what is a prompt for a essay

What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)

Ever stumbled upon a blank page and didn’t know where to start?

That’s where a writing prompt steps in, kicking your creativity into gear and guiding your pen (or cursor) in the right direction.

What is a prompt in writing?

A prompt in writing is a starting point designed to ignite creativity, guiding writers to explore themes, genres, or emotions. It can be a word, question, image, or scenario, aiding in overcoming writer’s block.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about prompts in writing.

What Is a Prompt in Writing (Long Description)?

Book with lightbulb and inspiration - - What Is a Prompt in Writing

Table of Contents

A writing prompt is essentially a starting point.

Think of it as a spark designed to ignite your creativity and guide your thoughts in a specific direction.

This little nudge can come in various forms – a word, a sentence, a question, or even a picture – and serves the purpose of inspiring you to write.

Whether you’re drafting a story, an essay, or just jotting down your thoughts, prompts help overcome the intimidation of a blank page.

It sets a predefined theme or direction for your writing.

They’re not just about what you write, but how you think and approach writing, encouraging you to explore new ideas, genres, and perspectives.

Here is a good video that explains prompts in writing:

Types of Prompts in Writing

Now let’s go over different types of prompts in writing.

Common prompt types include:

The Story Starter

The question quest, picture this, the first line frenzy.

The Story Starter is your classic nudge towards narrative creativity.

It’s a sentence or scenario meant to kick off your storytelling journey, helping you dive straight into the plot, characters, or setting.

This type of prompt is great for fiction writers looking for a jumping-off point to explore various themes or genres.

It can be as detailed or as open-ended as you like, providing just enough information to spark an idea without dictating the direction of your story.

“When the clock struck midnight, she realized…”
“Lost in the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden village…”
“The last person on Earth sat alone in a room. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door…”
“In a world where magic is real, a young apprentice discovers…”
“The photograph in the old book revealed a secret that would change everything…”
“Stranded on a desert island, they found a message in a bottle…”
“On her hundredth birthday, she received a letter that took her back to her youth…”
“The map led them to a place that wasn’t supposed to exist…”
“In the midst of war, a forbidden love blossomed…”
“He inherited an old mansion, not knowing the ancestors would still be around…”

The Question Quest prompt type uses intriguing questions to push your thinking boundaries and explore ideas in depth.

It’s perfect for essays, reflective writing, or exploring complex themes and issues.

These prompts challenge you to consider different perspectives, analyze situations, and develop reasoned arguments or narratives based on the question posed.

“What would you do if you could travel back in time?”
“How would society change if humans lived to be 300 years old?”
“Is it possible to live a completely ethical life in today’s world?”
“What does true bravery look like?”
“How would the discovery of extraterrestrial life impact humanity?”
“What is the true cost of progress?”
“Can happiness be measured?”
“What role does fate play in our lives?”
“Is technology bringing us closer together or driving us apart?”
“What would you change if you were the leader of your country for a day?”

Picture This prompts use images as the springboard for writing.

A photograph, painting, or even a random doodle can unlock a flood of creativity.

Which makes it an excellent tool for both fiction and non-fiction writers.

This visual cue encourages you to dive into descriptive writing, storytelling, or even analytical essays, exploring the emotions, stories, or ideas evoked by the image.

A deserted street at dawn, with an old bicycle leaning against a lamppost.
A vintage suitcase, open and filled with letters and photographs.
A bustling market scene in a foreign country.
A child gazing out of a rain-spattered window.
A majestic mountain range under the stars.
An abandoned house, its rooms still furnished but covered in dust.
A close-up of a spider web with dewdrops.
A lively street festival, with people dancing and musicians playing.
An old, faded map with several places marked in red.
A serene lake at sunset, with a lone boat tied to a wooden dock.

The First Line Frenzy is a thrilling way to dive into a story.

These prompts provide the opening sentence of your narrative, setting the tone and direction for everything that follows.

It’s a fantastic method for overcoming writer’s block and sparking your imagination, as the initial line can lead to unexpected and exciting story developments.

“The day began with a mysterious package on my doorstep.”
“I never believed in ghosts until I moved into the old Henderson house.”
“The moment I heard the news, I knew my life would never be the same.”
“Under the light of a full moon, the city revealed its true secrets.”
“It was the kind of café you’d stumble upon once and never find again.”
“With a deep breath, I stepped into the unknown.”
“The letter, sealed with a wax emblem, contained a proposition I couldn’t refuse.”
“As the train pulled away, she realized her mistake.”
“In the heart of the ancient forest, a hidden path led to unexpected wonders.”
“The discovery promised to rewrite history, but at what cost?”

Dialogue Driven

Dialogue Driven prompts center around a snippet of conversation, offering a dynamic entry point into your writing.

This approach is particularly effective for character development and exploring relationships through direct speech.

It can set the scene, reveal personalities, and drive the plot forward, all through the power of dialogue.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?” “I was hoping.”
“Why is this door always locked?” “You’re not ready to know what’s behind it.”
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” “That’s where you’re wrong.”
“The stars look different here.” “Everything does.”
“I wish I could stay.” “Then why are you leaving?”
“It’s not about what I want anymore.” “Then what’s it about?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” “And you never will again.”
“Can you keep a secret?” “Depends on the secret.”
“We’re not in Kansas anymore.” “We’re not even on the same planet.”
“It was supposed to be a simple plan.” “Since when does anything go according to plan?”

The Sensory Dive

The Sensory Dive prompts are designed to immerse you and your reader in vivid, sensory-rich experiences.

These prompts encourage descriptive writing that appeals to the senses, painting a scene so tangible that readers feel they can touch, taste, hear, see, and smell it.

It’s a powerful tool for creating immersive worlds and experiences.

Describe the cacophony of a bustling city market at noon.
The taste of the first snowflake of winter.
The scent of old books in a forgotten library.
The feeling of sand between your toes as waves crash on the shore.
The sight of a landscape transformed by autumn’s touch.
The sound of a distant thunderstorm approaching.
The warmth of a crackling fire on a cold night.
The chill of walking through a foggy graveyard at dusk.
The texture of an ancient, carved stone.
The silence of a snow-covered forest.

The What-If Wonder

The What-If Wonder prompts take you on a journey of imagination, exploring alternate realities and scenarios.

These prompts ask you to consider how different choices, events, or conditions might alter the world, characters, or story.

It’s an excellent way to delve into speculative fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, pushing the boundaries of reality.

What if humans had the ability to communicate telepathically?
What if gravity suddenly became a variable force on Earth?
What if you woke up 100 years in the past with your current memories intact?
What if plants were the dominant intelligent species on the planet?
What if you could see the future but only 24 hours ahead?
What if water was as rare as gold?
What if everyone had their lifespan displayed above their heads?
What if you found a door that could take you to parallel universes?
What if animals could petition for their rights?
What if dreams were actually glimpses into alternate realities?

The Emotional Rollercoaster

The Emotional Rollercoaster prompt is all about exploring the depths of human emotion, challenging you to convey complex feelings and reactions.

These prompts are perfect for delving into character development, interpersonal relationships, and personal reflection.

By focusing on the emotional landscape, writers can create compelling narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

The moment you realized you were in love.
Feeling utterly lost in a place you once called home.
The bitter sweetness of a farewell.
Overcoming a fear that once held you back.
The complex emotions of reuniting with someone after many years.
The guilt of a lie that spiraled out of control.
The rush of achieving something you thought was impossible.
The profound sadness of losing a cherished memory to time.
The unexpected joy found in a simple act of kindness.
The peace of accepting things you cannot change.

The Genre Blender

The Genre Blender prompts encourage you to mix elements from different genres, creating unique and innovative narratives.

These prompts are excellent for writers looking to break the mold and experiment with their storytelling.

Whether it’s combining science fiction with historical fiction or fantasy with mystery, the possibilities are endless.

A detective in a dystopian future solving a crime that could change the course of history.
A romance blossoming in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.
A fantasy world where magic is dying, and technology is on the rise.
A historical drama set in ancient Rome, but with a twist of time travel.
A horror story set in space, aboard a ship with a mysterious alien artifact.
A western where the frontier towns are protected by wizards instead of gunslingers.
A cyberpunk thriller featuring a heist in a virtual reality world.
A mystery set in a magical school where the students must uncover a dark secret.
A superhero story grounded in the real-world challenges of modern society.
An adventure tale that blends deep-sea exploration with ancient mythology.

The Time Traveler’s Gateway

The Time Traveler’s Gateway prompts explore the intricacies of time travel, its implications, and its paradoxes.

This type of prompt is perfect for science fiction and speculative fiction writers, offering a playground for the imagination that challenges our understanding of time, history, and causality.

Discovering a time machine in your backyard and deciding where to go first.
A message from the future warning of an impending disaster.
The consequences of changing a small event in the past.
A society where time travel is common, but strictly regulated.
An ancient civilization that had advanced time travel technology.
Meeting your ancestors and learning their secrets.
The ethical dilemmas of using time travel for personal gain.
A love story that transcends time barriers.
The discovery that history is a construct, shaped by time travelers.
A time loop where the protagonist must solve a puzzle to escape.

The World Builder’s Dream

The World Builder’s Dream prompts invite you to create entire worlds from scratch.

This type of prompt is a boon for fantasy and science fiction writers, offering the freedom to craft unique settings, cultures, laws of nature, and societies.

It’s an opportunity to let your imagination run wild and establish the groundwork for epic tales.

A planet where the seasons last for decades.
A city built entirely on the back of a giant, wandering creature.
A society where people’s roles are determined by their innate magical abilities.
An underwater civilization that has never seen the surface.
A world where dreams can be entered and manipulated.
A floating island nation that travels the skies.
A dystopian future where memories can be bought and sold.
A kingdom where music is the source of all magic.
A realm where the night lasts half the year.
An alternate Earth where the continents never split apart.

The Unseen Perspective

The Unseen Perspective prompts challenge you to write from the viewpoint of non-human characters or entities.

This approach forces you to step outside the human experience and consider the world from a completely different angle.

It’s a fantastic way to explore themes of consciousness, nature, and the interconnectedness of life.

The life of a tree over centuries, witnessing the changes in the world.
A day in the life of a household pet during a major family event.
The thoughts of a spaceship AI as it travels through the cosmos.
The experiences of a ghost haunting an old mansion.
A story told from the perspective of a river, from source to sea.
The journey of a single leaf from sprout to falling to the ground.
The collective consciousness of a hive of bees facing environmental challenges.
The ancient spirit of a mountain overseeing its surroundings.
The adventures of a book as it passes from reader to reader, experiencing different interpretations and emotions.
The perspective of a city as it grows and evolves over centuries, through peace and conflict.

The Emotional Journey

The Emotional Journey prompts focus on the internal growth and transformation of characters.

It invites writers to delve into personal development, self-discovery, and the overcoming of obstacles.

This type of prompt is ideal for character-driven narratives, where the emphasis is on emotional depth and the evolution of the protagonist’s inner self.

A character grappling with the loss of a loved one and finding a way to move forward.
The journey of self-acceptance for someone who feels out of place in their world.
A hero facing their darkest fears in order to save what they cherish most.
A villain’s realization of the impact of their actions and their quest for redemption.
A young adult’s transition into independence and the challenges they face along the way.
The transformation of a skeptic into a believer through a series of unexplainable events.
The struggle of a character to forgive themselves and others for past mistakes.
The process of rebuilding one’s life after a catastrophic event.
A character’s journey from indifference to passionate advocacy for a cause.
The evolving relationship between two characters who start as rivals and become allies.

The Moral Dilemma

The Moral Dilemma prompts put characters in situations where they must make difficult choices, often between two equally undesirable options.

These prompts are great for exploring ethical questions, character morality, and the complexity of human nature.

They challenge writers to think deeply about what it means to make a “right” decision.

Choosing between saving a loved one or a group of strangers from danger.
Deciding whether to expose a painful truth that could destroy a friend’s happiness.
The choice of upholding the law or doing what is morally right in a corrupt society.
A character must decide whether to seek revenge or forgive an unforgivable act.
The dilemma of sacrificing personal dreams for the greater good.
Deciding whether to keep a secret that protects one person but harms others.
A leader’s choice between peace at the cost of justice or war for the sake of freedom.
The ethical implications of using advanced technology to alter human nature.
A scientist faces a moral conflict over a discovery that could change the world but has dangerous implications.
The struggle of a character who finds out that their entire life is based on a lie and must choose how to react.

