Task 2: Practice Prompts

Use the Reusable Template skeleton for all prompts below. Each prompt comes with a 3-column fill-in table — practice by covering the "Answer" column and filling in the blanks yourself.

Prompt 1: Food Donation Program¶

Your local community center is planning to start a weekly food donation program. They are considering two different approaches to collect and distribute food donations to families in need. The center has sent out a survey to gather residents' opinions on the most effective method.

Option A: A centralized collection point at the community center where donors can drop off food and recipients can pick up donations during specific hours

Option B: A door-to-door collection and delivery service where volunteers collect donations from homes and deliver directly to recipient families

Setup

Step	Decision
Option	A — Centralized collection point
Theme 1	Accessibility
Theme 2	Convenience
Counter-argument	More personalized experience

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
`[DEPARTMENT]`	Who you're writing to	local community center
`[OPTION A — passive voice]`	be + past participle	a centralized food collection point be established at the community center
`[OPTION B — short]`	Short version	a door-to-door delivery service
`[OPTION A — short]`	Brief label	the centralized collection point
`[THEME 1]`	First argument	accessibility
`[THEME 2]`	Second argument	convenience
	Body 1
`[PEOPLE]`	Who is affected	residents
`[PROBLEM]`	What's bad right now	limited access to food support
`[CAUSE]`	Why it's bad	the absence of an organized donation system
`[WHO]`	Who benefits	families
`[BENEFIT]`	What they can do	donate and collect food at a single location
`[NEGATIVE THING]`	What goes away	food insecurity in the neighborhood
	Body 2
`[VERB-ING]`	Pick a verb	establishing
`[THING]`	What the verb acts on	dedicated drop-off and pick-up schedule
`[ORGANIZATION]`	Who's in charge	community center
`[BENEFIT]`	What is ensured	donations are distributed efficiently
`[WHO]`	Who gets the opportunity	families in need
`[ACTION]`	What they can do	access fresh food on a weekly basis
`[BROADER GOAL]`	Big picture	long-term community welfare
	Body 3
`[PEOPLE]`	Who disagrees	residents
`[OPTION B]`	The other option	a door-to-door delivery service
`[ONE GOOD POINT]`	One benefit of Option B	offer a more personalized experience
`[OPTION A]`	Your option	the centralized collection point
`[FEATURE]`	What part solves it	a fixed schedule and central location
`[THE CONCERN]`	The worry	scheduling and accessibility concerns

Model Answer (~195 words)

To the local community center,

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that a centralized food collection point be established at the community center rather than a door-to-door delivery service. While both options have merit, I believe the centralized collection point offers superior benefits in terms of accessibility and convenience.

First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is accessibility. Currently, many residents experience limited access to food support due to the absence of an organized donation system. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow families to donate and collect food at a single location, significantly reducing food insecurity in the neighborhood.

Additionally, this approach optimizes convenience. By establishing the dedicated drop-off and pick-up schedule, the community center ensures that donations are distributed efficiently. It provides a unique opportunity for families in need to access fresh food on a weekly basis, which is essential for long-term community welfare.

Admittedly, some residents might argue that a door-to-door delivery service would offer a more personalized experience. However, the centralized collection point better suits our needs because a fixed schedule and central location can effectively address scheduling and accessibility concerns, making it the more practical choice.

To sum up, based on the improved accessibility and convenience, I strongly urge the local community center to proceed with this plan.

Prompt 2: Restaurant Reservation Policy¶

Your favorite local restaurant is considering changing its reservation policy. Currently, they accept walk-ins and phone reservations. Due to recent issues with no-shows and last-minute cancellations, the restaurant is thinking about implementing a new policy.

