- Fun Word Lists
![](http://blog10.website/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
512 One-Word Writing Prompts
You know how sometimes you want to write, but you’re stuck on what to write about? Happens to the best of us! But guess what? We got something super cool for you, over 500 one-word writing prompts! Yup, just one word, and you’re off on a creative adventure. It’s like having a treasure chest full of ideas ready to spark your imagination. Trust me, with these prompts, you’ll never run out of writing inspiration again! Let’s dive in and see where your pen takes you!
One-Word Prompt Generator
Use our quick single-word prompt generator to get a random word to use in your writing:
One-word prompts are fantastic because they give you the freedom to interpret and explore in your own unique way. You know what they say, “less is more,” and that’s true here too.
With just one word, your mind goes wild, connecting ideas you never thought possible. Plus, they’re super time-saving and perfect for those days when you’re short on inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just getting started, these prompts are a game-changer. They’re versatile, fun, and can lead you down unexpected writing paths. So why not give them a shot? You can even take part in our daily word challenge to practice your skills.
How to Use One-Word Prompts
Using these one-word prompts is a breeze and loads of fun!
- First off, grab yourself a list of one-word topics. You can find them in this post or even make your own.
- Next, find a cosy spot, get your favourite writing tools ready, and take a deep breath.
- Now, randomly pick a word from the list or let your gut guide you to the one that jumps out at you.
- Ready? Set! Write! Don’t overthink it; just let the word work its magic. You can go wild with a short story, delve into poetry, or even kickstart a journal entry.
The best part is there’s no right or wrong way to use these prompts. Let your creativity loose, and remember, it’s all about having a blast and honing your writing skills along the way.
![one word prompt essay one word prompts](https://www.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/one-word-prompts-683x1024.png)
You might also be interested in viewing this list of words that start with X or this list of the funniest words in the English dictionary for more ideas.
One Word Prompts List
Below is a list of random words. Pick one or a couple to use as inspiration for your next story, poem or journal entry:
- Spirituality
- Tranquillity
- Overwhelmed
- Opportunity
- Misunderstood
- Discredited
- Celebration
- Time-travel
- Discoveries
- Ambivalence
- Undesirable
- Incandescent
- Mellifluous
- Reverberate
- Serendipity
- Marshmallow
- Inquisitive
- Spectacular
- Incantation
- Flabbergasted
- Caterpillar
Did you find this list of one-word writing prompts inspirational? Let us know in the comments below.
![one word prompt essay one word writing prompts generator](https://assets.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/one-word-writing-prompts-generator-683x1024.png)
Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.
Related Posts
![one word prompt essay Shark writing prompts](https://assets.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Shark-writing-prompts-150x150.png)
Comments loading...
![one word prompt essay Authority Self-Publishing](https://authority.pub/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-AP_PrimaryLogoWeb-copy.jpg)
365 Of The Best Daily One-Word Writing Prompts
Sometimes, when it comes to writing prompts , less is more.
Otherwise, why would you be here looking for one-word topics to write about ?
One solitary word can contain a universe of ideas — even small words like “if” and “or.”
So, why not keep it simple this coming year with a daily word prompt ?
Who can tell what a full year of using word prompts can do for your development as a writer?
There’s only one way to find out.
And while we’re encouraging you to try, it seems only fitting to share what this practice has done for other writers .
Why Use One-Word Writing Prompts?
How to use one-word prompts, ready to use these one-word writing prompts.
One-word prompts give you so much freedom in deciding what to write about. For one thing, a single word can have multiple literal meanings. And besides those, each word has various connotations, depending on its usage and the connections you make in your own mind.
![one word prompt essay one-word writing prompt](https://authority.pub/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1.jpg)
That’s what we mean when we say one word can contain a multitude of ideas. But it might still help to spell out the benefits of using one-word prompts like the ones in this list:
- Smaller, less specific prompts = more flexibility
- One word is sort of like a Rorschach test; write whatever comes to mind.
- One word can generate a network of different story ideas .
- One word doesn’t take long to read and is easier to remember.
- One-word prompts erase the “I don’t know anything about that” excuse.
Each word on the list below is open to various interpretations, even if you don’t have personal experience with it. Read the word aloud or let it echo in your mind, and see what comes up.
Here are some ideas on how to use these one-word prompts:
- Write each word on a slip of paper and draw one from a jar each day.
- Draw two or three for an extra challenge, or
- Keep the same word for multiple days, writing something different each day.
- Place your memorized word under a candle and light it before you begin.
- Do a free association exercise with an index card mindmap before starting.
- If you’re stumped, do a quick image search of your word.
You can easily incorporate any rituals you prefer for your writing time, whether that involves a Pomodoro timer, your favorite hoodie, a particular kind of music , or anything else.
365 One-Word Writing Prompts (One for Every Day)
Think of the following list as your own one-word prompt generator. With one word per day, you’re all set for a year of inspired writing . Read each word and take a moment to call forth your ideas before you choose one and start freewriting.
More Related Articles
101 Of The Most Clever Dialogue Writing Prompts
108 Engaging And Creative Nonfiction Writing Prompts
11 Of The Best Writing Prompts Books
Kleptomania Waste Convict Karma Space Purification Profanity Birthday Vanity Uninformed Shaking Predatory Hypocrite Protocol Flickering Hoarse Gasping Calling Crying Grasping Reach Tiny Helpless Unseen Vacant Climbing Immature Skeleton Remains Hopeless Sliding Gravity Bounce Agitator Runes Name-cards Sigil Protest Imprint Cutting Wage Nowhere Stranger Autumn Feast Winter Famine Student Mentor Balance Scales Family Alienation Blame Denial Telephone Laundry Sidewalk Market Altar Innocence Sanctuary Violation Unexpected Trust Escape Warning Alarm Catalyst Unfamiliar Supplements Secret Gate Crescent Mystical |
Now you’re all set for a whole year of using a single word each day to start a new and potentially life-changing story idea. If you’re thinking, “Well, I’m gonna need a new notebook or journal just for this, ” we’re not about to discourage that.
But don’t forget, as you read another word from the list, to express gratitude for your creative mind, for your writing tools, and for the time you have to devote to your craft.
With the words “Thank you” as part of your everyday writing routine , you’ll never lack for inspiration.
![one word prompt essay There are times when you are lost and don't know what topic you should write about. Read this curated list of 365 one-word writing prompts to help your creative mind in establishing your next story.](https://authority.pub/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/eop-1.png)
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
![one word prompt essay Tosaylib](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tosaylibblackv6-1.png)
350+ Single Word Prompts to Ignite Your Writing Session
By: Author Hiuyan Lam
Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023
Categories Writing Prompts
![one word prompt essay 350+ Single Word Prompts to Ignite Your Writing Session](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13-high-school-girl-daydreaming-classroom-480x270.jpg)
The Power of One-Word Writing Prompts
Breaking writer’s block, improving writing skills, classroom activities.
![one word prompt essay friendly lecturer helping students in writing class](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/smiling-friendly-lecturer-helping-students-in-writing-class.jpg)
Teachers can provide a variety of words for students to choose from, allowing them to discover new directions while remaining engaged. This can be turned into a challenge or group activity, fostering excitement and creating a supportive environment where students can grow and learn together. Some ideas for classroom activities include:
- Art and Writing Combos Students can create illustrations based on a one-word prompt, then write a story or explanation to accompany their artwork.
- Fiction in group work Encourage students to write short, self-contained stories in group inspired by a one-word prompt, focusing on concise storytelling.
- Prompt Journals Assign students a one-word writing prompt to journal about, helping them reflect on personal experiences and feelings while refining their writing skills.
You May Also Like:
Keep you cool: 23 witty responses when a guy calls you “weird”
Our Curated Collection of One-Word Writing Prompts
![one word prompt essay word writing prompts page 1](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/One-word-writing-prompts-page-1.jpg)
25 of the Best Words to Describe the Almighty Sun
![one word prompt essay word writing prompts page 3](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/One-word-writing-prompts-page-3.jpg)
Discovering Your Own One-Word Prompts in Everyday Life
![one word prompt essay friends drinking blowing bubble gum sunset happy](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/girls-friends-drinking-blowing-bubble-gum-sunset-happy.jpg)
Raising a Glass: 8 Hilarious Maid of Honor Speeches for Your Best Friend’s Wedding
One-word writing prompts offer boundless possibilities for interpretation
- It could be interpreted as a literal rainstorm happening outside, with rain pouring down like cats and dogs.
- It could be seen as tears streaming down someone’s face, symbolizing intense emotions.
- It could be metaphorically used to represent a challenging period in a character’s life, where they find solace in dancing in the rain.
These examples demonstrate the diverse directions in which a single prompt can take a story. Writers can explore various genres, from romantic dramas to thrilling sci-fi adventures, all stemming from the same prompt. The potential for creativity is limitless. Let’s take a look at some examples to showcase the diverse interpretations that our collection of one-word prompts can inspire.
One-word prompts about tech
![one word prompt essay man wearing virtual reality goggles playing games](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/young-man-wearing-virtual-reality-goggles-playing-games.jpg)
Writing prompts about social issues topics
![one word prompt essay boy holding anti bullies sign stop gesture](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sad-boy-holding-anti-bullies-sign-stop-gesture.jpg)
One-word writing prompts centered on lifestyle
![one word prompt essay wearing beach hat sitting in pool relaxing enjoying sun](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/female-wearing-beach-hat-sitting-in-pool-relaxing-enjoying-sun.jpg)
One-word writing prompts about food topics
One-word animal prompts:
Prompts in the realm of money
Prompts related to mystery subjects
![one word prompt essay teller hands holding sun card tarot](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/fortune-teller-hands-holding-sun-card-tarot.jpg)
Prompts about well-being topics:
![one word prompt essay practise yoga meditation in office facing pressure](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/woman-practise-yoga-meditation-in-office-facing-pressure.jpg)
One-word abstract concept prompts
![one word prompt essay write on blackboard explain lesson](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/teacher-write-on-blackboard-explain-lesson.jpg)
Single word prompts about everyday items
![one word prompt essay buyer try necklance in front of mirror](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/female-buyer-try-necklance-in-front-of-mirror.jpg)
One-word prompts regarding daily activities
![one word prompt essay woman riding bike spreading legs countryside](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cheerful-woman-riding-bike-spreading-legs-countryside.jpg)
One-word prompts about time and places
![one word prompt essay Male student laptop studying university library](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/03-Male-student-laptop-studying-university-library.jpg)
Prompts on emotions and feelings
![one word prompt essay child bored frustrated fed writing no inspiration](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thinking-child-bored-frustrated-fed-writing-no-inspiration.jpg)
Writing prompts centered around human experience topics
![one word prompt essay mother holding bride kiss forehead on wedding day](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bride-mother-holding-bride-kiss-forehead-on-wedding-day.jpg)
One-word prompts related to relationships and interactions
![one word prompt essay happy laughing travel hanging out sunshine](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/friends-happy-laughing-travel-hanging-out-sunshine.jpg)
One-word prompts based on sensory experiences
Nature-inspired one-word prompts
![one word prompt essay 27 rain city young man holding blue umbrella broken](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/H8-27-rain-city-young-man-holding-blue-umbrella-broken.jpg)
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Simplicity
Sugar Defender
Saturday 10th of August 2024
I was just as enthralled by your work as you were. The visual presentation is refined, and the written content is sophisticated. However, you seem anxious about the possibility of presenting something that could be perceived as questionable. I believe you'll be able to rectify this matter in a timely manner.
Bacará ao vivo
Tuesday 6th of August 2024
É como se você lesse minha mente Você parece saber muito sobre isso, como se você tivesse escrito o livro nele ou algo assim. Acho que você pode fazer com algumas fotos para transmitir um pouco a mensagem, mas fora isso, este é um blog fantástico. ótima leitura, certamente voltarei
usabasementguard
Thursday 1st of August 2024
Wow superb blog layout How long have you been blogging for you make blogging look easy The overall look of your site is magnificent as well as the content
Saturday 27th of July 2024
amazingwise
I do trust all the ideas youve presented in your post They are really convincing and will definitely work Nonetheless the posts are too short for newbies May just you please lengthen them a bit from next time Thank you for the post
![See Jane Write See Jane Write](https://seejanewritebham.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-sjw-logog.png)
See Jane Write
a website & community for women who write & blog
100 One-Word Writing Prompts
- June 12, 2024
![one word prompt essay](https://i0.wp.com/seejanewritebham.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/one-word-writing-prompts.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with one–word writing prompts and it all started with a children’s book.
The church I’m currently attending, First Church Birmingham , did a special sermon series during which we read and gleaned lessons from select children’s books. One of those books was The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds . It tells the story of a little boy named Jerome who is fascinated by words, and he collects them in a notebook, writing down any words that stand out to him throughout his day. Inspired by little Jerome, I started doing the same thing. And I’ve been turning these words into one-word writing prompts. Also, I’ve been sharing a one-word prompt each day in the See Jane Write Network Facebook group .
I talk about this more in my latest podcast episode.
What are one-word writing prompts?
The idea of using a single word as a writing prompt might sound silly. You may think you need a prompt that presents a scenario or gives you a deep question to contemplate. But as a writer, you know that there is great power in words. Yes, even a single word.
Chances are you could look at a word and fill an entire page pretty quickly with thoughts on what the word means to you, how the word sounds, and how the word makes you feel.
How To Use a Single Word As a Powerful Prompt
There are so many different ways to use a one-word writing prompt. If you’re a fiction writer, perhaps the prompt could be the first word a character speaks. Maybe as a poet, you challenge yourself to start and end your poem with the word. For a journal entry or a personal narrative, write about a life experience that the word makes you remember. Even journalists can use one-word prompts. Take the word and brainstorm article ideas related to it.
100 One-Word Writing Prompts to Try
Here are 100 one-word writing prompts to get you started:
- Congratulations
What words would you add to the list?
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
300+ One-Word Writing Prompts
Michael has spent years as a freelance writer and editor submitting works to several accomplished magazines as well as publishing his own works about freelancing as a business.
Learn about our Editorial Policy .
A great creative writing exercise you can try when you're feeling stuck in the depths of writer's block is to start with just one word and see where it takes you. A single word may be the simplest of writing prompts , but it can also be the most open to original interpretation.
The Human Experience
As Carol Shields once wrote , great novels "shorten the distance between what is privately felt and universally known." There is nothing more universal than human emotion and thought; seeking to capture what it means to be human can make for some truly insightful writing.
- Expectation
- Sentimental
- Forgiveness
- 70+ High School Journal Topics to Inspire You to Write
A Time and a Place
While an entry in a personal journal or diary may focus on the immediate events of the day and the near future, you can also look beyond your immediate surroundings. Transport your narrative to another location or era with one of these single word writing prompts.
- Kilimanjaro
- Interstellar
- Johannesburg
- Prehistoric
- Renaissance
A Twisted Mother Tongue
The English language traces its origins back to a random mishmash of multiple languages, deriving and adopting terms from multiple sources. These prompts can add some worldly flair to your writing.
- Consigliere
- Doppelgänger
The Hybrid Theory
While the term is also used to describe a large leather suitcase, a portmanteau is a word that is formed when you combine two different words together. This can result in some rather striking and stimulating language.
- Manspreading
- Animatronic
- Californication
- Snowpocalypse
- Edutainment
- Gerrymandering
- Blaxploitation
- Blogosphere
- Guesstimate
- Nontroversy
- Meritocracy
- Solopreneur
- Paratrooper
- Frankenfruit
The Five Senses
A subtle aroma can elicit strong memories of the past and few things are quite as satisfying as the perfect morsel of food. Humans experience the world through all five senses, and depicting those sensations through words is a noble endeavor for any writer, author or journalist.
- Homeostasis
Everyday Objects
The greatest inspiration can sometimes be derived from the banalest of circumstances. Consider how you can elevate the mundane to the sublime, starting with these everyday, one-word writing prompts.
Is This Just Fantasy?
Illuminating the complexities and nuances of common, everyday life can lead to some incredible revelations. On the other hand, exploring the fantastical and paranormal where all notions of accepted reality are completely thrown out the window can lead to truly remarkable narratives.
- Telekinesis
- Metamorphosis
- Precognition
- Shape-shifter
- Mirrorverse
- Lilliputian
One Word After Another
When drawing a blank on ideas, the right writing prompts can help kids, students and adults alike get those creative juices flowing. Sometimes, all it takes is a single word to inspire the beginning of an incredible story or thoughtful essay.
Kindlepreneur
Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors
Home / Book Writing / One-Word Writing Prompts: Dozens of Ideas to Get You Started
One-Word Writing Prompts: Dozens of Ideas to Get You Started
A lot of people tend to overthink writing. Especially those who have done much of their reading in a genre like literary fiction. A lot of books that fall under that very broad and fluid genre have flowery language, unclear character goals , and often don't follow the story structures that are popular with genre fiction, television shows, movies, and even comic books. That's why in this article, we're going to simplify things with one-word writing prompts.
The idea behind these single-word writing prompts is twofold. Not only can they help strengthen your imagination and creativity muscles, but they can also illustrate how good stories don't have to be complex, convoluted, or complicated . Good stories can be birthed from a single word. Let's get to it.
- How to use one-word writing prompts for ultimate effect.
- How to choose from the list of one-word writing prompts.
- What to do if you want to share your work with the world.
Table of contents
- Combine Two or More Words for a Challenge
- Less is More
- Not Just Fiction
- General One-Word Prompts
- One-Word Mystery Writing Prompts
- One-Word Romance Writing Prompts
- One-Word Thriller Writing Prompts
- One-Word Horror Writing Prompts
- One-Word Sci-Fi Writing Prompts
- One-Word Fantasy Writing Prompts
- Ready to Share Your Story With the World?
Getting the Most Out of One-Word Writing Prompts
The benefit of using just a single word as a prompt for your short story, novella, or novel is simple: there's flexibility. Another prompt may turn you off because it describes a story or situation you don't like or know nothing about. (Don't even get me started on that old writing advice “write what you know.”) But a single word can be used in several ways, depending on the person reading it. Here are some ways you can use a single-word prompt below:
- Have it be the first word a character speaks—or include it in the opening sentence.
- Expound on the emotions or images a word conjures in you.
- Challenge yourself to start and end the story with the word.
- Have the word describe one of the characters in the story.
- Relate your own experience with the word through fictional characters .
