Correct Response: A. During the prewriting stage of the writing process, students generate ideas for writing. Prewriting may consist of drawing a picture, writing questions, making a story map, or developing an outline or list. In order to engage in these activities, English language learners may need help developing vocabulary and language structures that support the ideas they want to express. B is incorrect because the use of Standard English grammar conventions is not particularly important during the prewriting stage; generating basic ideas is most crucial at this stage. C is incorrect because, if the teacher wants students to follow certain guidelines related to a writing assignment (e.g., when working with middle school students who are writing an expository essay for a content-area class), the teacher should convey these expectations before students begin the writing process. D is incorrect because, during the prewriting stage, students should be thinking about their particular topic, storyline, and/or theme to help them generate ideas they may want to include in their piece. Reflecting on broad issues, such as the overall value of writing or the purposes for writing in general, is not likely to help them generate ideas about their particular topic. Indeed, it may inhibit or impede the brainstorming process.
