Analyzing Writing Prompts

Some tests include writing prompts. A prompt tells you what to write about and why you are writing. A prompt might also tell the type of writing to create and who will read it.

Before you begin writing your response, you need to analyze the prompt to make sure you understand it. You can use the PAST questions.

Purpose: Why am I writing? What is my goal? Look for key words about your purpose.

• argue: present facts and reasons that support your opinion or position
• compare: tell how two things are alike
• contrast: tell how two things are different
• define: tell what something means, what it is, or what it does
• describe: tell how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, and/or feels
• explain: tell how something works, how it happens, or how to do it
• list: give a number of facts, ideas, reasons, or other details about the topic
• persuade: give reasons that would convince someone to agree with your position
• predict: tell what you think will happen in the future

Audience: Who will read the writing? Some prompts will identify a specific audience: Pretend you are telling the story to an older family member. When a prompt does not identify an audience, it's safe to assume that your teacher is the audience.

Subject: What is the subject of my writing? Knowing the subject helps you focus on your topic.