Here's an example. Let's say you choose the word Manhood . What does that word mean to you? Is the concept of manhood in our society changing? If so, is it changing for the better or worse? What images does the word conjure? What emotions?
You can do the same thing for Womanhood, or Childhood. Or, if you feel so inclined, you could combine all three and write a story about how they're all interconnected.
It may be the case that the word brings up something in your mind that really has nothing to do with the meaning of the word . That's okay. If you want to explore it, go ahead! What you end up with might be a thousand miles away from where you started. Let the story take you where it wants.
Format Beautiful Professional Books
Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.
While it's obvious that Manhood, Womanhood , and Childhood are all related, that doesn't mean you have to stick to that kind of story if you don't want to. If you don't feel any inspiration from a one-word writing prompt, then combine two or three (or even four) words and write a story that encompasses all of them. For more of a writing challenge, pick words that don't seem to have any connection at all. This will help strengthen your creative writing skills while getting your imagination fired up!
While it's common to focus on daily word counts when writing a book, this can sometimes be detrimental to developing different writing skills. For these prompts, we suggest sticking with that oft-quoted writing suggestion: omit needless words. Whether you're a nonfiction or fiction writer—or both—these one-word writing prompts are a great exercise for paring down your words and keeping things concise.
So far, we've been discussing things in terms of fiction writing prompts. However, you can use them however you like. Try writing a piece of flash fiction , a poem, or a nonfiction essay. Maybe you need to overcome a case of writer's block or you want daily journal writing prompts. No matter the case, these free writing prompts can help!
One-Word Writing Prompts
Whether you're looking to write nonfiction , poetry, or fiction, the prompts below can help. Choose a random word that sticks out to you and see where it takes you!
- Deleterious
- Inspiration
- Untouchable
- Constructive
- Entertained
- Established
- Matriculate
- Illustrated
Whether you like mystery stories with an amateur sleuth or a grizzled detective, the prompts below can help you get your fictional character into some intriguing trouble.
Romance is a varied genre with plenty of room for creative inspiration. The words below should help you spark a line of dialogue or a general idea for your romantic story .
Action and intrigue, revenge and justice. The following thriller creative writing prompts can help you get your story writing started.
Horror is a lot of fun to write, and it works well for stories of all lengths. Choose a one-word creative writing prompt below and pit your main character against a gruesome evil.
- Malevolence
- Supernatural
Struggling with a story idea for your science fiction tale ? Choose a one-word story prompt from the list below and let the words flow!
- Extraterrestrial
- Hydroponics
Get your creative juices flowing with these story-starter writing prompts for fantasy tales .
- Transmogrify
- Necromancer
While practicing your craft with these one-word prompts is a worthy time investment, you may have an idea for a full-length novel. If so, it's best to do a bit of research to ensure that the idea is commercially viable. And the easiest way to do this is with Publisher Rocket .
You can think of the information you get from Publisher Rocket as the foundation for your writing career. You get insights directly from Amazon on:
Keywords – Metadata to position your book on Amazon.
Competition – Allowing you to see what's selling and how stiff the competition is.
Categories – So you know where people who are looking for books like yours go to find them.
Amazon Ads – Helps you quickly configure a list of profitable keywords for running ads. Check out Publisher Rocket here to get started.
Dave Chesson
When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.
Related Posts
Author vs writer: what’s the difference, how to write an adventure story, parts of a book [from cover to cover], sell more books on amazon, amazon kindle rankings e-book.
Learn how to rank your Kindle book #1 on Amazon with our collection of time-tested tips and tricks.
Join the community
Join 111,585 other authors who receive weekly emails from us to help them make more money selling books.
![one word prompt essay Teacher's Notepad](https://www.teachersnotepad.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-thelogo.png)
102 One Word Writing Prompts
The creative muse.
The universe.
Whatever you believe helps you to be creative and write a story that takes the reader on a journey, let’s give it a helping hand – through just a single word.
Let’s use one single word to spark the imagination, and let creativity take over.
One word not enough to trigger your creative writing?
Ok, fine. How about 102 in quick succession?!
I’ll eat my hat if that doesn’t activate your neurons enough to get a concept for a story bubbling to the surface.
How to use one word prompts?
Creativity has few rules.
And nowhere is that more evident than with writing.
Maybe you want to create short story after short story. Perhaps you’re working on your novel and want to try and give each new chapter an overarching theme.
Whether you’re creating your own work of fiction, creatively challenging yourself, or encouraging students to get writing, making use of the prompts below should be helpful to you.
I’d love to hear your short stories that you’ve written following reading these!
102 One Word Writing Prompts:
- underground
- unbelievable
- opportunity
Looking for a one word prompt generator?
Well you’re in luck. I’m making one for you all to use, so keep a look out for that. I’ll update this as soon as it’s released.
I’m still deciding how much complexity to build into it – ironic given the number of words involved. But I think I’ll keep it nice and random to keep your ideas flowing – the brain seems to love that and create plots out of thin air from a series of prompts!
You might like to jump on our newsletter to keep informed about new tools and resources we’ve published (all for you to use free!).
Want more prompts?
Well, you’re in luck! WE have plenty more where that came from, just check out our writing prompts section for hundreds more! 🙂
Thanks, Matt & Hayley
![one word prompt essay](https://www.teachersnotepad.com/wp-content/uploads/one-word-writing-prompts-683x1024.jpg)
![one word prompt essay Self Publishing Resources](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cropped-Self-Publishing-Resources-1.jpg-1-130x76.png)
One Word Writing Prompts: 150+ Ideas To Create A Brilliant Story
- July 10, 2022
Whether you’ve been writing for years or starting to explore your creative side, it’s always great to be inspired.
There are many ways to get inspired – often, it just takes a quick look around you. Music, art, and other stories, writers, and their styles are there to inspire us.
This article will offer some simple but effective inspiration for your next story – one word writing prompts.
As you can probably guess, these prompts consist of only one word. That may sound too vague, but that’s just why these one-word prompts exist. They offer a basic idea, allowing each writer to craft their unique tale.
So if you’re looking for inspiration and a challenge in creative writing , read on. Below you will find 150 one-word writing prompts to spark an idea and get your creative juices flowing.
150 one-word writing prompts
Below you will find a list of over 150 writing prompts to help you get started.
There is no particular order to the words below, though with some imagination, you may be able to group two or three words to create unique prompts.
Misunderstanding
![one word prompt essay one word writing prompts](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/one-word-writing-prompts-5-min-400x278.jpg)
Communication
Underground
![one word prompt essay single word writing prompts](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/one-word-writing-prompts-3-min-267x400.jpg)
Forgiveness
Appointment
![one word prompt essay single word writing prompts](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/one-word-writing-prompts-2-min-295x400.jpg)
Interstellar
Intoxicated
Supernatural
How to use one-word writing prompts
Single word writing prompts can be fun but also frustrating.
It’s up to you and the situation in which you use these prompts (are you a teacher in a high school, a writing workshop facilitator, or simply a writer looking for inspiration?).
If you find that sticking with just a single word is hard, use two. Use three even.
Keep it challenging by playing with the words – can you take two random words and use them in the same sentence or paragraph ?
Can you open your story with one of these words and finish with another?
If you want an extra challenge:
- Write some of your favorite prompts on small pieces of paper and put them in a hat.
- Draw a random piece of paper from the hat, give yourself two minutes to think, and then put pen to paper.
- Start writing whatever comes to mind and watch your story unfold from there.
It’s also fun to ask some friends to join.
If you’ve friends who also like to write, make a game. Choose the same prompt, write your unique story, then share it with your friends afterward.
![one word prompt essay single word writing prompts](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/one-word-writing-prompts-min-1-267x400.jpg)
How to find inspiration as a writer
The one-word prompts above are a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
Working with one word offers a chance for you as a creative to call upon an idea, thought, or image that already exists in your mind. Two writers can use the same word prompt and write completely different stories.
One-word prompts are not the only source of inspiration you can find.
If you take a closer look, the world around you is filled with potential ideas and stories.
At first, it may seem complicated, especially if you don’t notice anything exciting in your environment.
However, if you un-focus your mind’s eye so it’s not clouded by judgment, labeling, or clichés, you may create just enough mental space for a rich idea to arrive.
This process works like a magic eye picture – the more you try, the less likely you will see the image.
The inspiration for your story is the image in the magic eye; it takes an open mind to see it.
Let yourself relax and let go of any self-judgment or criticism about your ability to create. The more you can let go, the more likely you find inspiration.
The world of art is also an incredibly fruitful source of inspiration.
Paintings, photographs, sculptures, and pieces of music have a profound effect on the imagination and have been sources of incredible inspiration for as long as humans have been telling stories.
Think you can write a story with a simple one-word prompt?
Take any of the words we’ve included above, or make your own list of one-word prompts from which to write.
There are many stories to be written using the one-word prompts we’ve offered but writing some of your own may help you get started.
In making a list of words, you may find several words that work together to clarify a potential storyline .
New ideas are always around the corner, even when you’re stuck on a story to write.
Look around, label what you see, and let your imagination run free.
Seasoned writers understand that inspiration can strike anytime and from even the most subtle stimulus.
So, pick a word, let it brew in your mind, then let your story flow onto the page.
Leave a Comment Cancel Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Sign up to our newsletter!
Related articles
![one word prompt essay Motivational Quotes About Writing](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Motivational-Quotes-About-Writing-3-min-scaled.jpg)
120 Motivational Quotes About Writing To Inspire A New Writer Like You
![one word prompt essay How To Register A Kindle On Amazon](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/How-To-Register-A-Kindle-On-Amazon-1-min.webp)
How To Register A Kindle On Amazon To Enjoy Your Ebooks In 4 Easy Ways
![one word prompt essay How To Market A Self-Published Book](https://selfpublishingresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/How-To-Market-A-Self-Published-Book-2-min-scaled.jpg)
How To Market A Self-Published Book And Be Profitable In 9 Easy Ways
![one word prompt essay PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)
Choose Your Test
- Search Blogs By Category
- College Admissions
- AP and IB Exams
- GPA and Coursework
College Essay Prompts: Complete List, Analysis, and Advice
College Admissions , College Essays
![one word prompt essay feature_whoareyou](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hubfs/feature_whoareyou.jpg)
When talking about college essays, we tend to focus on the Common Application prompts , and it's true that many students will need to write a Common App essay. However, there are actually quite a few schools, including both public and private universities, that don't use the Common App and instead ask applicants to respond to their own college essay prompts.
Luckily, college essay prompts tend to be pretty similar to each other. In this guide, I'll list all the college essay questions for popular schools in the US (and a few abroad) and then break down the patterns to help you brainstorm topics and plan how to approach multiple essays efficiently. After reading this guide, you'll be able to strategize which essays you'll write for which colleges.
Feature image: Mayr /Flickr
Why Do Colleges Ask For an Essay?
The short answer: the essay gives admissions committees a sense of your personality beyond the statistics on the rest of your application. The essay is your chance to show the committee your unique perspective and impress them with your maturity and insight.
College application essay prompts are written with this goal in mind. Admissions officers want to give you the chance to share your interests, aspirations, and views on the world, so most prompts ask about how your experiences have shaped you or what you're excited about studying or doing in college. I've collected a ton of examples below and provided some analysis to help you begin planning and crafting your own essays.
Keep in mind that the personal statement alone won't be enough to get you in— your grades and test scores are still the most important factors in your application . That being said, a stellar essay can help bring a borderline applicant over the top or give an excellent but not extraordinary student the opportunity to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
As such, the essay tends to matter most for very competitive schools. Non-competitive schools generally don't ask you to submit an essay.
Complete List of College Essay Prompts
This list collects the 2022 college essay prompts for major state universities, top-50 schools, and other popular schools which have their own unique questions. They're divided by region, with all optional essays listed at the end.
I left off the Common App supplements, as those often require a substantially different approach. I also stuck to four-year schools, meaning I didn't include special two-year programs, such as Deep Springs College or Miami Dade College's Honors Program (both of which require essays).
Finally, note that these prompts are for freshman applicants, so the requirements might be different for transfer students .
General Applications
There are three general applications you can use to apply to many different schools at once:
Common Application
Universal college application, coalition application.
Each application has its own personal statement requirement. Some schools will ask for additional supplemental essays.
Many more schools accept the Common App than they do the UCA or Coalition Application , though some will accept more than one of these applications.
For the Common App essay, you pick one of the prompts and write 250-650 words about it. Here are the prompts for the 2022-2023 school year:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
The UCA essay prompt is completely open ended and has a 650-word limit. Here is the 2022-2023 prompt:
Please write an essay that demonstrates your ability to develop and communicate your thoughts. Some ideas include: a person you admire; a life-changing experience; or your viewpoint on a particular current event.
For the Coalition Application, you'll pick one of five prompts listed below. While there is no hard word limit, the range guidelines are 500-650 words. Here are the prompts for 2022-2023:
What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
Now that you know the essay requirements for the three general applications, let’s look at the application essays for specific schools . To keep things organized, we’ve grouped schools based on the region of the US in which they’re located.
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic
![one word prompt essay body_mit-3](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hubfs/body_mit-3.jpg)
The Great Dome at MIT
Georgetown University
Georgetown asks applicants to write one short essay (about half a single-spaced page) and two longer essays (approximately one single-spaced page each). Each applicant must respond to the first two prompts and can choose among the other four based on the specific program she's interested in.
Short Essay: Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.
All Applicants: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
Applicants to Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).
Applicants to the School of Nursing & Health Studies: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
Applicants to the McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.
For more Georgetown application tips, check out our articles on the Georgetown essays and how to get into Georgetown .
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT doesn't ask for a single personal statement but rather asks applicants to respond to a series of questions with just a paragraph or two of about 200 words each .
We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?
MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.
Tell us about a significant challenge you've faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?
For more details on how to get into MIT , read our other articles on the MIT application process , tips for MIT essays , and an example of a real MIT acceptance letter !
![one word prompt essay body_UWMadison](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hubfs/body_UWMadison.jpg)
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Indiana University Bloomington
IU asks for 200-400 words on your plans and interests.
Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. Please note that this essay may be used in scholarship consideration.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois asks for two essays (or three only if you selected a second-choice major other than what's noted on your application). All responses should be approximately 150 words.
You'll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you'll answer will depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program, and if you've selected a second choice. Each response should be approximately 150 words. If You're Applying to a Major: 1. Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. 2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. If You're Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies: 1. What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering. 2. What are your future academic or career goals? If You've Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared): Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.
If you're applying to UIUC, check out our UIUC essay tips article as well!
University of Wisconsin–Madison
All applicants must complete two essays for UW–Madison. The essays should be 250-650 words in length and may be used for scholarship and campus program review.
If you apply through the Common Application, you’ll be asked to reply to one of the freshman Common Application essays in lieu of the first essay prompt below, but you’ll be required to respond to the second prompt below.
If you apply through the UW System Application, the following two essays are required:
This part is all about you. Tell us about something you've done — academically or personally — and what you've learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?
Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest.
![one word prompt essay Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151898325568.png)
Kyle Field at Texas A&M ( Ed Schipul /Flickr)
The ApplyTexas application is used by all Texas public universities and some private colleges. There are four ApplyTexas essay prompts. Which ones you need to respond to will depend on where you're applying. UT Austin, for example, requires applicants to submit at least one essay responding to Topic A on the ApplyTexas application. .
While there's no set word limit, the online application will cut off each essay at 120 lines (~1000 words).
Topic A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
Topic B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Topic C: You've got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Topic D: Please Note: The essay in this section is specific to certain college majors and is not required by all colleges/universities that accept the Apply Texas Application. If you are not applying for a major in Architecture, Art, Art History, Design, Studio Art, Visual Art Studies/Art Education , you are not required to write this essay.
Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?
We go into all the ApplyTexas prompts in detail here !
University of Georgia
For UGA, applicants must write two essays, one 200-300 words and one 250-650 words . Both essays are required for all applicants. The longer personal essay uses the Common Application prompts for 2023 ; the prompt for the shorter essay is as follows:
The c ollege admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.
For a more detailed discussion of the UGA essays, read this article .
![one word prompt essay body_UCBerkeley-1](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hubfs/body_UCBerkeley-1.jpg)
The Campanile at UC Berkeley
University of California
Students applying to the UC system must respond to four out of eight short personal insight questions. The maximum word count for each response is 350 words.
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
- Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
- Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
- Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
- Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
Learn more about the UC essays , the UC application , and how to choose which UC schools to apply to with our complete guides .
University of Oregon
Applicants to the University of Oregon are required to submit one essay of 650 words or fewer. You also have the option to write a second essay (maximum of 500 words), but it’s not required.
The essay prompts are as follows:
The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals, a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers, or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, feel free to resubmit your honors college application essay.
Optional second essay: As you've looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you've hopefully learned what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of these two options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting the Equity and Inclusion website . Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.
University of Washington
In addition to its specific prompts, the University of Washington gives specific advice about what its admissions officers consider to be good writing before the prompts:
"At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.
Essay Prompt (Required): Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped shape it. Maximum length: 650 words.
Short Response (Required): Our families and our communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. Maximum length: 300 words
You can also find more tips on the University of Washington essays in this blog article .
International
Generally speaking, international schools are less likely to ask for an essay, since admission tends to be heavily focused on grades and test results. However, a few popular international schools do ask for a personal statement as part of their application.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UK Schools)
UCAS is a general application for UK schools (similar to the Common App in the US). There's no specific prompt for the personal statement—instead, applicants are required to write an essay describing what they want to study, why they want to study it, and what they bring to the table. There is a 4,000-character/47-line limit.
University of British Columbia
UBC asks applicants to fill out a personal profile consisting of five to seven short-answer questions that vary depending on the program you're applying to. Answers should be 50-200 words.
Depending on which degree program you apply to, you’ll be asked to answer some or all of the following questions on the UBC application:
- Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why.
- What is important to you? And why?
- Family/community responsibilities
- Creative or performing arts
- Work/employment
- Service to others
- Tell us more about one or two activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response.
- Additional information: You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC?
- Please submit the names of two referees who know you well and can comment on your preparedness for study at UBC. Examples of referees include an employer, a community member, a coach, a teacher/instructor, or anyone who knows you well. One of the referees you select must be able to speak to one of the activities/experiences described in one of your long-answer responses above. For applicants who are currently attending a high school, one of your referees must be a school official (e.g., Grade 12 or senior year counsellor, teacher, or IB coordinator). Neither referee should be a friend, family member, or paid agent.
