Prewriting: Brainstorming and Prompt Reading
Introduction
When I think of the first step of the Writing Process — Brainstorming — I think of a storm of ideas going through my head. Not a great image when my goal is to write an organized and logical essay! Even before I try to master these ideas in a graphic organizer, I need to know specifically what my topic is. Having a strategy for reading the prompt, or breaking it down becomes an essential tool for the writer. This is a prompt that you may remember from Romeo and Juliet. You can dissect this prompt by looking for the Who, What, How, and Do of the prompt.
What role does fate play in Romeo and Juliet?
Is fate responsible for the play’s tragic events, or is someone else responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet? Explain your thoughts to other Shakespeare scholars in a three paragraph essay.
- Who - Highlight the part of the prompt that indicates the intended audience.
- What - Underline words which identify the topic, context, or purpose of the task.
- How - Circle any words that identify the writing format or resources.
- Do - { } Bracket any words which identify key writing direction words, or verbs.
Watch
- https://bit.ly/2Ucr2at Links to an external site. – Joann Phillips “Basic Essay: Part 1 – Address the Prompt” (YT 3:02)
- goo.gl/0L3QDE Links to an external site. – EnglishClass212 “Analyzing a Writing Prompt” (YT 4:34)
Key Ideas
- Before you even begin to brainstorm you have to break down the prompt to know exactly what you are supposed to write about.
- Use a fast and effective strategy to break down the instructions to the essential information about your writing task.
Apply
- Use this Who, What, How, and Do strategy on your next Writing Assignment.
- Think about the intended audience for your writing. If there isn’t a specific WHO, you know you are writing for your Mizzou and local teachers.
- In a small group, look at some complex prompts. Use the same strategy to peel back the essential information for the writing task.