Explanatory writing explains the author's thoughts, feelings,
ideas, and/or opinions, and to share knowledge about a given
topic. Explanatory writing prompts on the NJASK often focus
either on a situation or on a quotation or adage. Click to get
specifics on how to answer each style of prompt. In responding
to the topic or quotation presented, students will be asked to
explain their point of view and to create an original work.
Explanatory writing may be based on the writer’s personal
knowledge and experience or on information presented to the
writer. On the NJASK, students are given 25 minutes (grades 6-8)
to develop a composition based on the prompt. Some Explanatory
Prompts Back to Main Index