Some programs of study may ask applicants to respond to the questions above and some additional, program-specific questions when completing the personal profile.
![one word prompt essay body_cambridge](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hubfs/body_cambridge.jpg)
University of Cambridge
Optional Essays
Some schools don't require an essay from all applicants but do recommend or require an essay for certain programs. I've listed a selection of those prompts below.
Arizona State University
Students applying to the Barrett Honors College at ASU must submit one essay of 300 to 500 words in response to one of the following prompts (your response may be critical or creative):
Prompt 1 Discuss how a specific piece of art (painting, literature, photograph, etc.) or popular culture (song, comic book, etc.) helped you realize something new about yourself or the world. What was that realization, and how did the piece of art or pop culture bring about this change in your thinking? Do not simply describe the piece of art or pop culture; instead, focus on its effect on you and how it makes you a good fit for the Barrett Honors College experience. Prompt 2 Tell us about a habit or way of thinking that others would recognize as “uniquely you.” This is something you value and would hesitate to give up because it is a distinct part of who you are or what makes you different - why is it so? Be sure to share how this aspect of your identity makes you a good fit for the Barrett Honors College experience.
City University of New York
Applicants to Macaulay Honors College must write two essays: an “about you” essay, and an essay describing your plans for college. Each response should be around 500 words, give or take a few within reason.
Essay 1: About you. (Select one of the options below.) Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. OR Tell us about an area or activity, outside of academics, in which you have invested a lot of time and effort. Tell us why. What did you learn? How was it meaningful?
Essay 2: About your plans for college. Please discuss all points below. Why do you want to go to an honors college ? There are many benefits of being a Macaulay student, such as the Macaulay community, special courses, Honors advisement, cultural passport, opportunities funds, and other financial benefits. Please describe how these features will shape you and your college experience, including, what you expect to bring to the college community and what you expect to get out of your college experience.
Florida International University
Only applicants who don't meet the criteria for automatic admissions and whose applications undergo holistic review will need to submit a 500-word essay:
Students requesting appeal or additional review of their admission status must submit a written statement including:
Your goals and educational or professional objectives
A summary/explanation of past academic performance
Information and/or circumstances that may have affected past academic performance
- Any other information the student wishes to have considered
Ohio University
For the Ohio University application, students who've been out of school for more than a year must submit an essay explaining what they've done in their time off from school.
Applicants who have been out of high school for more than one year must submit an essay detailing activities since graduation.
Additionally, applicants to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism are encouraged, though not required, to submit an essay detailing how they want to help shape the future of journalism.
For all other applicants, submitting an essay here is optional; however, if you do wish to write an essay, the application suggests that you describe any academic challenges you’ve faced, academic and career objectives, or involvement in community affairs (recommended length is 250-500 words).
Those interested in Ohio University's OHIO Honors Program (including the Cutler Scholars Program) are required to answer the following essay prompt (limit 250 words):
Students in the OHIO Honors Program represent all majors on campus and take engaging honors courses while applying what they learn outside of the classroom. Students choose from classes and experiences across three pathways: community engagement, research and creative activity, and leadership . Students in OHP can move among the three pathways as their interests evolve and they develop their goals. What pathway is most exciting to you right now, and why?
Finally, those interested in the Honors Tutorial College are must answer the following two essay prompts (in about 500 words each):
HTC Question 1: Please explain why you have chosen your particular program(s) of study.
HTC Question 2: We expect that one reason you seek a tutorial education is for the one-on-one interaction with faculty, but other than that, what interests you about pursuing a tutorial-based undergraduate education? What aspects of your education and life experience have prepared you for a tutorial education with its emphasis on research and creative activity?
![one word prompt essay body_OhioUniversity](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body_OhioUniversity.jpg?width=640&name=body_OhioUniversity.jpg)
Type 1: Questions About a Meaningful Experience
This type of college essay question is the most common. The exact focus of these prompts can vary quite a bit, but they all ask you to reflect on an important experience. Some questions specify a type of experience whereas others don't, simply opting to have applicants write about whatever matters to them.
There are three basic sub-types that you'll see when dealing with these prompts. Let's look at an example of each.
#1: Overcoming a Challenge
These prompts ask about how you dealt with a particular challenge or solved a problem. Below is a typical example of this question type from the MIT application:
Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?
To address a question like this, you need a topic that has real stakes —that is, something that you genuinely struggled with. Even though it can seem as though you should only discuss positive experiences and feelings in your college essay (you want to impress your readers with how awesome you are!), unwavering positivity actually hurts your essay because it makes you seem fake.
Instead, be honest : if you're writing about a negative experience, acknowledge that it was unpleasant or hard and explain why. Doing so will just make your overcoming it that much more impressive.
#2: Engaging With Diversity
Questions about diversity ask how you interact with those who are different from you . See an example below from the Common Application:
When approaching this type of question, you need to show that you're thoughtful about new ideas and perspectives. Colleges are full of students from all kinds of backgrounds, and admissions officers want to know that you'll be accepting of the diversity of other students, even if you don't necessarily agree with them.
Also, make sure to pick a specific instance to focus on. Writing a general essay about how you accept others won't impress admissions officers—you need to show them an example of a time that you did so.
#3: Growing Up
Finally, this type of prompt asks about a transitional experience or rite of passage that made you feel like an adult. I've reprinted another example from the Common App:
For these types of prompts, you want to show personal growth. Explain to the reader not just who you are but also how you've changed . (Really, this is a good idea no matter which prompt you're addressing!)
College can be challenging, so admissions officers want to know that you have the maturity to deal with (likely) living on your own, managing your own life, and planning for your future.
Regardless of the exact prompt, the key to this type of college essay is to show what you've learned from the experience. Admissions officers don't care that much about what happened to you—they care about what you think and feel about that event. That's what will give them a sense of who you are and what kind of college student you'll make.
![one word prompt essay body_graduation-2](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body_graduation-2.jpg?width=333&name=body_graduation-2.jpg)
Once you write a first draft, put it in a drawer for a week. Taking some time away from it will allow you to come back to it with fresh eyes. Then, try to read your essay from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about you. Would they be able to understand the story? Do you explain clearly what you learned? Does your intro grab the reader's attention?
It can also be helpful to ask someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, or peer, to read your essay and give you feedback. Really listen to what they say and think about how you can improve your writing.
Finally, try reading your essay aloud. This will help you catch any weird or awkward phrasings.
What's Next?
If you're struggling with how to approach your personal statement, consider looking at some college essay examples .
The essay is just one part of the college application process. Check out our guide to applying to college for a step-by-step breakdown of what you'll need to do.
Finally, if you're planning to take the SAT or ACT , consider taking a look at our expert test-prep guides for some helpful advice on whatever you might be struggling with.
![one word prompt essay Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151856191907.png)
Trending Now
How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League
How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA
How to Write an Amazing College Essay
What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?
ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?
When should you take the SAT or ACT?
Get Your Free
![one word prompt essay PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)
Find Your Target SAT Score
Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer
Score 800 on SAT Math
Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing
How to Improve Your Low SAT Score
Score 600 on SAT Math
Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing
Find Your Target ACT Score
Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer
Get a 36 on ACT English
Get a 36 on ACT Math
Get a 36 on ACT Reading
Get a 36 on ACT Science
How to Improve Your Low ACT Score
Get a 24 on ACT English
Get a 24 on ACT Math
Get a 24 on ACT Reading
Get a 24 on ACT Science
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
![one word prompt essay Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)
Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.
![](http://blog10.website/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
![one word prompt essay Logo](https://www.prompt-generators.com/logo.png)
Prompt Generators
Writing prompt generator.
Overcome writer's block! Get inspired with our AI-powered writing prompt generator for all genres and styles.
Example of Writing Prompt
Open-Ended Generation: Begin a story/piece with a broad theme or idea.
Example: "Write a story about the concept of time."
Specific Generation: Request a piece on a precise topic.
Example: "Describe the process of photosynthesis."
Visual Generation: Describe an image or scene.
Example: "Write a paragraph about a serene sunset by the ocean."
Dialogue Generation: Create a conversation between characters.
Example: "Write a dialogue between a detective and a suspect."
Scenario or What-If Generation: Pose a hypothetical situation.
Example: "What if humans could breathe underwater?"
First Line Generation: Provide an opening sentence.
Example: "Start a story with the sentence: 'The old mansion had secrets.'
Character Generation: Describe a character's attributes.
Example: "Create a character who is a brilliant but socially awkward scientist."
Fantasy or Sci-Fi World-Building Generation: Develop a fictional world.
Example: "Design a futuristic city on a distant planet."
Character Development Generation: Explore character growth.
Example: "Show how a timid child becomes a courageous hero."
Sentence Expansion Generation: Expand a given sentence.
Example: "Expand on the sentence: 'She walked through the forest, listening to the whispering trees.'
Genre-Specific Generation: Specify a literary genre.
Example: "Write a mystery story set in a small, isolated village."
Reflective or Personal Generation: Encourage personal reflection.
Example: "Share a meaningful life lesson you've learned."
Historical or Research-Based Generation: Request a historical or research-based piece.
Example: "Write an essay on the impact of the Industrial Revolution."
Question Generation: Generate thought-provoking questions.
Example: "Pose five questions about the effects of climate change."
Comparative Generation: Compare two or more subjects.
Example: "Compare and contrast the advantages of city life and rural life."
Persuasive or Argumentative Generation: Write a persuasive argument.
Example: "Argue for or against the use of renewable energy sources."
Poetry Generation: Encourage poetic composition.
Example: "Compose a haiku about a blooming cherry blossom."
Daily or Journaling Generation: Prompt daily journaling.
Example: "Write about your most memorable moment from today."
Flash Fiction Generation: Create a very short story.
Example: "Write a 100-word story about a lost key."
Random Word or Object Generation: Include a random word or object.
Example: "Incorporate the word 'umbrella' into your story."
What is Writing Prompt Generator?
Spark creative writing ideas, overcome writer's block instantly, and generate diverse story concepts. Never face a blank page again - inspiration at your fingertips!
How to use Writing Prompt Generator?
Step1. Select a Prompt Type. Step2. Click the Generate Button. Step3. Get the Universal Prompt Structure and add the area [] you want. Step4. Copy the Prompt. Step5. Paste into GPT (Any Chat Bot) and find better results.
Key features of the Writing Prompt Generator?
List of key features for the Writing Prompt Generator.
*Copy Prompt *Edit Prompt *See Examples *Download Customizable Prompts *Find Universal Prompt Structures with Examples (organized by type) *Customizable Prompts *Free to Use
Have a language expert improve your writing
Check your paper for plagiarism in 10 minutes, generate your apa citations for free.
- Knowledge Base
- College essay
Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary
Published on November 19, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.
If you’re applying for college via the Common App , you’ll have to write an essay in response to one of seven prompts.
Table of contents
What is the common application essay, prompt 1: background, identity, interest, or talent, prompt 2: overcoming challenges, prompt 3: questioning a belief or idea, prompt 4: appreciating an influential person, prompt 5: transformative event, prompt 6: interest or hobby that inspires learning, prompt 7: free topic, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.
The Common Application, or Common App , is a college application portal that is accepted by more than 900 schools.
Within the Common App is your main essay, a primary writing sample that all your prospective schools will read to evaluate your critical thinking skills and value as a student. Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs. Instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.
Regardless of your prompt choice, admissions officers will look for an ability to clearly and creatively communicate your ideas based on the selected prompt.
We’ve provided seven essay examples, one for each of the Common App prompts. After each essay, we’ve provided a table with commentary on the essay’s narrative, writing style and tone, demonstrated traits, and self-reflection.
Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.
This essay explores the student’s emotional journey toward overcoming her father’s neglect through gymnastics discipline.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
When “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” began to play, it was my signal to lay out a winning floor routine. Round off. Back handspring. Double back layout. Stick!
Instead, I jolted off the floor, landing out of bounds. Over the past week, I hadn’t landed that pass once, and regionals were only seven days away. I heaved a heavy sigh and stomped over to the bench.
Coach Farkas saw my consternation. “Mona, get out of your head. You’re way too preoccupied with your tumbling passes. You could do them in your sleep!”
That was the problem. I was dreaming of tumbling and missing my landings, waking up in a cold sweat. The stress felt overwhelming.
“Stretch out. You’re done for tonight.”
I walked home from the gym that had been my second home since fourth grade. Yet my anxiety was increasing every time I practiced.
I startled my mom. “You’re home early! Wait! You walked? Mona, what’s going on?!”
I slumped down at the kitchen table. “Don’t know.”
She sat down across from me. “Does it have anything to do with your father texting you a couple of weeks ago about coming to see you at regionals?”
“So what?! Why does it matter anymore?” He walked out when I was 10 and never looked back. Still, dear ol’ Dad always had a way of resurfacing when I least expected him.
“It still matters because when you hear from him, you tend to crumble. Or have you not noticed?” She offered a knowing wink and a compassionate smile.
I started gymnastics right after Dad left. The coaches said I was a natural: short, muscular, and flexible. All I knew was that the more I improved, the more confident I felt. Gymnastics made me feel powerful, so I gave it my full energy and dedication.
The floor routine became my specialty, and my performances were soon elevating our team score. The mat, solid and stable, became a place to explore and express my internal struggles. Over the years, no matter how angry I felt, the floor mat was there to absorb my frustration.
The bars, beam, and vault were less forgiving because I knew I could fall. My performances in those events were respectable. But, the floor? Sometimes, I had wildly creative and beautiful routines, while other times were disastrous. Sadly, my floor routine had never been consistent.
That Saturday afternoon, I slipped into the empty gym and walked over to the mat. I sat down and touched its carpeted surface. After a few minutes, my cheeks were wet with the bitter disappointment of a dad who only showed up when it was convenient for him. I ruminated on the years of practices and meets where I had channeled my resentment into acrobatics and dance moves, resolved to rise higher than his indifference.
I saw then that my deepest wounds were inextricably entangled with my greatest passion. They needed to be permanently separated. While my anger had first served to launch me into gymnastics, before long, I had started serving my anger.
Anger is a cruel master. It corrupts everything it touches, even something as beautiful as a well-choreographed floor routine.
I changed my music days before regionals. “The Devil” no longer had a place in my routine. Instead, I chose an energetic cyberpunk soundtrack that inspired me to perform with passion and laser focus. Dad made an obligatory appearance at regionals, but he left before I could talk to him.
It didn’t matter this time. I stuck every landing in my routine. Anger no longer controlled me. I was finally free.
Word count: 601
The student makes a unique connection, showing how her troubled relationship with her floor routine is connected to her anger at her absent father. However, rather than focusing on her difficult past, she highlights a key moment when she overcame her anger and made peace with her relationships with her dad and with gymnastics. | |
The essay uses a conversational tone but selectively employs elevated language that fits the student’s vocabulary range. The student uses personification to illustrate her close relationship to anger and gymnastics, such as “anger is a cruel master” and “the bars, beam, and vault were less forgiving.” | |
Through showing, not telling, the student clearly demonstrates dedication, hard work, and resilience. She also displays her commitment to emotional growth and character. | |
In the final paragraphs, the student contemplates her troubled relationship with her floor routine and realizes its connection to her absent father. She explains how this insight healed her and allowed her to freely perform without anger. |
This essay shows how the challenges the student faced in caring for her sister with autism resulted in an unexpected path forward in her education.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
I never had a choice.
My baby sister was born severely autistic, which meant that every detail of our home life was repeatedly adjusted to manage her condition. I couldn’t go to bed without fearing that Mindy would wake up screaming with that hoarse little voice of hers. I couldn’t have friends over on weekends because we never knew if our entire family would need to shift into crisis mode to help Mindy regain control.
We couldn’t take a family vacation because Mindy would start hitting us during a long car ride when she didn’t want to sit there anymore. We couldn’t even celebrate Christmas like a normal family because Mindy would shriek and run away when we tried to give her presents.
I was five years old when Mindy was born. For the first ten years, I did everything I could to help my mom with Mindy. But Mom was depressed and would often stare out the window, as if transfixed by the view. Dad was no help either. He used his job as an excuse to be away from home. So, I tried to make up for both of them and rescue Mindy however I could whenever she needed it.
However, one day, when I was slowly driving Mindy around with the windows down, trying to lull her into a calmer state, we passed two of my former classmates from middle school. They heard Mindy growling her disapproval as the ride was getting long for her. One of them turned to the other and announced, “Oh my God! Marabeth brought her pet monster out for a drive!” They laughed hysterically and ran down the street.
After that day, I defied my parents at every turn. I also ignored Mindy. I even stopped doing homework. I purposely “got in with the wrong crowd” and did whatever they did.
My high school counselor Ms. Martinez saw through it all. She knew my family’s situation well. It didn’t take her long to guess what had probably happened.
“Marabeth, I get it. My brother has Down syndrome. It was really hard growing up with him as a brother. The other kids were pretty mean about it, especially in high school.”
I doubted she understood. “Yeah. So?”
“I’m guessing something happened that hurt or embarrassed you.”
“I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how you must have felt.”
It must have been the way she said it because I suddenly found myself sobbing into my trembling, cupped hands.
Ms. Martinez and I met every Friday after that for the rest of the year. Her stories of how she struggled to embrace living with and loving her brother created a bridge to my pain and then my healing. She explained that her challenges led her to pursue a degree in counseling so that she could offer other people what no one had given her.
I thought that Mindy was the end of my life, but, because of Ms. Martinez’s example and kindness, I can now see that Mindy is a gift, pointing me toward my future.
Now, I’m applying to study psychology so that I can go on to earn my master’s degree in counseling. I’m learning to forgive my parents for their mistakes, and I’m back in Mindy’s life again, but this time as a sister, not a savior. My choice.
Word Count: 553
The essay has a logical flow. It starts by explaining the student’s challenges as her sister’s caretaker, describes her breaking point, and then shows how her counselor pointed her toward a new perspective and career path. It also avoids dwelling on negative details and concludes with a positive outlook and action. | |
The student’s tone is appropriately conversational to illustrate her feelings with vulnerability. | |
The essay clearly shows the student’s commitment, resilience, and sacrifice through the narrative of her caring for her sister. | |
The student reveals her honest thoughts and feelings. She also explains how her counselor helped her see her sister as a gift who motivated her to pursue a meaningful career path. |
This essay illustrates a student’s courage in challenging his culture’s constructs of manhood and changing his course while positively affecting his father in the process.