Option A: Keep the current system of free phone reservations and walk-ins, with no deposit required

Option B: Implement a new online-only reservation system that requires a $20 deposit per person, which would be deducted from the final bill or forfeited if the party doesn't show up or cancels less than 24 hours before the reservation

Setup

Step	Decision
Option	B — Online reservation with deposit
Theme 1	Cost efficiency
Theme 2	Convenience
Counter-argument	Flexibility without commitment

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
`[DEPARTMENT]`	Who you're writing to	restaurant management
`[OPTION A — passive voice]`	be + past participle	a new online reservation system with a deposit be implemented
`[OPTION B — short]`	Short version	maintaining the current walk-in policy
`[OPTION A — short]`	Brief label	the online reservation system
`[THEME 1]`	First argument	cost efficiency
`[THEME 2]`	Second argument	convenience
	Body 1
`[PEOPLE]`	Who is affected	restaurant owners
`[PROBLEM]`	What's bad right now	significant revenue losses
`[CAUSE]`	Why it's bad	frequent no-shows and last-minute cancellations
`[WHO]`	Who benefits	the restaurant
`[BENEFIT]`	What they can do	secure reservations and reduce wasted food preparation
`[NEGATIVE THING]`	What goes away	unnecessary operational costs
	Body 2
`[VERB-ING]`	Pick a verb	streamlining
`[THING]`	What the verb acts on	booking process through an online platform
`[ORGANIZATION]`	Who's in charge	restaurant
`[BENEFIT]`	What is ensured	reservations are managed efficiently around the clock
`[WHO]`	Who gets the opportunity	customers
`[ACTION]`	What they can do	book and modify reservations at any time
`[BROADER GOAL]`	Big picture	long-term customer satisfaction
	Body 3
`[PEOPLE]`	Who disagrees	customers
`[OPTION B]`	The other option	the current walk-in system
`[ONE GOOD POINT]`	One benefit of Option B	offer greater flexibility without any financial commitment
`[OPTION A]`	Your option	the online reservation system
`[FEATURE]`	What part solves it	the refundable deposit policy
`[THE CONCERN]`	The worry	affordability and cancellation concerns

Model Answer (~195 words)

To the restaurant management,

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that a new online reservation system with a deposit be implemented rather than maintaining the current walk-in policy. While both options have merit, I believe the online reservation system offers superior benefits in terms of cost efficiency and convenience.

First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is cost efficiency. Currently, many restaurant owners experience significant revenue losses due to frequent no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow the restaurant to secure reservations and reduce wasted food preparation, significantly reducing unnecessary operational costs.

Additionally, this approach optimizes convenience. By streamlining the booking process through an online platform, the restaurant ensures that reservations are managed efficiently around the clock. It provides a unique opportunity for customers to book and modify reservations at any time, which is essential for long-term customer satisfaction.

Admittedly, some customers might argue that the current walk-in system would offer greater flexibility without any financial commitment. However, the online reservation system better suits our needs because the refundable deposit policy can effectively address affordability and cancellation concerns, making it the more practical choice.

To sum up, based on the improved cost efficiency and convenience, I strongly urge the restaurant management to proceed with this plan.

Prompt 3: Street Light Colors¶

Our city council is planning to replace all street lights in residential areas with new LED lights. They are considering two different color options. Some residents prefer warm lights because they create a cozy atmosphere and may be better for wildlife, while others prefer cool white lights for better visibility and safety.

Option A: Install warm white (yellowish) LED street lights

Option B: Install cool white (bluish) LED street lights

Setup

Step	Decision
Option	A — Warm white LED lights
Theme 1	Community well-being
Theme 2	Environmental sustainability
Counter-argument	Better visibility

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
`[DEPARTMENT]`	Who you're writing to	city council
`[OPTION A — passive voice]`	be + past participle	warm white LED street lights be installed in all residential areas
`[OPTION B — short]`	Short version	cool white LED lights
`[OPTION A — short]`	Brief label	the warm white LED lights
`[THEME 1]`	First argument	community well-being
`[THEME 2]`	Second argument	environmental sustainability
	Body 1
`[PEOPLE]`	Who is affected	residents
`[PROBLEM]`	What's bad right now	sleep disruption and discomfort
`[CAUSE]`	Why it's bad	harsh artificial lighting in residential neighborhoods
`[WHO]`	Who benefits	families
`[BENEFIT]`	What they can do	enjoy a more comfortable living environment at night
`[NEGATIVE THING]`	What goes away	stress and sleep-related health issues
	Body 2
`[VERB-ING]`	Pick a verb	reducing
`[THING]`	What the verb acts on	impact of artificial lighting on local wildlife
`[ORGANIZATION]`	Who's in charge	city council
`[BENEFIT]`	What is ensured	natural habitats are preserved
`[WHO]`	Who gets the opportunity	the community
`[ACTION]`	What they can do	maintain a balanced urban ecosystem
`[BROADER GOAL]`	Big picture	long-term environmental preservation
	Body 3
`[PEOPLE]`	Who disagrees	residents
`[OPTION B]`	The other option	cool white LED lights
`[ONE GOOD POINT]`	One benefit of Option B	provide better visibility at night
`[OPTION A]`	Your option	warm white LED lights
`[FEATURE]`	What part solves it	modern LED technology
`[THE CONCERN]`	The worry	visibility and safety concerns

