Read the writing prompt. Then read the essay paragraph.
Writing Prompt
Write a 250-word cause-and-effect essay.
Explain the causes and effects of the El Niño weather pattern.
El Niño is a periodic weather pattern generated by unusually warm ocean waters along the tropical west coast of South America. El Niño causes weather conditions such as rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes in many countries around the world.
How is the writing focused within the paragraph?
The writing is not focused on the topic.
The writing is clearly focused on one topic.
There is more than one topic.
The writing responds to the topic but generally lacks focus.