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
“No son of mine is gonna march around a football field wearing tail feathers while all the real men are playing football!”
I took a step backward and tried not to appear as off-balance as I felt. In my excitement, I had blurted out more information than my father could handle:
“Dad! I made the marching band as a freshman! Nobody does that—I mean nobody!”
As soon as I had said it, I wished I could recall those words. How could I forget that 26 years earlier, he had been the starting wide receiver for the state-champion Tigers on the same field?!
Still, when I opened the email on that scorching hot August afternoon, I was thrilled that five months of practicing every possible major and harmonic minor scale—two octaves up and two octaves down—had made the difference. I had busted reed after reed, trying not to puff my cheeks while moving my fingers in a precise cadence.
I knew he had heard me continually practicing in my room, yet he seemed to ignore all the parts of me that were incongruous with his vision of manhood:
Ford F-150 4x4s. Pheasant hunting. The Nebraska Cornhuskers.
I never had to wonder what he valued. For years, I genuinely shared his interests. But, in the fall of eighth grade, I heard Kyle Wheeling play a saxophone solo during the homecoming marching band halftime show. My dad took me to every football game to teach me the plays, but that night, all I could think about was Kyle’s bluesy improv at halftime.
During Thanksgiving break, I got my mom to drive me into Omaha to rent my instrument at Dietze Music, and, soon after, I started private lessons with Mr. Ken. Before long, I was spending hours in my room, exploring each nuance of my shiny Yamaha alto sax, anticipating my audition for the Marching Tigers at the end of the spring semester.
During those months of practice, I realized that I couldn’t hide my newfound interest forever, especially not from the football players who were going to endlessly taunt me. But not all the guys played football. Some were in choir and theater. Quite a few guys were in the marching band. In fact, the Marching Tigers had won the grand prize in their division at last year’s state showdown in Lincoln.
I was excited! They were the champions, and I was about to become a part of their legacy.
Yet, that afternoon, a sense of anxiety brewed in my belly. I knew I had to talk to him.
He was sweeping the grass clippings off of the sidewalk. He nodded.
“I need to tell you something.”
He looked up.
“I know that you know about my sax because you hear me practicing. I like it a lot, and I’m becoming pretty good at it. I still care about what you like, but I’m starting to like some other things more. I hope you’ll be proud of me whatever I choose.”
He studied the cracks in the driveway. “I am proud of you. I just figured you’d play football.”
We never talked about it again, but that fall, he was in the stands when our marching band won the state championship in Lincoln for the second time. In fact, for the next four years, he never left the stands during halftime until the marching band had performed. He was even in the audience for every performance of “Our Town” at the end of my junior year. I played the Stage Manager who reveals the show’s theme: everything changes gradually.
I know it’s true. Things do change over time, even out here in central Nebraska. I know because I’ve changed, and my dad has changed, too. I just needed the courage to go first.
Word count: 626
The essay starts with a picture of confrontation that directly reflects the prompt. It then paints a chronological narrative of the student’s journey toward change, while using the literary device of flashback in the middle to add background and clarity to the story. | |
The student uses a conversational yet respectful tone for a college essay. He effectively uses dialogue to highlight important moments of conflict and mutual understanding throughout the story. | |
The student clearly demonstrates the qualities of self-reflection, courage, and integrity without directly claiming to have them (show, don’t tell). | |
The student offers an honest assessment of his culture’s traditional views of manhood, his reasons for challenging them, and his appreciation for his father’s acceptance of his choices. |
The student demonstrates how his teacher giving him an unexpected bad grade was the catalyst for his becoming a better writer.
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
I stared in disbelief at the big red letter at the top of my paper: D.
Never in my entire high school career had I seen that letter at the top of any paper, unless it was at the beginning of my first name.
I had a 4.796 GPA. I had taken every pre-AP and AP course offered. My teachers had praised my writing skills! However, Mr. Trimble didn’t think so, and he let me know it:
“Darwin, in the future, I believe you can do better if you fully apply yourself.”
I furiously scanned the paper for corrections. Not even one! Grammar and syntax? Perfect. Spelling? Impeccable. Sentence and paragraph structure? Precise and indisputable, as always.
Was he trying to ruin my GPA? Cooper was clearly his favorite, and we were neck and neck for valedictorian, which was only one year away. Maybe they were conspiring to take me down.
Thankfully, AP Composition was my last class. I fled the room and ran to my car. Defiant tears stained my cheeks as I screeched my tires and roared out of the parking lot. When I got home, I shoved in my AirPods, flopped on my bed, and buried my head under the pillow.
I awoke to my sister, Daria, gently shaking my arm. “I know what happened, D. Trimble stopped me in the hall after school.”
“I’m sure he did. He’s trying to ruin my life.”
“That’s not what he told me. You should talk to him, D.”
The next day, although I tried to avoid Mr. Trimble at all costs, I almost tripped over him as I was coming out of the bathroom.
“Darwin, can we talk?”
He walked me down the hall to his room. “Do you know that you’re one of the best writers I’ve ever had in AP Comp?”
“Then why’d you do it?”
“Because you’re better than you know, Darwin. You impress with your perfect presentations, and your teachers reward you with A’s and praise. I do frequent the teacher’s lounge, you know.”
“So I know you’re not trying.”
I locked eyes with him and glared.
“You’ve never had to try because you have a gift. And, in the midst of the acclaim, you’ve never pushed yourself to discover your true capabilities.”
“So you give me a D?!”
“It got your attention.”
“You’re not going to leave it, are you?”
“Oh, the D stands. You didn’t apply yourself. You’ll have to earn your way out with your other papers.”
I gained a new understanding of the meaning of ambivalence. Part of me was furious at the injustice of the situation, but I also felt strangely challenged and intrigued. I joined a local writer’s co-op and studied K. M. Weiland’s artistic writing techniques.
Multiple drafts, track changes, and constructive criticism became my new world. I stopped taking Mr. Trimble’s criticism personally and began to see it as a precious tool to bolster me, not break me down.
Last week, the New York Public Library notified me that I was named one of five finalists for the Young Lions Fiction Award. They described my collection of short stories as “fresh, imaginative, and captivating.”
I never thought I could be grateful for a D, but Mr. Trimble’s insightful courage was the catalyst that transformed my writing and my character. Just because other people applaud you for being the best doesn’t mean you’re doing your best .
AP Composition is now recorded as an A on my high school transcript, and Cooper and I are still locked in a tight race for the finish line. But, thanks to Mr. Trimble, I have developed a different paradigm for evaluation: my best. And the more I apply myself, the better my best becomes.
Word Count: 627
The essay begins with an attention-grabbing statement that immediately captures the essence of surprise requested in the prompt. The story then unfolds in a logical sequence, taking the reader on a journey of unexpected transformation. | |
The student uses an accessible, casual tone that works well in light of his expertise in writing. His use of dialogue with nicknames and colloquialism brings a conversational tone to the storyline. | |
The student openly shows his motivation for success and his feelings toward his peers and teacher. However, he demonstrates humility in accepting criticism, responding with a diligent attempt to improve his writing skills. | |
The essay concludes with growth in the student’s character and self-discipline while his circumstances remained the same. He brings the prompt full circle, expressing his gratitude toward his teacher. |
This student narrates how she initially went to church for a boy but instead ended up confronting her selfishness by helping others.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Originally, I went to church not because I was searching for Jesus but because I liked a boy.
Isaac Ono wasn’t the most athletic boy in our class, nor was he the cutest. But I was amazed by his unusual kindness toward everyone. If someone was alone or left out, he’d walk up to them and say hello or invite them to hang out with him and his friends.
I started waking up at 7:30 a.m. every Sunday morning to attend Grace Hills Presbyterian, where Isaac’s father was the pastor. I would strategically sit in a pew not too close but close enough to Isaac that when the entire congregation was instructed to say “Peace be with you,” I could “happen” to shake Isaac’s hand and make small talk.
One service, as I was staring at the back of Isaac’s head, pondering what to say to him, my hearing suddenly tuned in to his father’s sermon.
“There’s no such thing as a good or bad person.”
My eyes snapped onto Pastor Marcus.
“I used to think I was a good person who came from a respectable family and did nice things. But people aren’t inherently good or bad. They just make good or bad choices.”
My mind raced through a mental checklist of whether my past actions fell mostly into the former or latter category.
“As it says in Deuteronomy 30:15, ‘I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.’ Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do good.”
I glanced to my left and saw Margaret, underlining passages in her study Bible and taking copious notes.
Months earlier, I had befriended Margaret. We had fourth-period Spanish together but hadn’t interacted much. She was friends with Isaac, so I started hanging out with her to get closer to him. But eventually, the two of us were spending hours in the Starbucks parking lot having intense discussions about religion, boys, and our futures until we had to return home before curfew.
After hearing the pastor’s sermon, I realized that what I had admired about Isaac was also present in Margaret and other people at church: a welcoming spirit. I’m pretty sure Margaret knew of my ulterior motives for befriending her, but she never called me out on it.
After that day, I started paying more attention to Pastor Marcus’s sermons and less attention to Isaac. One year, our youth group served Christmas Eve dinner to the homeless and ate with them. I sat across from a woman named Lila who told me how child services had taken away her four-year-old daughter because of her financial and living situation.
A few days later, as I sat curled up reading the book of James, my heart suddenly felt heavy.
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
I thought back to Pastor Marcus’s sermon on good and bad actions, Lila and her daughter, and the times I had passed people in need without even saying hello.
I decided to put my faith into action. The next week, I started volunteering at the front desk of a women’s shelter, helping women fill out forms or watching their kids while they talked with social workers.
From working for the past year at the women’s shelter, I now know I want to major in social work, caring for others instead of focusing on myself. I may not be a good person (or a bad one), but I can make good choices, helping others with every opportunity God gives me.
Word count: 622
The narrative begins by clearly identifying the prompt: the event of church attendance. It has a clear story arc, starting with the student’s church experiences, moving on to her self-examination, and concluding with the changes she made to her behavior and goals to serve others. | |
The student uses dialogue to highlight key moments of realization and transformation. The essay’s tone is casual, helping the reader feel comfortable in the student’s thoughts and memory. | |
The student displays an unusual level of self-awareness and maturity by revealing an ulterior motive, the ability to self-reflect, and a desire to authentically apply theoretical teachings in a real-world setting. | |
While the topic of church and conversion is common, the student’s narrative weaves in unexpected elements to create interest while clearly answering the prompt. |
This essay shows how a student’s natural affinity for solving a Rubik’s cube developed her self-understanding, academic achievement, and inspiration for her future career.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
The worst part about writing is putting down my Rubik’s cube so that I can use my hands to type. That’s usually the worst part of tackling my to-do list: setting aside my Rubik’s cube. My parents call it an obsession. But, for me, solving a Rubik’s cube challenges my brain as nothing else can.
It started on my ninth birthday. I invited three friends for a sleepover party, and I waited to open my presents right before bed. Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows flew through the air as I oohed and aahed over each delightful gift! However, it was the last gift—a 3 x 3 x 3 cube of little squares covered in red, green, blue, yellow, white, and orange—that intrigued me.
I was horrified when Bekka ripped it out of my hands and messed it all up! I had no idea how to make all the sides match again. I waited until my friends were fast asleep. Then, I grabbed that cube and studied it under my blanket with a flashlight, determined to figure out how to restore it to its former pristine state.
Within a few weeks, I had discovered the secret. To practice, I’d take my cube with me to recess and let the other kids time me while I solved it in front of them. The better I became, the more they gathered around. But I soon realized that their attention didn’t matter all that much. I loved solving cubes for hours wherever I was: at lunch, riding in the car, or alone in my room.
Cross. White corners. Middle-layer edges. Yellow cross. Sune and anitsune.
The sequential algorithms became second nature, and with the assistance of a little black digital timer, I strove to solve the cube faster , each time attempting to beat my previous record. I watched speed solvers on YouTube, like Australia’s Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park from Massachusetts, but I wasn’t motivated to compete as they did. I watched their videos to learn how to improve my time. I liked finding new, more efficient ways of mastering the essential 78 separate cube-solving algorithms.
Now, I understand why my passion for my Rubik’s cube has never waned. Learning and applying the various algorithms soothes my brain and centers my emotions, especially when I feel overwhelmed from being around other people. Don’t get me wrong: I like other people—just in doses.
While some people get recharged by spending time with others, I can finally breathe when I’m alone with my cube. Our psychology teacher says the difference between an extrovert and an introvert is the situations that trigger their brains to produce dopamine. For me, it’s time away, alone, flipping through cube patterns to set a new personal best.
Sometimes, the world doesn’t cooperate with introverts, requiring them to interact with many people throughout the day. That’s why you’ll often find me in the stairwell or a library corner attempting to master another one of the 42 quintillion ways to solve a cube. My parents tease me that when I’ve “had enough” of anything, my fingers get a Rubik’s itch, and I suddenly disappear. I’m usually occupied for a while, but when I finally emerge, I feel centered, prepared to tackle my next task.
Secretly, I credit my cube with helping me earn top marks in AP Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. It’s also responsible for my interest in computer engineering. It seems I just can’t get enough of those algorithms, which is why I want to study the design and implementation of cybersecurity software—all thanks to my Rubik’s cube.
Just don’t tell my parents! It would ruin all the fun!
Word count: 607
The student immediately captures the reader’s attention with an unexpected statement that captures the prompt’s focus on captivation. Her writing clearly illustrates her love for the Rubik’s cube, showing how the cube has helped her emotionally and academically and inspired her choice of major. | |
The student uses a conversational tone while inserting elevated language and concepts that surround her field of interest. She also uses the “I” to personalize her experience. | |
Through her detailed narrative of her Rubik’s cube hobby, the student demonstrates perseverance, focus, curiosity, and an uncanny ability to solve problems. | |
The student shows awareness of her introversion by explaining how the Rubik’s cube helps her emotionally recharge. She also credits her hobby with helping her in her studies and inspiring her intended major. |
In this free topic essay, the student uses a montage structure inspired by the TV show Iron Chef America to demonstrate his best leadership moments.
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition
The time has come to answer college’s most difficult question: Whose story shows glory?
This is … Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition!
Welcome to Kitchen Stadium! Today we have Chef Brett Lowell. Chef Brett will be put to the test to prove he has what it takes to attend university next fall.
And the secret ingredient is … leadership! He must include leadership in each of his dishes, which will later be evaluated by a panel of admissions judges.
So now, America, with a creative mind and empty paper, I say unto you in the words of my teacher: “Let’s write!”
Appetizer: My first leadership experience
A mountain of mismatched socks, wrinkled jeans, and my dad’s unironed dress shirts sat in front of me. Laundry was just one of many chores that welcomed me home once I returned from my after-school job at Baskin Robbins, a gig I had taken last year to help Dad pay the rent. A few years earlier, I wasn’t prepared to cook dinners, pay utility bills, or pick up and drop off my brothers. I thought those jobs were reserved for parents. However, when my father was working double shifts at the power plant and my mom was living in Tucson with her new husband, Bill, I stepped up and took care of the house and my two younger brothers.
Main course: My best leadership experience
Between waiting for the pasta water to boil and for the next laundry cycle to be finished, I squeezed in solving a few practice precalculus problems to prepare for the following week’s mathletics competition. I liked how the equations always had clear, clean answers, which calmed me among the mounting responsibilities of home life. After leading my team to the Minnesota State Finals for two years in a row, I was voted team captain. Although my home responsibilities often competed with my mathlete duties, I tried to be as productive as possible in my free time. On the bus ride home, I would often tackle 10 to 20 functions or budget the following week’s meals and corresponding grocery list. My junior year was rough, but both my home and my mathlete team needed me.
Dessert: My future leadership hopes
The first thing I ever baked was a chocolate cake in middle school. This was around the time that Mom had just moved out and I was struggling with algebra. Troubles aside, one day my younger brother Simon needed a contribution for his school’s annual bake sale, and the PTA moms wouldn’t accept anything store-bought. So I carefully measured out the teaspoons and cups of various flours, powders, and oils, which resulted in a drooping, too-salty disaster.
Four years later, after a bakery’s worth of confections and many hours of study, I’ve perfected my German chocolate cake and am on my way to mastering Calculus AB. I’ve also thrown out the bitter-tasting parts of my past such as my resentment and anger toward my mom. I still miss having her at home, but whenever I have a baking question or want to update her on my mathlete team’s success, I call her or chat with her over text.
Whether in school or life, I see problems as opportunities, not obstacles, to find a better way to solve them more efficiently. I hope to continue improving my problem-solving skills next fall by majoring in mathematics and statistics.
Time’s up!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tasting of Chef Lowell’s leadership experiences. Next fall, tune in to see him craft new leadership adventures in college. He’s open to refining his technique and discovering new recipes.
Word count: 612
The student uses a popular TV cooking show as an unexpected concept to display his leadership abilities. Since the prompt is open-ended, the student has more room to craft his response. | |
The essay juxtaposes the contrived nature of a TV show’s script with a conversational narrative of the student’s leadership stories. | |
Each story effectively showcases the student’s leadership by showing, not telling. Rather than saying “I’m a great leader,” he provides specific instances of his best moments of demonstrated leadership. | |
The student honestly shares his reservations about his mother’s new life but shows how he was able to reconcile aspects of their relationship as time passed. |
If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Academic writing
- Writing process
- Transition words
- Passive voice
- Paraphrasing
Communication
- How to end an email
- Ms, mrs, miss
- How to start an email
- I hope this email finds you well
- Hope you are doing well
Parts of speech
- Personal pronouns
- Conjunctions
The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this essay to understand your character, background, and value as a potential student.
Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs; instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.
When writing your Common App essay , choose a prompt that sparks your interest and that you can connect to a unique personal story.
No matter which prompt you choose, admissions officers are more interested in your ability to demonstrate personal development , insight, or motivation for a certain area of study.
To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:
- Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
- Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories
You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.
A standout college essay has several key ingredients:
- A unique, personally meaningful topic
- A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
- Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
- Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
- Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
- A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Courault, K. (2023, May 31). Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/common-app-examples/
Is this article helpful?
![one word prompt essay Kirsten Courault](https://www.scribbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/kirsten-headshot-new.jpg)
Kirsten Courault
Other students also liked, college essay examples | what works and what doesn't, how to apply for college | timeline, templates & checklist, how to write a diversity essay | tips & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".
