Transcript Unpacking the Prompt

Unpacking the Prompt
Unpacking the Prompt
• The first step to any essay needs to
be unpacking the prompt.
• This means breaking the prompt
into chunks to help us understand
the purpose for writing; to give
insight into the task.
TAP
Task – what you should write about
Audience – who you are writing to
Purpose – why are you writing (to argue
a claim or to inform or explain an idea)
Purpose – why you are writing
• Words or phrases signal the purpose in the
writing prompt.
• Key words: argue, argumentative, take a
position, claim, agree or disagree – indicate
an argumentative essay.
• KEY WORDS: inform, informational, explain
– indicate an informational/explanatory
essay.
Audience – to whom are you writing
• A writer should always keep the audience in mind.
The audience to whom you write determines how
you write (formal, informal, personal, story-like,
etc.)
• FSA writing is ALWAYS formal. This eliminates
personal references (“you” and “I”) and rhetorical
questions. (NOTE: An occasional “you” is okay, but
avoid a friendly, chatty style.)
Task – what should you write about
• The writing task describes what the
writer has to do in order to compose a
response.
• Look for words which help define exactly
what your response should include.
Let’s Practice TAP
Write an informational essay to explain how
automotive transportation will change in the
coming years. Your writing must be based on
ideas, concepts, and information from the
passage set.
Purpose
Task
Let’s Practice…again
Write an informational essay to explain how
music can unite people in uncommon
circumstances or situations. Your ideas must be
based on ideas, concepts, and information from
the passage set.
Purpose
Task
So what is a Controlling Idea?
For what purpose do we use a GPS?
We use a GPS to reach a destination.
What information do we need to provide for the GPS
to direct us?
A GPS needs a needs to know where you want to go.
A controlling idea is like the directions in the GPS; once you
input the destination (controlling idea), it will be easier to
stay on track to your destination.
Review
•Remember to TAP your prompt.
Task – what you should write about
Audience – who you are writing to
Purpose – why are you writing (to argue a claim
or to inform or explain an idea)
•Create a controlling idea which is on topic
and true of all sources and the world.