Breaking Down a Writing Prompt:
How to Start Your Writing Piece
Before you jump into the first step of the writing process—prewriting—you must first determine the tasks you need to address in your writing piece. To do this, analyze the writing prompt by breaking it down into its key parts. By doing so, you’ll be ready to tackle any writing assignment.
Analyzing the Prompt:
Step One: READ the question carefully. Then, read it again—don’t skim!
Step Two: Underline KEY WORDS in the prompt that will help identify your purpose.
Step Three: Identify the TASK. What are you being asked to do?
Step Four: Identify the FORMAT. A persuasive piece? A letter? A story?
The Writing Process
Once you’ve analyzed the prompt, you’re ready to start the writing process. For a quick review, look below.
Prewriting: As you list and organize your ideas, make sure to address all aspects of the prompt.
Drafting: Create your first draft. While you do so, be sure to cover the main points from your brainstorming and to use specific details to support your reasons. Don’t forget the introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Revision: During revision, review your piece to make sure that you’ve answered all aspects of the prompt and supported your ideas with plenty of details. Also, don’t forget a hook to engage the reader, transitions, and strong word choices. Here, pay close attention to style.
Editing: When you’ve polished the focus, content, organization, and style of your piece, turn your attention to conventions. Read your piece aloud to catch silly errors.
Publishing: Review your teacher’s handout to be sure you submit all necessary materials.
How to Start Your Writing Piece
Before you jump into the first step of the writing process—prewriting—you must first determine the tasks you need to address in your writing piece. To do this, analyze the writing prompt by breaking it down into its key parts. By doing so, you’ll be ready to tackle any writing assignment.
Analyzing the Prompt:
Step One: READ the question carefully. Then, read it again—don’t skim!
Step Two: Underline KEY WORDS in the prompt that will help identify your purpose.
Step Three: Identify the TASK. What are you being asked to do?
Step Four: Identify the FORMAT. A persuasive piece? A letter? A story?
Example Prompt: Our principal is seeking ideas to improve learning at the middle school with a recent $100,000 donation. Selecting only one idea, write a letter to our principal that explains how your suggestion would benefit student achievement. Include at least two reasons why our principal should choose your idea and support each reason with specific details from your school experience.
Key Words: principal, improve learning, one idea, letter, two reasons, specific details
Task: provide one suggestion to improve student learning using $100,000 donation and support this suggestion with two reasons
Audience: principal
Format: letter
The Writing Process
Once you’ve analyzed the prompt, you’re ready to start the writing process. For a quick review, look below.
Prewriting: As you list and organize your ideas, make sure to address all aspects of the prompt.
Drafting: Create your first draft. While you do so, be sure to cover the main points from your brainstorming and to use specific details to support your reasons. Don’t forget the introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Revision: During revision, review your piece to make sure that you’ve answered all aspects of the prompt and supported your ideas with plenty of details. Also, don’t forget a hook to engage the reader, transitions, and strong word choices. Here, pay close attention to style.
Editing: When you’ve polished the focus, content, organization, and style of your piece, turn your attention to conventions. Read your piece aloud to catch silly errors.
Publishing: Review your teacher’s handout to be sure you submit all necessary materials.
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