The Creative Challenge

The Creative Challenge prompts are designed to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

It encourages experimentation with narrative structure, style, and content.

These prompts invite writers to play with unconventional formats, such as a story told in reverse, a narrative composed entirely of dialogue, or a tale that weaves multiple perspectives into a cohesive whole.

A story told through a series of diary entries, each revealing a piece of the puzzle.
A narrative structured as a series of text messages between characters.
A tale that begins with its conclusion and works backward to the start.
A story where each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, all revolving around a single event.
A narrative composed entirely of letters sent between two characters.
A story told through the lens of an inanimate object witnessing events unfold.
A tale that intertwines the past and present, revealing how they mirror and affect each other.
A narrative that challenges the concept of linear time, mixing moments from various points in the characters’ lives.
A story where the setting changes in each chapter, influencing the plot and characters in unique ways.
A narrative that plays with genre conventions, blending elements from different genres in unexpected ways.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Prompt in Writing?

I hope this guide “prompts” you to understanding, creativity, and motivation to write.

Check out some of our other great guides below.

Writing Prompt (Composition)

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

A writing prompt is a brief passage of text (or sometimes an image) that provides a potential topic idea or starting point for an original essay , report , journal entry , story, poem, or other forms of writing. Writing prompts are commonly used in the essay portions of standardized tests, but they may also be devised by the writers themselves.

A writing prompt, according to Garth Sundem and Kristi Pikiewicz, usually has "two basic components: the prompt itself and directions explaining what the students should do with it." ( Writing in the Content Areas , 2006)

Examples and Observations

"Today is Kiss and Make Up Day, a day to fix relationships that need mending. " Prompt . Have you ever been in an argument with a friend or a member of your family? What was the disagreement over? How did you resolve it?" (Jacqueline Sweeney, Prompt a Day!: 360 Thought-Provoking Writing Prompts Keyed to Every Day of the School Year . Scholastic, 1998)

Elicting Insightful Responses

"Responses to writing prompts are typically more insightful than if a teacher allows students to simply write for a certain amount of time without specifying a topic." (Jacalyn Lund and Deborah Tannehill, Standards-Based Physical Education Curriculum Development , 2nd ed. Jones and Bartlett, 2010)

Touching on Experiences

"Two characteristics of engaging . . . writing prompts are that they touch on experiences accessible to the students, and they allow for multiple ways to write an answer." (Stephen P. Balfour, "Teaching Writing and Assessment Skills." Improving Writing and Thinking Through Assessment , ed. by Teresa L. Flateby. IAP. 2011)

Writing Prompt for 'An Initiation'

"For the first assignment in the course, I'd like you to write a personal narrative that tells us something about who you are or what your interests are. The audience for this paper is the instructor and the class and the purpose is to introduce yourself to us in a way that will help all of us get to know each other. Be sure to include specific details that show rather than tell. Consult your class notes about writing successful narratives. Your narrative should be two to four pages long." (Julie Neff-Lippman in Concepts in Composition: Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Writing , 2nd ed., by Irene L. Clark. Routledge, 2012)

Understanding Writing Prompts

"To help build students' skill in reading and understanding a prompt, you should spend a class period analyzing two prompts by discussing the kinds of questions students need to ask themselves as they plan a writing response. . . . 1. What form of writing is the prompt asking for? 2. What ideas or arguments will the reader expect you to suggest? Would these points be good paragraph topics? 3. What does the prompt expect you to do? 4. Who is the audience for this essay? 5. Write a quick one-sentence answer to each question asked in the prompt. Use these answers to develop your outline and thesis ." (Sydell Rabin, Helping Students Write to a Prompt . Scholastic, 2002)

Responding to Writing Prompts on the SAT

"Topics for writing prompts tend to be broad, open-ended, and adaptable enough for any test-taker to find something to write about. Remember that you will not need any specific subject matter knowledge to answer the question. The excerpt in this sample is a typical example: The role of advertising is to induce people to buy goods and services. Advertising is neither moral nor immoral. It is ethically neutral. The writing prompt will most likely be based on a statement or a quotation . In order to answer the question that follows, you must understand what the excerpt is about. However, if you can't figure out the meaning or aren't sure, don't worry. The test-writers tell you the issue in the assignment. "However, don't ignore the excerpt. You may find some phrases that you can use in your essay. Referring back to the excerpt by paraphrasing it or using some words from it can be an effective technique." (Margaret Moran, Master Writing for the SAT: What You Need for Test Success . Peterson's, 2008)

Expository and Persuasive Writing Prompts

"An expository prompt asks you to define, explain, or tell how to do something. The following is an example of an expository writing prompt. Most people have a favorite season or time of year. Write an essay describing your favorite season. Discuss what makes that season special to you. "A persuasive prompt asks you to convince the reader to accept your opinion or to take a specific action. The following is an example of a persuasive writing prompt. To cut back on expenses, your principal has asked the school board for permission to cancel all field trips for the remainder of the year. Some people think this is a good idea because they consider a field trip a 'vacation' from learning and therefore an unnecessary expense. Write to the school board explaining your position on the issue. Use facts and examples to develop your argument. " (J. Brice and Dana Passananti, OGT Ohio Graduation Test: Reading and Writing . Research & Education Association, 2007)

Photographs as Writing Prompts

"Keep in mind that students from diverse cultures may respond differently or not relate at all to some photos, especially when the photos are of unfamiliar objects, places, or people. As you select photographs to share as prompts for this activity, make sure you introduce them to your students and allow students to ask questions they might have about them. If you find that some students are so puzzled by a photograph that using it as a writing prompt would be counterproductive, then select an alternative photo for students to describe." (David Campos and Kathleen Fad, Tools for Teaching Writing: Strategies and Interventions for Diverse Learners in Grades 3-8 . ASCD, 2014)

Sources of Writing Prompts

"On occasions I invite participants in my [writing] group to open the dictionary to a word, any word, and offer it to the next person as her prompt, and so on, around the room with each writer receiving a different word to write from. And I never read anything without a notebook by my side or sticky notes within reach. You never know when the perfect prompt will appear. . . . "The real world can also be a source for writing prompts. I jot down phrases I hear during the day (a writer always eavesdrops), or something I've seen scrawled on a building ('This Is the Last Time'), or notes from a menu at lunch (juice from the ripest berries). . . . Even directions on a cereal box have served as a writing prompt for my drop-in group ('Slide finger under the flap and loosen gently'). Faulkner said there's a bit of the scavenger in every writer. This is what we do when we're collecting inspiration." (Judy Reeves, Writing Alone, Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups . New World Library, 2002)

Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
UC Personal Statement Prompt #1
Common Application Essay Option 6: Losing Track of Time
Second Grade Writing Prompts
49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students
Common Supplemental Essay Mistakes
The 2021-22 Common Application Essay Prompts
How to Ace Your University of Wisconsin Personal Statements
Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
First Grade Writing Prompts
LSAT Writing: What You Need to Know
The Importance of Answering Questions in Complete Sentences
Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders
Private School Application Essay Tips
Writing Prompts for 7th Grade
How to Write a Persuasive Essay

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest

Junk Food Tax Persuasive Essay
What Is An Essay Template?
SAT Essay Sample Topics
Rogerian Essay Example
Psychology Essay Examples University
College Common Application Essay Examples
Descriptive Writing Essay Examples
Persuasive Essay Speech About Bullying
Example Of An Autobiography Essay About Yourself
Argumentative Essay Conclusion Paragraph Example
Cause And Effect Essay Teenage Smoking
How To Write A Intro Paragraph For Persuasive Essay
Paper Examples On Literature
Topical Writing Prompts
Trending Education Updates

How To Write A Prompt Essay

In a prompt essay, the writer is given a topic to write about and a limited amount of time in which to do it. This type of essay is commonly used in standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, and GRE.

The best way to approach a prompt essay is to read the topic carefully and make a rough outline of what you want to say. This will help you stay on track and make sure you cover all the points the essay prompt is asking for.

When writing a prompt essay, be sure to:

– Stay focused on the topic

– Make your points clear and concise

– Use examples to illustrate your points

– Use proper grammar and spelling

– Proofread your essay for mistakes

Following these tips will help you write a strong prompt essay that will impress the reader.

Understanding the Essay Prompt and Requirements

The essay prompt is one of the most important parts of an essay. It is the first thing that the reader sees and it can be used to set the tone for the rest of the essay. A good prompt can also help to focus the essay and ensure that it stays on topic.

When faced with a prompt, the first step is to read and understand the requirements. The requirements will vary from prompt to prompt, but there are some general things to look for. First, make sure that you understand what is being asked for. Some prompts will ask for a specific type of essay, such as an argumentative essay or a research paper. Others will be more general, asking for a response to a question or for your opinion on a topic.

Once you understand the requirements, you need to decide what you want to say. This can be difficult, especially if the prompt is vague. In these cases, it can be helpful to come up with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a sentence or two that states your argument or position on the topic. It should be clear and concise and it should be able to be defended with evidence.

Once you have a thesis statement, you can start to brainstorm ideas. Make a list of points that support your argument and find evidence to back them up. Be sure to cite your sources properly. Once you have a solid list of points, it’s time to start writing.

The introduction is the first chance to capture the reader’s attention. It should be brief and introduce the topic of the essay. The body of the essay should then go into detail about each point. Be sure to use clear and concise language and to stay on topic. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with something to think about.

For more guidance on essay writing, you can explore resources at Writinguniverse and droitthemes.com , providing helpful tips and insights.

Analyzing and Interpreting the Prompt

A prompt essay is an essay that is written in response to a specific question or topic. The purpose of a prompt essay is to provide a clear and concise analysis of the prompt and to interpret the meaning of the prompt for the reader. In order to write a prompt essay, it is first important to understand the purpose of the prompt and to read the prompt carefully. The prompt will provide specific instructions on what to write about and how to write it. It is important to follow the instructions exactly and to be clear and concise in your writing.

The body of the essay should provide a clear and concise analysis of the prompt. The essay should discuss what the prompt is asking for and what it means. It is important to be analytical and to provide evidence to support your points. The essay should also include your own interpretation of the prompt.

The conclusion of the essay should summarize your points and provide a final analysis of the prompt. It is important to be clear and concise in your writing and to leave the reader with a clear understanding of your thoughts on the prompt.

Brainstorming Ideas and Approaches

It can be challenging to come up with a good topic for an essay, and even more challenging to come up with a good prompt for an essay. However, if you know how to approach the task, it can be much easier.

The first step is to brainstorm ideas. Come up with a list of topics that interest you, and then narrow those down to a few that you could actually write about. Once you have your topic, start thinking about approaches you could take.

One approach is to focus on the history of the topic. For example, if you are writing about the American Revolution, you could focus on the causes of the revolution and how it unfolded. Alternatively, you could analyze the effects of the revolution on American society.

Another approach is to compare and contrast two or more topics. For example, you could compare and contrast the American Revolution with the French Revolution. Or you could compare and contrast two different interpretations of the same event.

You can also take a more personal approach, focusing on your own experiences or thoughts on the topic. For example, you could write about your thoughts on the American Revolution, or on a particular event from the revolution.

Once you have an idea of the approach you want to take, start thinking about the main points you want to make. Brainstorm a list of points, and then organize them into a logical order. Once you have a rough outline, start writing your essay.

The most important thing to remember when writing a prompt essay is to stay on topic. Make sure all of your points are related to the prompt, and make sure your essay is well organized. Be sure to proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and ask someone else to read it for clarity and accuracy.

Developing a Clear and Relevant Thesis Statement

What is a prompt essay?

A prompt essay is a type of essay that is written in response to a specific question or prompt. The purpose of a prompt essay is to provide a clear and concise response to the question or prompt that is posed.

How do I develop a clear and relevant thesis statement for a prompt essay?

There are a few things that you can do in order to develop a clear and relevant thesis statement for a prompt essay. First, you should make sure that your thesis statement is specific and relevant to the question or prompt that is posed. Second, you should make sure that your thesis statement is clear and easy to understand. Finally, you should make sure that your thesis statement is arguable and controversial.

