Herd Mentality Writing Prompt
Reading & Writing Response
Herd Mentality Writing Prompt
Article: "Herd Behavior" (CommonLit)
Task: 3-Sentence Argument
Name:
Date:
Team:
Score: ___ / 15
Writing Prompt
In the article "Herd Behavior," the author describes what happens when people follow the crowd instead of making their own choices.
Does following the crowd mostly hurt people by causing bad decisions, or does it mostly help people by keeping them safe? Pick one side and prove your answer.
How to Build Your 3 Sentences Follow these 3 easy steps
1 Argument Sentence
Pick one side and say it clearly. Does herd behavior mostly help or hurt people?
2 Evidence Sentence
Give 1 quote from the article that proves your point. Use quotation marks around the author's words.
3 "Zoom Out" Sentence
Step back and connect the quote to your main point. Explain why this matters in real life.
1 Sentence 1: The Argument (Your Claim) Starter: "Herd behavior mostly (helps / hurts) people because..."
Write one sentence stating your position.
2 Sentence 2: The Text Evidence (1 Quote from the Article) Starter: "In the article, the author explains, '...'"
Write one sentence sharing a quote that backs up your argument.
3 Sentence 3: The "Zoom Out" Sentence (Connect Back to Your Point) Starter: "This shows that when people join a crowd, they..."
Explain how your quote proves Sentence 1 and what it teaches us about human behavior.
Student Checklist (Check each box before turning in)
I clearly chose one side (help or hurt)
I used 1 exact quote with quote marks
I zoomed out to explain why it matters
Scoring (5 pts each)
Claim: /5 Evidence: /5 Zoom Out: /5
