Help! I’ve Just Seen the Prompt!
by Grace Kelly (English Major: Writing Emphasis)
Writing can be such an exciting thing. The very beginning of the writing process is a time to grow your ideas and really let your thoughts come together. Unfortunately, prompts can make you feel confused or overwhelmed. As your eyes scan the page, the pit in your stomach grows. Trust me, I’ve been there. “How can I possibly write on this subject?” I’ve asked myself that plenty of times! This is one of the harder parts of writing. It is all a matter of getting over the shock of the prompt.
When you first see a prompt, read it through at least twice. After that, go ahead and underline, star, circle, or write down the most pertinent parts. I recommend picking some key words or phrases. Finally, consider writing a few words or sentences responding to every aspect of the prompt that you wrote down. This will help you in the brainstorming process.
For those of you who are auditory processors, start talking (to yourself, a classmate, or a friend) about the different ideas you wrote down. From here, you can start building an outline for your essay. Outlines look different for everyone. They can be as specific and organized or as broad and messy as you like. Once you finish your outline, read over it. Pay attention to the key things you wrote down, underlined, or circled from the prompt.
With an outline in hand, you have words on a page! This should be celebrated! With this map as your guide, begin writing your essay. It is perfectly okay if your paper evolves as you write. Your outline should be a starting point, not a cage. As your paper grows, make sure you’re not leaving out what the prompt is asking.
If this brainstorming process gets confusing, make a Writing Center appointment, and ask your professor clarifying questions. Everyone is here to help you succeed in your classes and in life! Never be afraid to ask for help and don’t give up! This could take you a while, but it is worth it! Give yourself mental breaks, but make sure you don’t stop trying.