Structuring Your Essay According to the Prompt

The prompt is the first sentence of the essay assignment. It is the writer’s opportunity to capture the reader’s attention and to introduce the topic. The prompt should be clear, concise, and specific. It should also be interesting to the reader.

The body of the essay should be structured according to the prompt. The main points should be introduced in the order that they are introduced in the prompt. The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought.

The introduction should introduce the topic and state the main point of the essay. The body of the essay should provide evidence to support the main point. The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought.

Writing in Literature: Writing the Prompt Paper

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Whether you are given a selection of prompts to choose from or just one, knowing something about the various sorts of writing prompts can help you understand what your teacher expects and how you should approach the project.

“Compare and Contrast”

This classic writing prompt can be quite challenging because it sounds almost as if you are being asked to compile a list of similarities and differences. While a list might be of use in the planning stage, this prompt asks you to use what you discover to arrive at a conclusion about the two works under discussion.

Example: “Compare and contrast the two endings for Dickens’ Great Expectations paying special attention to the situation of Stella at the close of the novel.”

Find three or four elements from the texts upon which to base your comparison.
Examine possible connections and determine a thesis.
Base your outline around the elements you’ve chosen, remembering to give equal coverage to each side.

“Discuss the theme of x as it appears in works a, b, and c.”

This is an extended or re-named compare and contrast prompt. In this situation, you are given a general theme, such as “loss of innocence” or “self-revelation.” Your job is to use the instances of that theme to arrive at some general conclusions regarding how the theme works in the text you are analyzing.

Example: “Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare talks about the passing of time in three of the sonnets we read for class.”

Re-read carefully the selected works looking specifically for the theme or motif in question. Then research the ways in which other critics have examined this theme.
Determine your argument. Will you make a claim for similarity (“A, b, and c use x in much the same way.”), difference (“A, b, and c, when dealing with x, take highly individual approaches.”), or superiority (“While a and b deal with x, c clearly demonstrates a richer, more nuanced treatment.”)?
Organize your paper around the works, making each point deal thoroughly with a discrete work. Remember that connections are of the utmost importance for this paper, so pay close attention to your transitions.

“What is the role of women/the role of class/the role of the Other as presented in this work?”

All three examples above serve as first steps to the larger world of literary theory and criticism. Writing prompts like this ask you to examine a work from a particular perspective. You may not be comfortable with this new perspective. Chances are that since your instructor has given you such an assignment, the issues in question will be at least partially covered in class.

Example: “Discuss the ways in which the outsider or Other is dealt with in James Joyce’s story “The Dead.”

Categorize the persons or characters in the piece. What are they in the most general, stereotypical way? Male or female? Lower or upper class? Natives or foreigners? Strangers or friends?
Examine the ways in which the characters you’ve categorized fit or don’t fit into the boxes you’ve assigned them. Do they support or undermine the categories, and what do others (including the author) say about them and their place in the world?
Write your paper as if you were giving a new definition (or an amended definition)of the category in question using the text as your guide. Your main points should highlight the ways in which the text uses or discards the accepted categories.

“Critic A has famously said “B” about this work. In light of our study of the piece in question, would you agree or disagree, why or why not?”

This sort of question is often asked as an in-class essay, but can appear as a prompt for larger papers. The goal of a question like this is to give you the opportunity to deal with the critical voices of others in your own writings.

Example: “C.S. Lewis has said that Chaucer is “our foremost poet of joy” in the English language, and in this field he “has few equals and no masters.” Discuss how this applies to the ending of “The Knight’s Tale” from The Canterbury Tales.”

Read and re-read the quote from the prompt several times. Ask yourself what seems to be the quote’s central claim.
Apply that claim to the relevant passage or work. In a way, you are being asked not to examine the literature so much as the claim about the literature. Does it hold up to scrutiny in light of the actual text?
Your instructor would be equally pleased whether you agree or disagree with the critic’s views as long as you do so in a scholarly fashion. Structure your paper around the claims made by the quote and use lines from the text to support your own reaction.

What is a Prompt in Writing? Choosing the Right Writing Prompt for Your Genre and Style

February 22, 2024

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Table of contents, what is a prompt in writing, what is a prompt in writing an essay, analytical prompts:, expository writing, persuasive prompts:, narrative prompts:, what is a prompt in writing for students, determine your genre:, think about your personality:, review your prompt options, match prompt to genre:, adapt prompt to your style:, try new things and explore:, trust your instincts:, recommendations.

For authors, a writing prompt acts as a spark for creativity, allowing for discovery and inspiration. It pushes authors to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things and unconventional thinking.

You can comfortably set off a chain reaction of ideas and feelings that results in unanticipated literary works with a well-crafted writing prompt no matter the type of prompt writing.

But in the real sense, you must understand the ins and outs involved in writing different forms of prompts if you must have top-notch work. That’s why we have provided information about prompt writing and what it entails.

In this article, you will learn more about prompts in writing and how to choose the right writing prompts for your genre and style.

Carefully read through!

A writing prompt is a predetermined subject, query, or instruction sent to authors to stimulate and direct their work. It acts as a springboard or inspiration for coming up with ideas and structuring thinking.

Depending on the writing assignment and goals, prompts might differ in structure and topic. They could be given as statements, quotes, pictures, situations, or open-ended questions.

Writing prompts are meant to inspire or compel writers to delve into a specific subject, articulate their ideas and viewpoints, or craft imaginative tales.

Writing prompts can be applied in a variety of settings, such as workshops, schools, writing competitions, and evaluations.

Writing prompts are frequently employed in educational contexts to foster critical thinking, hone writing abilities, and evaluate students’ conceptual knowledge and effective communication skills.

A vast array of writing styles and genres, including analytical responses, creative stories, persuasive essays, descriptive passages, and personal narratives, can be covered by them.

When it comes to essay writing, a prompt is a particular query, assertion, or instruction that forms the core of the essay’s subject. By defining the essay’s purpose and expectations for its content, it gives the writer direction and guidance.

What are the Types of Prompt Writing?

Depending on the kind of essay and the objective of the writing assignment, essay prompts can take many different shapes. Typical categories of essay prompts consist of:

These prompts require the writer to examine a specific subject, piece of literature, or idea. They might ask the author to look closely at the underlying motifs, topics, or symbols and provide insightful analysis or interpretations.

Expository writing prompts ask the writer to elaborate on or provide clarification on a certain notion, procedure, or concept. They frequently call on the writer to give details, explain terminology, or make points understandably and succinctly.

The purpose of persuasive prompts is to persuade or convince the reader of a specific argument or point of view. Usually, they request that the writer choose a viewpoint on the matter, provide evidence to back up their claims and make an emotional or intellectual argument for the reader.

This kind of prompt asks the writer to narrate a tale or provide a first-hand account. They can ask you to compose a fictional story based on a certain scenario, describe a memorable moment, or consider an important incident.

Essay prompts frequently come with detailed instructions or guidelines that spell out the requirements for the project, including its length, formatting style, and list of references to be used.

To properly discuss the subject and fulfill the requirements of the assignment, writers must carefully read, evaluate, and prepare their essay based on the prompt’s implications.

Read ALSO: 107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

When we talk about writing prompts for students, we mean a particular subject, query, or assignment that serves as a source of inspiration and direction for their work.

It acts as a springboard or stimulant to assist pupils in coming up with ideas, planning their ideas, and efficiently structuring their writing.

Note, student writing prompts might differ greatly based on the grade level, subject matter, and learning goals.

They could be made to inspire pupils to write more effectively, express themselves, examine texts, think back on their own experiences, or engage in creative storytelling.

There are many different ways to present prompts, including:

Open-ended questions: These kinds of questions allow students to investigate a subject or idea from various perspectives and come up with original theories or solutions.
Statement Prompts: These writing exercises provide students a statement or assertion to respond to, examine, or expand upon in their compositions.
Image Prompts: Students are encouraged to compose descriptive passages, narratives, or analytical responses based on the visual material by using images, illustrations, or other visual stimuli as image prompts.
Scenario Prompts: These prompts pose a hypothetical circumstance or scenario to students, asking them to speculate about possible outcomes, possible responses, or possible courses of action.
Quotation Prompts: Students are asked to consider a quotation from a well-known individual, literary work, or historical event and incorporate it into their writing by reflecting on its meaning, significance, or implications.

Read ALSO: 140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

How to Choose the Right Writing Prompt for Your Genre and Style

To make sure the writing prompt fits with your creative vision and objectives, it is important to take into account several variables while selecting the appropriate one for your genre and writing style. The following guidelines can assist you in choosing the ideal writing prompt:

Choose a writing genre or style to explore, such as memoir, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or something different. It’s critical to select a prompt that aligns with your preferred genre because each one has its own customs, themes, and storytelling strategies.

Consider your tastes and writing style. Do you like writing that is contemplative and reflective, or are you more drawn to stories that are whimsical and imaginative? Think about answering questions that speak to your own voice and sense of style.

Examine your options for writing prompts by taking a look at a range of prompts in various genres and styles. Seek for creatively stimulating and thought-provoking prompts.

Select the suggestion that most closely aligns with your thoughts and interests by taking into account the themes, settings, people, and conflicts that are offered.

Make sure the writing prompt you select is appropriate for the genre in which you intend to write. Pick a prompt that offers a gripping mystery or exciting scenario, for instance, if you’re interested in creating a mystery novel. Seek writing prompts that evoke lyrical language and images if you enjoy poetry.

After deciding on a prompt, think about how you can modify it to fit your writing preferences and style. You are free to interpret the prompt creatively and make it uniquely your own; you are not required to follow it precisely as given. Make the prompt uniquely your own by adding aspects of your own voice, viewpoint, and storytelling style.

Don’t be scared to try out various writing prompts and styles. Take advantage of the prompts to experiment with different subjects, genres, and narrative devices.

So, strive to write in genres or styles that you haven’t previously experimented with, pushing yourself to write outside of your comfort zone.

In the end, when selecting a writing prompt, follow your gut and intuition. Select the creative prompt that best inspires and motivates you by listening to your inner creative voice.

Make sure you choose the writing prompt that feels most appropriate for you at that particular time. Writing is a very personal and intuitive activity.

Read ALSO: 50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

A writing prompt is a specific topic, idea, or phrase that serves as inspiration for writing. How can writing prompts help with creativity? Writing prompts can spark new ideas, encourage creativity, and help writers overcome writer’s block. How do I choose the right writing prompt for my genre? Consider your genre and style of writing when selecting a prompt to ensure it aligns with the tone and themes you want to explore. Can I modify a writing prompt to better suit my needs? Absolutely! Feel free to adapt or customize a writing prompt to better fit your creative vision.

Yes, there are various types of writing prompts including Expository writing prompts, persuasive prompts, and narrative prompts.

Yes, using writing prompts consistently can help improve your skills by challenging you to think outside your comfort zone and explore new ideas.

It’s up to you! Some writers use prompts daily as part of their routine while others incorporate them sporadically for inspiration.

There are numerous websites and resources dedicated to providing daily or themed writing prompts for writers of all levels.

To inspire creativity and direct the writing process, it is critical to comprehend the function of a writing prompt. You may efficiently channel your ideas and give your work depth by choosing a prompt that is in line with your genre and style. Regardless of your level of experience, the correct writing prompt can be a useful tool for breaking through writer’s block and coming up with original ideas.

Trying out various writing prompts might also help you develop your writing abilities and discover new genres. The next time you sit down to write, keep in mind the influence a thoughtfully selected prompt may have on the form and quality of your writing.

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Writing Inspiration

How to Answer a Writing Prompt

Last Updated: April 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 240,329 times.

Students of all kinds, from elementary school to those applying for post-graduate educations, are tested on their writing ability through writing prompts. Successful students are able to understand what kind of essay the prompt is calling for and answer it with what the tester wants to see.

Answering Expository (Informative) Prompts

Other words that signal an expository writing assignment include "summarize," "clarify," or "tell about."
For example, "Explain camping to a person who has never camped before" is an example of an expository prompt. So is "Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years."

For example, for "Explain camping to a person who has never camped before," you could take several approaches. You could explain reasons why people might want to go camping, or you could explain how to set up a campsite. You might even want to try both approaches in your essay.

