Dissecting the Prompt

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<img src="images12/essay.jpg" width="768" height="315" > <<if $action is true and $incorporate is true and $genre is true>> You have a strong understanding of the prompt. Now is the time to start planning. It is a good idea to [[prewrite]] which includes brainstorming and organizing your thoughts. <<elseif $action is true and $incorporate is true>> You have figured out what you are being asked to do, and you know how to find the right evidence. Now we are going to learn about the genres of writing, so you you can blend them. You have read two passages discussing the U.S. highway system and other forms of transportation. Write an essay in which you compare the challenges and benefits involved in the creation of the national highway system to the challenges and benefits discussed in Secretary Chao's speech, expecially those related to the advancing technology and the needs of the public. Incorporate material from both passages in your essay, citing sources either formally or informally. Your essay should blend writing from at least two [[genres]] (argumentative, expository, and/or narrative). <<elseif $action is true>> You have figure out the core of your task, but now it is time to look into some of the other actions you will have to complete. Click the highlighted word to learn more. You have read two passages discussing the U.S. highway system and other forms of transportation. Write an essay in which you compare the challenges and benefits involved in the creation of the national highway system to the challenges and benefits discussed in Secretary Chao's speech, expecially those related to the advancing technology and the needs of the public. [[Incorporate]] material from both passages in your essay, citing sources either formally or informally. Your essay should blend writing from at least two genres (argumentative, expository, and/or narrative). <<else>> This is a sample prompt from the English language arts end-of-course exam. In the first two sentences I have highlighted three verbs. Click on the one that gives the best indication as to the nature of the task you are being asked to complete. You have [[read]] two passages discussing the U.S. highway system and other forms of transportation. [[Write]] an essay in which you [[compare]] the challenges and benefits involved in the creation of the national highway system to the challenges and benefits discussed in Secretary Chao's speech, expecially those related to the advancing technology and the needs of the public. Incorporate material from both passages in your essay, citing sources either formally or informally. Your essay should blend writing from at least two genres (argumentative, expository, and/or narrative). <</if>>

<img src="images12/gall.jpg" width="224" height="398" > This is the heart of your task. The prompt is asking you to compare. You are being asked to compare the benefits and challenges of implementing (starting) a new policy. In this case we are comparing building the highways to developing new tech in our transportation system. [[Home]] <<set $action to true>>

<<if $citingben is true and $citingchall is true>> <<goto "Incorporate">><<elseif $citingchall is true>>Now try the same thing for [[benefits]].<<else>> Any time we implement new technology like self-driving cars, safety must be addressed to avoid disaster. What is the best piece of evidence to support this opinion? A. According to Secretary Chao, safety is the "core of the Department's mission" and any decisions will be "based on sound science." B. Secretary Chao says that the DOT will focus on "three priorities at the heart of the mission." C. People will go crazy with self-driving cars and not pay attention so we will have lots of wrecks. <<listbox "$chall">> <<option "A">> <<option "B" >> <<option "C">> <</listbox>> <<button "Check Your Answer">> <<goto CitingChall>> <</button>> <</if>>

<<if $citingben is true and $citingchall is true>> <<goto "Incorporate">><<elseif $citingben is true>>Now try the same thing for [[challenges]].<<else>>One of the benefits of having a national highway system using the latest in technology is the ability to move many people during emergencies. What is the best piece of evidence to support this opinion? A. According to Eric Arnesen, Eisenhower believed that the highway system would be "an important economic tool." B. In his essay Eric Arnesen states that President Eisenhower argued for a national highway system so we could "safely evacuate an estimated 70 million people. C. The highway system would be good in emergencies because people have to move fast. <<listbox "$bene">> <<option "A">> <<option "B" >> <<option "C">> <</listbox>> <<button "Check Your Answer">> <<goto CitingBen>> <</button>> <</if>>

