1.  What does it mean to SPECULATE ?  Talk to a partner next to you and create a definition of your own.

2.  In addition to your open-ended responses and your persuasive or argumentative essay, you will also be asked to write a 30 minute response in what the NJASK calls a “Speculative” or “Explanatory” Writing Task.  You will need to effectively write an essay or a story that paints a picture with your words for the prompts given by using sensory detail!

3. Spectator (noun)  Person who watches  Person who views Speculate (verb)  Think about what is going to happen  Predict  To take a guess based upon your thoughts

4. o Do you remember the picture prompt? It is kind of like that because you are going to use your imagination and “speculate” about something. o There will be a brief scenario, which you will use as a springboard for writing a story – actual or fictional - drawing on stories you have read as well as on your own experiences. o You will need to base your response on the prompt or incorporate some aspect of the prompt into your writing. o You will be asked to make a decision, solve a problem, and create an original piece of work.

5.  Attack this prompt with all that you have! Tell yourself you can do this!  First, carefully read the prompt.  Write a story of about 4 paragraphs that expand upon the before, during, after of the prompt  They want you to use your imagination and ‘speculate about something.’

6. You should include:  Theme  Setting  Characters  Problem and Resolution  Compositional Risks  Dialogue