On-Demand Writing

What is an On-Demand? The On-Demand Test is a timed writing test where students must demonstrate an understanding of Audience (Who), Purpose (Why), and Format (F). There are two prompts: one 60-minute direct prompt and one 60-minute passage driven prompt.

In each prompt- Look for WWF Audience (Who?): The person (people) you’re pretending to write to. Purpose (Why?): The reason you’re writing: to persuade, to inform, to narrate an event, to respond to a text/ graphic/ chart. Format (F): The type of writing you are to construct: letter feature article, editorial, or speech.

Audience (Who?) Look in the writing task for the audience. It might be an individual or a group. You write to the audience for reasons stated in the prompt. Consider what the audience needs to know, wants to know, and already knows. Imagine what questions they will have for you. Answer them in your writing.

Purpose (Why?) Look for one of these in the writing task: Respond to a text/graphic/chart (organize information by using main ideas and supporting details.) Persuade (Consider the needs/feelings of the audience as you solve problems and/or convince them. Use main ideas and supporting details.) Narrate an event (Share what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, touched, said, thought, did…to make a point. Inform an audience about a situation, problem, or concern. You will bring awareness to a less informed audience.

Format (F): What kind of writing? Look in the writing task for the format: letter, editorial, speech Follow the format. Letters, speeches, and editorials have certain characteristics you must follow.

WWF Analysis of the ON-DEMAND prompt

WWF W- who W- why F- form

Why do we analyze the prompt? to make the better choice between the prompts to identify the purpose, audience, and form to be successful in writing an on-demand

Let’s try a few… WWF the following:

Prompt 1- Ms. Boswell

Prompt 2- You help me

Prompt 3- In pairs

Prompt 4- On your own

What is the purpose of an On-Demand? persuade inform narrate/entertain respond

Writing to Inform Provide information not previously known by the audience. Indicators: “Help readers understand that…” “Share your knowledge about…” “Provide information that will…”

Writing to Persuade Convince audience to see the problem from your perspective. Indicators: “Convince readers to…” “Write to help others accept your opinion” “Urge readers to…”

Writing to Narrate/Entertain Writing to share personal experiences. Indicators: “Tell me about a time…” “Refer to your own experience…” “From your own experience, relate an incident that…”

Writing to Respond -Writing that responds to a text/graphic/chart using main ideas and supporting details - Indicators: -Based on the chart….

What are the different formats of an On-Demand? speech letter editorial

Formats All On-Demand Writing is transactive (Real World) Possible Formats are: editorial, speech or letter Your final copy should “look” like the format requested.

Editorial Purpose: to persuade, to inform Title Two columns No subheadings

Speech Purpose: to persuade, inform or entertain Essay format Must address audience Introduce yourself

Letter Purpose: to persuade, to inform Block Format No indentions Double space between paragraphs Proper Headings (date, names, addresses, closing, signature) Colons after greeting

Sample Letter

How do I start writing my On-Demand?

Pre-write When constructing your On-Demand, consider any of the pre-write techniques: Make an outline Make a web Create a Venn Diagram Make a list

Organize your ideas Think about your most important points Use the reason/ example format/ opposing viewpoint Think before writing. Sort out your ideas.

Lead/Introduction Get reader’s attention Ask a rhetorical question Give an anecdote Use a quote Use statistics Concentrate on the focus of your work in the lead Make sure you state the thesis

Drafting the Body Follow your prewriting Revise as you go Revise again when you think you’re finished For persuading and responding, keep telling them why and how Remember: give examples for each reason Answer questions your audience might have Connect your ideas with transitions

Drafting the Closing Make the piece feel finished Give the reader something to think about You can tie back to something to think about You can tie back to something you said in the title or lead Be brief

Edit your Correctness: Check the following: Capitalization Usage (we were/ not we was) Punctuation Spelling Complete sentences Repetition

FINAL COPY Use your best handwriting Make it LOOK like a letter, speech, or editorial Indent the paragraphs Be correct and neat