RAFTS

Writing Assignments

Effective writing assignments (prompts) enable students to write fluently and

purposefully for an audience. R. A. F. T. S. model can help teachers identify
and incorporate the elements of an effective writing assignment.

Role of the writerhelps the writer decide on point of view and voice.

Audience for the piece of writingreminds the writer to communicate ideas

to a specific reader; helps the writer determine content and style.

Format of the materialhelps the writer organize ideas and employ the
conventions of format, such as letters, research reports, brochures or stories.

Topic or subject of the piece of writinghelps the writer focus on main ideas.

Strong verbdirects the writer to the writing purpose, e.g., persuade,

compare, defend, describe, and narrate.

Use RAFTS to design classroom writing topics for ANY classroom (language
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, etc.) so students have lots of mental
elbow room to connect to what they know and to write using different modes.

This practice, once learned, also empowers students to respond well to any
written prompt. By assuming each of the RAFTS components when responding,
student writing has clarity, purpose, and results in a strongly written piece
 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Bill Martin, Jr.

Role: Bill Martin, Jr., author of the book

Audience: All readers of the book

Form: Story Beginning

Topic: Rewriting the book using the sense of

hearing

Strong Verb: Demonstrate

Written Prompt: You are the author of the book,

Bill Martin, Jr. Demonstrate how you can rewrite
the book using the sense of hearing. Choose two
animals (example: Red Bird, Red Bird, What do you
hear? I hear a yellow duck quacking very near.)
(Informational/Explanatory)
 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Role: One of the animals

Audience: Future pet owners

Form: Resume (job background)

Topic: Why you should pick me to be your new pet

Strong Verb: Sell

Written Prompt: You are one of the animals in the

book. In your resume include the following headings:
What kind of animal you are, what kind of food you
eat, what kind of care is necessary for you, and what
qualities you have to make them want to choose you
for their pet. Sell the future pet owners on the fact
that you should be their first and only choice.
(Opinion/Argument)