Directions for PSSA Text-Dependent Analysis Prompt for “Joe’s Reward”
This preliminary work should take about 10-20 minutes if you do it well.
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1. Read the prompt several times. Underline crucial words to focus on in your pre-writing (myths).
2. Read the brief note in the box at the top of the story “Joe’s Reward.” Underline the most important word
(ambition).
3. You already know what the term elements means—what are elements in science class? What are literary
elements? The same principle applies to elements of myths.
4. On a piece of notebook paper, brainstorm what you know about myths. If you remember a particular myth, write
some notes about the storyline (plot) and the message or theme.
5. Brainstorm what you know about ambition.
6. Find something in common with the myths you read or heard in elementary school and the storyline of “Joe’s
Reward.” There should be more than one element in common with myths (see prompt). Don’t start writing until you
have at least 2.
7. Find evidence from the text that supports #6.
8. Organize your thoughts into an introduction, body, and conclusion before you begin writing. You don’t really have
time for a rough copy.
Directions for PSSA Text-Dependent Analysis Prompt for “Joe’s Reward”
This preliminary work should take about 10-20 minutes if you do it well.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
1. Read the prompt several times. Underline crucial words to focus on in your pre-writing (myths).
2. Read the brief note in the box at the top of the story “Joe’s Reward.” Underline the most important word
(ambition).
3. You already know what the term elements means—what are elements in science class? What are literary
elements? The same principle applies to elements of myths.
4. On a piece of notebook paper, brainstorm what you know about myths. If you remember a particular myth, write
some notes about the storyline (plot) and the message or theme.
5. Brainstorm what you know about ambition.
6. Find something in common with the myths you read or heard in elementary school and the storyline of “Joe’s
Reward.” There should be more than one element in common with myths (see prompt). Don’t start writing until you
have at least 2.
7. Find evidence from the text that supports #6.
8. Organize your thoughts into an introduction, body, and conclusion before you begin writing. You don’t really have
time for a rough copy.