DSTP 2009

• Grade 5
  • "...Write a essay on the importance of math in every day life. " 
• Grade 8
  • "... Write and essay about a time when you worked hard for something and it was worth the effort."
• Grade 10
  • "...Write an essay in which you describe the event or activity and explain why it has made you, or the person you know a better persion."

DSTP 2008

• Grade 3
  • “...Write a letter persuading your teacher to agree with what you think about giving students more homework.” 
• Grade 5
  • "...Write a essay about the season you like most and explain why it is your favorite."
• Grade 8
  • “...Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper arguing for or against having cell phones in school.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write a letter to the school board explaining the guidelines for appropriate use of electronic devices in school and why these guidelines are necessary.”

DSTP 2007

• Grade 3
  • “...Write a letter to your teacher explaining your idea of what to do on the last day of school.”
• Grade 5
  • "...Write a speech for your classmates explaining how each object you brought tells something important about you."
• Grade 8
  • “...Write a letter persuading the governor to agree with your opinion on the law requiring all children under the age of 16 to be home by 9:00 pm unless they are supervised by an adult.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write what you would say to these students about the freedom(s) you most appreciate.”

DSTP 2006

• Grade 3
  • "...Write a letter to convince your teacher to take your class on this trip."
• Grade 5
  • "...Write a letter convincing your principal to agree with your opinion about students having gym class only once a month to have more library time."
• Grade 8
  • "...Write a letter to a friend or family member explaining what you would do on your perfect day together."
• Grade 10
  • "...Write an editorial for your school newspaper arguing that the mass media has a positive or negative effect on teens."

DSTP 2005

• Grade 3
  • "...Write a letter telling the principal your ideas about how to make the playground safe for students."
• Grade 5
  • "...Write a letter to the principal explaining your ideas for this 'Summer Picnic in February' and why students would enjoy them."
• Grade 8
  • "...Write an essay explaining what your favorite class is and why you enjoy it."
• Grade 10
  • “...Write the text for a speech in which you agree or disagree with this proposal.” (the proposed plan to eliminate extracurricular activities)

DSTP 2004

• Grade 3
  • “...Write a letter to the cafeteria workers telling why you agree or disagree with this idea.” (taking ice cream and other sweets off the menu)
• Grade 5
  • “...Write a letter to the cafeteria manager telling why you agree or disagree with this idea.” (taking ice cream and other sweets off the menu)
• Grade 8
  • “...Write a letter persuading the cafeteria manager to agree with you.” (removing ice cream and other sweets from the lunchroom menu)
• Grade 10
  • “...Write a letter to the Director in which you state and support your opinion on the issue.” (removing ice cream and other sweets from the cafeteria menu)

DSTP 2003

• Grade 3
  • “…Write a paper telling what happened and why it was funny.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write a paper for the contest about what you taught to someone and how you felt about being a teacher.”
• Grade 8
  • “…Write an article describing a personal possession that is significant to you and why it is significant.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write the text of your speech giving advice to incoming students based on the following quotation...”

DSTP 2002

• Grade 3
  • “…Write a description of something you do well and explain how you do it.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write an essay describing what you enjoy doing and explaining why you enjoy doing it.”
• Grade 8
  • “…Write an essay for the contest identifying the qualities of a good teacher, and explaining why they are important.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write an article that you could submit about a significant person or event.”

DSTP 2001

• Grade 3
  • “…Write a letter to the principal…to convince her to agree with what you think about having no school recesses next year.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write an article about your favorite holiday or tradition to send to the newspaper.”
• Grade 8
  • “…The principal is considering requiring every student to stay after school and participate in at least one activity.  Write a letter to your principal telling why you do or do not agree with this idea.”
• Grade 10
  • “…your potential employer requires a writing sample explaining the expression, “experience is the best teacher,” and telling how it applies to you or someone you know. Write what you will present to your potential employer.”

DSTP 2000

• Grade 3
  • “…Write a description of this book that would help others decide if they would like to read it.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write about how you or someone else succeeded in doing something because you or that person kept trying.”
• Grade 8
  • “…Write your story telling about what this accomplishment was and why it made you feel proud.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write an editorial for your local newspaper in which you defend or oppose the salaries of athletes and/or celebrities.”

DSTP 1999

• Grade 3
  • “Think of a game you like to play.  Explain how to play this game to a friend.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write a letter telling this student what it is like to live in Delaware.”
• Grade 8
  • “…Write your newspaper article identifying this person and describing how this person influenced your life”.
• Grade 10
  • “…Write an essay for this contest identifying the invention you consider notable and how it has impacted the world in either a positive or a negative way.”

DSTP 1998

• Grade 3
  • “…Write your paper for the contest telling who this person is and why he/she is special to you.”
• Grade 5
  • “…Write a letter to your family to persuade them to approve your idea.”
• Grade 8
  • “…Write a letter to the teens of 2098 stating what your item is and explaining what this item tells about teenage life in 1998.”
• Grade 10
  • “…Write a letter to county officials suggesting how the land might be used.”