<<if $citingben is true and $citingchall is true>><<set $incorporate to true>> Congratulations you have picked the right evidence. You should also note how the quotes are integrated into the sentence and we have given credit to (cited) the source. In his essay Eric Arnesen states that President Eisenhower argued for a national highway system so we could "safely evacuate an estimated 70 million people. According to Secretary Chao, safety is the "core of the Department's mission" and any decisions will be "based on sound science." Return to the [[prompt|Home]] <<elseif $citingben is true>>You found the right evidence for the benefits. Now you need to do the same for the [[challenges]]. <<elseif $citingchall is true>>You found the right evidence for the challenges. Now you need to do the same for the [[benefits]]. <<else>> <img src="images12/yet.jpg" ><img src="images12/kendrick.jpg" ><img src="images12/shoe.jpg" > No matter what type of writing you do, you must include evidence to support your opinions. Your opinions about the best rap artist, the best place to eat in St. Louis, or the latest trends in footwear are valuable because you have a certain level of expertise in these fields. This is not the case when it come to the American highway system or any of the other topics that you write about for the EOC so you will need to collect evidence. For this particular essay you are being asked to evaluate the [[benefits]] and [[challenges]] of changing our transportations system.<</if>>

According to ChatGPT Expository writing is a type of writing that aims to inform, explain, clarify, or describe a topic in a clear and logical way. It presents facts, definitions, instructions, or explanations without including personal opinions or emotions. The main goal is to educate the reader about a subject. Which of the following is an example of expository writing? <<link "A detailed set of directions to get to a party including landmarks">> <<set $expository to 1>> <<goto "Correct">> <</link>> <<link "A proposal to increase funding for 'smart roads'">> <<set $expository to 2>> <<goto "Incorrect">> <</link>> <<link "Talking about that time you got a ticket">> <<set $expository to 3>> <<goto "Incorrect">> <</link>>

According to ChatGPT Narrative writing is a type of writing that tells a story or describes an event or series of events. It is often written in a structured format with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it typically includes elements such as characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Which of the following is an example of narrative writing? <<link "A description of the highway system">> <<set $narrative to 2>> <<goto "Incorrect">> <</link>> <<link "A claim that we need to add more charging stations for electric cars">> <<goto "Incorrect">> <<set $narrative to 3>> <</link>> <<link "A story about a family vacation">> <<set $narrative to 1>> <<goto "Correct">> <</link>>

The prompt is asking you to do at least two types or genres of writing. It specifically list three types you can choose from [[argumentative]], [[expository]], and/or [[narrative]]). Click on each word so you can learn more about each genre.

According to ChatGPT argumentative writing is a type of writing that aims to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action. It presents a claim or thesis statement, supports it with evidence and reasoning, and addresses counterarguments to strengthen its position. Which of the following is an example of argumentative writing? <<link "A historical overview of the construction of the highway system">> <<set $argument to 3>> <<goto "Incorrect">> <</link>> <<link "A protest against an electric car mandate">> <<set $argument to 1>> <<goto "Correct">> <</link>> <<link "A piece of speculative fiction about what driving will be like in the future">> <<set $argument to 2>> <<goto "Incorrect">> <</link>>

$chall <<if $chall is "A">><img src="images12/kreuger.jpg" width="224" height="398" ><<set $citingchall to true>>Good job! With this evidence Secretary Chau admits that there are challenges with the new technology, but if done properly implemented we will eventually benefit. [[Return|challenges]] <<elseif $chall is "B">><img src="images12/gill.jpg" width="224" height="398" > The problem with this one is that the quote does not get to the core of the argument. It's great that they have priorities, but what are they? [[Try Again|challenges]] <<elseif $chall is "C">><img src="images12/steely.jpg" width="224" height="398" >This is still just opinion. In this case you are saying the same thing in less elivated language. [[Try Again|challenges]] <</if>>

<img src="images12/holden.jpg" width="224" height="398" > Obviously you have to write, but we are looking for something more specific. Every writing prompt asks you to write. [[Try Again|Home]]

<<if $narrative is 1>><img src="images12/laird.jpg" width="224" height="398" ><<set $na to true>> You are correct! The best way to blend genres like the prompt asks you to is to use a personal narrative (anecdote) as your hook then you can start writing the argument or exposistion.<</if>><<if $expository is 1>><img src="images12/steely.jpg" width="224" height="398" ><<set $ex to true>> You are correct! Expository writing is when you inform or explain something. A comparison essay like the one you are being asked to write here is expository because it is providing information to the reader. <</if>><<if $argument is 1>><img src="images12/gill.jpg" width="224" height="398" ><<set $ag to true>> You are correct! An argument is when you try to persuade the audience that your opinion is correct. If you are trying to convince people to pick a side or follow a course of action, then you are arguing.<</if>> <<if $na is true and $ex is true and $ag is true>><<set $genre to true>> You have learned what you need to know here. <<button "Return to Prompt">> <<goto Home>> <</button>> <<else>> <<link "Genre">> <<set $narrative to 0>><<set $expository to 0>><<set $argument to 0>> <<goto "genres">> <</link>><</if>>

