Breaking Down Essay Prompts

Warm Up Using a flow chart format, break down what sequence you believe should be used in order to break down a prompt or write an essay Hints: Write a thesis, Read the Question, Find Evidence, Break down Question, etc.

Prompts– Part One First read the prompt, then read the prompt again– the second time through, circle or underline key words The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Prompts– Part Two Then, figure out your task at hand… Purpose Audience Format What is this prompt asking me to do? The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience

Prompt– Part Three Then look at the key verbs the prompt is asking you to use Analyze Evaluate Describe Explain Identify Argue

Example The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience Failure Lesson Impact

Now—Evidence and Organization Tree Map– What is my “failure?” Recount the Incident Explain the affect Identify and Explain the Impact

You Try… Highlight Key Words/Verbs Identify Purpose Audience Format

Today!! Grab the prompt and break it down Purpose Verbs– what is this asking you to DO Thesis– YOUR response to the prompt– a strong thesis ALWAYS will include the words THROUGH or BECAUSE THEN, begin to make a tree map of this prompt– main body paragraphs (WHAT are you trying to say) Beneath the main body paragraphs---evidence (HOW will you support this)