I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”
- Grammar Checker
- Paraphrasing Tool
- Critique Report
- Writing Reports
- Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
- Grammar Guide
Free Writing Prompt Generator
Get unique writing prompts and ideas for stories, blogs, and projects. Perfect for writers and creators.
[Give me a prompt for...]
Sign up to get 3 Sparks per day or check out our paid plans to get even more.
We are unable to generate rephrasings for this text. Please try a different piece of text.
Why use our writing prompt generator?
Generate prompts at the click of a button. If you're not satisfied with the result, simply try again.
Create high-quality content
Strengthen your writing with content that engages your readers and leaves them wanting more.
Explore AI capabilities
Leverage ProWritingAid's AI to help with writer's block. Create counterarguments, explanations, analogies, examples, and more
Explore ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid does more than prompts. It improves your writing in every aspect.
Find the perfect words
Rewrite text using AI Sparks by ProWritingAid. You can improve readability, paraphrase, change tense, and more.
Instantly fix mistakes
ProWritingAid checks your writing for grammar, spelling, and style errors. If any mistakes are found, it will offer immediate suggestions on how to fix them.
Get feedback on your writing
Use ProWritingAid's reports to get feedback on your writing. Analyze your story, characters, plots, and more.
Get help with writer's block
Explore new ways to overcome writer ' s block using AI Sparks. Generate dialogue, sensory detail, examples, and explanations.
ProWritingAid is used by every type of writer
Join over 3 million users improving their writing.
I am continually impressed with the positive input this program offers me every time I sit down to write. My skills have improved immensely since I bought it, and I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to have more confidence in their own writing.
![one word prompt essay Product review headshot](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/40x40/4052a6a7f8/product-review-headshot-ginger-wakem.png/m/)
Ginger Wakem
I've tried every free and paid writing/editing/grammar extension out there, and this by far is the best one my team and I have found. It's fast, accurate, and really helps improve your writing beyond simple grammar suggestions.
![one word prompt essay product-review-headshot](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/224x225/5e8fbfdedf/product-review-headshot-joel-widmer.png/m/)
Joel Widmer
ProWritingAid has been a resource in my writer toolkit for many years. The program helps me to craft and clarify my stories for a better reader experience. Your editor will thank you for making their job easier.
![one word prompt essay Product review headshot](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/225x225/0d51bdd2bc/product-review-headshot-siera-london.png/m/)
Siera London
Works in all your favorite writing apps
Access all ProWritingAid's features directly in your writing app of choice.
Writing prompt generator FAQs
What is prowritingaid.
ProWritingAid is a digital toolkit that helps you craft your story and bring it to life.
ProWritingAid helps you unlock the full potential of your story by fixing grammatical errors, improving sentence clarity, and creating more engaging prose. Plus, it integrates with any writing app, so you can get support in whichever one you use.
It’s like having an English teacher, professional editor, writing buddy and honest critic sitting inside your favorite writing app.
Is ProWritingAid free?
A free account allows you to edit and run reports on up to 500 words. It also gives you three AI Sparks per day, which are needed to generate prompts. If you want more, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan .
Why use a writing prompt generator?
A writing prompt generator is a great way to spark creativity, overcome writer's block, and get fresh ideas for stories, blogs, and projects.
It helps you speed up your writing and maintain momentum, which is a common difficulty when writing for long periods of time.
How do I generate prompts in-app?
Follow these steps:
Write the prompt—e.g., "give me a prompt for the romance genre."
Click " Sparks. "
Then select the "Continue Writing" option from the drop-down menu.
What software integrations does ProWritingAid offer?
ProWritingAid works in all major writing apps, like MS Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, Atticus, Apple Notes, and more. To access ProWritingAid in a computer-based writing app, you must install Desktop Everywhere. If you’re writing online, we offer browser extensions (Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge). Click here to learn more.
Generate Prompts With Ease
Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :
What are your chances of acceptance?
Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.
Your chancing factors
Extracurriculars.
![one word prompt essay one word prompt essay](https://blog.collegevine.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/wordpress.jpg)
3 Excellent Brown “Joy” Essay Examples
What’s covered:, essay example #1 – latin, essay example #2 – driving.
- Essay Example #3 – Drawing
- Where to Get Your Brown Essays Edited
Brown is one of the most selective schools in the country, which means grades and test scores won’t get you in on their own. You also want to show off your more intangible personal qualities, so that admissions officers get a complete picture of who you are beyond the numbers.
The “joy” prompt, which Brown has had for several years, is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that, by sharing something about yourself with admissions officers that wouldn’t appear on any resume, but is a fundamental part of who you are. College applications can feel quite dry, so when you get the chance to liven things up with this kind of prompt, make sure you take full advantage of it!
Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.
If you want detailed guidance on how to tackle the “joy” prompt, and Brown’s other supplemental essays, check out our Brown essay breakdown !
Brown “Joy” Prompt
The following essays respond to this prompt:
Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)
Since this prompt doesn’t fit neatly into one of the classic supplemental essay boxes (like “Why School?” or “Why Major?” ), you may not be quite sure where to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled three responses real students wrote to this prompt. You can read the essays below, and get our breakdowns of each one’s strengths and weaknesses.
I remember being a fourth-grade “puella”, discovering the joy of chanting declensions with my classmates. Since then, my passion for Latin and mythology has expanded by reading books like Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods to Homer’s The Odyssey. I’ll never embody a character as well as I played the mythological Psyche in my fifth-grade Latin presentation.
I’ve always compared my Latin homework to my math homework. It’s very methodical, translating each phrase and then trying new ways to create a coherent sentence. Whenever I’d spent a good twenty minutes sorting through the puzzle of words to make a sentence, that moment where it finally made sense was euphoric.
These translation and mythology skills I’d developed over the years would become essential about halfway through my freshman year Latin class when I was introduced to the revolutionary game of Certamen. Certamen is like Latin jeopardy with questions themed after classical history, mythology, translation, and grammar. A familiar feeling of competition surges through me each time my teammate of three years and I start a game of Certamen. With our handy doorbell buzz button and endless knowledge of Latin derivatives, we currently maintain a three-year Certamen win streak that I intend to keep until I graduate. The light-bulb that goes off in my head whenever I finally grasp the meaning of a Latin passage has become addicting throughout the years, and I hope to continue experiencing that joy at Brown University.
What the Essay Did Well
This essay does a great job of answering the prompt! Brown wants to know about something that brings you joy, and the student shared multiple responses, “chanting declensions with my classmates,” “sorting through the puzzles of words to make a sentence,” and “Certamen.”
While this student shares several things that bring them joy, they all fall under the theme of Latin which reveals the student’s broad interest in the subject. Further, the student does well making their interest relevant to Brown by hinting in the last sentence that this is something they want to continue to experience at Brown University. The reader learns not only about the writer’s interests but also that they’re going to bring this interest in Latin to their time at Brown. It’s always great when the reader can get an idea of what you want to do as a student on campus at their university!
The writer also describes the game of “Certamen” well by showing and not telling. For example, sentences like, “With our handy doorbell buzz button and endless knowledge of Latin derivatives…” and “A familiar feeling of competition surges through me,” paint a picture of the game. The reader understands that the writer loves the game of Certamen just by these descriptions; the student doesn’t have to directly say “I love Certamen.” Showing, rather than telling, makes an essay more immersive and shows off your writing skills.
What Could Be Improved
The second paragraph of this essay shares a bit about why the writer likes their Latin homework, but other than being about Latin, this paragraph doesn’t fit in well with the rest of the essay. Latin homework and puzzles aren’t mentioned in either of the other paragraphs, and the transitions between paragraphs could be stronger.
Right now, the writer connects the second paragraph to the third by saying just, “These translation skills.” This transition could be improved by the student writing a stronger transition sentence from the first to the second paragraph. They could say, “In middle school I started getting more homework for Latin, but I didn’t mind because I’ve always compared it to my math homework.” This would emphasize their love for Latin and show that it’s a subject they’ve studied throughout the years. Transition sentences are important so that each paragraph contributes to the essay.
The writer could also improve the essay by focusing more on recent stories and examples of their love for Latin and mythology. They spend the first two paragraphs starting with fourth grade and going through the years until they reach high school in the final paragraph. It’s okay to share an interest or something that’s brought you joy for a long time, but when you mention the distant past, it’s best to keep that part limited. The reader wants to learn more about who you are now and your current interests. The writer could have instead given examples of recent translation projects or recent mythology books they’ve read.
Sitting behind the steering wheel, with the low hum of my music and the engine as background noise, I breathe in the familiarity of the 5-mile radius I generally commute within. My windows are rolled down and my sunroof is wide open, weather permitting, as the wind threatens to defenestrate my possessions. But I enjoy it immensely. The drive is refreshingly liberating: it feels like I can do anything and go anywhere I desire. As someone who frequently feels overwhelmed by the idea that most of my life is outside my control, a drive will often cure that feeling. The freedom of driving dissipates those worries.
My most frequent destination is Starbucks, not the one closest to my home, but rather the franchise that is a mile or two further. It allows me to enjoy the drive for longer than just a few minutes, extending an otherwise hasty experience to offer more time in reflection. Upon arriving and picking up my mobile order, I return to my car and savor my coffee, all while appreciating the music and experience. The coffee is an impeccable companion, both in its rich taste and the endeavor of acquiring it.
During my most stressful weeks, I can rely on my trips to get coffee as an outlet to forget my assignments and worries. The solitude of the activity is a rare opportunity for reflection: a joyful adventure all around.
It isn’t easy to make a mundane topic like driving to get coffee interesting, but this student was able to do just that! They did a great job of beautifully describing an outing that gives them joy. Specifically, the writer uses imagery well in sentences like: “My windows are rolled down and my sunroof is wide open, weather permitting, as the wind threatens to defenestrate my possessions.” It’s easy for the reader to imagine the possessions about to fly away!
Other strong description words help with this, as well. The writer describes the “rich taste” of the coffee and the “engine of background noise.” By painting a picture of some of the five senses, the writer is able to bring the reader into the moment and create a compelling story.
The writer does a great job of sharing why the act of driving to Starbucks brings them joy. These details help this essay go beyond just a pretty story by helping the reader to learn about the student.
From moments like, “As someone who frequently feels overwhelmed by the idea that most of my life is outside my control, a drive will often cure that feeling,” readers learn one of the reasons why driving brings the student joy. Additionally, readers learn that this is a joyous moment for the writer because it serves as a time for reflection. These small details are great to include because they show why the reader is joyful!
While the writer does a good job of inserting details that explain why they love driving to Starbucks, the reader still only learns a limited amount about the writer. The only interests shared are that the reader enjoys driving and Starbucks.
Supplemental essays like this are a great chance for students to share interests that they don’t have a chance to include anywhere else on their application. For example, the writer could have written about their love for photography and how taking photographs of dogs brings them joy. That would teach the reader more about who the writer is as a person and what they would bring to Brown University.
Some sentences do a great job of sharing details and painting a picture of the scene; however, there are a few places where the author could provide even further details. For example, what kind of coffee are they drinking? Is it a grande iced white mocha, or a venti java chip frappuccino ? What music are they listening to on the radio? Sharing these kinds of details would allow the reader to learn more about the author and their interests, which is great for a topic like this, where the goal is for the student to share an interest they have not mentioned in their application.
Essay Example #3 – Drawing
My dusty sketchbook must dread the moments I decide to take it off my desk. Every time I pick it up to use, it results in piles of graphite and eraser shavings everywhere in my room. I’ve gone through so many boxes of pencils, I think Ticonderoga must know me by now. The sketchbook of mine has seen better days – days where it looked pristine and without blemish.
I love to draw. Yes the final result provides fantastic amusement to my eyes, but the process of the entire drawing allures me to this hobby. The second the fine point of my pencil hits the devoid paper, wonders only comparable to music begin to formulate. Each stroke of the pencil leaves a mark surpassing in magnificence to the one before. The freedom to pour out my thoughts into a sheet of paper astonishes me and provides me with a feeling of bliss and comfort.
Each sheet of paper is brimmed with portraits; my loved ones, friends, even strangers take up the space in my book, but for good reason. After I finish each drawing, I simply give it to them. I do cherish the journey I take with my art, but the smile on their faces when I give them my art is nothing less than beautiful. Even the most majestic of artists wouldn’t be able to capture the raw nature of that smile. For that is where I am given the most joy, in the smiles of others.
What The Essay Did Well
This essay does a superb job of using particularly sophisticated and vibrant language! The word choice is memorable and striking, which both keeps readers engaged and demonstrates the author’s broad vocabulary. Vivid images like the dusty sketchbook and the eraser shavings, or the notebook brimming with drawings, draw us in, before phrases like “wonders only comparable to music” and “the raw nature of that smile” drive home the applicant’s deep personal connection to their topic.
The author’s confident, unique voice is another strength here. From the playful tone in the beginning of the essay, to the impassioned description of the student’s process, and finally, the reflection on the humanity of drawing, we get to know the author’s personality. They come across as funny, thoughtful, and generous, thanks to the details they include and the tone they use when presenting them.
Most importantly, the command of language and the personal tone come together to convey the author’s true passion for drawing, and the joy they find in that activity. Ultimately, any college essay needs to address the prompt, which this one does clearly and comprehensively. The mastery of language and vibrant personality are what take the essay from good to great, but the real key to this essay’s success is its connection to the prompt, as without that, Brown admissions officers wouldn’t get the information they’re looking for.
What Could Be Improved
With an essay this strong, it’s tough to imagine what could make it better. At this point, changes would mainly make the essay different, not necessarily better or worse. However, considering alternative approaches can still be productive, since everyone has a slightly different way of telling their story.
For example, the student could have spent a little more time explaining their decision to give their portraits away. Right now, the essay ends with something of a plot twist, as we learn that what brings the student the most joy is in fact not the act of drawing, but the smiles of others after receiving their work.
This “cliffhanger” ending is striking and memorable, but we also miss out on learning more about the student’s personality. Drawing is usually a solitary pursuit, but for this student, it’s clearly a more social activity, and they could have spent a bit more time exploring this aspect of their art to further set themselves apart from other applicants.
Again, though, this suggestion is more likely to subtly shift the tone of the essay than make it drastically better. Calling a college essay “done” can be stressful, but this essay is a good reminder that, at a certain point, your energy is going to be more productively spent on other aspects of your application.
Where to Get Your Brown Essays Edited
Do you want feedback on your Brown essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.
If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!
Related CollegeVine Blog Posts
![one word prompt essay one word prompt essay](https://blog.collegevine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fordham-150x150.jpg)
ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing
![one word prompt essay ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing](https://studycorgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/office-home-woman-by-table-1-352x528.jpg)
Did you know that ChatGPT is a powerful tool for academic writing? While it can be a valuable resource, let’s make one thing clear: we’re not talking about using the chatbot to complete assignments for you. Instead, you can use AI at various stages of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to refining and editing your work.
You’ll find effective ChatGPT prompts for research papers, proposals, case studies, and more in this article.
- 🔝 10 Most Useful Prompts
- 🔎 Prompts for Research Paper
- 📝 Prompts for Proposal
- 📊 Prompts for Case Study
- 🔬 Prompts for Scientific Writing
- ✍️ Prompts for Report Writing
- 🤖 How to Write ChatGPT Prompts
🔗 References
🔝 10 most useful chatgpt prompts for academic writing.
Effective prompts can help you release the full potential of ChatGPT for academic writing. Here are some prompts that will help you handle the most frequent academic tasks, like choosing a topic or summarizing texts:
- Suggest 10 research topics in the field of [subject].
- Generate 10 academic research questions about [topic].
- Create an outline for a research paper about [topic].
- Provide examples of thesis statements on [topic].
- Summarize this article’s main points: [text of the article].
- Simplify this text to make it easier to understand: [text].
- Rewrite this paragraph in academic language: [paragraph].
- Correct grammar and spelling mistakes in this paragraph: [text].
- Provide 5 arguments for/against the following claim: [claim].
- Improve the coherence and clarity of my paper: [text].
🔎 ChatGPT Prompts for Research Paper Writing
A research paper is a common type of academic writing that involves gathering information on the topic and presenting unique findings. No doubt, writing a research paper takes some time and effort. However, ChatGPT can become your helpful assistant.
![one word prompt essay Using ChatGPT for research paper writing.](https://studycorgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ChatGPT-for-research-paper-1119x1200.jpg)
Choosing a Research Topic & Question
The first step of writing a research paper is to choose a topic and formulate a research question. Making your topic original, manageable, clear, and impactful is important. Since there are a lot of aspects to consider, you can ask ChatGPT to generate the most suitable topic ideas or to provide feedback on the topics you brainstormed yourself.
Here are some prompt examples for research topics and questions:
If you don’t want to bother with ChatGPT prompts, try our free research question maker to create a compelling research question in a few clicks!
Finding Information & Sources
Instead of spending hours browsing the Internet or wandering around your school library, you can use ChatGPT to find information for your research . Ask the chatbot to recommend online sources dedicated to your research topic, and it will provide you with a list of relevant websites, journals, and databases. You can even ask ChatGPT to give you a list of specific references to use. However, note that sometimes ChatGPT suggests outdated or non-existent sources, so always double-check.
Have a look at these prompts that can help find literature for your research:
Organizing Ideas
If you need help organizing ideas for your research paper, ChatGPT is a great solution. You ask the chatbot to create an outline for an entire writing or to structure a separate part, such as an introduction or literature review. Moreover, you can use ChatGPT to generate transition phrases and sentences to ensure coherence and a smooth paper flow.
Do you want to know more prompts for organizing your ideas? Check out our examples!
Revising and Proofreading
After working many days on your research paper, you may lose freshness of vision. To get detailed feedback on your writing, you can ask ChatGPT to check it for mistakes and identify what can be improved. One useful tip is to specify what the chatbot should focus on, such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, or academic language.
Check out these proofreading prompt examples:
📝 ChatGPT Prompts for Proposal Writing
Proposal writing is common among researchers, business professionals, and students. This paper aims to persuade the target audience to approve or support the proposed project or research. Writing a persuasive proposal can be time-consuming, so why not use ChatGPT as a help?
Brainstorming Innovative Project Ideas
ChatGPT can help you overcome writer’s block and suggest topics for your proposal writing. For example, you can identify a problem and ask the chatbot to come up with several solutions. Moreover, you can use AI to identify a research gap in the scientific literature on the topic of your interest.