<<set $narrative to 0>> <<set $expository to 0>> <<set $argument to 0>>

<<if $narrative is 2>><img src="images12/holden.jpg" width="224" height="398" > Unfortunately you chose an example of expository writing. This is just a description to inform the audience. A narrative has a story with a plot and characters. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $narrative to 0>> <<goto "narrative">> <</link>><<elseif $narrative is 3>><img src="images12/holden.jpg" width="224" height="398" > Unfortunately, you chose an example of argumentative writing. The author is trying to convince you that a certain opinion is correct. A narrative has a story with a plot and characters. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $narrative to 0>> <<goto "narrative">> <</link>><<elseif $argument is 3>><img src="images12/cab.jpg" width="224" height="398" > A history lesson like this is expository. It is just describing what happened in the past. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $argument to 0>> <<goto "argumentative">> <</link>><<elseif $argument is 2>><img src="images12/cab.jpg" width="224" height="398" > In this case the word fiction should have tipped you off. Fiction is a story, in this case it is speculative which is a fancy way of saying science fiction. We are looking for an argument. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $argument to 0>> <<goto "argumentative">><</link>> <<elseif $expository is 3>><img src="images12/brat.jpg" width="224" height="398" > This is a story about getting a ticket with a character, plot, and setting. This is clearly a piece of narrative writing. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $expository to 0>> <<goto "expository">> <</link>><<elseif $expository is 2>><img src="images12/brat.jpg" width="224" height="398" > A proposal is claim that things would be better if your plan is adopted. It is argumentatiive writing because you are trying to persuade people to agreee with you. <<link "Try Again">> <<set $expository to 0>> <<goto "expository">><</link>> <</if>>

<img src="images12/brat.jpg" width="224" height="398" > This verb is in past tense, though thanks to English being rather annoying, there is no way to tell this when taken out of context. In this case, however, this is something that you have already done. [[Try Again|Home]]

<<if $bene is "B">><img src="images12/gall.jpg" width="224" height="398" ><<set $citingben to true>> Good job! We are talking about emergencies, so any quote about safety and evacuations would be good support. [[Return|Incorporate]] <<elseif $bene is "A">> This piece of evidence is more suitable for an argument about the economic benefits. [[Try Again|benefits]] <<elseif $bene is "C">> This is still just an opinion. You can't support an opinion by repeating it. [[Try Again|benefits]] <</if>>

For the writing portion of the EOC you are allowed to pre-write. It is absolutely ridiculous not to take advantage of this opportunity. The Writer's Checklist will remind you to have an effective beginning, middle, and End, flow smoothly, blend two genres, and provide evidence from both sources. If you manage to do this, you will score better on the test. To help you organize your thoughts and evidence answer the following questions to generate an outline. Hook: In a few words describe a personal story you have about the topic (the transportation system and highways). This will be your hook and take care of the first genre, narrative. <<textarea "$hook """ >> What is being <b>compared</b>? Remember? Compare is the key task given to you by the prompt. In this case you are <b>comparing</b> the topics of each of the essays you read. <<textbox "$compare """ >> What are two similarities or differences. Comparison 1<<textbox "$comp1 """ >> Comparison 2<<textbox "$comp2 """ >> Write a quote that proves the similarity or difference. This is your evidence. Get one from each text. Make sure you do them in the same order as above. Quote / Summary 1 <<textarea "$quote1 """ >> Quote / Summary 2 <<textarea "$quote2 """ >> How are these comparisons related to each other? This will be the transistion between the two paragraphs. Use words like however, more importantly, similarly, furthermore. Transition word <<textbox "$trans """ >> <<button "Complete" "Outline">><</button>>

$hook <b>Thesis:</b> $compare $comp1 $comp2 (As you can tell this is not a complete sentence, but all of the information needed to write a good thesis is here.) <b>Body Paragraph 1</b> $comp1 <b>Evidence:</b> $quote1 $trans <b>Body Paragraph 2 </b>$comp2 <b>Evidence:</b> $quote2 <b>Conclusion:</b> Call back to the hook. At this point tell how your story in the hook is different because of the information you detailed in your essay.