Marking up the prompt means putting marks on the important parts of the writing directions so you are clear about the assignment requirements. Introduction Essay Overview Step 1: Mark Up the Prompt Step 2: Prewrite for Ideas Step 3: List & Develop Major Points Step 4: Write a Thesis Statement Step 5: Plan the Essay Step 6: Write the Introduction Step 7: Write the Conclusion Step 8: Revise and Proofread Step 9: Write the Final Draft Step 10: Reread the Final Draft

Step 1: Mark Up the Prompt THE PROMPT A prompt is a set of directions that gives you a writing topic or assignment that "prompts" or guides you to write. Here's an example of a writing prompt: Writing Situation: After years of trying to convince your parents to get you a pet of your very own, your parents have finally agreed. However, they want to make sure that you will behave responsibly with your new pet. Your parents feel that it is important that you make a good choice. Writing Directions: In a five-paragraph essay, write about the pet you want. Discuss three reasons why this animal would make a good pet for you. Convince your parents that you are making the right choice. Notice that the prompt starts with a writing situation. This is background information to get you in the right frame of mind for writing. Next are the writing directions. This is the part you really want to pay attention to. It tells you exactly what you are expected to write. Here you learn that the format of the assignment is a five-paragraph essay. You also find out the general topic. You will be writing about the pet you'd want. You have to include three reasons why you want that pet, and you have to be convincing. Who's the audience? Your imaginary parents. MARKING UP THE PROMPT Marking up the prompt means putting marks on the important parts of the writing directions so that you are clear about what you have to do for the assignment. Circle, underline, make squiggly marks and/or notes in the margin to help your brain focus on what is required in the writing assignment. Click here to see an example of the prompt after it's been "marked up." It's a good idea to reread the prompt several times. Be sure to talk to your teacher if you are unclear about the requirements of an assignment. You don't want to spend time writing on a topic and then receive a poor grade simply because you didn't understand what was expected. Step 2: Prewrite for Ideas