ON DEMAND WRITING PROMPT
Grade: 3
Writing Form: Article
Text Type: Informative
Topic: Water Conservation
Standard: W3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Source:
Source 1:
Save Our Water!
achievethecore.org (page 50)
Save Our Water!
Source 2:
The Adventures of EcoRilla Episode 1
YouTube
The Adventures of EcoRilla
STUDENT PROMPT:
Today you will read an article and view a video about conserving water. Think about why it’s important to save and what you can do to save water. You will use the information you learn to write an article for your school newspaper.
Read the article, “Save Our Water” and view the video, “The
Adventures of EcoRilla Episode 1.” Write an article for your school newspaper to inform students about water conservation. In your article include information about why it’s important to save water and what you can do to save water. Use facts from both sources to clearly convey ideas and information in your article.
You may use a blank sheet of paper to organize your thoughts using a Thinking
Map or graphic organizer. After writing, remember to proofread and edit your article. Your article will be scored for comprehension, written expression and language conventions.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS:
Have students create a graphic organizer or Thinking Map to record information from the video.

Name Teacher Date
Today you will read an article and view a video about conserving water. Think about why it’s important to save and what you can do to save water. You will use the information you learn to write an article for your school newspaper.
Read the article, “Save Our Water” and view the video, “The
Adventures of EcoRilla Episode 1.” Write an article for your school newspaper to inform students about water conservation. In your article include information about why it’s important to save water and what you can do to save water. Use facts from both sources to clearly convey ideas and information in your article.
You may use a blank sheet of paper to organize your thoughts using a Thinking
Map or graphic organizer. After writing, remember to proofread and edit your article. Your article will be scored for comprehension, written expression and language conventions.

Comprehension of Key Ideas and Details
 demonstrates accurate and full comprehension of the
 central ideas expressed in the text
references the text explicitly
Development
 addresses the prompt
 shows effective development of the topic by using reasoning, details, text-based evidence, and/or description
 the development is largely appropriate to the task and
purpose
Organization
 consistently demonstrates purposeful and controlled organization
 includes an introduction
 includes a conclusion
Clarity of Language
 uses linking words and phrases and/or temporal (time) words
 uses descriptive words
 expresses ideas with clarity
Knowledge of Language and Conventions
 demonstrates command of the conventions of standard
English consistent with effectively edited writing o correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
 few minor errors in grammar and usage
 meaning is clear throughout the response
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TOTAL
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