What is a test essay prompt?

A test essay prompt is a question or statement that requires a written response in the form of an essay. It's designed to assess a student's understanding of a particular subject, their ability to construct a well-organized argument, and their writing skills. The prompt often specifies a particular focus, perspective, or type of essay (e.g., compare and contrast, argumentative, expository, narrative).

Here's what makes a test essay prompt effective:

* Clear and Concise: It avoids ambiguity and clearly states the task.

* Focused: It limits the scope of the essay to a manageable length.

* Specific: It provides enough direction to guide the student's response without being overly restrictive.

* Relevant: It assesses knowledge and skills relevant to the course material.

* Open-ended (to some degree): While it provides direction, it allows for various valid interpretations and approaches.

Examples of test essay prompts:

* Argumentative: "Discuss the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare."

* Expository: "Explain the causes and effects of the French Revolution."

* Comparative: "Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt."

* Analytical: "Analyze the symbolism of the green light in *The Great Gatsby*."

* Narrative: "Describe a time you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it."

The key difference between a test essay prompt and a general essay topic is that a test essay prompt is explicitly designed to evaluate specific skills and knowledge within a controlled setting.