Prompt Formats

Let's use this section of our lesson to break these down by using the following two prompts as examples:

• Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics. Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution. You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils. Argue furiously for your position and be concise. Your paper must be typed using APA format in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on June 29th by midnight.

• In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly. Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin's. Can there be such a thing as "the housefly garment industry" or is it just a home-based craft? Be sure to write effectively. Your paper must be typed using APA format in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on June 29th by midnight.”

1. An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class.

For example:

• “Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics.”

• “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly.”

2. The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence.

• Words like: analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way.

• Also, pay attention to words such as: how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See “Key Terms” in the "Interpreting the Prompt In-Depth" section of this lesson for more information.)

For example:

• “Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution.”

• “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

3. Technical Details & Style Tips

Prompts will usually give guidelines to any requirements dealing with formatting, length, style, formality of language, etc.

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

For example:

• “Your paper must be typed using APA format in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on June 29th by midnight.”

Style Tips

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations.

For example:

• “Be concise”

• “Write effectively”

• “Argue furiously”

4. Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

For example:

1. “You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils."

2. "Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

Wrap-Up

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly the order described above, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.