Strong expository essays have a theme or center of gravity that organizes them. For example, for "Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years" you might want to focus your essay on how teens use communication differently, or the impact of communication changes on daily life.
An expository thesis statement does not have to present an opinion or even make an argument. It should be based on the facts you will examine. For example, "Over the past 20 years, communication has changed significantly. It is now affordable to stay in touch with people all over the world, easier to connect with people from different places and cultures, and keep others updated with even your minor doings."

Step 4 Think of strong topic sentences that support your thesis statement.

For example, if you were writing an essay explaining camping, you might have the following topic sentences for your paragraphs: 1) "There are many reasons why people might want to go camping." (Paragraph about reasons to go camping.) 2) "You must consider several things when choosing a campsite." (Choosing a campsite paragraph.) 3) "Finally, you must set up your campsite." (Paragraph about setting up camp.)

You'll want to open with a general statement about your topic that "hooks" your reader. Then provide any context your reader needs to understand your topic. Close with your thesis statement.

Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Explain your topic sentence.
Give an example that supports your topic sentence.
Analyze your example.
Write a concluding statement.

For example, if you are explaining camping, you could conclude by saying something like, "Although some people who live in cities have never been camping before, it is actually fun and easy. Next time you're considering a vacation, why not consider camping?"

Answering Narrative Prompts

For example, a narrative prompt might look like this: "Talk about a time when you experienced friendship" or "Describe a moment when you showed courage."

Step 2 Write a story about something that happened to you.

Write in first person. Tell the story as yourself, using "I" and "me."

Step 3 Begin with an introduction that tells the reader that you will tell a story.

A narrative thesis statement may offer the lesson you learned or talk about the impact of the moment on your life, such as "The most memorable moment in which I showed courage happened in seventh grade." It could also identify a theme that connects your story to a greater theme, such as "Most people do not know how courageous they can be until they're faced with danger. This was true for me, too."

Step 4 Write a narrative essay more loosely than you would other types of essays.

You may want to structure your essay chronologically to show the development of the lesson over time. This is usually the clearest way to structure your essay. Use words such as "then," "next," and "finally" to show your progress.

Step 5 End the essay by telling the reader what you learned from the experience.

Answering Persuasive Prompts

You may be trying to convince the tester who will read your essay, or you may be asked to write as if you were trying to convince a hypothetical person.
Other signals that you are writing a persuasive answer include "How do you feel about" or "What do you think about". If a prompt asks whether you agree or disagree with a statement, it is a persuasive prompt.

Step 2 Decide which arguments will work best on the reader.

Cause and effect are a common persuasive thesis. For example, "Giving underprivileged students free school lunches raises their performance and makes the whole school better" is a cause and effect argument.
Value is another common tactic. This type of argument emphasizes the importance of something. For example, "Allowing global warming to continue will destroy habitats for animals such as polar bears and penguins. We cannot allow our world to lose this rich wildlife."

Step 3 Identify what your reader's most likely objection or argument might be and how you can refute it.

For example, someone might object that providing free school lunches places a burden on taxpayers, or singles students out as "poor" in the eyes of their classmates.
To refute these objections, consider the type of argument you want to make. If you're making a logical argument, use logical refutations. If you're making an emotional argument, use emotional refutations.

Step 4 Write an introductory paragraph in which you give background on the issue.

For example, if you are writing about the necessity of stopping global warming, you will need to identify what scientists believe are the main causes of it. End with your thesis that states that although it will be difficult to stop global warming, we cannot afford to lose the rich wildlife that global warming is destroying.

Most persuasive essays will include at least 3 body paragraphs.

Step 6 Include a paragraph in which you state the most likely argument or objection of your reader, and then refute it.

Community Q&A

↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-4-what-are-you-writing-to-whom-and-how-2/
↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/essay-introduction
↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/body
↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/conclusion
↑ https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/teachersguide/writers-express/22-responding-narrative-prompts
↑ https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/teachersguide/writers-express/30-responding-persuasive-prompts
↑ https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/teachersguide/write-ahead-teachers-guide-table-contents/26-other-argument-forms#223

About This Article

A writing prompt gives you a basis for an essay or creative writing piece. Look out for keywords like “tell,” “time,” or “event” which mean that you need to write a story. For example, “Talk about a time when you experienced friendship” is a prompt for a creative writing piece or personal narrative. Write a story in first person about the topic in the prompt. Use description, metaphors, anecdotes, and dialogue to help tell your story. End the story by telling the reader what you learned from the experience. For more tips from our English co-author, including how to answer informative and persuasive writing prompts, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What Is a Writing Prompt and What Types There Are?

June 2, 2022

What Is An Essay Prompt?

Understanding writing prompts, types of writing prompts, how to write a prompt, how to respond to essay writing prompts for beginners, key takeaways.

Do you love writing but sometimes feel stuck or uninspired? Are you looking for a way to jumpstart your creative process ? If so, writing prompts may be just what you need. But what is a writing prompt and what is its role in writing?

In this article, we will discuss the definition of a writing prompt, explore different types of prompts, and learn how to write one yourself.

What Is a Writing Prompt?

A writing prompt is a sentence, paragraph, or (rarer) an image that provides inspiration and guidance for creative writing . It may be used as a possible topic or starting point for an original essay, report, journal entry, story, poem, etc. A writing prompt’s main aim is to test a writer’s analytical capabilities, writing skills, and ability to express their point of view.

Writing prompts for students have long been used in the classroom to encourage student attention and develop their capacity to focus on a certain subject, idea, or concept. They also give students the chance to express their own opinions on a certain topic. Prompts stimulate students’ critical thinking and offer them an opportunity to construct a well-reasoned, structured argument in response to another writer’s viewpoint.

An essay prompt is a subtype of the writing prompt. Essay prompts are generally made up of 1 to 3 sentences that provide some context about the subject, followed by a question that asks students to write about a certain topic in the form of an essay .

The goal is to get students to respond with an essay focusing on a statement or issue in order to assess their writing, reasoning, and analytical abilities.

Analyzing your writing prompt is easier if you highlight the important words while reading it . Here are some of the words you should watch out for:

Argue – requires you to present facts that support your opinion
Compare – determine the similarities and differences between two or more concepts
Define – provide a definition of a specific concept or subject
Discuss – explain various aspects of a subject or problem and reach a conclusion
Describe – give a detailed description of an event or a particular person, place, or thing

Prompts can help improve your writing skills by providing practice in brainstorming, planning, drafting, revising, and editing . Daily writing prompts can also help you practice and develop your understanding of grammar when learning a new language .

Following are the most common types of writing prompts that students come across as a part of their degrees or continuing education programs:

Descriptive

Descriptive prompts frequently include cue terms such as “describe in detail,” “describe how something looked/felt/smelled/tasted,” and so on. In this type of writing, the reader should be able to experience what you’re writing about. Descriptive writing exercises frequently request writers to provide details that will help the reader construct a vivid picture by including sensory elements , such as sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.

Expository/Informative

Expository writing prompts are a good writing practice for teens and college students. Expository prompts typically ask the writer to describe, compare and contrast, discuss pros and cons, or define something .

Expository writing has a particular purpose and audience in mind; as a result, the style and voice must correspond to the set subject and audience. The following words are used as cues to elicit expository answers: why, how, what, and explain.

The act of writing a narrative is the process of recording and telling events from one’s personal or fictional experience . Identifying what a narrative writing prompt look like is easy when you know what to look for. These prompts call for insight, creativity, drama, suspense, humor, and/or fantasy, and often contain the term “tell about…,” “write a story,” or “describe”.

Writers should use real or invented experiences when responding to narrative prompts. They should also incorporate dialogue, sensory elements, and sensible sequences into their response.

In this sort of prompt, the writers are expected to express their viewpoint on a certain subject, followed by logical reasoning and facts . This can either be a controversial issue or something light-hearted and fun. No matter what the topic is, if you’re wondering how to start a writing prompt like this, just make sure you’re clear and concise so that the reader knows exactly what is being discussed.

Persuasive prompts are writing prompts that require the writer to convince or persuade the reader to agree with a certain point of view . These types of prompts typically use cue words such as “convince,” “persuade,” and “why” rather than “how.”

To write a persuasive prompt, it is important to first brainstorm ideas and then narrow down your focus to come up with a creative and unique prompt. Remember to consider your audience when writing persuasive prompts.

The research approach to daily writing prompts encourages writers to look for information on a given topic using books, internet resources, films, etc . Such a writing assignment asks students to look up all the details and provide the resources as well, sometimes in the form of a bibliography .

When you start writing, no matter the type and form of the written piece, it’s important to consider your audience and purpose. When you’re responding to a written prompt that lists children as your target audience, for example, you’ll need to use age-appropriate language and focus on the topics that are interesting for the particular age group . Apart from the audience, you need to pay attention to the following factors, as well:

Prompt Construction

Breaking down the writing prompt into three parts is another useful approach for better conveying the task’s meaning:

the first part introduces the subject
the second part encourages writers to think about it, perhaps with a brainstorming pre-writing exercise
the third portion explains what needs to be written

In order to avoid confusion, writing prompts should be brief and focused . The instructor must make sure that the students are provided with sufficient information in order for them to understand the writing assignment completely.

The components of the prompt can be repeated, but using parallel wording will help writers stay focused on the specific writing task.

Bias and Sensitivity

The topics of your creative writing prompts should be inclusive and fair to all potential writers . The prompts should be written in a way that allows writers to easily comprehend them, regardless of their cultural background or other variables. It’s important to avoid cultural, ethnic, gender, or any other form of bias when developing prompts.

After you’ve examined your prompt, it’s time to get creative and prepare for your essay writing:

First, make a thesis statement to address the main issue . Your thesis statement should be the focal point of your whole essay and should reflect your stance on the issue.
When responding to writing prompts for beginners, write simple topic sentences that cover all the criteria. Add any facts, elaborations, or evidence you need to back up your viewpoint.
After you’ve finished, you may add more facts and smooth transitions between each phrase and paragraph . Make sure to include an eye-catching opening line in your first paragraph, as well as a conclusion that summarizes your ideas and thesis statement.

All in all, understanding what is a prompt in writing and how to respond to one is a key skill for all writers. By taking the time to analyze the prompt and brainstorm ideas, you’ll make sure that your written piece is clear, concise, and on-topic. Practicing with different types of prompts will help you hone your skills and become a more confident writer.

The three parts of a writing prompt are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the piece, the body provides support for the thesis, and the conclusion ties everything together and leaves readers with a final thought or impression.

Most writing prompts consist of the following six parts: articulation of purpose, a summary of the assignment, logistics, paper’s key components, framing questions, and evaluation criteria.

What is a writing prompt supposed to be like in order to both challenge a writer and let them showcase their writing skills? It must be clear and concise, and possible to answer in a short amount of time. It should also be open-ended enough to allow for creative interpretation, not requiring prior knowledge in order to be answered.

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Effective Writing Assignments

Six parts of an effective prompt.

One of the most common challenges in designing a prompt is determining how much information to include. We recommend that you limit the information provided on the prompt to the unique requirements for this assignment and that you provide students with writing guides distinct from the prompt that outline your expectations for different types of assignments and different disciplines.

Of course, the following is just one model for arranging a prompt. We encourage you to adapt it as you see fit to best provide your students with the guidance that will help them produce the kinds of papers you want to read.

1. Articulation of purpose

This section explains the significance of the assignment itself by explaining what skills students will display in their writing and why they are important.

This section may also identify the audience of the assignment. If the assignment has real-world applications (for example, if students are asked to construct a business memo), this section may present students with a scenario that their writing will address.

De Paul Teaching Commons identifies nine of the most common purposes for writing, including encouraging students to engage course material, to develop scholarly skills, and to bridge academic and real world understanding. On their site, they include a helpful chart that breaks each of these purposes into smaller goals and suggests which types of writing assignments engage each.

Below is a sample articulation of purpose. You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn here .

2. Summary of assignment

Essentially, this is the “thesis statement” of the prompt. Assignment summaries tend to work best when limited to a few sentences in which you provide students with the genre of the assignment, the most important components of the assignment, and the audience for their paper.

You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn here .

3. Logistics

This section provides students with the basic information about your requirements, including the specific length, the due date, the method of submission, formatting requirements, and citation style.

