This document provides instructions for writing an essay response to an open-ended prompt about the theme passage. Students are told to identify the main idea of the passage using Proof, Information, and Examples (P.I.E.) and including an introduction, body, and conclusion. The prompt is to describe the main idea of the passage and support it with at least two examples from the text. Guidelines are provided about what constitutes an acceptable essay, such as using full sentences and transition words.

1. Unit 2 Theme 2
Open Ended

2. This open ended contains one
prompt:
You must answer the prompt with P.I.E. in
order to receive a 3 out of 3.
Furthermore, you must include an
introduction, a body, and a conclusion for full
credit.

3. An acceptable essay has:
➢
➢
➢
➢
minimal spelling errors
full sentences
transition words or phrases
P.I.E. (proof, information, example) for
every statement or main idea
➢ May only include details from the text,
please do not add your own thoughts or
ideas to the answer

4. Here is the prompt:
Describe the main idea of the passage*. Use
examples from the passage to support your
response.
* The word passage is a synonym for the
theme test’s story.

5. Main Idea
The main idea is the most important point an
author makes in the story. Details are facts
that support this main idea and are found
throughout the story. By recognizing the
main idea and details, you will be able to
easily remember the most important
information about a story.

6. Start with an introduction:
Your choice, if you write one out and bring it
in before the test, I’ll check it for you.

7. Describe the main idea of the passage.
This is the prompt and must be answered
fully after your introduction. Restate the
prompt:
The main idea of the passage is…
Include at least two details from the passage
to support your answer.

8. Finally...
Add a conclusion, start with:
In conclusion…
...and then restate your answer in a short,
precise manner.