Essay Writing: Step 1
Step 1
Read and Understand the Prompt
Before you can start writing, you need to know what the question is asking, so let's look closely at the prompt.
1. Underline the word that reveals the type of essay the question is asking you to write. "Explain" or "tell why" words for expository essays and "argue" or "take a position" are for argumentative essays.
2. Circle the question word. This tells you if you need to explain how (by talking about ways) or why (by giving reasons.)3. Highlight the topic word(s) with one color (blue).
4. Highlight the central idea with another color (red).
image created by Lindsey Phillips