Practice prompts for passage based writing on the M-Step

1. Practice Prompts
Grade Level: 3/4 Michigan
The passage focuses on creatures from two different species helping each
other. Write an essay explaininghow the passage shows a way in which
people and animalshelp each other. Use evidence from the passage to
support your essay.
Grade Level: 3 South Carolina
Pete’s actionsare described throughout the story. Write an essay
explaininghow Pete’s actionsadvance the plot of the story. Use evidence
from the story to support your response.
Grade Level: 4 Pennsylvania
The authorsof the passage describe Ed Young as a “deeply thoughtful
man.” Write an essay analyzinghow the authorssupport this statement.
Use evidence from the passage to support your response.
Grade Level: 5/6 Michigan
The passage tells abouta student taking a trip to an aquarium.Write an
essay analyzinghow the student changes his or her opinionabout the
aquariumtrip. Use evidence from the passage to support youressay.

2. Practice Prompts, cont.
Grade Level: 5 Pennsylvania
The authormakes the point that “detective work is involvedin cave
science.” Write an essay analyzinghow this point is supported
throughout the passage. Use evidence from the passage to support your
response.
Grade Level: 7/8 Michigan
The authorclaims that public transportationoffers many advantages to
commuters. Write an essay analyzinghow the authorsupports this claim.
Use evidence from the passage to support your essay.
Grade Level: 6 Pennsylvania
The passage “Paranka’sDumplings” focuses on two cooks with different
styles who work in the same kitchen. Write an essay analyzingthe
significance of Paranka’s and Olya’s different approaches to preparing
dumplings. Use evidence from the passage to support your response.
Grade Level: 7 Pennsylvania
The passage “Sowing Community”focuses on a family’s participation in
an art project. Write an essay analyzingthe effect that the edible
landscapeproject has had on the community. Use evidence from the
passage to support your response.

3. Practice Prompts, cont.
Grade Level: 8 Pennsylvania
Nature often has a role in many myths. Write an essay analyzingthe role
of nature in both the passage and the poem. Use evidence from both the
passage and the poem to support your response.
Grade Level: 8 Nebraska
In the story “Oversleeping,” the author blendsreality and fantasy.
Analyze how this helps the reader identify with the main character. Write
a well-organized, structured response using specific evidence from the
story to support your answer.
Source:
https://unitdesign.weebly.com/uploads/8/1/4/6/814611/michigans_new
_text-dependent_analysis_part_ii_dwahlstrom.pdf