You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn here .

4. Key components of the paper or important sections

This is a where you might provide a brief synopsis of the genre , or type of assignment,in which students are writing and address the types and number of sources they should use . You might also use this space to refer students to a writing guide.

5. Framing questions

This section is designed to provide students with further guidance . Depending on the type of assignment, you might include either an overview of important sections or framing questions or both. The length of this section will depend on the degree to which you expect students to develop their own framing questions.

6. Evaluation criteria

This section could refer back to your rubric , but it’s also a good idea to include those general categories on your prompt as well. Precise language is particularly helpful in this section. For examples of alternatives to criteria like “assignment is well-written,” you may want to check out our examples of precise language .

Bonus: References to Resources, Tips for Approaching the Project, Common Missteps & Models

References to resources.

As its name suggests, this section directs students to resources that will help them with their assignment. You might include links to websites or information about library resources available to them, suggestions for visiting the DEWC or departmental tutors, or other useful information.

Tips for Approaching the Project

Perhaps you want students to write their papers in a particular order or take notes in a certain way. By separating that information from the rest of the prompt, you can offer them with an easy way to reference your suggestions.

Common Errors

This can be a particularly helpful section to include – if students in your Business Writing class often lapse into poetic language or students in your Art History class tend to want to make value judgments about the works they’re analyzing, you can warn them off here.

Reproductions

We recommend providing models for writing in your class throughout the semester. Providing a model of an exemplary paper for students when you distribute the prompt can go a long way toward producing the kind of papers you want to be grading.

Better Assignments. Writing Center. Yale College. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014.

Boye, Allison. How Do I Create Meaningful and Effective Assignments? Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center. Texas Tech University. 2014. 1 June 2014.

Brewster, Glen et al. Formal Biology Lab Reports. Writer’s Guide. Westfield State College. Web. 1 June 2014.

Creating Effective Assignments. Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. University of New Hampshire. 2004. Web. 1 June 2014.

Gardner, Traci. Ten Tips for Designing Writing Assignments. Pedablogical. 2001. Web. 1 June 2014.

Gately, Maeve. Writing an Art History Paper. Writing Resources. Hamilton College Writing Center. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014.

Guidelines for Analysis of Art . Department of Art. University of Arkansas at Little Rock. n.d. Web. 1 June 2014.

Jehn, Tom, and Jane Rosenweig. Writing in the Disciplines: Advice and Models: Supplement to accompany Diana Hacker’s A Writer’s Reference, Sixth Edition. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s. 2007.

Matching Learning Goals to Assignment Types. De Paul Teaching Commons. DePaul University. n.d. Web. 1 June 2014.

Pop, Andrei. How to Do Things with Pictures: A Guide for Writing in Art History. Disciplinary Writing Guides. Harvard Writing Project. 2008. Web. 1 June 2014.

Writing Assignments . Center for Teaching and Learning. Hobart and William Smith Colleges. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014.

What is a Prompt in Writing?

Written by Haley Boyce

Motive. That’s the reason we do anything. Usually, there’s some sort of attached incentive – drinking coffee because it’s six in the morning and you’re not your best self until you’re about halfway through that first cup, going on a run for a healthier heart, enrolling in a creative writing program to network and get that first chapter of your novel going. These are things you do because you were compelled in some way. You were prompted to do it.

A prompt in writing is what motivates or compels you to write. It also tells you what to write about. It can come from a writing instructor, a friend in a writing group, or it could be ready-made prompt you found online or even wrote yourself. It doesn’t matter where it comes from, what matters is that you understand it and respond to it appropriately.

What is a Writing Prompt?

Writing prompts are instructions for what to write about.

Sometimes they include how long your writing should be, sometimes they specify which writing style ( APA , MLA, AP, Chicago), and sometimes they can be either very specific about what should be included or terribly vague.

Different Types of Writing Prompts Draw Out Information and Perspectives for Different Applications

The kind of writing prompt you receive depends largely on why you’re receiving one in the first place. Let’s take a look at a few different scenarios and the types of prompts you might find in each one.

Literary Analysis Prompts

Literary analysis is pretty much what it sounds like - analyzing something in literature. You will be assigned a work of literature to read, then you will be instructed to write an essay with your response to the prompt to include your observations, connections, and quotes from the story to support your argument. You’ll see this type of prompt in any prerequisite English class, and if you’re majoring in English or creative writing, you’ll spend so much time responding to literary analysis prompts that you’ll wind up missing them like an old friend when you graduate.
Literary analysis prompts will usually ask you to discuss theme, character, a particular element of style exhibited by the author, or an element of plot and its impact on the story overall.

You’ve Been Responding to Literary Analysis Prompts Ever Since Book Reports in Your Middle School Language Arts Class

[For much of the novel, the Greasers are seen as hoodlums by the people in their town. This view changes toward the end of the novel when they are proclaimed heroes after saving the children from the burning church. However, they would not have been at the church at all if they hadn’t killed Bob and run away.

What do you think? Are the Greasers heroes or hoods?]

To respond to this prompt, a writer should choose one side of the argument (heroes or hoods), then include quotes from the story and explain why they prove their point.

Creative Nonfiction Prompts

While in a creative writing program, you might have the opportunity to write a piece of creative nonfiction. Prompts in this type of setting will ask you to tell a story about something that actually happened – oftentimes something that you experienced firsthand – but with a twist.
You could be asked to write something like this: Tell the story about something dramatic that recently happened to you, but from the perspective of someone who witnessed it. Here, the writer is being asked to make themselves somewhat vulnerable by sharing what could be a rather personal story. They are then prompted to get creative with the situation by seeing it through the eyes of a person who may have seen the episode differently. Responding to a creative nonfiction prompt will not require quotes or explanations to prove a point. The prompt is answered by telling a true story in a creative way.

Nonfiction Prompts

Nonfiction prompts will be found in scenarios where a scientist has conducted research and must write very precisely about the observations, hypothesis, research, and the outcome. In cases such as this, a scientist will be prompted to write based on a study they have conducted because of possible cause and effect. These are the types of prompts you would come across in science-based classes at a college or university.
In situations where a nonfiction scientific paper is being written, strict APA style guidelines should be followed.
Journalism is another form of nonfiction in which a prompt is often based on a journalist's assigned beat. Prompts will come from news and events that are best suited to their publication.

Would You Rather . . .

These prompts are most likely not something you’d find as a writing assignment in a college or university creative writing program, but they are definitely a clever tool to get you to think beyond the typical writing styles, which can start to feel a little stale after a while.

Other times, you might find that a deeper approach to an either/or scenario is the perfect writing prompt for your creative mind. Would you rather time travel to the past to meet your great-great-great grandparents or time travel to the future to meet your great-great-great grandchildren? … Would you rather be known for being someone who stopped a war or started one? … Would you rather know what everyone thought about you or not care what anyone thought about you at all?

You might have a knee-jerk reaction to each of these prompts, knowing what your initial answer might be. But when you step back to consider the pros and cons of each side, there are strong reasons to choose either one. Each of these “would you rather” writing prompts sparks debate, eliciting careful reflection and explanation. The creativity and impact for something that seems so simple on the surface has the power to inspire a complex thought process, and therefore, meaningful writing.

How to Start a Writing Prompt

If you learn only two things from this section, let it be that smart people ask questions (that’s how they got so smart. And you’re smart, so go ask for help), and that the best way to start responding to a writing prompt is to first understand how the prompt is put together.

A writing prompt usually has two main parts.

When reading a prompt, look for:

The writing situation: In a writing situation, the prompt will present the general topic students are being asked to write about.
Directions: Look for expectations of the task you are being asked to meet. This might include what type of essay you’re supposed to write (expository, narrative, persuasive, etc.), format, evidence from the text, length/word count, etc. Elements to include in the essay will vary depending on the instructor and course, but they will be included in the prompt regardless of subject.

You’ve identified the writing situation and directions. So now what? It’s sometimes (most times) helpful to make a little list of the prompt’s basic directions. Jot them down as bullet points on a sticky note and keep it on your computer monitor while doing your research and organizing your evidence or notes. Like this:

Literary analysis essay
Theme in Little Women

Figuring out the prompt can sometimes be half the battle. Once you understand what’s being asked of you, you’re bound to have some sort of answer to use as a jumping off point. Take your time deciding the best argument for your paper by choosing an answer you not only care about the most, but also the one that has an abundance of evidence to support your claim.

Prompts in writing are meant to evoke a response from the writer that is passionate and believable. The writing process doesn’t always feel like a party but knowing how to read a writing prompt definitely makes it more enjoyable.

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College Info , College Essays

Aiming for the world-renowned Harvard University? As part of the application to this prestigious Ivy League school, you'll be required to submit responses to five short answer questions.

This is actually a big change! In years past, Harvard offered an optional supplemental essay opportunity that applicants could write to add extra flair to their application. This year, Harvard has opted to require responses to five short answer prompts and completely omitted the optional, supplemental Harvard essay prompt.

But what should you write about for your Harvard essay short answers? What are the different Harvard essay prompts to choose from, and how should you answer them so you can give yourself your best shot at getting in?

In this guide, we give you advice for each Harvard essay prompt as well as tips on how to decide what to write. But before we look at the prompts, let's go over what Harvard actually requires in terms of essays.

Feature Image: Gregor Smith /Flickr

What Essays Do You Need to Submit to Harvard?

Those applying for admission to Harvard must submit an application through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application . For your Harvard application, you'll need to write a personal essay in response to one of the prompts provided by the Common App or Coalition App (depending on the system you're applying through).

This essay is required for all applicants and should typically be about 500-550 words long (and must be less than 650 words). To learn more about this essay, check out the current prompts for the Common App and Coalition App on their official websites.

In addition to this required essay, Harvard first-year applicants are required to submit 250 word (max) responses to five short answer questions .

Here are the prompts for the five required 2023-2024 Harvard short answer questions :

Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you.

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

Now, you might be wondering: is Harvard offering an optional supplemental essay opportunity as part of this year’s application process? No. This year, Harvard is not accepting optional supplemental essays as part of the first-year admissions process . The optional supplemental essay has been offered in previous years, but not for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. The five short answer questions listed above are part of what’s called the Harvard first-year application supplement. But they aren’t the same thing as the supplemental essay from years past! And the important thing to remember is this: these short answer questions–and the entire Harvard supplement–are not optional. You’ll have to answer all five questions if you want to be considered as a candidate for admission!

The good news is that each short answer topic is very open ended, and they give you plenty of room to express who you are and how and why you’re the perfect fit for Harvard!

How to Write the Harvard Short Answers: Every Prompt Analyzed

In this section, we go through the five required Harvard supplement essay prompts and offer you tips on how to write effective, powerful short answers…in 200 words or less!

Prompt 1: Diversity

This first Harvard essay prompt is all about what you can bring to campus that will positively contribute to student diversity. Though we tend to think of race/ethnicity when using the word "diversity," you can actually interpret this word in a number of ways.

As a large and prestigious institution, Harvard strongly values students who have different and unique backgrounds and experiences, so it's important for them to admit students who embody these values as well.

This prompt is essentially a version of the diversity essay, which we talk about in more detail in our guide.

Here are some key types of diversity you can discuss (note that this is not an exhaustive list!):

Your ethnicity or race
A unique interest, passion, hobby, or skill you have
Your family or socioeconomic background
Your religion
Your cultural group
Your sex or gender/gender identity
Your opinions or values
Your sexual orientation

Tips for Answering This Prompt

Choose a personal characteristic that's had a large impact on your identity. Don't talk about your family's religion if it's had little or no impact on how you see and define yourself. Instead, concentrate on the most significant experiences or skills in your life. If you play the theremin every day and have a passion for music because of it, this would be a great skill to write about in your essay.
Be clear about how your unique characteristic has affected your life and growth. You don't just want to introduce the experience/skill and leave it at that. How has it molded you into the person you are today? How has it influenced your ambitions and goals?
Be sure to tie this characteristic back to the diversity at Harvard. Basically, how will your experience/skill/trait positively influence the Harvard student body? For example, if you come from a specific cultural group, how do you believe this will positively impact other students?

