Expository Writing Prompts and Practice for Standardized Testing

This teaching unit will help you teach expository writing. The activities included are great for preparing for a standardized writing test!

Read below to see what is included.

Section 1: Expository Prompt Practice

Each handout in this section has two writing prompts. Students will practice underlining what the prompt is asking, writing a topic sentence for the prompt, and generating ideas for the body of the paper. Ten practice prompts are included in this section.

Section 2: Would You Rather Practice Prompts

Your students will have fun with these writing prompts! Each handout provides a would you rather scenario. Then, students choose their answer and defend it. The purpose in using these prompts is to allow students to practice explaining rather than arguing. With expository writing, students are not arguing or persuading. Many students have a tendency to do this with any type of prompt, so these exercises will help them. Ten of these are included!

Section 3: Quick Prompt Practice

This section includes a set of prompts that can be used for student writing or for quick practice. Ideas are included for using these prompts in creative ways.

Section 4: Student Model Essays

This section provides a model essay and two essays that need a good bit of work. A page is also included for the teacher to know what to point out to students in each essay. These essays will help students see common errors that students make when writing expository essays.

Section 5: Essay Evaluations

There are two evaluation forms included in this section. You choose the form that is best for your students. Students will use a piece of their writing to complete the form. It will help them see their own strengths and weaknesses and allow them to see if they are missing any important part of an expository essay. These forms are great for revision!

Section 6: Meet Margaret

This is a super cool and fun activity to complete before the standardized writing test. This activity will require students to think of the “old lady” who will be grading their essays. Your students will LOVE this, and you will find that it is a great teaching tool!