Reading Writing
Texas has put a great emphasis on writing skills at all levels of school and all levels of state-wide testing. Ready Writing, a contest for students in grades
3,4,5,6,7 and 8, builds upon those skills and helps students refine their writing abilities. In particular, this contest helps them to learn to write
clearly and correctly a paper that is interesting and original. A standard dictionary or thesaurus may be used during the contest.
Contestants are given a choice between two prompts which defines the audience, and provides the purpose for writing. Students should be encouraged to analyze the prompts for the purpose of writing, the format, the audience and the point of view. The format may be, for example, a letter, an article for the newspaper or an essay for the principal. Various writing strategies may be stated or implied in the prompt. Some of these include:
There is no minimum or maximum number of words the contestants must write.
Sample Writing Prompts
Instructions: Select only one of the topics which follow.
Write the topic you have chosen at the top of your paper. Remember not to use
your name or any reference to your school in your composition.
Sixth Grades
Seventh and Eighth Grades
3,4,5,6,7 and 8, builds upon those skills and helps students refine their writing abilities. In particular, this contest helps them to learn to write
clearly and correctly a paper that is interesting and original. A standard dictionary or thesaurus may be used during the contest.
Contestants are given a choice between two prompts which defines the audience, and provides the purpose for writing. Students should be encouraged to analyze the prompts for the purpose of writing, the format, the audience and the point of view. The format may be, for example, a letter, an article for the newspaper or an essay for the principal. Various writing strategies may be stated or implied in the prompt. Some of these include:
- description to inform -- describe the happening or person/object from
imagination or memory; - narration -- write a story;
- persuasion -- describe and argue just one side of an issue; describe both
sides of an issue then argue only one side; write an editorial; write a letter
to persuade, etc.
There is no minimum or maximum number of words the contestants must write.
Sample Writing Prompts
Instructions: Select only one of the topics which follow.
Write the topic you have chosen at the top of your paper. Remember not to use
your name or any reference to your school in your composition.
Sixth Grades
- Competition: Students enjoy competing in sports and other
activities, but sometimes winning seems to be the only important thing. Your
teacher has asked you to write a paper explaining how you benefit from
competition when you don't win. - Recycling: As Americans became better and better about
recycling glass, metals, plastics and paper, new ways are being developed to
create products from these recycled materials. Write a paper explaining how
recycled material is being used now and how it might be used in the future. - Learning that can't be tested: Although more emphasis is
being placed on standardized test scores such as TAKS, many of the important
things students learn by going to school can't be measured on such tests. Write
a paper describing the important lessons or values you have learned in school or
through school activities that can't be tested with pencil and paper. - Time capsule: The social studies classes at your school are
creating a time capsule, and each class must decide what they think should be
included. Choose items that would help someone opening the time capsule 50 years
from now to understand how young people live in your community today. Write a
report for your class explaining what you think should be included and why. - TV Role Models: Your class is discussing role models and
how special people influence our daily lives. Television shows often have
characters that provide people with positive role models. Think about one of
your favorite television characters and prepare a paper for your class on how
that character has had a positive influence on you. - New School: Your school counselor has set up a group
discussion session for new students in your school. The counselor will select a
few students already attending your school to help familiarize the new students
with the school. Write a letter to the counselor explaining what you would like
to say about your school to these new students.
Seventh and Eighth Grades
- American Forces Abroad: In recent years, American military
forces have served in trouble spots on several continents. Some people believe
that U.S. forces should be used only when a threat to our national security
exists. Others argue that as a world power, we have a responsibility to respond
to nations in need. Write a letter to the President explaining when you believe
the use of U.S. forces in foreign countries is appropriate. - Crime Reduction: While some types of crime are decreasing
in America, the number of crimes committed by teenagers continues to grow.
Experts have different opinions about the most effective ways to treat or punish
youthful offenders. Write a paper explaining what approaches you think would
work best to reduce crime by teenagers. - Character: Someone once observed, "Character is what you do
when you think no one is watching." Write an essay expressing your opinion about
what this quotation means. - Leadership: Many political campaigns focus on presenting
their candidate as "the most qualified leader" in a race, and therefore the
person who should be elected. Write a paper explaining what specific qualities
you think makes a person a truly effective leader. - School Facilities: School facilities are built at great
expense to the taxpayers, yet they sit vacant during summer vacation. Your
school board has asked students to provide input on the possibility of using
school facilities during the summer. Write an essay from the students' point of
view for the school board concerning this issue. - Goodwill Project: Your class has decided to adopt a project
for the year. Some of the students want to conduct a local food drive, while
others want to adopt a specific family to assist. Decide which of the two
projects you want the class to choose. Write a paper supporting your
choice.