Prompt 2: Important Intellectual Experience

With this prompt, Harvard wants you to focus on an intellectual or learning experience that's had a big impact on you in terms of your personal growth, your academic/intellectual interests and passions, the field of study you want to pursue, etc.

This intellectual experience could be anything that's intellectually stimulating, such as an essay or book you read, a poem you analyzed, or a research project you conducted.

Note that this experience does not need to be limited to something you did for school —if you've done anything in your spare time or for an extracurricular activity that you think fits this prompt, feel free to write about that.

For example, you could write about how you found an old copy of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species at a garage sale, and how reading this prompted you to develop an interest in biology, which you now intend to major in and eventually make a career out of.

This is also an ideal prompt to highlight a particular interest or passion you have that differs from the academic field you want to study in college.

For instance, perhaps you're applying for admission as a computer science major, but you're also a huge fan of poetry and often take part in local poetry readings. Writing about a poem you recently read and analyzed could illuminate to the admissions committees a different, less prominent side of your personality and intellectual interests , ultimately showing that you're open minded and invested in gaining both new skills and experiences.

Choose an experience that had a significant impact on you . Don't talk about how reading Romeo and Juliet in eighth grade made you realize how much you enjoyed writing plays if you were already writing plays way before then! Pinpoint an intellectual experience that was meaningful to you, and write about it honestly.
Be specific about the intellectual experience you had and clearly relate it back to your strengths and interests . In other words, what kind of impact did this experience have on you? Your academic goals? Your future plans? For example, instead of writing about how a scientific paper on climate change made you think more deeply about the environment, you could talk about how this paper prompted you to form a recycling program at your school, take a class on marine biology, and so forth.

Prompt 3: Non-Academic Defining Experiences

This prompt is asking you to discuss experiences you've had that involved traveling, living, learning, and/or working in some capacity outside of the formal classroom. Most importantly, you’ll need to explain what kind of effect that experience has had on you.

Here are examples of experiences you could talk about for this essay:

Any extracurricular activity you engage in, particularly a spike approach, if you’ve got one (learn more about creating your spike approach in our complete guide !)
Living or traveling abroad
Moving to a new place or living in multiple places
Working a part-time job
Working a temporary job or internship somewhere outside your own community
Helping with finances, caregiving, or maintaining a family business (like a farm or lawn care business, for example)
Choose a truly significant experience to talk about. Although your experience doesn't need to be life-changing, it should have had a noteworthy impact on you and who you've become. If, for example, you traveled to Mexico with your family but didn't really enjoy or learn much from the trip, it's better to avoid writing about this experience.
Make sure to talk about how this travel/living/work experience has affected you. For example, say you spent a couple of summers in high school visiting relatives in South Africa. You could write about how these trips helped you develop a stronger sense of independence and self-sufficiency—traits which have made you more assertive, especially when it comes to leading group projects and giving speeches.
Don't be afraid to get creative with this essay. For instance, if you lived in a country where you at first didn't understand the local language, you could open your Harvard essay with an anecdote, such as a conversation you overheard or a funny miscommunication.

Prompt 4: Harvard and Your Future

This Harvard essay prompt is pretty self-explanatory: it wants you to discuss how you intend to use your education at Harvard after you graduate—so in a future job or career, in grad school, in a particular research field, etc.

Basically, how will your college education help you achieve your future goals (whatever those may be)?

If you’re still undecided about the field(a) you want to study at Harvard, don’t panic! It’s okay to think outside the box for this prompt.

Maybe you don’t know what you want to major in yet, but you do know that you share Harvard’s values and want to bring those values to the world after you graduate. Whether you’ll do that by joining the Peace Corps or heading back to your hometown to volunteer for a few months before starting your career, just be specific about how Harvard is the right school to put you on the path to your future!

Be careful when talking about your future goals. You don't want to come off too idealistic, but you also don't want to sound too broad or you'll come across unfocused and ambivalent. Try to strike a balance in how you discuss your future dreams so that they're both attainable and specific.
Clearly connect your goals back to your current self and what you've accomplished up until this point. You want to make it clear that your goals are actually attainable, specifically with a Harvard education. If you say you hope to start your own interior design business after graduation but are planning to major in biology, you're only going to confuse the admissions committee!
Emphasize any ways Harvard specifically will help you attain your academic goals. For example, is there a club you hope to join that could connect you with other students? Or is there a particular professor you want to work with? Don't just throw in names of clubs and people but specifically explain how these resources will help you reach your goals. In short, show Harvard that what they can offer you is exactly what you need to succeed.

Prompt 5: Your Future Goals

How you hope to use your college education

This Harvard essay prompt is pretty self-explanatory: it wants you to discuss how you intend to use your education at Harvard after you graduate —so in a future job or career, in grad school, in a particular research field, etc.

Should You Choose This Prompt?

If you have a pretty clear vision for your future goals during and after college, this is a perfect prompt to choose for your Harvard essay.

If, on the other hand, you're still undecided about the field(s) you want to study or how you intend to use your major, you might want to choose a different prompt that's less focused on your future and more concentrated on how past events and experiences have shaped you as a person.

Prompt 6: List of Books

A list of books you have read during the past twelve months

Of all Harvard essay prompts, this one is by far the most unique.

Here, you're asked to simply list the books you've read in the past year. This essay is more than just a list, though—it's a brief overview of where your intellectual interests lie. These books may include works of fiction or nonfiction, essays, collections of poetry, etc.

Have you read a lot of diverse and interesting books in the past year? Are you an avid reader who loves dissecting books and essays? Do you enjoy a creative approach to college essays? If you answered yes to these questions, then this prompt is a perfect fit for you.

Even if you haven't read a ton of books this past year, if you were especially intrigued by some or all of what you did read, you could certainly use this prompt for your essay.

Instead of just listing the titles of books you've read, you might want to include a short sentence or two commenting on your reaction to the book, your analysis of it, why you enjoyed or didn't enjoy it, etc., after each title. Be sure to vary up your comments so that you're highlighting different aspects of your personality. Also, don't just regurgitate analyses you've read online or that your teacher has said—try to come up with your own thoughts and interpretations.
Don't feel the need to stick to only the most "impressive" books you read. The Harvard admissions committee wants to see your personality, not that of a pretentious applicant who claims to have only read Jane Austen and Ernest Hemingway. Be honest: if you read Twilight in a day, why not make a short joke about how addictive it was?
Go beyond a chronological list of books. It'll be far more interesting if you list the books you read in a more unique way. For example, you could organize titles by theme or in the order of how much you enjoyed them.

Prompt 7: Honesty

The Harvard College Honor code declares that we "hold honesty as the foundation of our community." As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty.

As you can see with this quotation, Harvard strongly values honesty and integrity. Therefore, if you go with this prompt, you're essentially telling Harvard that you, too, embody a powerful sense of morality and honesty.

Was there a specific time in your life when you had to make a difficult choice to be honest about something with someone?
Could this incident be considered morally ambiguous? In other words, was the "right thing to do" somewhat of a gray area?
If you didn't make the "right" choice at the time, how did you come to terms with or learn from this decision? What were the consequences, and what did this experience teach you about your own morals and how you value honesty?
Be wary of the topic you choose to write about. Don't discuss a situation in which you did something obviously unethical or, worse, illegal. These types of situations are very black and white and therefore don't pose much of a moral dilemma. Additionally, talking about such an experience might make you seem dishonest and immoral, which you absolutely do not want Harvard to think about you!
Try to find a topic that isn't black and white. Choosing "gray" incidents will help emphasize why the choice was so difficult for you and also why it's affected you in this way. For example, say your friend calls you crying right before you have to leave to take the SAT. Do you skip the test to comfort your friend, or do you hang up and leave? This kind of situation does not have an evident "right" answer, making it an ideal one to use for this essay.
You could also discuss a time when you did not make the "right" choice—and what you learned from that mistake. As long as you look closely at why you made the "wrong" choice and what this incident taught you about integrity, your essay will be interesting and relevant.

Prompt 8: Citizens and Citizen-Leaders

The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission?

This prompt might sound a little vague, but all it wants to know is how you'll have a positive impact on both your classmates and on other people after graduation. Put simply, what kind of leader/citizen will you be at Harvard? After you graduate from college and enter the real world?

This prompt is similar to Prompt 5 in that it wants to know what kind of person you'll become after you leave college and how you'll positively influence society.

If you're a natural-born leader and have had at least a few significant experiences with leading or facilitating things such as club activities, field trips, volunteer efforts, and so on, then this Harvard essay prompt would be a great fit for you.

Focus on a time when you led others and it resulted in a positive outcome. For instance, you could write about your position as team captain on your school's soccer team and how you would gather your teammates before each game to offer words of encouragement and advice on how to improve. You could then describe how your team began to perform better in games due to clearer communication and a stronger sense of sportsmanship. Make sure to answer the critical question: how did you lead and what ultimately made your leadership style successful?
Discuss what kind of role your leadership skills will have at both Harvard and after you graduate. The prompt is asking about your classmates, so you must specifically address how your leadership skills will contribute to the lives of your peers. How will your past experiences with leading help you approach group projects, for example? Or clubs you join?
Make sure to mention how you'll be a good citizen, too. By "citizen," Harvard essentially means a productive member of both the school and society in general. Basically, how have you contributed to the betterment of society? This is a good place to talk about experiences in which you played a crucial supporting role; for instance, maybe you helped out with a local volunteer initiative to feed the homeless, or maybe you joined a community project to build a new park in your town.

Prompt 9: Taking Time Off

Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do?

Here, you're being asked what you plan to do with your time if you decide to defer your admission to Harvard or take time off during college. For example, will you travel the world? Work a full-time job? Do an internship? Take care of a sick relative?

Obviously, Harvard doesn't want to read that all you're going to do is relax and play video games all day, so make sure to think carefully about what your actual plans are and, more importantly, how these plans will benefit you as a person and as a student.

Only choose this Harvard essay prompt if you're pretty certain you'll be taking time off from college at some point (either before or during) and you have a relatively concrete idea of what you want to do during that time.

Be specific and honest about your plans. While many students like to take time off to travel the world, you don't just want to write, "I plan to backpack Europe and learn about cultures." Think critically about your desires: why do you want to do this and how will this experience help you grow as a person? Don't just reiterate what you think Harvard wants to hear—be transparent about why you feel you need this time off from school to accomplish this goal.
Be clear about why you must do this at this particular time. In other words, why do you think this (i.e., before or during college) is the right time to do whatever it is you plan to do? Is it something you can (or must) do at this exact time, such as a one-time internship that won't be offered again?

Prompt 10: Diversity

Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates.

This final Harvard essay prompt is all about what you can bring to campus that will positively contribute to student diversity. Though we tend to think of race/ethnicity when using the word "diversity," you can actually interpret this word in a number of ways.

This prompt is essentially a version of the diversity essay , which we talk about in more detail in our guide.

The main question to ask yourself before choosing this prompt is this: do you have a unique background or interest you can write about?

If any of these topics stand out to you and you can easily come up with a specific characteristic or experience to discuss for your essay, then this is a solid prompt to consider answering.

Be clear about how your unique characteristic has affected your life and growth. You don't just want to introduce the experience/skill and leave it at that. How has it molded you into the person you are today? How has it influenced your ambitions and goals?

Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions combines world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've guided thousands of students to get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit and are driven to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in:

A Real Harvard Essay Example

Our resident full SAT / ACT scorer and co-founder of PrepScholar, Allen Cheng , applied to, got into, and attended Harvard—and he's posted his own Harvard supplement essay for you to look at. You can read all about Allen's essay in his analysis of his successful Harvard application .

Allen describes his essay as "probably neutral to [his Harvard] application, not a strong net positive or net negative," so it's important to note that this Harvard essay example is not representative of exactly what you should do in your own Harvard supplement essay. Rather, we're showing it to you to give you a taste of how you could approach the Harvard essay and to demonstrate the kinds of simple mistakes you should avoid.

Writing a Memorable Harvard Essay: 3 Tips

To wrap up, here are three tips to keep in mind as you write your Harvard supplement essay.

#1: Use an Authentic Voice

Having a clear, unique, and authentic voice is the key to making yourself stand apart from other applicants in your Harvard application—and to ensuring you're leaving a long-lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Therefore, write your essay in the way that comes most naturally to you, and talk about the things that actually matter to you. For example, if you love puns, throwing one or two puns into your essay will emphasize your goofier, non-academic side.

