General Questions
I have at least three of these to pass, but I should strive for five.
What are paragraphs?
“Studies have shown that one way to improve student achievement is to start an afterschool homework club. Teachers and students volunteer to meet with those who either have difficulty in certain subjects or who want to finish their homework early. Use specific details and examples to argue for or against the idea of establishing homework clubs in your school.”
Should afterschool homework clubs be started in your school?
What makes someone a success? Explain how you define success, using specific details and examples in your response.
What is-
H-How do you define success?
E- It can mean something different to each person.
P-Success can be related to a big accomplishment or a small one.
O/T-I believe success is defined as showing improvement, continuing to work through failure, and staying positive regardless of the struggle.
Have you ever been called optimistic? Being positive can be difficult when things in life seem to be going wrong. However, there are benefits to having a good attitude during trying times. Being optimistic, even when things are hard, makes it easier to deal with the problem, keeps you from feeling too dejected, and helps you stay focused on a solution.
What is-
Restate the MI-Opinion: In conclusion, remaining positive during hard times is beneficial.
Restate the Reasons- Optimism makes problems seem smaller, keeps you from feeling depressed, and encourages you to move toward a solution.
Call to action: So, the next time you are faced with a difficult obstacle, remember a positive attitude can make a big difference.
“Some people think that schools should offer only nutritious drinks, such as white milk, water, and natural fruit juice. Do you agree or disagree with this policy? Use specific details and examples to convince your principal to accept your position.”
DISAGREE
A. Kids will waste it
B. Kids won't buy it, so the school loses money
C. It is the parent's choice to make their kids eat healthy
RAFT stands for-
What is
Restate the question
Answer the question
First, Furthermore, Finally
To sum it up
People often credit their successes to having good attitudes. Explain the benefits of having a good attitude, even during a difficult time. Provide examples from your own experience or from having witnessed this in others.
What is-
Does having a good attitude lead to success, even in a difficult time?
Sometimes people recognize similarities between themselves and a character from a book or a movie. Write about a character from a book or a movie who you think is similar to you. What do you have in common with this character? Use specific details and examples in your response.
What is-
H-Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you lived in a movie or a sci-fi novel?
E-It can be an eerie feeling to see someone who reminds you of yourself on the big screen or on the page.
P-Sometimes our lives can resemble those of characters.
O-I experience this every time I watch “Charlie Brown.” He is, after all, living my life in animated form.
T/R-We both have dogs who cause trouble, we both have annoying little sisters, and we both struggle to make friends and have confidence.
Do you ever choose to be kind? It is a choice. Asep, a famous storyteller once said, “No act of kindness was ever wasted.” Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on people’s lives. By being kind, you can change someone’s day, create a positive chain reaction, and make yourself feel better.
What is-
Restate the MI/Opinion- Again, being kind can make a big impact on people.
Restate Reasons- It can turn a frown upside down, encourage others to be kind, and let you feel good about helping.
Call to action- Remember, when given the choice, kindness is the answer.
“What improvement would make your community better? Use specific details and examples to convince the mayor of your community to accept your idea for improving where you live.”
What is-
Environmental Clean Up
A. benefit the whole community
B. make outdoor activities better
C. bring the community together
To indent, I need to hit the space bar ___ times.
What is five?
The ancient Greek storyteller Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Explain how small acts of kindness can have an impact on others. Use specific details and examples in your response.
What is
Small acts of kindness can have an impact on others
Thoughtful acts can take many forms, such as unexpected help or even just a kind word. Explain how a thoughtful act can benefit those involved. Use specific details and examples in your response.
What is-
H-When the last time someone held the door for you?
E-Paid for your latte? Or even just complimented you on your outfit?
P-Being thoughtful can go reach farther than you expect.
O/T-By taking the time to say a kind word, leading a helping hand, or surprise someone with a thoughtful act, you can truly create a wave of positivity.
When the last time someone held the door for you? Paid for your latte? Or even just complimented you on your outfit? Being thoughtful can go farther than you expect. By taking the time to say a kind word, leading a helping hand, or surprise someone with a thoughtful act, you can truly create a wave of positivity.
