Three Modes of
Writing:
Informational
Looks Like:
Prompt ideas for summer writing:
(these are just ideas…any topic is acceptable)
1: Your cousin is moving to your town. Write a letter explaining why your town is such a wonderful
place to live.
When we inform, we are telling
someone about something. When
you write to inform, you are wanting
to share facts and information about
a topic. Writing to inform is nonfiction.
2: Most people like one particular animal more than others. Think of an animal that you are
interested in. Write an article to tell about the animal’s life, habitat, and behaviors.
3: You are on the school safety committee. Think about the drills that we practice at school each
year (fire, tornado, earthquake, etc.). Write an informational article to describe the safety
procedure to your class.
4: Eating healthy food is important for good health. Think about healthy foods and why it's
important to eat them. Now explain why it is important to eat healthy foods.
Opinion
Narrative
When we share an opinion, we are
wanting to let someone know how
we feel about something. We might
tell them that we like it, or we dislike
it. Either way, we back it up with
reasons.
When we narrate, we are telling a
story. The story might be something
that actually happened, or it might
be made up. The narrative doesn’t
just tell the reader what happened,
but the words tell the story as if it is
a movie. There are details to
describe what the character sees,
smells, hears, says, and thinks.
1: What is your favorite book? Write a letter to your friend recommending your favorite book and
explaining why you like it.
2: In your opinion, what is the best activity to do on a rainy day? Write an essay to share your
favorite rainy day activity and explain why you like it.
3: Should summer break be shorter or longer than it is now? Write a letter to a school leader
explaining your opinion and giving reasons that support your ideas.
1: Think about a memory you have that you'll always remember. Try to picture the time, the
place, and the people involved. Try to remember everything you can about this experience. Write
about the experience you remember. Be sure to include enough details so that your reader can
share your experience. Show why this memory stands out for you.
2: Weather can affect your life. Think about a time in your life when you have been affected by
some kind of weather. Tell about your experience so that other young people can understand
what it was like.
3: Write about a time you experienced or learned something for the first time. It could be when
you first rode a bike or learned a new game. It could have been your first day of school, your first
train or plane ride, or your first trip to an amusement park. First experiences are special for some
reason. They may be funny, scary, or exciting.
4: Write about a time when you were surprised. It could have been a birthday party or when you
got something you had not expected. It could be when you planned something and it did not turn
out the way you thought it would. It could have been when someone came for a surprise visit.
Surprises can be funny, scary, or exciting.