encouraged research on the atomic bomb b. discouraged research on the atomic bomb

What do you value most in a teacher—his or her knowledge of the subject, his or her ability to interest you in the subject, or his or her encouragement and support? Which one of these characteristics is most impor- tant to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice. Some people believe that happiness lies in our accomplishments. Others believe that happiness should come from the steps we take to achieve our goals. In your opinion, where does happiness come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. TIP: Be sure to read the question carefully so you can respond appropriately. For example, in the third prompt, your task is to discuss only one characteristic. No matter how well you write, your essay will not receive a top score if you discuss all three characteristics or discuss a fourth characteristic instead.

3. Describe and explain a characteristic.

These prompts ask you to identify what you think is an important characteristic or characteristics of a particular person, place, or thing. In the first two types of prompts, you are asked to choose among two or more possibilities e.g., agree or disagree, travel or stay close to home. With this kind of prompt, you get to choose the specific characteristics you would like to discuss. Here are some examples: What are the qualities you value most in a friend? Has your opinion about what makes a good friend changed as you have grown older? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. People define “success” in many different ways. In your opinion, what one quality or characteristic best defines “success”? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. What are some of the most important characteristics of a good leader? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important. TIP: Because of the time limit, you can’t afford to spend much time choosing the characteristics you will discuss in your essay. Quickly brainstorm some ideas and select the ones you will write about. If the prompt asks you to identify more than one characteristic, brainstorm a short list five to eight characteristics and then quickly choose the two or three most interesting or important ones for your essay. In a five-paragraph essay, you won’t have room to discuss more than two or three characteristics. If you feel confident that you can write more than five paragraphs, then you can add another charac- teristic. 4. Respond to a “What if?” situation. Many standardized tests use this kind of prompt. Here, you are presented with an if-then scenario: If you could X, then what would you do? If X were to happen, then what would you do? In some cases, – W R I T I N G – 1 1 1