What does prompt mean in terms of essays?

In terms of essays, a prompt is the question or instruction that sets the task for the writer. It essentially tells you what you need to write about and how to approach the topic.

Here's a breakdown of what a prompt usually includes:

* The topic: What specific subject matter should you focus on? This could be a historical event, a literary work, a social issue, or a philosophical concept.

* The task: What are you supposed to do with the topic? Do you need to analyze, argue, compare, contrast, explain, or persuade?

* The audience: Who is your intended reader? This will influence the tone and style of your essay.

* The purpose: What is the overall goal of the essay? What do you want the reader to take away from your writing?

Here are some examples of essay prompts:

* "Discuss the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society." (Topic: Industrial Revolution; Task: Discuss; Audience: General reader; Purpose: To explore the effects of the Industrial Revolution)

* "Compare and contrast the characters of Romeo and Juliet." (Topic: Romeo and Juliet; Task: Compare and contrast; Audience: Literature students; Purpose: To analyze the characters)

* "Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the legalization of marijuana." (Topic: Marijuana legalization; Task: Persuade; Audience: General reader; Purpose: To convince the reader of your viewpoint)

Understanding the prompt is crucial for writing a successful essay. By carefully analyzing the prompt, you can ensure that you address the specific requirements and produce an essay that is relevant, focused, and well-structured.