1. Think about a time when you were late for something. In a story,describe the
situation that made you late,how you handled the situation,and the
consequences of being late. Use examples and details to develop your story.
2. Imagine that you have been asked to give a talk at a local elementary school
about the similarities and differences between high school and elementary
school. Explain to a group of elementary school students what it is like to go to
high school. Be sure to include specific details to support your explanation.
3. Due to budget cuts the administration is considering eliminating all athletic
programs in your school. How do you feel about this proposal? State your
position and persuade your reader to see your point of view. Be specific in your
argument. Write your response in the Answer Document.(18 points)
4. People often make a positive difference in others’ lives. Think of a person
who affected your life or the life of someone you know. Provide specific
details about the person, what the person did, and how this person made
a positive difference in someone’s life. Write your response in the Answer
Document. (18 points)
5. In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. described his vision of equality in America, that his four children “will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Suppose you were asked to share with a group of students your vision for a better society. Explain to these students what vision for society that you would like to see occur. Be specific and support your explanation with details and examples. Write your response in the Answer Document. (18 points)
6. Write a story in which a character or characters experience an ordinary day that becomes unforgettable. Develop your story with details. Write your response in the Answer Document. (18 points)
7. State legislators believe that students’ driving privileges should be directly
linked to their performance and attendance in school. For example, students
should be required to maintain a certain grade point average and
attendance record in order to drive. Or, if students fail a class, they would not
be allowed to drive until their grade was improved. State and defend your
position on this issue to an audience of state legislators. Be sure to include
specific reasons to support your position. Write your response in the Answer
Document. (18 points)
8. Think about a time you or someone you know was given advice and then had
to decide whether to follow it. Write a story of such a time. Make sure your
story includes details about the situation, the decision, and the consequences
that followed. Write your response in the Answer Document. (18 points)
9. Your school has received a large donation for the purpose of inviting a
famous person to speak or perform for the students and staff at an assembly. Select a famous person you would like to have visit your school for this
assembly. Write to the members of your student government, persuading them that this is the person who should be invited. Write your response in the Answer
Document. (18 points)
10. What is something that you have learned that is important to you? This
knowledge could be something you learned in school or in your everyday life.
Explain why learning this was important to you. Use specific details to explain
and support your reasons. Write your response in the Answer Document.
(18 points)