1.  Attack the Prompt Do this every time you are asked to write an essay…

2. Attack the Prompt: Writing Situation  Underline the writing situation: This is the background information that is given to you about the prompt.  Throughout your years in school, you have studied about many different people. Think about one of these people you have studied during your time at school. What makes this person special enough to study? Write an essay in which you discuss a person you have studied in school. Explain what it is about this person that is special. Use details and examples to support your ideas.

3. Attack the Prompt: Writing Directions  1. Circle the writing directions: This is the task you are asked to complete.  Throughout your years in school, you have studied about many different people. Think about one of these people you have studied during your time at school. What makes this person special enough to study? Write an essay in which you discuss a person you have studied in school. Explain what it is about this person that is special. Use details and examples to support your ideas.

4. Attack the Prompt: Paraphrase  After reading the entire prompt, paraphrase (put into your own words) what you are supposed to be writing.

5. Attack the Prompt: Verb Chart  Think  Write  Explain  Use  Use your mind to visualize and brainstorm  Pencil to the paper Throughout your years in school, you have studied about many different people. Think about one of these people you have studied during your time at school. What makes this person special enough to study? Write an essay in which you discuss a person you have studied in school. Explain what it is about this person that is special. Use details and examples to support your ideas.

6. Attack the Prompt: Sentence Plan  Write out the sentences that you will include in your paragraph. This includes answering any questions that were asked in the prompt, as well as addressing all of the verbs from your chart.  Just list them…

7. Attack the Prompt: Examples  List at least three examples that you will include in your essay. They should be the ones that you can write the most about, and have the most details and information on.

8. Now you are ready to write!  After having attacked the prompt, you should have all of the necessary information to write your introductory paragraph, which will be the basic outline of your essay.