(Required)

Expository:

Each of us has a favorite book, sport, item or activity. Why does your favorite

have special meaning for you? Do you have special memories or experiences that make it your

favorite? In a multi-paragraph essay,

explain in detail to your teacher why the book, movie,

sport or thing is your favorite or special to you.

(Optional)

Expository:

Most of us have had to learn a task that was challenging, such as skateboarding,

researching and writing a report, or learning to play a musical instrument. Think about

something that was hard for you to learn. In a multi-paragraph essay, explain

what was difficult

and

why it was challenging to learn.

(Required)

Persuasive:

Your school has decided to start having after-school clubs for students.

Transportation will be provided for kids interested in staying. The principal wants student ideas

about possible clubs and activities.

What club would you most like to see included?

Write a multi-paragraph letter to the club selection committee.

Convince them that your

proposed club should be selected.

(Optional)

Persuasive:

Some students think the mascot for your school should be changed. Do you think it

should be changed? Take a position. Would a new creature, image, person, or animal be better to

represent your school’s spirit or is your current mascot a good one. In a letter to your principal

persuade him/her that the mascot should or shouldn’t be changed and why.

(Required

* see Contract)

Expository:

Imagine you had a chance to meet anyone in the world. Choose a person you

would like to meet and write a multi-paragraph letter to your teacher

explaining the reasons why

you would like to meet this person.

(Optional)

Expository:

The life of a teenager changes with every generation. For example, your life is

probably different from your grandparents when they were teenagers. Write a multi-paragraph

letter to someone in the past

explaining what it is like to live in the present day.

(Optional)

Persuasive:

Choose a city or community you have enjoyed living in or would like to live in.

Write a multi-paragraph letter to a seventh-grade student

convincing him or her to select your

city or community as a place to live for a year.

(Required)

Persuasive:

Your school is planning its first “kick-off” assembly for the next school year. You

have been asked to recommend someone to speak to seventh graders at your school. Write a

multi-paragraph letter to the principal

persuading him or her to choose the person you think

would be the best speaker.

---

(Required* see Contract)

Expository:

The Puget Sound region is at high risk for an earthquake. Imagine we have had the

“big one.” You and your family get only one chance to return to your home and gather your most

important things. What are the most important things in your life, the possessions you cannot

live without? In a multi-paragraph letter to your parent/guardian,

explain to him or her which

items you would choose to take.

(Optional)

Expository:

Do grades on tests and report cards indicate how successful a person will be in the

future? What do you think? In a multi-paragraph essay to your teacher,

explain why you do or

do not believe grades on tests or report cards indicate how successful a person will be in the

future.

(Required)

Persuasive:

The school board is considering extending the school day by two hours to improve

school achievement. Your principal is gathering student opinions to help make this decision. In a

multi-paragraph essay to your principal,

persuade him or her to extend or not extend the current

school day.

(Optional)

Persuasive:

You have entered a contest to win a year living with a guest family in another

country. The contest requires you to choose a special gift that will be given to the family. This

gift should represent you or your culture. In order to win the contest you must write a multi-

paragraph letter to the sponsors of the contest,

convincing them that the gift you have chosen

best represents you or your culture.