Breaking Them Down: Prompts and Research

Summary

This lesson addresses the frustrations students often feel when trying to respond to complex writing prompts by helping them narrow down their topic for research and develop research questions. The lesson starts with an overview of breaking down the implicit and explicit aspects of an AP Art History essay prompt. Once students understand what the prompt is asking, they will determine what knowledge they already have that would help them answer the prompt, and then they will develop research questions to guide their inquiry. Later students will evaluate sources and keep track of reliable sources and information gained from them. Students will use Bind.rs to collect and present their findings.

TIPC Ratings

Ideal/Target (6)

Students use genuine A.P. Art History prompts to identify existing knowledge, define research requirements, and conduct research related to their prompt, with emphasis placed on the stages of searching for information. Students formulate a focus for their research and use a digital tool to collect and share resources that will help other students understand how to respond to the prompt. Students then analyze the information they found and synthesize that information to prepare a presentation and research paper.

Not Applicable

Approaching (5)

In order to respond appropriately to the prompt, students must generate purposeful questions to guide their research and then draw conclusions and justify those conclusions based on that research. Students use their Bind.rs to collect, organize, and present their research, and then use their Bind.rs to create their presentations and written responses.