Exploring possible topics for FCAT prompts Start with a topic Let’s say after-school jobs What kind of an expository prompt could possibly be asked on

Exploring possible topics for FCAT prompts

• Start with a topic

Let’s say after-school jobs

• What kind of an expository prompt could possibly be asked on FCAT?

After-school jobs have benefitsor

After-school jobs have detriments


If you were asked to explain the benefits, how many ideas can you think of?

you earn spending money you learn responsibility

you meet new peopleyou learn time managementyou learn new skills

etc.


Consider which ideas you could really elaborate on:



Now create your elaboration.


Let’s go back to the original topic of after-school jobs.

What could be a possible persuasive prompt?

Your parents/guardians don’t want you to have an after-school job. Convince them to agree with you that you should have a job.


Go back to the original ideas for an expository prompt on after-school jobs. Which of them can be used in a persuasive essay?




With a persuasive essay, you will need to consider the person or group that is identified in the prompt. What arguments would be best used to convince that person or group?




A good way to start your persuasive essay is to frame it like a letter. That gives you a “picture” of your reader.

Then you must tell your reader what your position on the issue is.

Finally, you must tell the reader what you want him to do or believe.


Dear Mom and Dad,I’ve been thinking about what you said

about my getting a job after-school. I want you to know that I think I should be able to get a job because it will give me the money I need for school activities. I think that an after-school job will also teach me how to budget my time.

School activities can be very pricey. For instance, next month I have to order a class ring. According to the ring company, it will cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


As you explore several topics, always try to link the topic to what you know. When you write about what you know, you can go into great detail (elaboration!).

Use a letter format for persuasive essays.

Anecdotes, whether true or fictional, make it relatively easy to prove a point. Be sure to use a good transition to start the anecdote, such as “For example” or “For instance.”

Documents

Exploring possible topics for FCAT prompts Start with a topic Let’s say after-school jobs What kind of an expository prompt could possibly be asked on