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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/45107
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Being given a prompt makes me freeze up immediately.

Let me clarify. I'm talking about high school writing prompts. You know. _Those._ The ones that ask you to write an essay about what you would change about something. Or the ones that ask you to write about a personal experience. Or the ones that ask you to write about what you want to do. Or the ones that ask you what you would theoretically do in a given situation. Or the ones that ask you to explain why it's important to... you get the point. Those. Here are several examples. The one in bold is the one answered in my sample response.

> Is there a book that you feel should be required reading for everyone? Write an essay persuading your audience to read this book.
> 
> Some people think of the United States as a nation of “couch potatoes.” Write an essay persuading readers to be more physically active.
> 
> As the saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Describe a time when you persisted until you achieved your goal.
> 
> Describe the purposes of the Internet. Include various viewpoints, including that of users and providers.
> 
> **We all have things that we are afraid of, and sometimes we find ourselves in situations that force us to face our deepest fears. Tell about a time when you had to face one of your greatest fears.**

* * *

Here's the first paragraph of the sample "level six" response they provided, which is the "perfect" response according to the textbook.

> Every kid in the neighborhood knew the Robinson house and avoided it like a bowl of Brussels sprouts. Mr. Robinson was a notorious crank, the house was always dark and creepy, and his dog was a terror—a mean, fang-toothed creature that looked like she would love to tear you apart.

I can't write these. Well, I **hate** writing these. They seem so weird and... middle school. The writing is okay, but I hate feeling like I'm writing... fanfiction. Mediocre fanfiction.

So, it's not horrible, but I hate it. Why? Am I too picky? Personal taste? It just feels like a kid's show. Should I stomach it, or try a different approach?

Original score: 33