Here are more prompts for brainstorming proposal ideas:
Structuring Your Proposal
Every successful proposal starts with an effective plan. If you haven’t written a proposal before, you can use ChatGPT to write a detailed outline for an entire paper or organize specific parts, such as literature review, timing, or budget.
For more inspiration, consider these prompt ideas:
Strengthening Your Argument
Proposal writing aims to convince the target audience to support your project. If you need ideas on how to make your paper more persuasive, try out ChatGPT. For example, you may ask the bot to highlight the importance of your paper for society or science or write a passage that presents you as a trustworthy expert.
Check out some prompts for strengthening your proposal :
Meeting Proposal Guidelines
Sometimes, the requirements we get from our school or professor are unclear or simply overwhelming. To ensure you meet all the guidelines, you may share the requirements with ChatGPT and let the bot check the proposal for you.
Here are some prompts you can use:
📊 ChatGPT Prompts for Case Study Writing
Usually, students are asked to analyze case studies to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and apply it in practice. However, some professors give students a task to create their own case studies to test their creativity and critical thinking. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, the following ChatGPT prompts will be helpful when writing a case study.
Identifying a Case Study Subject
Choosing a case study topic can be a daunting task. It usually requires the writer to read about current events, consult academic journals, or talk to experts. Luckily, ChatGPT can make the topic selection much easier and ensure your case study is engaging and relevant.
These are some prompts you can use when choosing a case study subject:
Gathering and Analyzing Data
The most time-consuming step when writing a case study is gathering data. You need to analyze databases, industry websites, and previous case studies. Moreover, you might conduct an interview to make your case study more insightful. If you want to optimize your time when gathering data for your paper, you should try ChatGPT.
Here are some helpful prompts for collecting and analyzing information:
Structuring and Writing
You might be surprised to learn how many opportunities ChatGPT offers when structuring your case study. For example, you can ask the bot to write a detailed outline. What is more, ChatGPT can suggest engaging hooks for your introduction and provide recommendations on presenting your data.
Check out some prompt examples:
Other Helpful Prompts
What else can ChatGPT do to help you write an outstanding case study? For example, you may ask the chatbot to provide case study examples on your topic for some inspiration. Moreover, you can ask the bot to list the most common case study writing mistakes you should avoid.
Here are some bonus prompts you should try:
We also recommend you use our free case study answer generator if you need help analyzing a case study.
🔬 ChatGPT Prompts for Scientific Writing
As you might already know, scientific writing is characterized by precision and clarity. All scientific articles follow a specific structure: abstract, introduction, literature review , methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The following section will discuss how ChatGPT can assist you with each of these parts.
Prompts for Title, Abstract, & Keywords
The title, abstract, and keywords form a first impression of your article. ChatGPT can assist with these parts by generating engaging titles based on the research content and summarizing key points into a clear abstract. You may also ask the chatbot to suggest relevant keywords that will improve the online visibility of your article.
Creating a concise and accurate abstract for your research paper is even easier with our free AI abstract generator !
Prompts for Introduction
A scientific article’s introduction should include background information on the topic, research gap, your research question, hypothesis, methodology overview, and significance of the article. You can ask ChatGPT to create an introduction outline to avoid getting lost in all these elements.
For you, we prepared some effective prompts:
You can also use our free research introduction maker to write a compelling opening section for your paper!
ChatGPT Prompts for Literature Review
A literature review is a critical component that provides an overview of other studies on the topic. Writing a well-structured literature review may take a lot of time and effort, but ChatGPT can help make this process more productive. For example, the chatbot can list relevant literature, summarize long sources , and identify key themes.
Here are some prompt ideas:
We also suggest you try our free key points generator to save time reading through a vast amount of literature.
Prompts for Methodology
The methodology section explains how your research was carried out and lets readers decide if your approach is trustworthy. To save time while writing this section, you can use ChatGPT to find the most suitable research tools or generate descriptions of methods.
Try out these useful prompts:
Prompts for Results & Discussion
In the results section of a scientific article, you should clearly and concisely present your key findings. As for the discussion section, it should interpret your results and link them to current knowledge on the topic. ChatGPT can help you analyze your data, suggest possible explanations of the results, and connect your findings to the existing literature.
Here are more prompt ideas for the results section:
ChatGPT Prompts for Conclusion
The main purpose of the conclusion in a scientific article is to present the implications of your research and highlight the significance of your paper. ChatGPT can be a great assistant in summarizing and paraphrasing the key findings and generating ideas on future research directions.
These are helpful prompts you can use for a conclusion:
You can also use our free conclusion generator to write an effective closing section for your article.
✍️ ChatGPT Prompts for Report Writing
The purpose of report writing is to present information on a particular topic. Reports allow students to demonstrate their understanding of a subject and their analytical skills. If you need help writing a report, try the following ChatGPT prompts.
Writing Executive Summary
Usually, report writing starts with an executive summary , which provides an overview of the main findings of a report. You may ask the bot to generate an engaging opening sentence or summarize your key points.
Here are more prompts you can use for an executive summary:
Designing Surveys and Interviews
When writing a report, you might need to collect some primary data. It is the type of information you gather with the help of surveys, questionnaires, or interviews. You may ask ChatGPT to generate a questionnaire on a particular topic or a set of questions for an interview.
Check out these prompts for designing interviews and surveys:
Creating Visual Aids
You should consider adding some visuals to make your report more engaging and easier to understand. Unfortunately, the free version of ChatGPT can only generate tables for you, while ChatGPT Plus can also create schemes and graphs. However, you can still ask the free bot for recommendations, such as what pictures to choose or colors to use for your infographics.
Check out some prompt ideas:
Generating Recommendations
Recommendations are practical steps or suggestions presented in the conclusion. ChatGPT can help ensure your recommendations are innovative, actionable, and realistic. You may simply ask the chatbot to generate recommendations based on your findings or provide feedback on your ideas.
These are the prompts you should try for the recommendations part:
Tailoring Language and Tone
To maximize the impact of your report, you should adjust the language and tone of your paper to the audience. Always remember your readers’ level of expertise and readiness to support your ideas.
Here are some prompts that will help tailor the tone and language of your report:
🤖 How to Write ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing
The ChatGPT prompts we’ve explored can undoubtedly empower you to craft impactful academic papers. However, if you want even more tailored responses from the bot, you should learn how to make effective prompts yourself.
![one word prompt essay How to write ChatGPT prompts for academic writing.](https://studycorgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/How-to-Write-ChatGPT-Prompts.jpg)
Be Specific
To get the best results using ChatGPT, clearly define the task, include only relevant details, and avoid ambiguity.
Compare these prompt examples:
❌ Bad prompt
✅ Good prompt
Ask ChatGPT to Act as If…
To make ChatGPT generate more relevant responses, you may start your prompts with “Act as if…” The bot can play the role of anyone whose perspective you want to consider: a professor, a psychotherapist, an experienced manager, a high school student, and so on. A small prompt example: “Act as if you’re a strict English teacher and say if my poetry analysis is detailed enough.”
Specify Your Output Format
Don’t forget to specify the format of the content you expect to receive from ChatGPT. The bot can generate summaries, stories, dialogues, ordered and unordered lists, tables, and even code. After describing your task, you may add to the prompt, “Present this in the form of…”
Use “Do” and “Don’t”
Don’t expect AI to read your mind. Instead, tell ChatGPT directly what you want and don’t want in your response. Here is how you can add dos and don’ts in your prompt: “Suggest 10 controversial essay topics. Include original and creative topics, but don’t include topics about abortion, euthanasia, gun control, and capital punishment.”
Use Examples
If you have an example of a sentence or a paragraph you want ChatGPT’s output to resemble, add it to your prompt. This is a simple solution to improving the quality of the results. For instance, you can structure your prompt as follows: “Generate an introduction for an essay about climate change. Use this introduction as an example [introduction example].”
Consider the Tone and Audience
Let ChatGPT know about your audience and the tone you’d like to set. For example, a prompt “I plan to deliver an oral presentation on [topic]. Give me ideas for a speech that is [tone] and is appropriate for [the audience]” is way more effective than a simple “Give me speech topic ideas on [topic].”
Work Together with AI
Imagine that ChatGPT is your teammate, and you’re working on your academic writing together. To improve AI outputs, give your feedback, for example, on what you liked and what can be improved. Finally, remember that you can always ask the chatbot for advice on improving your prompts or even generating them for you.
One more tip: whenever you integrate the content produced by ChatGPT into your writing, don’t forget to check it for AI to ensure your paper keeps its human touch. Our free Chat GPT essay detector will help you with this!
In conclusion, unraveling the power of ChatGPT for academic writing can be a game-changer, but only if you use AI ethically and craft clear, effective prompts. If you like our ideas, check out other articles about using ChatGPT for educational purposes:
- How to Get ChatGPT to Write an Essay
- How to Use AI for Literature Review Writing
- ## Best AI Tools for Students
- How to Not Get Caught Using ChatGPT
- ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing | GitHub
- How to Write Persuasive Proposals With ChatGPT | Make Use Of
- Can ChatGPT Be Used as a Proofreader? | Make Use Of
- We Used ChatGPT to Generate Citations | Indiana Daily Student
- Should I Use ChatGPT to Write My Essays? | Harvard Summer School
- How to Make ChatGPT Provide Sources and Citations | ZDNET
- How to Use ChatGPT to Make Charts and Tables | ZDNET
- How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Literature Review with Prompts | Florida International University
- How to Write Better ChatGPT Prompts in 5 Steps | ZDNET
- Prompt Literacy in Academics | University of Michigan
- Getting Started with Prompts for Text-based Generative AI Tools | Harvard University
- ChatGPT in Academic Writing: Maximizing Its Benefits and Minimizing the Risks | Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
- 12 Best ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing Assistance in 2024 | Geeksforgeeks
- ChatGPT & AI Literacy Toolbox: Images, Writing, & Prompts | Florida International University
- Share to Facebook
- Share to LinkedIn
![one word prompt essay Facebook](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/social/white/facebook.png)
Elon University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
Early Action/Decision: Nov 1
Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 10
Elon University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations
The Requirements: Five short answers; one essay of 150 words, one essay of 200 words, one brief essay of 75 words, one list
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball , Short Answer
Answers to these questions are meant to be brief. Be engaging and thoughtful. Most importantly, be yourself. This is a chance to tell us more about who you really are in a fun, concise manner.
What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why (200 words).
Elon knows you are a multifaceted person, that your identity cannot be boiled down to nuggets of information on an application. That’s why admissions provides this open-ended question, so you can write about any facet of your identity. Start by jotting down some words that you would use to describe yourself or work backward from the activities, passions, and hobbies that mean the most to you and extrapolate what they say about you as a person. You can write about anything from your gender, race, culture, or religion to your introversion, love of archaeology, or any other critical part of yourself. With only 200 words, keep your focus on why you find this part of yourself meaningful. Does your love of biology set you apart in a family of artists? Does singing at your Hindu temple make you feel more connected to your Indian culture? As the prompt recommends, keep it fun and concise!
Name three songs from your perfect playlist.
We look forward to creating a spotify playlist from your answers., song 1 title:* (75 c), song 1 artist:* (75 c), song 2 title:* (75 c), song 2 artist:* (75 c), song 3 title:* (75 c), song 3 artist:* (75 c).
Don’t overthink your answer to this quirky short answer. We recommend keeping it clean, but other than that, let your freak flag fly. Maybe you want to include a classic (however you define the term), a current bop, and a timeless ballad. Or maybe it’s old school funk for all three. Whatever you choose, be true to yourself, and you’ll ace these short answers.
Tell us your top 5.
Take this opportunity to let elon admissions know more about you. your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. be creative you may choose any theme for your top 5. do you love cooking list your top 5 recipes. are you enthusiastic about anime name your top 5 characters. do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events name your top 5 moments..
5.4. 3. 2. 1. (100 c each)
Explain why these are your top 5:* (150 words)
This is one of our all-time favorite short-answer questions. It’s also one students dread, initially, because they don’t know how to approach it. Like many of the other questions on this list, think about what you do or what you are interested in that might also be of interest to admissions. What else about who you are and what you do have you not yet revealed about yourself? The Founder of CEA always jokes that she would list her favorite kinds of pasta in order (because she is an actual pasta fiend). Maybe she would make a list of the top five pasta meals of her life and who she ate them with to showcase how much pasta is a part of her social life and how she connects with others (food is truly the centerpiece of her world). Think about how you can add dimension to your list and take a collection of favorite movies or museums beyond the ordinary. Pro tip: if someone else could duplicate and submit your exact list, that means it’s not specific or creative enough and probably won’t tell admissions anything they really want or need to know.
About Amanda Amah
View all posts by Amanda Amah »
![one word prompt essay Ivy Divider](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/ivy.png)
Inquire about our rates and availability!
Contact us for information on rates and more!
- I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
- Name * First Last
- Phone Type Mobile Landline
- Street Address
- Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
- Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
- How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
- Common App and Coalition Essays
- Supplemental Essays
- University of California Essays
- University of Texas Essays
- Resume Review
- Post-Grad Essays
- Specialized Services
- Waitlist Letters
- Private School Essays
- General College Counseling
- School list with priorities noted:
- Anything else we should know?
- Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
School Stats:
- Agnes Scott College
- Alvernia University
- American University
- Amherst College
- Babson College
- Bard College
- Barnard College
- Baylor University
- Bennington College
- Bentley University
- Berry College
- Bethany College
- Boston College
- Boston University (BU)
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Brown University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Bucknell University
- Butler University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- California Lutheran University
- Capitol Technology University
- Carleton College
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Catawba College
- Centre College
- Chapman University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clark University
- Clemson University
- Coastal Carolina University
- College of Charleston
- College of William and Mary
- College of Wooster
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Culver-Stockton College
- D'Youville University
- Dartmouth College
- Davidson College
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Earlham College
- Elon University
- Emerson College
- Emory University
- Flagler College
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Tech
- Gonzaga University
- Harvard University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Hillsdale College
- Hofstra University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Ithaca College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kalamazoo College
- Lafayette College
- Lehigh University
- Lewis and Clark College
- Linfield University
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
- Lynn University
- Malone University
- Manchester University
- Marist College
- Mary Baldwin University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Meredith College
- Monmouth College
- Moravian University
- Morehouse College
- New York University (NYU)
- North Park University
- Northwestern University
- Occidental College
- Oklahoma City University
- Olin College of Engineering
- Pepperdine University
- Pitzer College
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Providence College
- Purdue University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Roger Williams University
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Santa Clara University
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Scripps College
- Seattle Pacific University
- Smith College
- Soka University of America
- Southern Methodist University
- St. John’s College
- Stanford University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stonehill College
- Swarthmore College
- Syracuse University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- The College of Idaho
- The George Washington University
- The New School
- Trinity College
- Tufts University
- Tulane University
- University of California
- University of Central Florida (UCF)
- University of Chicago
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Georgia (UGA)
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Maryland
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Miami
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- College of Mount Saint Vincent
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Oregon
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Tulsa
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia (UVA)
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Villanova University
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Lee University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wellesley College
- Williams College
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
- Yale University
![one word prompt essay Email](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/social/email.png)
Want free stuff?
We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!
![one word prompt essay one word prompt essay](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/AdvisorsLogo.png)
One-On-One Advising
![one word prompt essay Common App Essay Guide](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CommonAppGuideIcon.png)
Common App Essay Prompt Guide
![one word prompt essay Common App Essay Guide](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SupplementalGuides2.png)
Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
![one word prompt essay YouTube Tutorials](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/youtube-icon.png)
- YouTube Tutorials
- Our Approach & Team
- Undergraduate Testimonials
- Postgraduate Testimonials
- Where Our Students Get In
- CEA Gives Back
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Private School Admissions
- International Student Admissions
- Common App Essay Guide
- Supplemental Essay Guide
- Coalition App Guide
- The CEA Podcast
- Admissions Stats
- Notification Trackers
- Deadline Databases
- College Essay Examples
- Academy and Worksheets
- Waitlist Guides
- Get Started
More From Forbes
Microsoft update warning—70% of all windows users now at risk.
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
This is dangerous—70% of all Windows users face an impending security nightmare.
Updated August 6 with new key-logging warnings for Windows users.
This has not been a good few weeks for Microsoft. Fresh from the Recall recoil, CrowdStrike struck, with various ups and downs with Copilot momentum in between. But the constant throughout has been an impending security nightmare for the vast majority of its Windows users, now just months away.
We’re talking Windows 10, of course, and the staggeringly painful campaign to warn hundreds of millions of holdouts that they need to upgrade to Windows 11. Back in June, I reported on the latest Microsoft nag —a full-screen warning that “end of support for Windows arrives on October 14, 2025; this means your desktop won’t receive technical support or security updates after that date.”
If there was any doubt as to the real danger in leaving Windows unprotected, then Monday’s US government warning should quickly change minds. A 2018 Windows vulnerability has been added to its Exploited Vulnerability ( KEV ) catalog. “Microsoft COM for Windows,” CISA warns, “contains a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation and remote code execution.”
Users have been given until August 26 to patch or cease using Windows systems. Clearly, this 2018 vulnerability does not impact Windows 11, nor any other Windows system updated in the last six years. The Windows 10 risk, though, is real.
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024
Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.
The prompt for CISA’s warning appears to be an August Cisco Talos report claiming that a Chinese hacking group with links to the country’s Ministry of State Security may have successfully exploited CVE-2018-0824 as part of an attack on a government research center in Taiwan. The center was “likely compromised,” Talos says.
“APT41 is a prolific and dangerous threat actor that all users and cybersecurity practitioners should be keeping track of,” Talos warns . “APT41 created a tailored loader to inject a proof of concept for CVE-2018-0824 , a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft COM for Windows, directly into memory to achieve local privilege escalation… Users should ensure all Windows systems are up to date to the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.”
If CVE-2018-0824 and APT41 all sounds a bit niche and unlikely to target your own Windows PC at home, then SnakeKeylogger is quite the opposite. The Register warns that “criminals are preying on Windows users yet again, this time in an effort to hit them with a keylogger that can also steal credentials and take screenshots.”
“Its arsenal includes keystroke logging, harvesting credentials, and capturing screenshots,” Fortinet ’s security research team warned this month of the SnakeKeyLogger trojan threat to Windows users. “Based on the FortiGuard telemetry, there were hundreds of 0-day detection hits. Moreover, the sites that the trojan connects to were queried several times which suggests infection.”
