Dig into the prompt
After your second read through, you will be in a better place to identify a few important things about your prompt.
Identify the topic
Identify the audience
Identify directive words
Be clear on what the topic you are being asked about is. A prompt can mention several different ideas.
You will want to identify the main topic the prompt is asking you to address.
From reading the prompt, determine who your audience is. Sometimes the prompt will state who your audience is. Other times it will not and you will write to a general audience.
Depending on who is reading your prompt, you will determine if your writing should be more casual or more formal. This should influence the tone and word choice you use as you write.
The prompt will sometimes give background information, a quote, or other details about the topic. But, look for action words that specifically tell you what to write about. These directives are the heart of the prompt and will tell you what to do.
Argumentative essay prompt
Let’s check out an example Argumentative Essay Prompt. Give it a first read through to get the main ideas. Be sure to read every single word in the prompt.
Read the prompt a second time
Now, read it a second time.
This time as you read, try and identify what the real question is in the prompt.
Let’s review the example prompt and see what the topic, audience, and directives are.
Identify the topic
Topic: Amount of screen time kids have
Identify the audience
Audience: Community members, Parents, teachers, and kids.
Identify the directive words
Directives: “Take a stand” “support your arguments for or agains screen time”
The prompt is directing me to do two things. First, I need to take a position. I must decide if I am for or agains screen time or determine how much screen time is appropriate.
Second, I need to provide examples from my life to convince community members, such as teachers, parents, and other students, that my position is correct.
Mark up your prompt
For this example, we have underlined the topic, audience, and directives in the prompt. But, when you encounter your own essay prompt, be sure to underline or highlight these key ideas.
Don’t be afraid to write on your prompt. It will help you to clearly identify the main ideas you need to focus on to write clearly and focused.
Different types of essay prompts
For this example, we have underlined the topic, audience, and directives in the prompt. But, when you encounter your own essay prompt, be sure to underline or highlight these key ideas.
Don’t be afraid to write on your prompt. It will help you to clearly identify the main ideas you need to focus on to write clearly and focused.
