Essential Question Reflection Essential Question: How does following the writing process help a writer craft an effective
piece of writing?
Reflection: To explore this big idea and deepen your understanding, answer the questions
below in complete sentences.
1. How do writers vary their writing for different purposes and audiences? Why is it important to think
about the purpose of your writing? Why does it matter who your audience is when you are writing?
Answers may vary. Students should respond with their opinion. They should address all questions
listed above.
Review the chart below to get a better understanding of THE WRITING PROCESS. Today, we are working
on UNPACKING THE PROMPT. After you complete your Vocabulary Development activity, we will
explore this more. Vocabulary Development
Review the key vocabulary words for this activity.
The definition of the word is listed. This is the meaning of the word as you see it in a dictionary.
The mentor sentence for this word is listed. This is how the word is used in context (in writing).
In the STUDENT CHOICE box, please choose ONE way to show your understanding.
• Option 1: Write the word in a new sentence.
• Option 2: Draw a picture that represents the word.
• Option 3: Write down 3 words that are related to the original word. Related words can be words
with similar roots (the main part of the word), synonyms (words with similar meanings), or
words that connect with the key vocabulary word.
Example:
Key Vocabulary
prompt explanatory/informative momentarily sensory
Name:
Word &
Definition Mentor Sentence Student Choice (Choose 1)
--sentence, drawing, related words--
Prompt
(noun) The topic
of your writing
Make sure you think
about the prompt as
you begin organizing
your writing.
□ I heard the
word being
spoken.
□ I practiced
speaking
this word.
Explanatory/
Informative
(adjective) serving
to explain
something or
inform about a
topic
She wrote an
explanatory essay,
which informed her
reader about what
she’d learned about
humpback whales.
□ I heard the
word being
spoken.
□ I practiced
speaking
this word.
Momentarily
(adjective) for a
very short time
As he passed Jenny’s
door, he paused
momentarily,
wondering if he
should knock.
□ I heard the
word being
spoken.
□ I practiced
speaking
this word.
Sensory
(adjective)
related to your
five senses
Trying to listen to
music while watching
TV can cause sensory
overload.
□ I heard the
word being
spoken.
□ I practiced
speaking
this word.
Name:
Essay Writing, Step 1; Unpacking the Prompt
When writing an essay, it’s important to unpack, or look closely, at the PROMPT, or the
specific task for this essay. In the PROMPT, you will see WHAT you are writing, WHY you
are writing, and WHO your intended audience is.
First, let’s start by reading the PROMPT for this essay.
To better understand all the parts of this prompt, let’s explore what the prompt is asking you to do, who
you are writing for, and what kind of writing product you are going to produce.
In your school, the Science Club is encouraging students to provide articles for its new website. For
your contribution to the website, you will write an explanatory article about improving memory.
Using more than one source, develop a theses/controlling idea to explain how to improve memory.
Once you have a thesis/controlling idea, select the most relevant information to support your
thesis/controlling idea. Then, write a multi-paragraph explanatory article explaining your
thesis/controlling idea. Clearly organize your article and elaborate on your own ideas. Develop your
ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to
reference the source title or number when quoting or paraphrasing details or facts from the sources.
PROMPT:
In your school, the Science Club is encouraging students to provide articles for its new website. For
your contribution to the website, you will write an explanatory article about improving memory.
Using more than one source, develop a thesis/controlling idea to explain how to improve memory.
Once you have a thesis/controlling idea, select the most relevant information to support your
thesis/controlling idea. Then, write a multi-paragraph explanatory article explaining your
thesis/controlling idea. Clearly organize your article and elaborate on your own ideas. Develop your
ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to
reference the source title or number when quoting or paraphrasing details or facts from the sources.
PRODUCT: I’m writing
an explanatory article.
AUDIENCE: I’m writing for the
Science club website readers.
TOPIC: improving
memory
Unpacking the Prompt Reflection Questions
1. What is the PROMPT asking you to do?
2. What information do you need to gather to be able to answer this prompt effectively? (Hint: What do
you not know yet about this topic?)