Windows 10 Vs Windows 11, July 2023-July 2024
While this hasn’t surfaced into a full scale zero-day warning as yet—more variations on a theme, it’s yet another reminder as to potential Windows vulnerabilities if the OS is not tightly managed. SnakeKeylogger targets users by way of malicious downloads, shared over email through phishing campaigns.
Back in 2022, Check Point Research warned that SnakeKeyLogger “is usually spread through emails that include docx or xlsx attachments with malicious macros, however this month researchers reported that SnakeKeylogger has been spread via PDF files. Users are advised to maintain good antivirus software and attachment scanning, as well as to beware the attachments the download and open to keep safe.
Putting aside CVE-2018-0824 being woken from the dead and the much more current SnakeKeyLogger RAT, the real challenge for many Windows 10 users is more one of hardware than the softer UI side of their Windows OS. If their machines are not suitable for Windows 11—as many are not, then they find themselves in an upgrade trap, having to buy new hardware for no ostensibly good reason other than Windows 10 coming off support. This becomes a resentful purchase to say the least.
But we are where we are. Windows hasn’t changed its stripes, and nor has Microsoft’s approach. The threats disclosed this week are serious in themselves, but they’re also further good examples as to why the prospect of hundreds of millions of Windows users heading towards end-of-support is a security nightmare.
Maybe, just maybe, users are now starting to listen—albeit not enough, not nearly fast enough. As Windows specialist Neowin has just reported, “in July 2024, Windows 11 hit an important milestone: for the first time since its launch in October 2021, the operating system crossed the 30% market share mark.” Just. With the latest stats from Statcounter showing better than 7% year-over-year growth for Windows 11.
But that means that more than twice as many Microsoft Windows users are still not using Windows 11 than those that are. Even now. Three-years post launch.
Window 11 isn’t at all new, and all those converts and non-converts know its pros and cons; so setting aside a Copilot AI-driven boost, the question is whether this is a trend or a blip. Certainly, when you look at Statcounter’s Windows 10 chart decline over the last year (above), the line chart is not something you could ski down. Similarly, Windows 11 growth is an easy stroll up a gently slope, to put it mildly.
And so, while it’s clearly good news that there’s some movement, the reality looks worrying. There will be some accelerated shifting to Windows 11 in the coming months ahead of their October 2025 end-of-life, and there will be some companies and home users (when it’s available) taking up extended paid support. But there will also be many millions of users coming off support and taking the risk. With plenty of headlines fueling the reluctance, this problem isn’t going away ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).
Take a look at Reddit or even the comments to this article and you’ll see the large body of Windows users opinion that is waiting for Microsoft to pull a late rabbit from the hat and extend Windows 10 support. Quite how that will land with all those who have made the investment to upgrade remains to be seen.
Given the experience of recent weeks, with those global images of blue screens of death all around, come next October, this could be a hackers’ paradise for some time at least. The other factor that will play will be bad actors taking advantage of the bad situation and mailing out scam after scam to target worried Windows 10 users.
Expect to see plenty of that through 2025.
- Editorial Standards
- Reprints & Permissions
Join The Conversation
One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.
Forbes Community Guidelines
Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.
In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's Terms of Service. We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.
Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:
- False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
- Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
- Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
- Content that otherwise violates our site's terms.
User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:
- Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
- Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
- Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
- Actions that otherwise violate our site's terms.
So, how can you be a power user?
- Stay on topic and share your insights
- Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
- ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
- Protect your community.
- Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.
Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's Terms of Service.
- Election 2024
- Entertainment
- Newsletters
- Photography
- AP Buyline Personal Finance
- AP Buyline Shopping
- Press Releases
- Israel-Hamas War
- Russia-Ukraine War
- Global elections
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Delegate Tracker
- AP & Elections
- 2024 Paris Olympic Games
- Auto Racing
- Movie reviews
- Book reviews
- Financial Markets
- Business Highlights
- Financial wellness
- Artificial Intelligence
- Social Media
Cringy moves and a white b-girl’s durag prompt questions about Olympic breaking’s authenticity
Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
American artist Snoop Dogg stands on stage prior to the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
- Copy Link copied
![one word prompt essay Image](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/d9a273f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x400+0+0/resize/60x60!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fba%2F8f%2F587691b04a29a2a0472df7721e87%2Fnasir-noreen.jpeg)
PARIS (AP) — From the Australian b-girl with the meme-worthy “kangaroo” dance move to the silver-medal winning Lithuanian in a durag, breaking’s Olympic debut had a few moments that raised questions from viewers about whether the essence of the hip-hop art form was captured at the Paris Games.
Rachael Gunn, or “b-girl Raygun,” a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly achieved internet fame, but not necessarily for Olympic-level skill. Competing against some b-girls half her age, she was swept out of the round-robin stage without earning a single point, and her unconventional moves landed flat while failing to match the skill level of her foes.
At one point, Gunn raised one leg while standing and leaned back with her arms bent toward her ears. At another, while laying on her side, she reached for her toes, flipped over and did it again in a move dubbed “the kangaroo.”
B-Girl Raygun competes during the Round Robin Battle on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Gunn has a Ph.D. in cultural studies, and her LinkedIn page notes she is “interested in the cultural politics of breaking.”
“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” said Gunn. “What I bring is creativity.”
Clips of her routine have gone viral on TikTok and elsewhere, and many cringed at her moves platformed on the Olympic stage as a representation of hip-hop and breaking culture.
“It’s almost like they are mocking the genre,” wrote one user on X.
Some of it was ‘weird to see’
Many Black viewers, in particular, called out Lithuania’s silver medalist b-girl Nicka, (legally named Dominika Banevič) for donning a durag during each of her battles. Durags, once worn by enslaved Africans to tie up their hair for work, are still worn by Black people to protect and style their hair. They became a fashionable symbol of Black pride in the 1960s and 1970s and, in the 1990s and early 2000s, also became a popular element of hip-hop style. But when worn by those who aren’t Black, durags can be seen as cultural appropriation. Banevič is white.
Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
2024 Paris Olympics:
- What to know about the closing ceremony : A skydiving Tom Cruise and performances from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paris Olympics mainstay Snoop Dogg highlighted the French capital’s au revoir to the Olympics.
- Indelible images : AP photographers pick their favorite images from the Paris Olympics .
- Who won the 2024 Olympics?: See which countries tied for the most gold medals in Paris, and who exceeded expectations.
- When are the next Summer Games? The Olympics will always have Paris . But next up for the Summer Games: Los Angeles 2028 . See how the City of Angels is preparing to follow the City of Light.
Actor Kevin Fredericks responded on Instagram to Banevič donning the headwear by saying it looked “weird to see somebody who don’t need it for protective style or waves to be rocking the durag.”
The 17-year-old breaker ultimately won the silver medal after losing in the final to Japan’s b-girl Ami (Ami Yuasa).
For her part, Banevič has credited the breakers from the 1970s in the Bronx — the OGs — or “original gangsters” in hip-hop who created the dance — for her own success and breaking style.
“It’s a huge responsibility to represent and raise the bar every time for breaking because they did an amazing job. Big respect for the OGs and the pioneers that invented all those moves. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” she said. “Without them, breaking wouldn’t be where it is today. So I’m grateful for them.”
Concerns over losing breaking’s roots
Friday night’s slips “may have alienated too many new viewers to garner the anticipated response from our Olympic premiere,” said Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, in a text message to the Associated Press.
“We need to change the narrative from yesterday’s first impression of breaking as Olympic sport. There were significant organizational and governance shortcomings that could have been easily reconciled but, unfortunately, negatively impacted Breaking’s first touching point to a new global audience.”
The challenge for Olympic organizers was to bring breaking and hip-hop culture to a mass audience, including many viewers who were skeptical about the dance form’s addition to the Olympic roster. Others feared the subculture being co-opted by officials, commercialized and put through a rigid judging structure, when the spirit of breaking has been rooted in local communities, centered around street battles, cyphers and block parties. Hip-hop was born as a youth culture within Black and brown communities in the Bronx as a way to escape strife and socio-economic struggles and make a statement of empowerment at a time when they were labeled as lost, lawless kids by New York politicians.
Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” channeled that rebellious vibe by donning a “Free Afghan Women” cape during her pre-qualifier battle — a defiant and personal statement for a 21-year-old who fled her native Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule. Talash was quickly disqualified for violating the Olympics’ ban on political statements on the field of play.
Refugee Team’s Manizha Talash, known as Talash wears a cape which reads “free Afghan women.” (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
Both American b-girls were eliminated in Friday’s round-robin phase, a blow to the country representing the birthplace of hip-hop in what could be the discipline’s only Games appearance. B-girl Logistx (legal name Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) both ranked in the top 12 internationally but came up short of the quarterfinals.
“Breaking for the Olympics has changed the way that some people are dancing,” said Choi, referring to some of the flashier moves and jam-packed routines. “Breaking changes over time. And maybe I’m just old-school and I don’t want to change. ... I think a lot of people in our community were a little bit afraid of that happening.”
The b-boys take the stage on Saturday to give Olympic breaking another chance at representing the culture.
Associated Press Race & Ethnicity Editor Aaron Morrison contributed to this report from New York.
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
![one word prompt essay Image](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/91eefe6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x400+0+0/resize/100x100!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fba%2F8f%2F587691b04a29a2a0472df7721e87%2Fnasir-noreen.jpeg)
- Generative AI
- Office Suites
- Collaboration Software
- Productivity Software
- Augmented Reality
- Emerging Technology
- Remote Work
- Artificial Intelligence
- Operating Systems
- IT Leadership
- IT Management
- IT Operations
- Cloud Computing
- Computers and Peripherals
- Data Center
- Enterprise Applications
- Vendors and Providers
- Enterprise Buyer’s Guides
- United States
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Newsletters
- Foundry Careers
- Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- Copyright Notice
- Member Preferences
- About AdChoices
- E-commerce Affiliate Relationships
- Your California Privacy Rights
Our Network
- Network World
Microsoft Copilot can boost your writing in Word, Outlook, and OneNote — here’s how
Copilot integration in microsoft 365 apps makes it a snap to generate first drafts, revise text, and get instant summaries for long docs or email threads. here’s how to use copilot for writing assistance in word, outlook, and onenote..
![one word prompt essay draft with copilot panel in microsoft word](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3479705-0-54169400-1722852219-writing-with-microsoft-copilot.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1024)
One of the most enticing uses for generative AI is to help you write. Anyone can get writing help from Microsoft’s Copilot genAI tool via the free Copilot web or mobile app. But Copilot becomes especially useful when it’s integrated with various Microsoft 365 apps.
As you compose, edit, or view a document in Word, for example, you can summon Copilot to assist you in several ways: It can generate rough drafts, polish or change the tone of your writing, and summarize long passages of text. Copilot can also help you compose or summarize emails in Outlook and help you rewrite or summarize notes in OneNote.
This guide will get you started on the basics of using Copilot for your writing in Microsoft 365 apps. But you’ll have to pay for a Copilot subscription in addition to your current Microsoft 365 plan.
In this article:
How to use copilot in microsoft 365 apps, generate a rough draft in word or outlook.
- Get email draft coaching in Outlook
Rewrite text in Word or OneNote
Summarize long documents, notes, emails, or threads.
Individuals with a free Microsoft account or a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription can purchase a Copilot Pro subscription for $20 per month. (A one-month free trial is available.) Each person who wants to use Copilot Pro must have their own subscription.
If you have a free Microsoft account, the Copilot Pro subscription lets you use Copilot in certain Microsoft 365 apps on the web only. If you have a paid Microsoft 365 plan, you’ll be able to use Copilot in the desktop and mobile versions of those M365 apps as well. Once you’ve signed up, you may need to refresh your Microsoft 365 license before Copilot becomes available in the apps.
If you’re on a Microsoft 365 business plan (such as through a company you work for), a Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription costs $30 per user per month. This must be paid annually at $360 up front, and there’s no trial period. (Apparently, Microsoft presumes that your company will foot this hefty tab.) A Copilot Pro subscription cannot be used with a Microsoft 365 business account.
This guide goes over how to use Copilot in Word, Outlook, and OneNote to help you compose and revise text. I’ll demonstrate using Copilot Pro with an individual Microsoft 365 account, but the descriptions also apply to Copilot for Microsoft 365 used with a Microsoft 365 business plan. Most of the steps and user interfaces are alike. I’ll also note additional features that are available under the business versions of Copilot and Microsoft 365.
Note: Microsoft 365 apps aren’t completely consistent on different platforms — for instance, a menu choice in Word for Windows might be named differently from the same option in the web version of Word. In these cases, I’ve tried to include both names. You may still find instances where a button or menu item doesn’t match, but it’s generally obvious what to do.
Copilot can help you compose text drafts in Word and Outlook. In Outlook, you use Copilot through a panel that appears over the main area of the app. In Word, you can use Copilot from a similar panel that overlays the document, or from a sidebar that opens along the right of the page.
Using the “Draft with Copilot” panel in Word and Outlook
Word: Start with a new, blank document or open an existing document that you’d like to add more writing to. (Set the cursor where you want the generated text to be inserted.) Click the Copilot icon that appears in the left margin.
![one word prompt essay blank word doc with copilot icon in left margin](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-01-word-copilot-icon-in-blank-doc.png?w=1024)
To get started with Copilot in Word, click the Copilot icon in the left margin or press Alt-I on your keyboard.
Howard Wen / IDG
The “Draft with Copilot” panel appears over the document. In the text entry box, you’ll type in a prompt that describes the text you want Copilot to write. (More on that in a moment.)
![one word prompt essay draft with copilot panel in microsoft word](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-02-word-draft-with-copilot-panel.png?w=1024)
Type your prompt into the “Draft with Copilot” panel.
In the desktop version of Word for Windows, there’s a Reference a file button at the bottom of the Draft with Copilot panel. Clicking this may let you select a document in your OneDrive or SharePoint for Copilot to base its generated text on, including content, writing style, and formatting. (Business users can select up to three files for Copilot to reference.) You can also type your prompt followed by a / (forward slash) and a document’s file name to trigger Copilot to reference it.
But know that this function may not work for you – it apparently depends on whether Copilot itself thinks you have documents that it can reference for you.
Outlook: With the cursor in the message body of a new email, click the Copilot button on the Home tab of the ribbon toolbar. On the drop-down menu that opens, click Draft with Copilot .
![one word prompt essay outlook ribbon toolbar copilot menu](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-03-outlook-copilot-ribbon-menu.png)
To get started with Copilot in Outlook, click the Copilot button in the ribbon toolbar.
On the “Draft with Copilot” panel that opens, type your prompt inside the text entry box. The panel is similar to what you see in Word, but with an additional option: a button with two sliders on it that may say Adjust or Generate options , depending on your version of Outlook. When you click it, a drop-down menu opens that lists options for tone of voice and word length for the generated email draft.
![one word prompt essay outlook draft with copilot panel options](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-04-outlook-draft-with-copilot-panel.png)
In Outlook, you can designate tone of voice and general length for Copilot’s output.
Crafting your prompts
Prompts are sentences that you enter to instruct Copilot (or other AI assistants) how to compose the text you want created. Your prompt should minimally include the subject and a few specifics about the writing you want it to generate.
To get started, describe the kind of text you want Copilot to generate and add a detail or two about it. These prompts can be simple or a little more complex. For example:
- “Create a brief business pitch for a new vegan restaurant that will be located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.”
- “Write an opening paragraph describing my interest in a technical support job opening at Microsoft.”
- “Write a few sentences that inquire if there are any job openings in technical support at Microsoft.”
- “Compose a polite follow-up with the recipient about a video call we had last week.”
The more specifics you include in your prompt, the more likely you are to get good results. For instance, if you have notes that contain specific data points that you want to include in the generated text, copy and paste those notes into your prompt. If you have an outline for the topics you want to cover in the draft, paste that in as well.
But frankly, there are no hard rules about writing prompts — just use your imagination and see how Copilot responds. Expect that the AI may not generate results that you like (if it generates any at all). Keep experimenting with the descriptions in your prompts until you coax Copilot to produce a useful response.
Once you’ve entered your prompt (and optionally selected a tone and length in Outlook), click the Generate button or press Enter on your keyboard and wait for Copilot to work its AI magic.
The results are in – actions you can take
When Copilot has generated a draft, it appears in the document or email with a toolbar below it.
![one word prompt essay word copilot generated text with toolbar](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-05-word-generated-text-with-toolbar.png?w=1024)
In Word, use the toolbar below the generated draft to keep, retry, discard, or refine the text.
You can use the toolbar to perform the following functions:
- Click the Keep it button to keep the newly minted words in your document or email. You can then edit the generated text in the doc or email as you see fit.
- Click the Regenerate button (two circular arrows) if you’re not satisfied with the result and want Copilot to generate a whole new one.
- Click the Discard button (a trashcan) to discard the result.
- Refine the result by typing more prompts in the text entry box (e.g., “add more details,” “make this sound more professional,” or “make it shorter”) and clicking the arrow. Copilot will generate an updated writing result using your additional commands and descriptions.
- Optionally click the thumbs up or down icon in the upper-right corner of the toolbar to rate the quality of the result that Copilot generated. Presumably, this helps train the Copilot to produce better results in the future.
In Outlook, the buttons and text entry box are arranged differently in the toolbar, but they perform the same actions on an email draft that Copilot generates for you. You can also use the Adjust or Generate options button to change the tone or length.
![one word prompt essay outlook copilot generated text with toolbar](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-06-outlook-generated-text-with-toolbar.png?w=1024)
The toolbar that appears with generated text in Outlook offers the same functions as in Word.
Important: All AI-generated content can contain errors or outright fabrications, known as hallucinations. When you insert text that Copilot has generated into a document or email, be sure to fact-check it carefully.
AI-generated content also tends to be generic and a bit boring, so you’ll likely want to edit it to inject your own personality or writing style.
Using the Copilot sidebar in Word
On the Home tab in Word’s ribbon toolbar, click the Copilot button. This will open the Copilot sidebar to the right. At the bottom of the sidebar, type your prompt inside the text entry box and click the arrow button (or press Enter). Copilot will generate text and display it inside the sidebar.
![one word prompt essay word copilot sidebar with generated text](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-07-word-copilot-sidebar-generated-text.png?w=1024)
Generated text in the Copilot sidebar in Word.
Click the Copy button to copy the writing to your PC clipboard. You can then paste it into a document, note, email, or elsewhere.
