CRITICAL ESSAYHow to Unpack and Answer the Prompts

Part 1: UNPACK THE PROMPT 1) Identify KEY WORDS (use highlighter)

2) Denotation of the key words:

Attempt = to make an effort at; try

Reconcile = to cause one to accept or be resigned to something not desired

Desire = to wish or long for

Act = to do something; behaviour

Independently = not relying on another or others for aid or support.

Need = a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation

Security = freedom from care, anxiety, doubt, fear, danger

DISCUSS THE IDEA(S) DEVELOPED BY THE TEXT CREATOR(S) ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL S ATTEMPT TO RECONCILE THE DESIRE TO ACT INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE NEED FOR SECURITY.

Unpack the Prompt 2) CONNOTATION of KEY WORDS (do all words)

i.e.

Reconcile

Two people reunite aftera break-up

To make things better

conflict

To give in evenIf you don’t want to

friendly

Harmony restored

In war, to bring two sides into peace

Accept one’s past

Unpack the Prompt3) Does the prompt have multi-prongs?

AND , OR , AND/OR (with = and)

4) Considering your “unpacking” to reword complicated prompts if doing so helps you understand the prompt.

5) Turn the prompt into a question:

i.e. Under what circumstances would an individual give into the need of security over his or her desire to be free and independent?

Part 2: ANSWER THE PROMPT!CRITERIA for an ANSWER:

DO NOT: NO EVIDENCE NO DEFINITION

DO: Make it ARGUABLE (there needs to be an opposite

answer)

Answer should be SOPHISTICATED and INSIGHTFUL Answer would have LAYERS to answer if fully 3-4 sentences that would be written as a compound-

complex sentence.

PART 3: EVIDENCEOnce you have your ANSWER, find the TEXT that

best supports / justifies your answer!

The more you read, and the more you know in terms of the details, the better your evidence choice can be.

Try to focus on ONE text for an in-depth discussion!