Grade 4 Sample Writing Prompt
Read the passage about the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. As you read the passage, think
about the interesting experience someone might have going to the Space Needle for the first time.
Then use the passage to help you to write a well-organized story of at least three paragraphs.
The Space Needle
The Space Needle in Seattle is one of the most recognizable buildings in the United States. It is a tall, thin
tower with a top that resembles a flying saucer. The tower rises to a height of 605 feet (184 meters). The
Space Needle served as the centerpiece for a 1962 world’s fair called Century 21. Today, the Space Needle
and other fair buildings make up a cultural complex called the Seattle Center, just north of downtown. The
tower holds an observation deck and a restaurant with a rotating floor.
As the 1962 fair approached, civic leaders in Seattle wished to create an architectural focal point for the
exposition. In 1959, Edward Carlson, a chairman of the fair committee, proposed the idea of a restaurant
atop a tall tower. Five businessmen formed the Pentagram Corporation to design and build the tower.
Architect John Graham, Jr., developed the final design for the tower’s “flying saucer” top. The design fit
nicely with the fair’s futuristic theme. Victor Steinbrueck, an architect working with Graham, designed the
Space Needle’s distinctive, narrow-waisted tower.
Construction on the tower began in April 1961. Workers poured a massive concrete foundation to support
the tower’s three legged steel base. The tower topped out in December, though work inside the tower
continued through April 1962. The total cost of the construction was $4.5 million. The Space Needle held
its grand opening on April 21, the first day of the world’s fair.
The Space Needle’s rotating restaurant is 500 feet (152 meters) above the ground. The restaurant
completes a full rotation every 47 minutes. An observation deck stands above the restaurant. An aircraftwarning beacon shines at the top of the needle. The tower has three elevators—a freight elevator and
two elevators that bring visitors to the restaurant and viewing deck.
Writing Prompt
Think about an interesting experience someone could have during their first visit to the Space Needle in
Seattle, Washington. Think about what they would see and what they might do.
Now write a story for your teacher about an interesting experience someone could have during their
first visit to the Space Needle. Use details from the passage to help you tell your story.
As you write, follow the suggestions below:
*Your story should have at least three paragraphs.
*Be sure your story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
*Use details from the passage and include enough information so your teacher will understand what
happened in your story.
*Be sure to write clearly.
*Check your writing for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
1.
**Next to the numbers, students write relevant
information from the passage here. They check off
the information after they include it in their essay.
3.
Students brainstorm information
about the topic here.
Topic
goes here
2.
Who
4.
What
When
Students use this information from the
emergency tree map to help form their
beginning paragraphs. For LEAP, students
have to be able to compose a 3 paragraph
essay.
Where