Deconstructing a Prompt

Why is it important to deconstruct or "attack" a writing prompt?

• So that you will know the purpose

• So that you will know the audience

• So that you will know the format

• So that you will answer the question that is asked

• So that you can make up a question to answer

What is the third step in deconstructing a prompt?

• Write your controlling idea/thesis statement

• fill out HELP

• brainstorm ideas

• turn the prompt into a question

What is the first step in deconstructing a prompt?

• Fill out HELP

• Turn the prompt into a question

• brainstorm reasons

• write a controlling idea/thesis statement

What is the second step in deconstructing a prompt.

• Fill out HELP

• turn the prompt into a question

• write your controlling idea/thesis statement

• brainstorm ideas

What three sentences can the prompt be broken into? (choose all three)

• Focus statement

• Question

• Task

• Evidence

• Analysis

What does the writing prompt want me to write about below? :"Cell phones are constantly a discussion in school districts. Should cell phones be allowed at school?"

• Should cell phones be allowed at school

• Cell phones are constantly a discussion

• cell phones

• rules at school

When deconstructing the prompt, mark

• topic, audience, purpose

• task, audience, purpose

• anything important

• tap shoes

What is the first step in understanding a writing prompt?

What does the writing prompt want me to write about below? :"Cell phones are constantly a discussion in school districts. Should cell phones be allowed at school?"

• Should cell phones be allowed at school

• Cell phones are constantly a discussion

• cell phones

• rules at school

Drag the possible answers to each of the 4 Whats

a

b

c

d

RACE, T-chart, or SWBST

persuade, inform, entertain

the question of the prompt

brief write, essay