Pulling Apart a Prompt (POP) PowerPoint

Help your students tackle any writing assignment with confidence! This 33-slide, classroom-ready PowerPoint teaches students how to decode and break down writing prompts so they know exactly what to write — and how to write it.
Using the easy-to-remember POP strategy — P = Pinpoint the Task, O = Organize the Big Ideas, P = Pay Attention to the Extras — students learn to:
Identify the action verb and type of writing required (explain, argue, describe, analyze, narrate, etc.) Focus on the main topic and stay on task
Highlight hidden requirements like “use text evidence,” “give three reasons,” or “include a personal example”

This interactive presentation includes:
Clear, student-friendly explanations and color-coded modeling
Multiple practice prompts across genres (narrative, informational, opinion, literary analysis)
“Which is the stronger response?” activities to compare weak vs. strong answers
Extra tips and tricks for staying on-topic and organized
A bridge-to-practice slide to help students apply skills to new prompts

Perfect for:
Grades 5-12
Test prep (state assessments, TNReady, ACT, SAT)
Writing workshop mini-lessons
Any subject where students respond to written prompts

By the end, students will feel empowered to break apart prompts, plan their writing, and craft strong, on-target responses.