Using your voice here is important because it humanizes your application. The essay is the only chance you get to show the admissions committee who you are and what you actually sound like, so don't pretend to be someone you're not!

The only thing to look out for is using too much slang or sounding too casual. In the end, this is still a college essay, so you don't want to come off sounding rude, disrespectful, or immature.

In addition, don't exaggerate any experiences or emotions. The Harvard admissions committee is pretty good at their job—they read thousands of applications each year!—so they'll definitely be able to tell if you're making a bigger deal out of something than you should be. Skip the hyperbole and stick to what you know.

Ultimately, your goal should be to strike a balance so that you're being true to yourself while also showcasing your intelligence and talents.

#2: Get Creative

Harvard is one of the most difficult schools to get into (it only has about a 4% acceptance rate! ), so you'll need to make sure your essay is really, really attention-grabbing. In short, get creative with it!

As you write your personal essay, recall the classic saying: show, don't tell. This means that you should rely more on description and imagery than on explanation.

For example, instead of writing, "I became more confident after participating in the debate club," you might write, "The next time I went onstage for a debate, my shoulders didn't shake as much; my lips didn't quiver; and my heart only beat 100 times instead of 120 times per minute."

Remember that your essay is a story about yourself, so make sure it's interesting to read and will ultimately be memorable to your readers.

#3: Edit and Proofread a Lot

My final tip is to polish your essay by editing and proofreading it a lot. This means you should look it over not once, not twice, but several times.

Here's the trick to editing it: once you've got a rough draft of your essay finished, put it away for a few days or a week or two. Don't look at it all during this time —you want to give yourself some distance so that you can look at your essay later with a fresh perspective.

After you've waited, read over your essay again, noting any mistakes in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation. Take care to also note any awkward wording, unclear areas, or irrelevant ideas. Ask yourself: is there anything you should add? Delete? Expand?

Once you've done this step several times and have a (nearly) final draft ready to turn in, give your essay to someone you can trust, such as a teacher, parent, or mentor. Have them look it over and offer feedback on tone, voice, theme, style, etc. In addition, make sure that they check for any glaring grammatical or technical errors.

Once all of this is done, you'll have a well-written, polished Harvard essay ready to go— one that'll hopefully get you accepted!

What's Next?

If you've got questions about other parts of the Harvard application, check out our top guide to learn what you'll need to submit to get into the prestigious Ivy League school .

How tough is it to get into Harvard? To other selective universities ? For answers, read our expert guide on how to get into Harvard and the Ivy League , written by an actual Harvard alum!

What's the average SAT score of admitted Harvard applicants? The average ACT score? The average GPA? Learn all this and more by visiting our Harvard admissions requirements page .

Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Write Common App Essay Prompt #7

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Hale Jaeger in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

What is prompt #7, creating ideas for prompt #7.

Why Does This Essay Matter ?

How To Perfect Your Prompt #7 Essay

Prompt seven is broader than any of the other prompt options for the essay. If you don’t feel like your essay addresses any of the other six prompts, this may be a good choice. The prompt reads as follows:

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Despite the prompt being very open ended, it doesn’t mean that you can just write about anything.Always refer back to who you are and core values that you hold. Will this essay let somebody get to know you? Make sure the topic and essay address these questions. For this prompt more so than the others, you’re more likely to be rewarded by writing your own questions, allowing you to demonstrate individuality and confidence in your essay.

Examples and Ideas

You can innovate and tackle a difficult topic, and you can present something with a unique format. Whether you write it as a script, or a conversation with a historical figure, or even a rhyming poem, just go and try something unconventional.

For example, if you’re writing for this prompt, try comparing your personality to a Picasso painting or using extended philosophical metaphors to describe your four years of high school. You could even try writing in a poetic style to display your love of poetry.

If you are extremely passionate about something or an expert in a certain area, you can use this prompt to show your authority by discussing it at a high level, but be careful to frame the essay in a way that is accessible to the average reader, while still incorporating quality evidence and content that would qualify you as an expert.

Check Your Sources

Additionally, always exercise caution in writing about controversial social or political topics, and always make sure to consider your audience and what they’re looking for in a student. Sometimes unconventional essays capture admission’s attention and move them in a profound way, other times it flies completely over their heads. Therefore, be sure that even with this open-ended prompt, to execute the essay clearly and justify your decision by seeking high quality feedback from reliable sources, teachers, guidance, counselors, or your parents.

Why Does This Essay Matter?

The admissions process is very human and subjective. While they’re looking at your test scores, your extracurriculars, your grades, and other metrics, there are still other students in the lineup for that school too.

As an applicant, you need somebody to choose you over those other students and to advocate specifically for you; this is where the essays come in. They’re an opportunity for you to turn an admissions counselor into an advocate for your application, and the common app essay is the most important since it’s seen by the most colleges. It’s also typically your longest essay, which gives you the most space to craft a narrative and share your personality, feelings, and perspective effectively. So it’s not hyperbolic to say that getting the common app essay right is probably the most important thing you can do as part of the application process to become a successful and interesting applicant!

A great way to check how your essay stacks up to the requirements of admissions for your dream school, is to try out our Peer Essay Review Tool , where you’ll get a free and anonymous review of your essay from another student! You can also earn CollegeVine Karma by reviewing other essays!

125 Picture Prompts for Creative and Narrative Writing

What story can these images tell?

Paper sits in a typewriter. The words “It was a dark story night” have already been typed.

By The Learning Network

For eight years, we at The Learning Network have been publishing short, accessible, image-driven prompts that invite students to do a variety of kinds of writing via our Picture Prompts column.

Each week, at least one of those prompts asks students: Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this image — or, tell us about a memory from your own life that it makes you think of.

Now we’re rounding up years of these storytelling prompts all in one place. Below you’ll find 125 photos, illustrations and GIFs from across The New York Times that you can use for both creative and personal writing. We have organized them by genre, but many overlap and intersect, so know that you can use them in any way you like.

Choose an image, write a story, and then follow the link in the caption to the original prompt to post your response or read what other students had to say. Many are still open for comment for teenagers 13 and up. And each links to a free Times article too.

We can’t wait to read the tales you spin! Don’t forget that you can respond to all of our Picture Prompts, as they publish, here .

Images by Category

Everyday life, mystery & suspense, relationships, science fiction, travel & adventure, unusual & unexpected, cat in a chair, happy puppy, resourceful raccoon, cows and cellos, people and penguins, opossum among shoes, on the subway, sunset by the water, endless conversation, falling into a hole, lounging around, sneaker collection, the concert, meadow in starlight.

Related Picture Prompt | Related Article

Public Selfies

Night circus, tarot cards, castle on a hill, security line, batman on a couch, reaching through the wall, beware of zombies, haunted house, familial frights, witches on the water, blindfolded, phone booth in the wilderness, shadow in the sky, a letter in the mail, hidden doorway.

Point of No Return

Darkened library, under the table, playing dominoes, looking back, a wave goodbye, out at dusk, conversation, walking away, alone and together, a new friend, heated conversation, up in a tree, hole in the ceiling, under the desk, at their computers, marching band, band practice, in the hallway, in the lunchroom, the red planet, tech gadgets, trapped inside, astronaut and spider, computer screen, special key, tethered in space, on the court, in the waves, city skateboarding.

Fishing in a Stream

Over the falls.

Under the Sea

Sledding in the mountains, cracked mirror, wilderness wayfaring, car and cactus, walking through town, tropical confinement, travel travails, roller coasters, atop the hill, climbing a ladder, under the ice, other selves.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

How to Answer the 2024-25 Common App Essay Questions

An outstanding college essay can be the x-factor that gets you accepted to the school of your choice – particularly if you’re hoping to attend a prestigious university . As the emphasis on test scores declines , recent data shows that over 56% of colleges place considerable or moderate importance on students’ supplemental essays. So the Common Application, with its variety of essay prompts , can help you showcase your personality, achievements, and aspirations.

While writing essays about yourself may be an art form, how you approach your answer can be more scientific. Here are our best strategies to select and answer the Common App essay questions for the 2023-2024 admissions year.

How do you know which prompt to pick?

Before you start brainstorming, consider the following criteria to choose an essay topic.

Instinct – When writing a college essay made its way onto your to-do list , was there a personal story that jumped to mind? If so, test out how it feels to trust that instinct. Is there a prompt that this idea aligns with?
Passion – Can you write about this topic with excitement? If you’re leaning toward a topic because it feels like the one you “should” choose rather than one you’re amped about, don’t fall for that common mistake . Admissions officers read a ton of essays. If you’re not passionate about your subject matter, it’ll be clear.
Understanding – While the Common App essay questions seem fairly straightforward, ensure you understand your prompt and can answer all parts of it. Another mistake students make is forcing something they want to talk about into an existing essay topic. If you have an idea that doesn’t address one of their specific questions, consider prompt 7, which allows you free rein to explore the topic of your choice.
Dimension – Does your essay give insight into who you are, outside of your GPA, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation? For example, if you were the captain of your school’s varsity soccer team, an essay about soccer may not be your best choice.

The Common App Essay Topics

According to a study from Yale , the most important thing to college admissions officers isn’t which prompt you choose, but that you write a great essay. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Craft a compelling, cohesive narrative that relates back to who you are as a person and a student.
Be honest , and don’t embellish details nor use AI .
Avoid clichés that college counselors have seen before .
Start early , and give yourself plenty of time to perfect your essay.
Proofread your essay , and ask a friend, teacher, or family member to read it too.

Common App Prompt #1: Identity essay

“Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

Students who have a unique aspect of their identity that isn’t otherwise represented in their application might enjoy this prompt. And remember: identity doesn’t just mean your ethnic background.

Choose an aspect of your identity that makes you who you are. Are you the first in your family to go to college? Were you educated outside of a traditional school system? Are you a member of a religious group that has shaped your worldview? Each of these examples represents an aspect of identity that might be interesting to explore.
Be specific about your background, identity, or interest that you’ve chosen. Explain how your personal experience deviates from the norm.
Describe the impact of this facet of your identity on who you are. Reflect on how this has related to your growth and perspective on yourself, your community, and your future. For example, if English wasn’t your first language, how did learning the language influence your interests? Did you turn to movies and television and discover a love of cinema that influenced you to pursue a career in entertainment?

Get your creative juices flowing by reading other Common App essay prompt 1 examples that worked.

Common App Prompt #2: Overcoming obstacles essay

“The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”

Don’t think you can only write on this topic if you’ve experienced some type of significant hardship. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ve had to overcome obstacles to get to where you are today. Adversity breeds resilience, which is a great quality to highlight to a college admissions committee.

Identify an obstacle that has impacted you. Think back on experiences that required you to persevere. This could be something big, like the loss of a parent or a natural disaster, or something less severe, like a failing grade on an important assignment or losing an election for class president.
Detail the experience and your role in it. How did you feel when you first encountered this challenge? If you were overwhelmed or scared, be honest. Specificity around details, emotions, and your mindset will create empathy and paint a full picture. Then, complete the story. How did this event unfold? How did your mindset shift?
Highlight what you learned and your eventual success. As you brainstorm, make a list of your takeaways. If you experienced a major illness, did you find a renewed sense of gratitude for your physical health? Then, connect your learnings to some success. If you got fired from a part-time job, did the experience help you identify the career path you actually want to pursue and put you in a position to pursue it?

Study up on how other determined students have aced Common App essay prompt 2 .

Common App Prompt #3: Individuality essay

“Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?”

College campuses are full of students who are eager to expand their horizons and reassess previously held worldviews. If this sounds like you, prompt three might be perfect.

Choose a belief or idea that you questioned at some point. This could be anything from your approach to mental health, to your perspective on gender roles or religious beliefs. Explain why you held this belief and the importance of this idea in your life.
Explain what prompted you to explore . Was it a book? An article? A conversation with a teacher? Describe the scene – what happened, where you were, and how you felt.
Detail the experience of your reflection . Did you turn to books to better understand the other side of this issue? Did you engage in conversation with people who thought differently from you? Get into the weeds of your exploration.
Present your conclusion . If you changed your perspective, what was the evidence that caused this shift? And if you discovered an even greater sense of certainty around your original opinion, how does that feel? Or, if you’re still not sure but continuing to explore, that’s a great answer, too.

