EOC Compositions

Literary Compositions  Literary compositions require that students write a story and express their ideas & feelings about real or imagined people events, and ideas rather than simply writing about their own personal experiences.  Use literary elements  dialogue, figurative language, imagery, etc.  Have a brief time frame for the plot  Limit of 26 lines!  Event shouldn’t cover much time  Story may be real or fictional

Sample Literary Prompt  Look at the photograph.  Write a story about the power of imagination. Be sure that your story is focused and complete and that it has an interesting plot and engaging characters.

Expository Compositions  Requires students to write an essay and clearly explain or inform what they think about a specific topic.  Must have a thesis statement!  Organization should be clear and easy to follow.  Respond to the directions that begin with “WRITE an essay”!

Sample Expository Prompt  Read the information in the box below.  Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement.  Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain.

Persuasive Composition  Requires students to maintain a convincing position (pick a side) and sustain focus.  Create a position statement (opinionated thesis)!  Develop relevant reasons/evidence to support your position.  Create an appropriate tone and a clear/logical organizational pattern.

Sample Persuasive Prompt  Read the following quotation.  Think carefully about the following statement. Some people define themselves by what they believe, while others allow their actions to speak for them.  Write an essay stating your position on which is more important: what a person thinks or what a person does. Authentic patriotism is not about you, what you believe or what you think is right…Authentic patriotism is not an opinion. It is an action. -Stephen Kiernan