Model Answer (~195 words)

To the city council,

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that warm white LED street lights be installed in all residential areas rather than cool white LED lights. While both options have merit, I believe the warm white LED lights offer superior benefits in terms of community well-being and environmental sustainability.

First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is community well-being. Currently, many residents experience sleep disruption and discomfort due to harsh artificial lighting in residential neighborhoods. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow families to enjoy a more comfortable living environment at night, significantly reducing stress and sleep-related health issues.

Additionally, this approach optimizes environmental sustainability. By reducing the impact of artificial lighting on local wildlife, the city council ensures that natural habitats are preserved. It provides a unique opportunity for the community to maintain a balanced urban ecosystem, which is essential for long-term environmental preservation.

Admittedly, some residents might argue that cool white LED lights would provide better visibility at night. However, warm white LED lights better suit our needs because modern LED technology can effectively address visibility and safety concerns, making it the more practical choice.

To sum up, based on the improved community well-being and environmental sustainability, I strongly urge the city council to proceed with this plan.

Prompt 4: Community Center Renovation¶

Your neighborhood community center is planning to renovate an unused space. The center's administration is considering creating a shared community kitchen where residents can cook together, host cooking classes, and prepare food for community events. However, some residents suggest converting the space into a multimedia room with computers, printers, and study areas instead.

Option A: Convert the space into a shared community kitchen

Option B: Convert the space into a multimedia room

Setup

Step	Decision
Option	A — Shared community kitchen
Theme 1	Community wellness
Theme 2	Convenience
Counter-argument	Study and work resources

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
`[DEPARTMENT]`	Who you're writing to	community center administration
`[OPTION A — passive voice]`	be + past participle	a shared community kitchen be established in the unused space
`[OPTION B — short]`	Short version	a multimedia room
`[OPTION A — short]`	Brief label	the shared community kitchen
`[THEME 1]`	First argument	community wellness
`[THEME 2]`	Second argument	convenience
	Body 1
`[PEOPLE]`	Who is affected	residents
`[PROBLEM]`	What's bad right now	limited opportunities to engage in communal activities
`[CAUSE]`	Why it's bad	the lack of a dedicated shared facility
`[WHO]`	Who benefits	residents
`[BENEFIT]`	What they can do	participate in cooking classes and community events
`[NEGATIVE THING]`	What goes away	social isolation in the neighborhood
	Body 2
`[VERB-ING]`	Pick a verb	establishing
`[THING]`	What the verb acts on	dedicated cooking and event space
`[ORGANIZATION]`	Who's in charge	community center
`[BENEFIT]`	What is ensured	residents have access to a fully equipped kitchen
`[WHO]`	Who gets the opportunity	families
`[ACTION]`	What they can do	host events and prepare meals together
`[BROADER GOAL]`	Big picture	long-term community engagement
	Body 3
`[PEOPLE]`	Who disagrees	residents
`[OPTION B]`	The other option	a multimedia room
`[ONE GOOD POINT]`	One benefit of Option B	provide valuable study and work resources
`[OPTION A]`	Your option	the shared community kitchen
`[FEATURE]`	What part solves it	a versatile kitchen space
`[THE CONCERN]`	The worry	recreational and social concerns

Model Answer (~195 words)

To the community center administration,

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that a shared community kitchen be established in the unused space rather than a multimedia room. While both options have merit, I believe the shared community kitchen offers superior benefits in terms of community wellness and convenience.

First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is community wellness. Currently, many residents experience limited opportunities to engage in communal activities due to the lack of a dedicated shared facility. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow residents to participate in cooking classes and community events, significantly reducing social isolation in the neighborhood.

