What should participants do if they encounter a difficult prompt?

Taking a moment to brainstorm and break down a difficult prompt is a highly effective strategy for participants. This approach allows individuals to clarify their thoughts and organize their ideas effectively before they begin writing. By dissecting the prompt, participants can identify key themes, concepts, or questions it raises, making it easier to develop a coherent response.

This method promotes critical thinking, enabling participants to connect their knowledge and experiences to the prompt's requirements. It empowers them to formulate a structured outline or plan that aligns with the prompt's expectations, ultimately enhancing the quality of their writing.

Engaging in this reflective process can lead to more insightful and relevant responses, which is essential in extemporaneous writing scenarios where clarity and depth are judged. Participants who take the time to understand and strategize their approach are more likely to produce compelling content that reflects thorough comprehension of the topic at hand.