Deconstructing Essay Prompts

The video tutorial teaches students how to deconstruct writing prompts by breaking them down into manageable parts. It explains the difference between the background and the actual prompt, and provides a step-by-step guide to identify key verbs and actions required. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of addressing all parts of a prompt to successfully complete writing tasks.

What is the main objective of the video?

• To help students deconstruct writing prompts

• To enhance students' speaking abilities

• To teach students how to write essays

• To improve students' reading skills

How is a 'prompt' best described?

• A summary of a text

• A list of instructions to follow

• A question that requires a written or spoken response

• A statement that needs to be memorized

What does 'deconstruct' mean in the context of writing prompts?

• To rewrite the prompt

• To break down and examine the parts of the prompt

• To ignore the prompt

• To destroy the prompt

Why is it important to deconstruct a prompt?

• To ensure every part of the question is clear and addressed

• To avoid writing an essay

• To make the prompt shorter

• To change the topic of the prompt

What are the two parts of a prompt?

• The title and the body

• The question and the answer

• The background and the actual prompt

• The introduction and conclusion

What is the purpose of the background in a prompt?

• To summarize the entire essay

• To confuse the reader

• To give information that helps start thinking about the topic

• To provide a detailed answer

Which verbs in a prompt usually indicate actions that result in writing?

• Read and listen

• Discuss and argue

• Write, share, and support

• Think and imagine

What is the first step in deconstructing a prompt?

• Underline the verbs

• Cross out unnecessary words and phrases

• Write a summary

• Read the entire prompt aloud

Why should words like 'write a composition' be removed from the prompt?

• They are already included in the essay

• They are not important

• They can cloud the main actions required by the prompt

• They are too difficult to understand

What should be done after circling the verbs in a prompt?

• Change the verbs to nouns

• Write a draft of the essay

• Underline what each verb is asking you to do

• Ignore the verbs