What is-
Restate MI/O- To sum it up, thoughtfulness can have far-reaching effects.
Restate Reasons- Compliments, helping out, or unexpected/sweet acts can change a person's day.
Call to action: The next time you see someone struggling or just looking down, remember how far a thoughtful act can go. Reach out and be a friend.
When people ask for advice, they sometimes talk to more than one person. Explain why seeking multiple opinions can help someone make a better choice. Use specific details and examples in your response.
What is-
It is better to talk to more than one person
A. different perspectives
B. different experiences
C. weigh your options
Which paragraphs get transition words?
What are the body paragraphs?
Sometimes people recognize similarities between themselves and a character from a book or a movie. Write about a character from a book or a movie who you think is similar to you. What do you have in common with this character? Use specific details and examples in your response.
What is
What character do you think is similar to you?
“Your principal has decided that all students must participate in at least one extracurricular activity. For example, students could participate in sports, work on the yearbook, or serve on the student council. Do you agree or disagree with this decision? Use specific details and examples to convince others to support your position.”
What is-
H-What do you do after school?
E-Research shows students who participate in extracurricular activities are more successful in school.
P-Should students be required to participate in these activities?
O-I do not think it is fair to force students to participate in extracurricular activities.
T/R- These activities should be required because they cost money, require students to get a ride, and take up more time.
Have you wanted to change the world? Sometimes things are just unfair. Civil rights leader, Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? I would change the way people see each other. If we could all love and accept each other, we would not fight, we would reach out to help everyone, and share our resources.
What is-
Restate MI/O- To sum it up, I would change people's hearts.
Restate Reasons- If we cared about each other, we would truly accept each other. This would bring peace and understanding, allow us to help each other without question, and share what we have.
Call to action: A change of heart can go along way.
Some people enjoy public speaking while others are frightened by it. Using specific details and examples, explain how you feel about public speaking.
I hate public speaking.
A. it exposes me/I feel judged
B. I forget what I was going to say
C. I feel sick, sweaty, etc.
What does HEPOT stand for?
What is
Hook
Explain the Hook
Prompt
Opinion
Thesis-the reasons
“Many schools have partnerships with local companies and organizations that allow students to explore certain professions. Write a letter to the manager of a local workplace that performs the type of work you would like to pursue. Convince the employer to allow you to visit. Include details about why you chose that workplace and the specific job.”
What is-
I am interested in exploring your profession, and I wondered if you could come to visit our class.
“The school board plans to add one and a half hours to school each day. Do you agree or disagree with extending the school day? Use specific details and examples to convince the school board to accept your position.”
What is-
H-Do you stare at the clock and wait for 2:55?
E-Waiting on dismissal can be brutal after a long day.
P- The school board wants to add one and a half hours to the school day.
O- This is a horrible idea.
T/R- Extending the school day would disrupt afterschool activities, cut into family time, and make kids even more exhausted at the end of the day.
Have you ever missed out on an opportunity because you were too scared to try? It can create a lot of regrets. As the old saying goes, “You always regret what you didn’t do more than what you did.” Do you believe it is better to take those risks or to remain cautious? I think taking the risks is the better choice because it keeps you from regretting missing out, it might allow you to reach new goals, and it keeps you moving forward in life.
What is-
Restate MI/O- In conclusion, being too cautious can limit you, whereas taking risks can open up opportunities.
Restate Reasons- Taking the risky option stops regret, pushes you toward new goals, and keeps you moving onward.
Call to action- The next time you have to choose to play it safe or take the chance, don't be a scaredy cat.
Some schools have a program that pairs older students with younger students. The older students are available to assist the younger students. How would this program help both the older and the younger students? Explain the effects of such a program on the students involved.
What is
I do think it would peer mentors would help the students.
A. they would have a trustworthy person to go to
B. they could ask questions about things their mentor has already been through
C. it is easier to talk to another student than an adult