1. Breaking Down Essay Prompts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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