Writing an Essay for Assessment
Some tests ask you to write an essay response to short stories and poems you have closely read. The following activity will help you practice.
Analyze an essay prompt.
Read the following prompt, answer the PAST questions about it, write a focus statement, and list details.
Read the writing prompt.
The short story “Friend Beneath Your Feet” tells about a day that Jana spends with her shadow. The poem “Chicago Poet” tells about a poet seeing himself in a mirror. Both deal with reflections and shadows, which stay with us our whole lives. What theme is the same in this short story and this poem? How does the short story express this theme? How does the poem express it? Use evidence from the two sources.
Answer the PAST questions.
Purpose?
Audience?
Subject?
Type?
Write an essay response.
Create an essay that responds to the prompt about the story and poem. Include a beginning paragraph that leads to your focus statement. Write middle paragraphs that support the focus statement with main points and details. Create an ending paragraph that wraps up your ideas. Use details from the sources, giving credit with the title and author’s name.
Revise and edit your essay.
Read your essay and ask yourself the following questions. Correct any problems you find.
- Is my essay on target with the prompt and the PAST questions?
- Do I have a clear focus statement and topic sentences?
- Do I support them clearly with a variety of details?
- Are my beginning, middle, and ending paragraphs effective?
- Have I checked my spelling?
- Are all of my sentences complete (no fragments or run-ons)?