Grade 8: Sample Prompts and Anchor Papers

Eighth graders respond to an expository prompt. The purpose of expository writing is to explain, clarify, or provide the reader with information. Well-written exposition has a clear, central focus developed through a carefully crafted presentation of examples or definitions that enhance the reader's understanding. Papers are scored holistically using a six-point scoring rubric.

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2007-2008 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt*-Grade 8

Writing Situation:  There are many types of books and stories.  The characters in books make the stories come alive.  The characters may be people or animals.

Directions for Writing:  Before you begin to write, think about a character that you like the most.  What is your character like?  What does your character do in the story?

Now write an essay that explains why you selected this character as your favorite.  Support your choice with specific examples and details from the story.

2007-2008 Anchor Set - Grade 8

SCORE	PAPER #	PAPER #	PAPER #	PAPER #	PAPER #
Score 1	1	2	3
Score 2	1	2	3	4
Score 3	1	2	3	4
Score 4	1	2	3	4	5
Score 5	1	2	3	4
Score 6	1	2	3	4

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2006-2007 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 8

Writing Situation: Everyone has dreamed of having one special wish come true.

Before you begin writing, think about what wish you would like to come true.  Think about how that wish would change your life or the lives of others.

Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that explains why you would like to see your special wish come true.  Support your choice with examples and details about how this wish would change your life or the lives of others.

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2005-2006 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 8

Writing Situation: Many young people would like to visit someplace new.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you like to go?  Why would you      choose that place?  Why would you want to go there?

Directions for Writing: Now explain in an essay where you would go and why.  Support your ideas with examples and details.

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2004-2005 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 8

Writing Situation: Everyone enjoys receiving a gift.

What is the best gift you ever received? Why was it so special?

Directions for Writing: Now explain in an essay what your favorite gift was and why it was so special. Support your reasons with examples and details.

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2003-2004 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 8

Writing Situation: All young people have friends that they enjoy. Who is your best friend?

Directions for Writing: Before you write, think about your best friend. What qualities does this friend have, and why are these important?

Now write an essay telling who your best friend is and explaining why. Support your reasons with examples and details.

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2002-2003 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 8

Writing Situation: School is a big part of a young person's life. Different students enjoy different aspects of school: sports, classes, friends, activities, etc.

Directions for Writing: What do you like most about school and why?

Now explain in an essay what you like about school and why you like it. Support your ideas with examples and details.

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2001-2002 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 7

Writing Situation: If you had to choose one season of the year as your favorite, which one would you choose?

Directions for Writing: Before you begin to write, think about the season you have chosen and why it is your favorite. You might be thinking about the weather, certain activities in this season, or both.

Now write an essay in which you explain why this one season of the year is your favorite. Support your ideas with examples and details.

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2000-2001 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 7

Writing Situation: If you could choose to be any animal for forty-eight hours, what would you be?

Directions for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about what kind of animal you would like to be - a wild animal, farm animal, or a household pet.

Now explain in an essay why you chose this animal. Support your ideas with examples and details.

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1999-2000 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 7

Writing Situation: The U.S. Postal Service has honored many individuals from presidents to singers to cartoon characters, by placing their portraits on postage stamps. Whom would you nominate to honor with a postage stamp?

Directions for Writing: Before you begin to write, think about why this person should have his or her own stamp.

Now write an essay to tell the reader whom you would choose and explain why that person should be honored with a postage stamp. Support your ideas with examples and details.

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1998 -1999 TCAP Writing Assessment Prompt* - Grade 7

Writing Situation: Everyone has one item that is important to him or her.

Directions for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about one item that is important to you and why. It could be something you found, made, or had given to you.

Now explain in an essay why this one item is important to you. Support your ideas with examples and details.

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