CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.10

By Anonymous (not verified), 12 March, 2026

Analyzing Writing Prompts

Analyzing Writing Prompts

Often tests contain writing prompts that you must respond to. Your first step is to understand the writing prompt. Use the PAST questions.

  • Purpose? Why am I writing? (To analyze? To entertain?)
  • Audience? Who will read my writing? (Tester? Classmates?)
  • Subject? What subject should I write about? (Story? Poem?)
  • Type? What type of writing should I create? (Essay? Story?)

Sample Writing Prompt

In “The Most Sensible Car” by Carolyn Asher, Coup is looking for a practical owner. In the end, Coup says, “Nobody wants a truly sensible car these days.” Is he right? What evidence from the story supports your conclusion. Write an essay explaining Coup’s problem with finding an owner, and show what the story says about life.

Answers to PAST Questions

  • Purpose?

    Explain Coup’s problem with finding an owner and show what the story says about life

  • Audience?

    Any other reader

  • Subject?

    “The Most Sensible Car” by Carolyn Asher

  • Type?

    Essay

Note: Some writing prompts do not answer all of the PAST questions. If an answer is not given, infer one (come up with a reasonable answer based on the rest of the information).

A Lesson to Learn

A Lesson to Learn My little brother is so irritating. All day long he says, “Eddie, I wonder why people can talk but animals can’t.” Or, “I wonder why the ocean looks blue.” Of course, I don’t know the answers, but I don’t let him know that. I just make up reasonable explanations, and he accepts them as if I’m the smartest person in the world. Before I answer one of his questions, I usually tell him that he’s pretty stupid and asks too many questions. Well, yesterday we both got our report cards. I got B’s and C’s, and he got straight A’s.

Limadastrin

Limadastrin When you wish to challenge Death, Seek the one the Hares call Seth. When you find out where he lies, Look to the northeastern skies. Travel to the redstone house; Do not wake a single Mouse. On the night of Nameday Feast, You must leave and travel east. Do not meet the Greatrat horde. Build a boat, get right on board; Travel east across the lake. Still—a noise you must not make! Once you reach the mountain bold, All the mystery will unfold.

The Call

The Call The telephone rings endlessly. This is insane! Anxiety hits my stomach, Then rises up through my body. Will he pick up? Butterflies roar. Does he care? Oh, no . . . Breathe. Click. Someone’s there. Who? His sister maybe? No. It’s him . .

My Backyard

My Backyard My backyard breathes life! The plants gather the sunlight with bending and reaching arms. Trailing vines hold onto the fences with curling fingers. The tall grasses and ferns dance around the garden.   A hummingbird rapidly flutters, waving good morning as she drinks the nectar from the shining smiles of colorful flower heads.   The wind whispers as she passes, telling me everything she has seen as she softly lays down the seeds she has carried.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.10