Additionally, this approach optimizes convenience. By establishing the dedicated cooking and event space, the community center ensures that residents have access to a fully equipped kitchen. It provides a unique opportunity for families to host events and prepare meals together, which is essential for long-term community engagement.

Admittedly, some residents might argue that a multimedia room would provide valuable study and work resources. However, the shared community kitchen better suits our needs because a versatile kitchen space can effectively address recreational and social concerns, making it the more practical choice.

To sum up, based on the improved community wellness and convenience, I strongly urge the community center administration to proceed with this plan.

Prompt 5: University Meal Plan¶

The university residence where you live is considering changes to their meal plan system. Currently, students have a traditional cafeteria-style dining hall with set meal times. The housing administration is proposing a switch to a flexible point-based system where students can use their meal points at various campus food outlets at any time.

Option A: Keep the traditional cafeteria-style dining with set meal times

Option B: Switch to a flexible point-based system for campus food outlets

Setup

Step	Decision
Option	B — Flexible point-based system
Theme 1	Convenience
Theme 2	Student well-being
Counter-argument	Structured routine

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
`[DEPARTMENT]`	Who you're writing to	housing administration
`[OPTION A — passive voice]`	be + past participle	a flexible point-based meal system be adopted across campus
`[OPTION B — short]`	Short version	the traditional cafeteria-style dining
`[OPTION A — short]`	Brief label	the flexible meal point system
`[THEME 1]`	First argument	convenience
`[THEME 2]`	Second argument	student well-being
	Body 1
`[PEOPLE]`	Who is affected	students
`[PROBLEM]`	What's bad right now	scheduling conflicts with meal times
`[CAUSE]`	Why it's bad	the rigid cafeteria schedule
`[WHO]`	Who benefits	students
`[BENEFIT]`	What they can do	access meals at any time throughout the day
`[NEGATIVE THING]`	What goes away	missed meals and unnecessary stress
	Body 2
`[VERB-ING]`	Pick a verb	providing
`[THING]`	What the verb acts on	variety of food options across campus
`[ORGANIZATION]`	Who's in charge	university
`[BENEFIT]`	What is ensured	students maintain a balanced and consistent diet
`[WHO]`	Who gets the opportunity	students
`[ACTION]`	What they can do	choose meals that suit their dietary needs
`[BROADER GOAL]`	Big picture	long-term student health
	Body 3
`[PEOPLE]`	Who disagrees	students
`[OPTION B]`	The other option	the traditional cafeteria system
`[ONE GOOD POINT]`	One benefit of Option B	provide a structured and predictable routine
`[OPTION A]`	Your option	the flexible meal point system
`[FEATURE]`	What part solves it	multiple food outlets and extended hours
`[THE CONCERN]`	The worry	dining accessibility and scheduling concerns

Model Answer (~195 words)

To the housing administration,

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that a flexible point-based meal system be adopted across campus rather than the traditional cafeteria-style dining. While both options have merit, I believe the flexible meal point system offers superior benefits in terms of convenience and student well-being.

First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is convenience. Currently, many students experience scheduling conflicts with meal times due to the rigid cafeteria schedule. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow students to access meals at any time throughout the day, significantly reducing missed meals and unnecessary stress.

Additionally, this approach optimizes student well-being. By providing a variety of food options across campus, the university ensures that students maintain a balanced and consistent diet. It provides a unique opportunity for students to choose meals that suit their dietary needs, which is essential for long-term student health.

Admittedly, some students might argue that the traditional cafeteria system would provide a structured and predictable routine. However, the flexible meal point system better suits our needs because multiple food outlets and extended hours can effectively address dining accessibility and scheduling concerns, making it the more practical choice.

To sum up, based on the improved convenience and student well-being, I strongly urge the housing administration to proceed with this plan.

Grammar Reminders¶

These are the most common mistakes from practice. Check every time before submitting.

Rule	Wrong	Right
"I" = no "s"	I firmly supports	I firmly support
"ensures" needs a clause	ensures accessibility	ensures that residents have access
Present tense	It will provide	It provides
Adverb before verb	can address effectively	can effectively address
Articles matter	due to rigid schedule	due to the rigid schedule
"welfare" is one word	well-fare	welfare
Comma before "making"	concerns making it	concerns, making it