Sonoma State University

Writing Partners Curriculum Resources

Materials on this page include the (1) Interest and/or Inspiration Inventory; (2) Sample Prompts; (3) Sample Writing Guidelines; and (4) Grading Rubrics.

The Interest and/or Inspiration Inventory contains guides for both university students and elementary students. The sample prompts are mostly geared toward university students, but the second set of prompts (titled “Additional Writing Prompts”) can be used for elementary students as well. The sample guidelines and grading rubrics are only meant for university students.

  1. Interest and/or Inspiration Inventory1

The Interest and/or Inspiration Inventory was created to help set students up for successful communication with their 5th grade writing partners. These inventories provide both university students and elementary school students with a reference guide to help spark ideas of what they can write about so they will not come up short on topics. This inventory guide not only asks students to name their specific interests and inspirations, but calls on them to reflect upon their choice, thus encouraging them to engage in meaningful conversation. 

This resource includes the following materials:

a) “Interest and Inspirations” model forms for university students | PDF for model forms for university students (opens in new window)

b) “Interests and Inspirations” blank forms for university students | PDF for blank forms for university students (opens in new window)

c) “Interests and Inspirations” model forms for elementary students | PDF for model forms for elementary students (opens in new window)

d) “Interests and Inspirations" blank forms for elementary students | PDF for blank forms for elementary students (opens in new window)

Preparing for this training session for both elementary and university students:

  • Read the model form to students, and explain the reason for the “because” statements.

  • Provide the students with plenty of time to answer the questions on a blank form (we recommend at least 20 minutes).

  • Break students into small groups to brainstorm or share their answers.

  • For university students: give students time to revise their work with their target audience in mind.

A) Interests and Inspirations: Model Form for University Students

  1. Favorite movie of all time: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

because: I remember reading the books when I was younger, and it was so fun to see the characters come to life. I also think they did a great job with the graphics.

  1. Favorite movie as a child: The Lion King

because: I loved to sing along to all of the songs, and I loved to see Simba’s interaction with Timon and Pumba and how he got to stand up to Scar when he got older.

  1. Favorite sport to watch: Basketball

because: I like how it is fast-paced and the score is constantly changing; it really keeps you on your toes!

  1. Favorite sport to play: Volleyball

because: I used to play it with my family when we went on vacations to Southern California, so it reminds me of all the fun times we had.

  1. Favorite TV show: The Big Bang Theory

because: I like how they normalize all of these difficult and nerdy concepts, and make them seem fun. I also just love to clown on Sheldon.

  1. Favorite novel: Beloved by Toni Morrison

because: It is a really masterful piece of literature that puts into perspective the Black experience in America and the horribly difficult choices that Black women have had to make throughout our country’s history.

  1. Favorite book as a child: The Magic Treehouse series

because: I honestly don’t remember a lot of specifics about these books, but I remember that my mom used to read them to my brother and I when we were kids, and I was always so excited when we would sit down and listen to her tell the stories. 

  1. Favorite hobby: Playing the piano

because: I’ve been doing it since I was young; it helped me develop patience and it was the first thing I felt like I was really good at. Now, it helps de-stress me when I’ve had a long day.

  1. Favorite school subject: English

because: I love to read good books and to expand my mind and my knowledge of the world. I also feel like writing, and learning how to write well, is a skill that is important for your whole life, no matter where you go or what you do.

  1. Favorite type of food: Mexican food

because: I love that there are always a lot of different meat options; Mexican food has something that will appeal to everyone, and tacos are my favorite food!

  1. Favorite characteristics/traits in your friends: Their honesty and humor

because: It is important to have people in your life who will always tell you how it is! And then to lessen the blow of the truth with a good laugh.

  1. Favorite kind of music: Classic Rock

because: It has influenced so many other genres of music and so many other artists. It stands the test of time.

  1. Favorite place to vacation: Hawaii, or anywhere that has a nice beach

because: I find beaches to be very relaxing, and they usually have great surrounding spots for hiking. You can’t beat a sunrise or a sunset at the beach.

  1. Favorite board game: Clue

because: I just remember having a ton of fun playing this game as a kid, getting to guess the different options and keeping a secret if you knew who did it! The little envelope also added a fun element.

  1. Favorite animal: Monkey

because: They’re so smart and funny! It’s crazy how close to humans they really are in their behaviors.

  1. Favorite teacher of all time: Mrs. Smith

because: She believed I was a good writer before I did, and she always encouraged me to do my best work. She made me feel like I was writing for a purpose other than the English classroom.

B) Interests and Inspirations for University Students

Thinking about who you are in the context of various communities is what often provides the call to write. One way to organize an exploration of your life is making a list of your interests. Use this list to compile your interests, and provide brief reasons explaining your choices. You can then use this interest inventory when writing letters to your writing partners to remind yourself of some of the things you might discuss.