Read how other curious high school students explored beliefs in Common App Prompt #3 essay examples .

Common App Prompt #4: The gratitude essay

“Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”

Gratitude can be a powerful source of motivation, particularly when we’re feeling defeated or down. If you’ve experienced an act of kindness that impacted your life in some significant way, reflect on it in prompt #4.

Pinpoint an act of kindness that someone has done on your behalf. This could be something monumental, like a family member donating an organ, or a small, everyday gesture, like a stranger paying for your coffee.
Set the stage for your story. What happened? Why did you need this act of kindness? If you ran out of gas in the middle of the highway, what did that feel like? Then, present the act of kindness in as much detail as you can while staying within the word limit. What prompted the kind stranger to pull over with their gas can? What conversation ensued?
Explore your gratitude and reflect upon how the experience affected you. Did this random act of kindness change your perspective? Did you pay it forward through community service? Show how this experience caused you to change in some way, big or small. Don’t stop at gratitude; push yourself to action.

Read about times other high school students felt inspired by the empathy shown to them.

Common App Prompt #5: The personal growth essay

“Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”

High school is a period of deep personal growth. Use this prompt to highlight ways you’ve grown that might not be captured by your GPA or extracurricular activities.

Reflect on periods of personal growth and pinpoint the events that might have triggered them. Make a list of these types of occurrences. For example, traveling abroad to a new country, being selected to write for the school newspaper, or overcoming a fear of public speaking to compete in a debate.
Narrate your experience . You might think of this as your “before” and “during” snapshot. If you weren’t the best student in your science class, but had an exciting hypothesis to tackle in a science fair project, describe how you approached this project. Then, tell the reader about what happened. Did you succeed? Did you fail? Did you uncover a new skill?
Expand on your shift in perspective and how this experience caused you to look at yourself and those around you differently. Think of this as your “after.” If your project went on to win your local science fair, how did this shift your view of your scientific abilities? Underline how you grew from this experience and how it shaped your perspective.

For inspiration, here are examples of Essay #5 responses from high school students just like you.

Common App Prompt #6: The passion essay

“Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”

Every student, no matter their GPA or collegiate aspirations, has a hobby or pastime they enjoy. Are you particularly passionate about yours? Take this opportunity to write about it, particularly if your passion is unique.

List the things you love . Ideally, your greatest passion came to mind as soon as you read this prompt. But if you have an affinity for more than one thing, make a list. This could be anything from making pottery to playing chess or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Explain why you have such an affinity for this hobby or pastime. Delve into the history behind this passion. How did you first get interested in rescuing animals? Did a parent or mentor expose you to this work? Did the experience of finding a lonely cat on the street spark your passion?
Expand upon your learning process and how you developed your knowledge of this topic. If you love astronomy, what steps did you take to learn about the night sky and types of stars? Did you immerse yourself in YouTube videos about space? Or visit local observatories? Demonstrate your thirst for knowledge and ability to self-motivate.

Read other passionate essays here that have captivated admissions officers.

Common App Prompt #7: Topic of your choice

“Share an essay on any topic of your choice . It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt , or one of your own design.”

Prompt 7 can be divisive. For some, this open-ended prompt is a great opportunity to write a unique, personal essay. Since there are no rules (other than the word limit), there are several ways to approach Prompt 7.

You could choose a topic that is unique to you, write a personal statement, or tell a compelling story that has some broader appeal. Or, you could think totally outside the box and turn your essay into a screenplay, newspaper article, or other artistic form.

If you’re considering this prompt, try not to recycle an essay you’ve previously written for a high school class. The admissions officer will recognize your junior year English essay on Othello and, most likely, will find this choice lazy. Moreover, the Common App essays are meant to offer insight into who you are – not how you perform academically.

That said, this prompt does offer you the opportunity to reuse a prior essay as a base and then tweak it. Just be careful. The college admissions process is high-stakes. Don’t ruin your chances because you’re trying to save time on your essay.

To find inspiration, check out other students’ essays on Prompt 7 .

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The Common App essays give students an opportunity to inject some personality into their college applications. No matter which prompt you choose, write with passion and honesty. And then recycle some of those essays in your scholarship applications on Going Merry , to win some cash for college. Going Merry is a comprehensive college prep platform that helps students get into college and afford it without student loans. We provide tips to make your college applications shine; we curate thousands of high-quality scholarships and help you win them; and we make it easier to compare colleges through our (free!) college cost insights tool. Take the next step to realizing your collegiate aspirations when you sign up for Going Merry today .

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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-={•}=- Find the Solution -={•}=- • NEW AI can Google and Search the Internet • Your AI Study Helper sees Images, Voice, Video, PDFs, URLs and more • Solve math problems, prompt with visual chem and bio homework and more • Essay creator builds an outline, first draft and final draft • Writing feedback, math solver, homework helper and more! -= Google Search Enabled =- Ask to search the web and AI will do a Google search, read the top results, and cite them when replying. Find sources with AI. Use GPT with the internet and Google. -= Add Images =- Send an image to study. Instant math help. Chem AI answers with a scan. Photoai picture answers. Let AI see your studies! -= Add Voice =- Record voice or send video to GPT. Ask questions about a lecture. Study a YouTube video. Analyze audiobooks. Get AI answers. Add videos to transcribe & ask questions! -= Add PDFs & Text =- Attach a PDF or text file and discuss it with GPT. Deeply analyze research studies. Summarize books and long text. Explain a practice quiz. Upload professor's slides and learn more! -= Add URLs =- Summarize and chat about any link. Easily upload any text from the web to GPT. Custom research analysis of webpage. Learn more from assigned sites. -= AI Assistants =- Over 1400+ characters, people, and other AI assistants to chat with. • Photo Chem AI Assistant • Smart Bio Help • Picture answer • AI Math Explainer • Quizlet Helper • Conduct a celebrity interview • AI Homework Scanner Assistant • AI Science Answer • Roleplay as a character • AI Wizard • Your course hero • Writing Help, Art Creation & More! -= Camera + Study =- The new way to chat with GPT-4. Send a picture directly to AI. • Snap a pic, answer problem • Works like *magic* • Instant scholastic question help • AI can see objects and read text all in one • Have fun & see what your AI chat has to say about your world! -= Create Images + Revisions =- Just ask to generate AI art right in chat. "Make an image of a dog." "Color the dog orange." -= Safe & Secure =- No account necessary means chats are anonymous and secure. Images, videos, and audio are never saved on our server. Every chat is end-to-end encrypted. -= Real Conversations =- Study assistant remembers what you've previously said, so you can ask follow up questions and get detailed help. -= Scan-In Text =- GPT4 and Vision recognizes images and text. Quickly scan text to prompt your AI Assistant in a unique way. The wizard AI can recognize all sorts of text.. try it out! -= Smarter Writing =- It's never been easier to create your thoughts. Harness the power of cyber knowledge to write full essays in just one sentence. Here are some tips to use Study AI: * More detail means better answer * Copy/paste and change your prompt for a different answer * Crop image to subject or say what to look for * Upgrade to take advantage of every feature Study AI has to offer * Relax and have fun! -= This Description was Generated by StudyAI =- -= StudyAI's AI uses OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT4+Vision =- -= WriteSmith generates images using DALL-E 3 =- *Terms and Conditions* https://getstudyai.com/terms-and-conditions/ Please share features you'd like to see added on our contact us form. -> https://getstudyai.com/contact-us/

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Useless — Scamming Students.

This app is designed to abuse your own need to pass. In which, the AI not only purposely is designed to redirect your question. They also have the nerve to limit the amount of attempts due to their poor response system. Although convenient, this app should’ve had more work in progress as it not only misleads students but scams them! ( They also don't let you copy and paste — doesn’t matter wether or not you paid those 20 dollars.) Moreover, the essay portion of the app is meant to reword your prompt in the least formal form. That’s if you don’t run out of attempts to submit a request. Yes, request, these quote on quote quick demand responses are really just a loop to get you to ask again. They redirect you instead of answering and take it a step further and repeats your question telling you to be more specific. In this process you are limited to every response submitted, after 3 of the those request you have to wait 24/hours or pay up, doesn't matter if half of the submissions were messed up by the AI. Please save your money and time and just stick to chatGPD. The lack of research included with this app is humiliating for the developers. Do better:).

Developer Response ,

IMPORTANT - Hello, thank you for the review. Copy/paste is available for all users, simply tap the chat bubble! Our AI is trained on billions of datapoints to write essays in response to your prompt. ***The more detail you give the more detail you shall receive.*** Prompts like, "Essay on LeBron James," will give a subpar essay. Try adding detail, like, "Essay on how LeBron James rose to fame, including key accomplishments." WriteSmith is powerful, but is still a computer. Therefore it may not recognize context as well as a human can. However, once you provide the context, it will be able to instantly write amazing essays in great detail. Please make sure you are providing the AI with enough detail and explanation to where it knows exactly what you are asking. Thank you for the feedback, it is important that people understand how these AIs work in order to get the maximum gains!

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exams or as essay prompts for an assignment. During a timed exam, you will be given a sheet of paper containing a prompt, and must write an essay in response within a certain amount of time. Prompts assigned as take-home or assignment essays should be written and turned in to your teacher by the specified due date.
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The UCA essay prompt is completely open ended and has a 650-word limit. Here is the 2022-2023 prompt: Please write an essay that demonstrates your ability to develop and communicate your thoughts. Some ideas include: a person you admire; a life-changing experience; or your viewpoint on a particular current event.
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prompt on your own. You'd be surprised how often someone comes to the Writing Center to ask for help on a paper before reading the prompt. Once they do read the prompt, they often find that it answers many of their questions. When you read the assignment prompt, you should do the following: • Look for action verbs.
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Examples of argumentative essay prompts. At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response. Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.
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A writing prompt is a sentence, paragraph, or (rarer) an image that provides inspiration and guidance for creative writing. It may be used as a possible topic or starting point for an original essay, report, journal entry, story, poem, etc. A writing prompt's main aim is to test a writer's analytical capabilities, writing skills, and ...
Six Parts of an Effective Prompt • Southwestern University
You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn here . 5. Framing questions. This section is designed to provide students with further guidance. Depending on the type of assignment, you might include either an overview of important sections or framing questions or both. The length of this section will depend on the degree to which ...
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You were prompted to do it. A prompt in writing is what motivates or compels you to write. It also tells you what to write about. It can come from a writing instructor, a friend in a writing group, or it could be ready-made prompt you found online or even wrote yourself. It doesn't matter where it comes from, what matters is that you ...
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Prompt 4: Harvard and Your Future. This Harvard essay prompt is pretty self-explanatory: it wants you to discuss how you intend to use your education at Harvard after you graduate—so in a future job or career, in grad school, in a particular research field, etc.
The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay
The essay writing process consists of three main stages: Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline. Writing: Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion. Revision: Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling ...
44 Essay Prompts for College That Will Get You Inspired
This prompt is a chance to talk about someone who has made a positive impact on your life. Describe an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. This prompt is a great way to show the admissions committee how you've grown as a person.
How to Write Common App Essay Prompt #7
What is Prompt #7. Prompt seven is broader than any of the other prompt options for the essay. If you don't feel like your essay addresses any of the other six prompts, this may be a good choice. The prompt reads as follows: . Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different ...
The Four Main Types of Essay
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
125 Picture Prompts for Creative and Narrative Writing
For eight years, we at The Learning Network have been publishing short, accessible, image-driven prompts that invite students to do a variety of kinds of writing via our Picture Prompts column ...
How to Answer the 2024-25 Common App Essay Questions
An outstanding college essay can be the x-factor that gets you accepted to the school of your choice - particularly if you're hoping to attend a prestigious university.As the emphasis on test scores declines, recent data shows that over 56% of colleges place considerable or moderate importance on students' supplemental essays. So the Common Application, with its variety of essay prompts ...
‎StudyAI
Prompts like, "Essay on LeBron James," will give a subpar essay. Try adding detail, like, "Essay on how LeBron James rose to fame, including key accomplishments." WriteSmith is powerful, but is still a computer. Therefore it may not recognize context as well as a human can. However, once you provide the context, it will be able to instantly ...