Download Guide to Writing Academic Essays: Understanding Prompts and Taking a Position and more Slides English Language in PDF only on Docsity! Checking out Prompts: Tricks to passing the TASP “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.” Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865) What is a prompt? A prompt is a paragraph that contains the information which you need to write your essay in four parts: Part one: The question Part two: One side of an argument Part three: The opposing side of an argument Part four: Directions Assignment: Outline your essay using the prompt You must try to think of at least three examples that will back up your reason. If you do not like one of the reasons, you can think of your own reason. A. They feel that the number of accidental shootings would decrease 1. 2. 3. B. The streets would be safer 1. 2. 3. C. People would be less likely to harm loved ones in moments of anger 1. 2. 3. The following are some prompts you might want to look at just to get more familiar with them. Sample Prompt Recently, as the US continues to grow, residents of the Northern Rio Grande Valley have been considering whether or not the many cities in the area should combine to create one metropolis. Should valley towns from Mission to Harlingen combine into one large metropolis? Those who think that the valley cities should combine to create one metropolis believe it would be wise because it would create a sense of unity for valley residents, provide an opportunity for economic advancement in the national market, and offer valley residents lower taxes. Those who disagree believe that creating a metropolis would take away valley identity, most jobs for city employees and would create other problems such as violence and theft that larger cities must deal with. Your purpose is to write an essay of 350-500 words, to a classroom instructor, arguing whether the Rio Grande Valley should or should not combine to create one large metropolis. Use logical reasoning and specific examples.