Unlike the Draft with Copilot panel, the Copilot sidebar doesn’t include tools for refining text it generates from scratch. What’s more, Copilot’s behavior in the sidebar feels a little unreliable, producing inconsistent results. The sidebar seems better used for summarizing your document or asking the AI questions about it than for generating text.
Get coaching on an email draft in Outlook
If you’d rather compose emails yourself but would like some suggestions for improvement, there’s a nifty Copilot feature in Outlook called email coaching. After you’ve written your email draft, click the Copilot button on the Home tab in the ribbon toolbar. On the menu that appears, choose Coaching by Copilot .
Copilot will review your draft and offer specific suggestions for improving it in terms of tone, reader engagement, and clarity.
![one word prompt essay outlook email coaching by copilot](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-08-outlook-email-coaching.png)
Copilot can critique your email draft and offer suggestions for improvement.
You can rewrite passages of text in a Word document or a OneNote page. This can be useful if you feel that your writing could use a little more detail, or if a paragraph sounds too wordy.
In Word, you can use either the Copilot panel or sidebar (as described earlier in this guide) to command Copilot to rewrite. In OneNote, you can use the sidebar or a right-click menu option.
Note: As of this writing, Copilot is available for OneNote only in the Windows desktop app.
Using the “Rewrite with Copilot” panel in Word
Highlight the passage of text that you want Copilot to rewrite. The Copilot button will appear in the margin to the left of the text that you highlighted. Click it, and on the menu that opens, select Auto rewrite or Rewrite with Copilot . Alternatively, you can right-click on your highlighted text, and on the menu that opens, select Copilot > Rewrite with Copilot .
![one word prompt essay word selecting auto rewrite option](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-09-word-auto-rewrite-option.png?w=1024)
In Word, select the text you want to rewrite, click the Copilot icon in the left margin, and select Auto rewrite .
Either way, the “Rewrite with Copilot” panel appears below your highlighted text. Copilot will generate and present up to three rewritten versions in the panel. Click the arrows at the top of the panel to cycle through the rewrites.
![one word prompt essay rewritten text in rewrite with copilot pane in word](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-10-word-rewrite-with-copilot-panel.png?w=1024)
Reviewing and refining Copilot’s suggested rewrite for the highlighted text.
Below the rewritten text, you can click the following buttons:
- Replace will replace the original text that you highlighted with the currently visible rewritten version.
- Insert below will insert the rewritten version below the original text you highlighted (so that you can decide later if you want to keep it).
- The Regenerate button (two circular arrows) will generate another result.
- In the Word desktop app for Windows, there’s an Adjust tone button (an icon with two sliders); it opens a menu that lets you select another writing style. Copilot will then adjust its result with the style you select.
- In the Word web app, there’s a text entry box where you can refine the result by typing more prompts.
Note: Users with Copilot and M365 business subscriptions can also have Copilot rewrite messages in Teams . This feature works similarly to the Rewrite with Copilot panel in Word.
Using the Copilot sidebar in Word or OneNote
On the Home tab in the ribbon toolbar, click the Copilot button to open the Copilot sidebar to the right. To have Copilot rewrite the whole document or note, type rewrite inside the sidebar’s text entry box. To have it rewrite a specific paragraph, supply the paragraph number. You can also describe how you want the text to be rewritten, such as rewrite first paragraph to be shorter or rewrite paragraph 3 to sound more professional .
Copilot’s rewritten text appears in the sidebar. Below this result you’ll see the Copy button to copy the rewritten text to your clipboard.
![one word prompt essay word copilot sidebar with rewritten text](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-11-word-copilot-sidebar-rewrite.png?w=1024)
A rewritten paragraph in the sidebar.
If you want to adjust Copilot’s rewriting result, you can click one of the suggested prompts that appear in the sidebar below the generated text and above the text entry box. To see different prompt suggestions, click the circular arrow icon.
In the text entry box, you can refine the result by typing more prompts.
Although the Copilot sidebar offers more options for refining its rewritten text than it does for text it generates from scratch, it’s still underpowered compared to the Rewrite with Copilot panel. The best way to rewrite text with Copilot in Word is to use the Rewrite with Copilot panel.
Using the right-click menu in OneNote
Alternatively, in OneNote, you can right-click the top bar of a text field on a page. On the menu that opens, select Copilot and on the next menu, Rewrite .
![one word prompt essay onenote right click menu](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-12-onenote-right-click-rewrite.png?w=1024)
In OneNote, you can use a text field’s right-click menu to trigger a Copilot rewrite.
This action will trigger Copilot to rewrite everything inside this text field. The rewrite will then be set inside the top of the text field.
![one word prompt essay onenote with copilot rewritten text](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-13-onenote-rewritten-text-with-toolbar.png?w=1024)
The rewritten text appears in the text field above the original text.
You can have Copilot generate a brief summary of a long document in Word or a page in OneNote. For this to work well, Microsoft says the document or page should contain at least 300 words but no more than 20,000.
In Outlook, Copilot can summarize a long email and, even more useful, the conversation within an entire email thread.
Using the Copilot sidebar in Word and OneNote
With the document opened in Word or page opened in OneNote, highlight the text that you want summarized. (If you want a summary of the entire document or page, skip this step.)
Click the Copilot button on the Home tab of the ribbon toolbar to open the Copilot sidebar. Inside the text entry box, type summarize and click the arrow button.
Copilot will generate a summary and display it inside the sidebar.
![one word prompt essay word copilot sidebar with document summary](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-14-word-sidebar-summarize.png?w=1024)
Copilot’s summary of a long document appears in the sidebar.
Below the summary, there’s the familiar Copy button to copy the summary to your PC clipboard.
Below that, you can click References to see a list of citations within the document that Copilot used to generate this summary. Clicking a snippet of the cited text will show in the main window of the app where in the document or page these words are. Clicking the down arrow to the right of a citation will show the passage that Copilot used as a citation.
![one word prompt essay word copilot sidebar with references for summary](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-15-word-sidebar-summarize-citations.png)
Click References to view citations from the document that Copilot used for its summary.
Between the results field and the text entry box, you’ll see suggested prompts that you can click to revise the summary. Click the circular arrow icon to refresh these prompts with new suggestions.
Right-click the top bar of a text field. On the menu that opens, select Copilot > Summarize . This action will trigger Copilot to summarize everything inside this text field. The summary will then be set inside the top of the text field.
![one word prompt essay onenote copilot summary](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-16-one-note-summary-with-toolbar.png?w=1024)
Copilot summaries created via OneNote’s right-click menu appear at the top of the text field being summarized.
Summarizing emails and threads in Outlook
Open the email or conversation that you want to summarize. Click Summarize or Summary by Copilot at the top of the email thread. Copilot will generate a summary of the email or thread.
![one word prompt essay outlook copilot summary of email](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-17-outlook-email-summary.png?w=1024)
A Copilot-generated summary of an email.
This summary will be posted at the top of the email or thread. Thread summaries may include citations that Copilot used in generating the summary. Clicking a citation (denoted by a number) will scroll down the thread to the cited email for you to view.
![one word prompt essay outlook copilot summary of email thread](https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/copilot-m365-writing-18-outlook-thread-summary.png?w=1024)
This Copilot-generated summary of an email thread includes citations you can click to go to the source email.
Getting a summary when sharing a Word doc (business plans only)
If you have Copilot with a Microsoft 365 business plan, you can use Copilot to generate a summary of a Word document when you share it with your co-workers. This summary is inserted as a passage of text inside the message that your co-workers receive inviting them to collaborate on the document.
With the document open in Word, click the Share button toward the upper right. On the Share panel that opens, click the Copilot icon inside the lower right of the “Add a message” composition box. The AI will generate and insert the summary. You can edit the summary before you send out the invite.
- Copilot for Microsoft 365 deep dive: Productivity at a steep price
- Is Copilot for Microsoft 365 a lying liar?
- Microsoft cheat sheets: Dive into Windows and Office apps
Related content
Microsoft warns of serious vulnerability in office, microsoft loop cheat sheet, office 365: a guide to the updates, from our editors straight to your inbox.
Howard Wen ( www.howardwen.com ) is a longtime contributor to Computerworld . He specializes in explainer guides, how-tos, and reviews of office applications and productivity tools.
More from this author
The best new slack features for business, make slack’s design update work for you, microsoft onedrive cheat sheet: using onedrive for web, google spaces cheat sheet: how to get started, microsoft onedrive cheat sheet: using onedrive in windows, google sheets power tips: how to use dropdown lists, 9 chrome extensions that upgrade google meet, google workspace power tips: tap into cross-app productivity, most popular authors.
![one word prompt essay one word prompt essay](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/482799-0-40186500-1721751839-author_photo_JR-Raphael_1712087894.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=350)
- Gyana Swain
Show me more
Windows 365 — microsoft’s cloud-based os explained.
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1614540-0-20949200-1723576877-microsoft-windows-365-all-apps-100895442-orig.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=333)
Windows 11: A guide to the updates
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1615662-0-55804200-1723580215-software_update_by_gocmen_gettyimages-1146311500_2400x1600-100852481-orig.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=375)
Windows 10: A guide to the updates
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1682225-0-76618100-1723578891-windows-10-logo-100717399-orig.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=363)
Podcast: Bubble Burst Brigade goes into overdrive
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/0-71146300-1722963347-cw-thumb-bubble-burst-evan-kirstel.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=320)
Podcast: Has the threat landscape gotten better or worse?
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/0-59092900-1722543928-SECURITY-LANDSCAPE.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=444)
Podcast: Will all workers become citizen developers?
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/0-29183500-1722543597-CITIZEN.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=444)
Tech news roundup: Google antitrust, Delta-Microsoft tiff, and stuck astronauts
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3486325-0-98239600-1723572248-cw-thumb-google-antitrust.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=320)
Do companies need a Chief Risk Officer?
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3484818-0-48135700-1723141795-cw-thumb-chief-risk-spencer-kimball.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=320)
Signs point to an AI bubble burst
![one word prompt essay Image](https://www.computerworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3482022-0-14619300-1722962559-cw-thumb-bubble-burst-evan-kirstel.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=320)
- Share full article
Advertisement
Supported by
Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest
We invite students to write public-facing letters to people or groups about issues that matter to them. Contest dates: March 12 to April 16, 2025.
By The Learning Network
What’s bothering you? Who could do something about it? What could you say to them that would persuade them to care, or to make change?
And … what if we all read your letter? How could you make us care too?
These are some of the questions we’re asking you to ponder for our Open Letter Contest. An open letter is a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual, group or institution but intended for the general public. Think of the many “Dear Taylor Swift” open letters you can find online and on social media: Sure, they’re addressed to Ms. Swift, but they’re really a way for the writer to share opinions and feelings on feminism, or ticket sales, or the music industry, or … the list goes on.
As you might already know if you’ve read Martin Luther King’s famous Letter From Birmingham Jail , an open letter is a literary device. Though it seems on the surface to be intended for just one individual or group, and therefore usually reads like a personal letter (and can make readers feel they are somehow “listening in” on private thoughts), it is really a persuasive essay addressed to the public. This letter signed by over 1,000 tech leaders about the dangers of A.I. , this funny 2020 letter addressed to Harry and Meghan , and this video letter from young Asian Americans to their families about Black Lives Matter are all examples of the tradition.
Now we’re inviting you to try it yourself. Write your own open letter, to anyone you like on any issue you care about, as long as it is also appropriate and meaningful for a general Times audience.
Whom should you write to? What should you say? How do open letters work?
The rules and FAQ below, along with our Student Opinion forum and related how-to guide , can walk you through ways to get started.
Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
![](http://blog10.website/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
COMMENTS
One-Word Prompt Generator. Use our quick single-word prompt generator to get a random word to use in your writing: Click the 'Random' button to get a one-word prompt. One-word prompts are fantastic because they give you the freedom to interpret and explore in your own unique way. You know what they say, "less is more," and that's true ...
Here are some ideas on how to use these one-word prompts: Write each word on a slip of paper and draw one from a jar each day. Draw two or three for an extra challenge, or. Keep the same word for multiple days, writing something different each day. Place your memorized word under a candle and light it before you begin.
One-word writing prompts can evoke a range of emotions and ideas, allowing you to explore numerous angles and perspectives. Check out the list below, full of different social issue topics, ready to become the seeds of your next piece of writing. 1. Immigration. A mystery revolving around an immigration scam.
This wonderful list of 100 one-word writing prompts is designed to give writers of all ages a fresh creative start. Since each prompt is just a single word, students will naturally come up with individualized ways of approaching the topic—particularly with prompts such as the words "present" or "space" that can have multiple meanings.
Maybe as a poet, you challenge yourself to start and end your poem with the word. For a journal entry or a personal narrative, write about a life experience that the word makes you remember. Even journalists can use one-word prompts. Take the word and brainstorm article ideas related to it. 100 One-Word Writing Prompts to Try. Here are 100 one ...
One Word After Another When drawing a blank on ideas, the right writing prompts can help kids, students and adults alike get those creative juices flowing. Sometimes, all it takes is a single word to inspire the beginning of an incredible story or thoughtful essay.
Conclusion. In conclusion, one-word writing prompts can be a powerful tool for writers to challenge themselves, get their creative juices flowing, and explore new story ideas. With this list of one-word writing prompts, you have plenty of inspiration to choose from, whether you're working on a novel, a short story, a screenplay, a memoir, or a ...
Here are some ways you can use a single-word prompt below: Have it be the first word a character speaks—or include it in the opening sentence. Expound on the emotions or images a word conjures in you. Challenge yourself to start and end the story with the word. Have the word describe one of the characters in the story.
102 One Word Writing Prompts. The mind. The creative muse. The universe. Whatever you believe helps you to be creative and write a story that takes the reader on a journey, let's give it a helping hand - through just a single word. Let's use one single word to spark the imagination, and let creativity take over.
Below you will find a list of over 150 writing prompts to help you get started. There is no particular order to the words below, though with some imagination, you may be able to group two or three words to create unique prompts. Secret. Betrayal. Friendship.
25. Creative Nonfiction Prompts. The 50 prompts on this list are pulled from Melissa Donovan's book, "1200 Creative Writing Prompts.". The list is made up of strings of questions that ask writers to recall various types of memories, or to engage with emotional or intellectual responses to music, art, and media. 26.
Note: We have 300 new argumentative writing prompts to add to this list.. Sign up for our free Learning Network newsletter. Receive new writing prompts in your inbox every week. _____ Of all the ...
14. The Found Poem: Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines. 15. Eavesdropper: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you've overheard. Printable Ad-Free 365 Writing Prompt Cards. 16.
prompt on your own. You'd be surprised how often someone comes to the Writing Center to ask for help on a paper before reading the prompt. Once they do read the prompt, they often find that it answers many of their questions. When you read the assignment prompt, you should do the following: • Look for action verbs.
Personal Essay Prompts 1-10. 1. ABC Segments. Write the alphabet on a sheet of paper. Pick one letter. Make a list of all the things you can think of that start with that letter - ideas, concepts, emotions, objects. Choose one word from that list and write a paragraph. Repeat. Three times works well.
For UGA, applicants must write two essays, one 200-300 words and one 250-650 words. Both essays are required for all applicants. The longer personal essay uses the Common Application prompts for 2023; the prompt for the shorter essay is as follows: The c ollege admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful ...
Daily or Journaling Generation: Prompt daily journaling. Example: "Write about your most memorable moment from today." Flash Fiction Generation: Create a very short story. Example: "Write a 100-word story about a lost key." Random Word or Object Generation: Include a random word or object.
Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary. Published on November 19, 2021 by Kirsten Courault.Revised on May 31, 2023. If you're applying for college via the Common App, you'll have to write an essay in response to one of seven prompts.. Here's a brief overview of the Common App essay and seven examples of effective Common App essays, along with explanations of why they work.
ProWritingAid is a digital toolkit that helps you craft your story and bring it to life. ProWritingAid helps you unlock the full potential of your story by fixing grammatical errors, improving sentence clarity, and creating more engaging prose. Plus, it integrates with any writing app, so you can get support in whichever one you use.
A prompt can be a passage of text, a word, or even an image. A writing prompt is a type of assessment or activity that directs individuals to write about a given topic in a certain way. Writing ...
According to the 2023/2024 Common Application, the Common App essay prompts are as follows: 1. Background Essay. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2.
What the Essay Did Well This essay does a great job of answering the prompt! Brown wants to know about something that brings you joy, and the student shared multiple responses, "chanting declensions with my classmates," "sorting through the puzzles of words to make a sentence," and "Certamen." While this student shares several things that bring them joy, they all fall under the ...
The Requirements: 2 essays of 250 words, 1 essay of 500 words. ... (250 words) This supplemental essay prompt is as classic as apple pie. In order to knock it out of the park you need to (1) demonstrate a solid knowledge of what Moravian University has to offer, and (2) leverage that knowledge to clearly demonstrate your interest in the school.
The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words; 1 essay of 300 words. Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Diversity. ... Although not explicitly stated in the prompt, this is a Diversity Essay at its core with a special focus on Lehigh's strategic plan. So, start by thinking about what has made you you, from your nuclear family to your culture, your ...
If you don't want to bother with ChatGPT prompts, try our free research question maker to create a compelling research question in a few clicks!. Finding Information & Sources . Instead of spending hours browsing the Internet or wandering around your school library, you can use ChatGPT to find information for your research.Ask the chatbot to recommend online sources dedicated to your ...
Elon University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations. The Requirements: Five short answers; one essay of 150 words, one essay of 200 words, one brief essay of 75 words, one list. Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball, Short Answer. THINK FAST Answers to these questions are meant to be brief. Be engaging and thoughtful. Most importantly ...
The prompt for CISA's warning appears to be an August Cisco Talos report claiming that a Chinese hacking ... the real challenge for many Windows 10 users is more one of hardware than the softer ...
PARIS (AP) — From the Australian b-girl with the meme-worthy "kangaroo" dance move to the silver-medal winning Lithuanian in a durag, breaking's Olympic debut had a few moments that raised questions from viewers about whether the essence of the hip-hop art form was captured at the Paris Games. Rachael Gunn, or "b-girl Raygun," a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly ...
In the Word web app, there's a text entry box where you can refine the result by typing more prompts. Note: Users with Copilot and M365 business subscriptions can also have Copilot rewrite ...
Make your case in 500 words or fewer. Your title and sources are not part of the word count. Inform with evidence from at least two sources, including one from The Times and one from outside The ...