Deconstructing a Prompt

Understanding a Prompt

Read the Prompt

It is important to get an idea of what you are being asked to write about.

Underline

Underline keywords that tell you what to do: Discuss, explore, compare, contrast, analyse, how, to what extent, etc...

Underline Keywords

Underline keywords that tell you what to do: Words like:

• Discuss
• Explore
• Compare
• Contrast
• Analyse
• How

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Highlight

Highlight Content words that tell you what to write about.

Highlight Content

Highlight content words that tell you what to write about: -Key words or phrases that tell you what you need to address in your essay -This is your topic

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Identify

Identify how you need to complete the task.

Steps to Understading the Prompt

Underline Keywords

Read the prompt

Highlight content words

Identify how

Example Prompt:

You are going to write an essay to explain the roles of tradition in our lives. Think about something you do that you would call a tradition --- a meaningful activity you do regularly with family or friends that is important to you. What is that tradition and why is it meaningful to you and the people you share it with? Write an essay to explain why this tradition is important to you, and discuss the role traditions play in our lives. Be sure to use reasons and details in your explanation.

Deconstructing Example

What to do: Explain

Topic: Roles of Tradition in our lives

How: define a meaningful tradition, explain why it is meaningful, and give examples of a tradition with details

Practice Prompt:

You are going to write an essay to explain the characteristics someone should have in order to be considered a hero. Think of someone who you consider to be a hero --- a person from a book,m movie, or even someone you know personally that exhibits the characteristics of a hero. What characteristics does this person have that make you consider them a hero? Write an essay to explain your definition of a hero and what characteristics make a hero. Discuss how the person shows the characteristics of a hero. Be sure to use reasons and details in your explanation.

Deconstructing Example

What to do:

Topic:

How: