How to Answer a Writing Prompt: Guidelines

How to Answer a Writing Prompt

Expository Prompts: 1. Look for the words “explain” or “describe” in the writing prompt. Expository prompts direct you to write and essay that explains or describes something. It does not require that you make an argument or state and opinion. 2. Brainstorm about what the prompt is asking you to write about. Make sure you don’t try to cover too much so that 5 paragraphs are inadequate. You should also avoid a focus that’s so narrow that you have coming up with 5 paragraphs. 3. Create a thesis statement. For expository essays, the thesis statement says what you will be explaining or describing and how you will do it. 4. Think of 2 or 3 strong topic sentences that support your thesis statement. 5. Compose the introduction for you essay. Your thesis statement will be the last sentence. 6. Write the body of the essay. You should write at least 3 paragraphs. * Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence * Explain your topic sentence. * Give an example that supports you topic sentence * Analyse your example * Write a concluding statement 7. Add your conclusion. Restate your thesis at the end of the paragraph

Narrative Prompts: 1. Find the words “tell”, “time” or “event”. Narrative prompts ask you to tell a story, usually about yourself. 2. Write a story about something that to you that taught you a lesson of had an impact on your life. 3. Begin with an introduction that tells the reader that you will tell a story. 4. Write a narrative essay more loosely that you would other types of essays. Use description, metaphor, anecdotes, dialogue and other literary devices. 5. End the essay by telling the reader what you learned from the experience.

Persuasive Prompts: 1. Look for the words “persuade” or “convince”. Persuasive prompts direct you to make an argument that convinces another person of your point of view or opinion. 2. Decide which arguments will work best on the reader. 3. Identify what your reader’s most likely objection or argument might be and how you can refute it. 4. Write and introductory paragraph in with you give background on the issue. End with a thesis statement that tells the reader what you want to persuade them to believe. 5. Add 2 to 3 paragraphs giving your main arguments and evidence or examples that support your arguments. 6. Include a paragraph in which you state the most likely argument or objection of your reader, and then refute it. 7. Compose a conclusion in which you restate your thesis.