of a leader. Write an essay in which you explain the causes and effects of the event that you have chosen.

PH_LA_WAG11_06:Each year, hurricanes, tornadoes, and foods destroy people's homes and lives. Write an essay in which you offer suggestions on how to prepare for violent weather and prevent severe damage or loss of life.

PH_LA_WAG11_07:Think about two schools you have attended or two schools or colleges that you are interested in attending in the future. Write an essay in which you compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of attending these two schools.

PH_LA_WAG11_08:Imagine that you had the option of telling the U.S. government how your family's tax dollars should be spent. Should the money go to education, national health care, or the military? Write a letter to your state representative explaining which option you would select and provide reasons supporting your choice.

PH_LA_LIT11_09:Milestones should be remembered because they are times of great personal growth and achievement. Starting high school is a significant milestone. In an essay, write about this experience and explain how it has affected you.

PH_LA_LIT11_10:Imagine that you are applying to a summer program that helps prepare student for college or the workplace. Write a cover letter that describes your experience and highlights the qualities that make you an excellent candidate for the program.

PH_LA_LIT11_12:Write a time-lapse description of the main lobby of your school. Note the mood, people, and activity of the lobby at three different times during the day. Then, write an essay in which you describe the changes over time.

PH_LA_LIT11_13:Apologies can often be difficult to make. Select a memorable experience of regret and describe how you made your apology.

GRADE 12 (14 prompts, 8 WAG, 6 Lit)

PH_LA_WAG12_01:Clothing can be associated with particular events or circumstances, such as a lucky hat or a sweatshirt you always bring on a family trip. Identify a piece of clothing you associated with a special event in your life. In an autobiographical narrative, tell the story of what makes this piece of clothing special.

PH_LA_WAG12_02:Do you think that school newspapers should be given absolute free speech with no censorship from faculty advisors? Write a letter to your school board arguing for or against freedom of speech in your school's newspaper.

PH_LA_WAG12_03:Characters in literature often have a strong impact on us because they change and grow throughout the book or play. Describe a memorable character and explain how and why the character grew and what impact the character had on you.

PH_LA_WAG12_04:Write an essay in which you present your opinion about the negative or positive effects of video games on young children. Focus your essay on a specific argument about video games, providing reasons and examples that support your opinion.

PH_LA_WAG12_05:Many people face obstacles that restrict and complicate their lives. For example, a person may not have a car, yet need to drive in order to keep a job. Choose a problem, and write an essay that presents a practical solution to the problem.

PH_LA_WAG12_06:Imagine that you are the consumer reporter for your local newspaper. Select a product that many students are interested in buying, such as in-line skates or jeans. Write an article that compares and contrasts two brands of that product and recommend the best choice.

PH_LA_WAG12_07:Many young people today become involved in improving their communities and solving local problems. Think of a way you could help in your community. Write a business letter to residents or community officials introducing your idea and inviting their support.

PH_LA_WAG12_08:Advances in technology--television, microwave ovens, the Internet--have a huge impact on our lives. Create an invention, and explain the effects it will have on the way people live.

PH_LA_LIT12_09:Think about a time when you faced a difficult situation but found a way to overcome it. In an essay, describe the challenge, the way you solved it, and the way you felt when the problem was solved.

PH_LA_LIT12_10:Think of a personal treasure that has memories attached to it. Write a reflective essay in which you identify such a treasure, and then examine the significance and importance of keeping mementos.

PH_LA_LIT12_11:Think about a time when you learned about history, art, or culture outside the classroom. You may have been on a school trip, a family vacation, or on a short trip to a museum or event. In a reflective essay, describe how this experience enhanced your school-based education.

PH_LA_LIT12_12:Imagine that you are applying for a summer job as a camp counselor at a computer camp. Write a cover letter in which you highlight your qualifications.

PH_LA_LIT12_13:Imagine that your school system is looking for tutors for elementary school studies. Write a cover letter in which you express your interest in the position and highlight your academic qualifications and your experience with younger students.

PH_LA_LIT12_14:Think of a place where you recently took a test. What did you see, hear, and smell? Use specific sensory details in a description that helps your readers join you in that room.

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