LEAP 2025 / PARCC: Unpacking Essay Prompts - How to Know EXACTLY How to Respond

This is a 1-2 week (approx.) unit that teaches:

1) the three types of writing tasks AND

2) how to "unpack" the prompt by restating the wordy prompts into simple questions (that students would answer in their essay)

Note: This lesson is not meant to have students actually write the essays, just determine exactly what information to include IN their essays!

INCLUDED:

*PDF lesson (61 slides, includes step by step directions, plenty of examples, and tips)

*Three sets of practice worksheets (and answer keys)

*Test (and answer key)

*Lower-level (multiple choice) test and answer key

Understanding exactly what their essay should be about is half the battle! These resources use prompts from all grades to practice with.

*Note: The sample essay prompts are from grades 3-9 and from the Pearson website for practice tasks.

Essay prompts can be difficult to decipher. Students need to know EXACTLY what their essay should be about. This lesson is great for students who are comfortable using R.A.C.E. or something similary (Restate Answer Cite Expand) because it helps them "unpack" essay prompts into answerable questions, without missing any parts of the prompt (a common error!).