Writing prompts terminology
Bullet points to help you get started

To orient you to the topic of writing prompt use in the English language arts curriculum for purposes in addition to having students write, I've pulled together a few bullet points that explain key terms you will find on this site and elsewhere.

Authentic assignments

• Authentic classroom prompts mimic real-world writing assignments.

• Authentic prompts help struggling writers who have nothing to say if they lack information.

• Teachers should give students at least one formal writing assignment on each main English area each year.

• Students who do assignments requiring authentic intellectual work show greater gains on standardized tests that those who write on topics outside the curriculum.

Formal prompts

• Formal writing assignments require thoughtful, considered responses written with attention to writing mechanics.

• They encourage critical thinking.

• They can create learning situations involving hands-on research, collaboration, interviews, or library research.

• Teachers typically prepare prompts that require thesis plus support (persuasive pattern), five-paragraph essays as their writing process.

• Teachers can give beginning writers a thesis or choice of two theses to help them get quickly into the writing process.

• Formal prompts, such as essays and essay tests, are often used for summative assessments.

• Teachers must test all formal writing assignments by doing the activities the prompt calls for.

• Grading rubrics help teachers avoid overwork by focusing their attention on the most important aspects of written assignments.

Informal prompts

• Informal prompts seek quick responses.

• Students are less passive when required to write.

• Informal writing sessions aid in classroom management.

• Informal writing offers formative assessment opportunities.

• Teachers must respond to informal writing without grading or editing it.

• Informal prompts can serve many different purposes.

• Teachers must test informal prompts before giving them.

• The timed aspect of informal writing prepares students for more formal, higher stakes writing situations.

• A daily prompt is an informal writing prompt; teachers can give a daily prompt without giving the same type of informal prompt each deay.