Texas has put a great emphasis on writing skills at all levels of school and all levels of
statewide testing. Ready Writing builds upon those skills and helps students refine their writing
abilities. In particular, this contest helps them learn to write clearly and correctly a paper that is
interesting and original.
(2) Contest Format. Contestants are given a choice between two prompts, each of which defines the
audience and provides the purpose for writing. Students should be encouraged to analyze the prompts
for purpose, format, audience and point of view. The format may be, for example, a letter, an article
for the newspaper or an essay for the principal. Various writing strategies may be stated or implied in
the prompt. Some of these include:
(A) description to inform – describe the happening or person/object from imagination or memory;
(B) narration – write a story;
(C) persuasion – describe and argue just one side of an issue; describe both sides of an issue then
argue only one side; write an editorial; write a letter to persuade, etc.
There is no minimum or maximum number of words the contestants must write.
(3) Tests. One test will be provided for grades 3 and 4; another test will be provided for grades 5 and 6,
and a third test will be provided for grades 7 and 8. The League will make available one set of
prompts for invitational meets, one for fall/winter district meets and one for spring district meets.

B.L.M.