NAME ________________________

DATE ____________
PERIOD ________
Deconstructing a Writing Prompt
There are different ways to unpack a writing prompt. You may circle or underline significant words, or simply
read it several times to yourself. One method that works well with ALL prompts is PAC.
Purpose: Are you writing to explain (expository) or convince (persuasive)?
Audience: To whom are you writing?
Context: What is the situation or the background (topic)?



Writing Situation


Writing Prompt
In many schools students have vending machines full of snacks. Politicians have argued
such vending machines usually have unhealthy options and should be removed.

Write a letter to your Governor convincing him whether or not vending machines should
be removed from all public schools.
Example PAC: Purpose: Write to Convince (persuade)
Audience: Governor
Context: Vending machines in schools

Writing Situation

Writing Prompt
Almost everyone enjoys amusement parks.

Think about your favorite amusement park located here in Tampa.
Now, write to explain what is fun about that amusement park.
Example PAC: Purpose: Write to Explain (inform)
Audience: Adults (no specific audience named)
Context: What is fun about Busch Gardens, your favorite amusement park in Tampa

UnPAC the following prompts:
We all have a favorite type of music. P: __________________________________
Think about what type of music is your favorite. A: _________________________________
Now write to explain why this type of music is your favorite. C: __________________________________

We all have a position in our families as oldest, youngest, middle, or only child. P: ______________________
Think about why your position in the family is the best one. A: _________________________________
Now explain why your position in the family is the best one. C: __________________________________

FILE IN WRITING SECTION TURN OVER

People live in different climates all over the world, and many prefer one certain type of climate.
Think about what type of climate you prefer. P: ______________________ A: ___________________
Now explain why you prefer that type of climate. C: __________________________________

Many school districts are considering adding more elective courses at the middle school level.
Think about what elective course you would like take in middle school. P: ______________ A: ___________
Now explain why you would like to take that elective course in middle school. C: ________________________


Government officials in Florida are presently encouraging Floridians to prepare for the upcoming hurricane
season. P: ______________________
Think about why it is important for Floridians to prepare for hurricane season. A: ___________________
Now write to explain why it is important for Floridians to prepare for hurricane season. C: ________________


Your assistant principal is seeking your suggestions about how the school could improve school attendance.
Think about how the school could improve school attendance. P: ______________ A: ___________
Now write to convince your assistant principal to accept your suggestions on how to improve school
attendance. C: _______________________________________________________________

The United States Congress has decided that the Star Spangled Banner has become an outdated national
anthem. P: ______________
Think about a song that would be a good national anthem. A: ___________
Now write to persuade Congress that the song of your choice would be a
good national anthem. C: _______________________________________________________________

A local school principal is considering discontinuing the school mentor program for at-risk students.
Think about your position on the program. Should it be discontinued or not? P: _____________ A: ________
Now write to persuade the principal of that local school that he should or should not discontinue the school
mentor program for at-risk students. C: ________________________________________________________


Some parents and teenagers believe that teenagers need to have part-time jobs. P: ______________
Think about whether or not you should have a part-time job. A: _______________
Now write to convince your parents that you should or should not have a part-time job. C: _____________


Your principal is considering whether or not to include clubs at your school this year. P: ______________
Think about whether or not clubs are a good idea for your school. A: _______________
Now write to convince your principal whether or not to include clubs at your school this year. C: ___________