Understand the prompt
A prompt is the title or question for your writing. Read it twice. Underline the key words: they tell you the topic, the type of writing (story, letter, opinion) and the limits (for example "small" or "last year").
Ask three things: What is the topic? What kind of text is wanted? Is there a limit I must keep?
Brainstorm, then narrow
Write 3 to 5 quick ideas that could answer the prompt. Do not judge yet. Then cross out ideas that ignore a key word or are too wide. Keep the one you can support with a real event, example or feeling.
Set one central idea
The central idea is the main message of your writing in one sentence, for example "Small help can change a big day". It is not the topic ("help") but what you say about it.
- Topic: friendship
- Central idea: A true friend stays when things are hard.
Check that everything points to it
Plan the parts: an event, a feeling and a lesson. Each paragraph must support the central idea. If one paragraph could be removed without anyone noticing, or points elsewhere, change it. Before you finish, read the prompt again and ask: "Did I answer it?"
Key formulas and definitions
- Prompt → key words → many ideas → ONE central idea
- Central idea = what you say about the topic, in one sentence
- Check: every paragraph supports the central idea
- Off topic = ignores a key word of the prompt
Worked examples
1. Prompt: "The most useful thing I learnt." Find the key words and a central idea.
Key words: most useful, learnt. A central idea: Learning to ask for help was the most useful thing, because it solved many problems. The essay then gives an event, a feeling and a lesson.
2. Prompt: "A rainy day." A student plans to write about a cricket match in the sun. Is it on topic?
No. It ignores the key words "rainy". A better idea: A rainy day taught us to enjoy small things, with a story of making paper boats.
3. Topic is "trees". Turn it into a central idea.
A topic is only a word. A central idea says something: "Trees quietly give us more than we give them." Now the essay can support it with shade, air and fruit.
Common mistakes
- Starting to write before reading the key words.
- Choosing a topic (a word) and not a central idea (a message).
- Picking an idea that sounds nice but ignores the prompt.
- Adding paragraphs that point in different directions.