Writing prompts can be tough to decode. Many textbook questions and writing assessment questions give much more information than is needed to effectively answer the prompt. The easiest way to 'unravel' a prompt is to treat it like a text passage. After close reading, read the writing prompt and underline keywords. Then, go back and look for relationships between the keywords. Finally, rewrite the prompt in your own words. Remember, when unraveling the prompt, you are trying to break down what it is you are supposed to write about. If you can decode the prompt and get it into your own words, then getting organized and planning your essay will be much easier.
Here is an example: (this is a sample ACT writing prompt taken from http://www.hammerprep.com/list-of-act-essay-prompts/)
A school board is concerned that the state’s requirements for core courses in mathematics, English, science, and social studies may prevent students from taking important elective courses like music, other languages, and vocational education. The school board would like to encourage more high school students to take elective courses and is considering two proposals. One proposal is to lengthen the school day to provide students with the opportunity to take elective courses. The other proposal is to offer elective courses in the summer. Write a letter to the school board in which you argue for lengthening the school day or for offering elective courses during the summer. Explain why you think your choice will encourage more students to take elective courses. Begin your letter: “Dear School Board:”
First of all, you may have noticed there is a lot of information before you get to the actual writing assignment. This is important information because it gives you some background on the prompt; however, it doesn't tell you what to write. The words highlighted in yellow are the actual directions. Notice you are instructed to write your response in the form of a letter to the school board. You are to begin your letter very specifically by saying: "Dear School Board." Next, notice that you are instructed to argue either for lengthening the school day or for offering elective courses during the summer. Those are you only choices in this case. Do you argue for getting rid of elective classes all together? No. Do you argue for getting rid of core courses? No. Stay with the directions!
What if you don't agree with either side? A writing assessment is typically graded anonymously, in other words, no one will know who you are. This isn't a hill worth dying over. Pick whatever side you feel like you have more appropriate information stored in your brain for and argue that side whether you truly agree or not.
The next post in this series will help you organize your essay. You don't want to miss it!
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