  1. Favorite movie of all time: 

because:

  1. Favorite movie as a child:

because:

  1. Favorite sport to watch:

because:

  1. Favorite sport to play:

because:

  1. Favorite TV show:

because:

  1. Favorite novel:

because:

  1. Favorite book as a child:

because:

  1. Favorite hobby:

because:

  1. Favorite school subject:

because:

  1. Favorite type of food:

because:

  1. Favorite characteristics/traits in your friends:

because:

  1. Favorite kind of music:

because:

  1. Favorite place to vacation:

because:

  1. Favorite board game:

because:

  1. Favorite animal:

because:

  1. Favorite teacher of all time:

because:

C) Interests and Inspirations: Model Form for Elementary Students

  1. Favorite food: chicken nuggets

because: you can dip them in lots of different sauces and you can eat them with your hands!

  1. Favorite game: softball

because: I get to play on a team with my friends and my parents always come to my games.

  1. Favorite story/book: Animorphs 

because: It would be so cool to be able to turn into an animal! I love to see what the characters are able to do when they change form.

  1. Favorite TV show: The Addams Family

because I love how unique they are and they’re not afraid to be themselves

  1. Favorite friend: Morgan

because we play games together and are always there for each other

  1. Favorite place to go: Discovery Kingdom

because I like how it has a bunch of fun rides and also cool shows to watch.

  1. Favorite color: Green

because It reminds me of nature and being outside

  1. Favorite toy: My Popit fidget toys

because they keep me entertained when I am bored and they have lots of cool shapes and colors

  1. Favorite subject in school: Science

because I like learning about how things work and I love doing experiments!

  1. Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough

because you get a little bit of everything: the vanilla ice cream, pieces of cookie, and chocolate chips!

D) Interests and Inspirations for Elementary Students

Respond to the following questions and then use your responses to help guide you as you write letters to your writing partners.

  1. Favorite food:

because

  1. Favorite game:

because

  1. Favorite story:

because

  1. Favorite TV show:

because

  1. Favorite friend:

because

  1. Favorite place to go:

because

  1. Favorite color:

because

  1. Favorite toy:

because

  1. Favorite subject in school:

because

  1. Favorite ice cream flavor:

because

2) Sample Prompts2 

Prompts about life as a university student:

  • How was your first day of college and classes? 

  • Explain the process of applying to college and what aspects are important to consider when choosing schools. 

  • Talk about some of your favorite classes in high school and what led you to choosing Sonoma State. Tell them what you are now studying at Sonoma State. 

  • Talk about what your aspirations were when you were younger and how they may be the same or have changed. 

  • Tell them about your job, if you have one, and what a normal day is like for you on campus. 

  • What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not studying or doing homework? (make sure it’s appropriate) 

  • Talk about the different activities and events that Sonoma State puts on. 

Additional Writing Prompts:

  • What was the best day in your life? Why?

  • What was the best present you ever gave? Why?

  • What was your most embarrassing moment? Why?

  • What was your proudest moment? Why?

  • What was the coolest field trip you ever took? Why?

  •  What are 10 extreme things you would like to do? Why?

  • What is your favorite saying? Why?

3) Sample Writing Guidelines for University Students

  • All letters should be at least 1-2 pages long. They should either be hand-written or typed. 

  • The first letter should be an introduction about yourself. You are free to share your experiences or reflections about Sonoma State with your writing partner. 

  • Your second and third letters should be responsive to what your writing partner has said to you. Ask follow up questions, offer words of encouragement, and relate to them in ways that you can. When you move past the response portion of the letter, use the other writing prompts available to continue the conversation.

  • You are free to decorate your letter and envelope - get creative! 

  • Ensure your writing goes more in depth and develop your ideas fully. For example, move beyond simple statements such as “I heard a new song by Taylor Swift and I thought it was good.” Express why you thought it was good and how it made you feel.

4) Sample Grading Rubric for University Students

WRITING PARTNERS LETTER | PDF for Sample Grading Rubric for University Students (opens in new window)

NAME:            GRADE: 

Sample Grading Rubric for University Students

Category

Outstanding

Good

Ok

Needs Improvement

Unacceptable

For your next letter, improve these areas by:

Response Thoughtfulness

        

 

 

Response Specificity

        

 

Response Respectfulness & Appropriateness (Tone)

        

 

Letter Format Appropriateness, Consistency

        

 

Letter Structure (Uses Transitions, Develops Paragraphs)

        

 

Letter Development (Does it meet or exceed the length minimum)

          

Creativity & Relevance of Design 

          

Timeliness of Response

        

 

Grammatical & Mechanical Correctness

        

 

 

___________________________

1. This resource has been adapted from: Writing Partners: “Interests and Inspirations” © 2006 Write to Succeed, Inc.

2. Credit to: Writing Partners: “Interests and Inspirations” © 2006 Write to Succeed, Inc.