Adding prompts and sources to writing assignments

Overview

In this article, you'll learn how to add prompts and sources to a Quick Write or Guided Draft assignment, as well as explore the different formatting options available. 

What will my students see when I include a source?

Students will be able to reference the source(s) you include side-by-side as they write.

How can I add a prompt or source?

By default, you can include a prompt in your assignment by filling out the field shown below.

To add a source, click the "Add a source" button below the "prompt" box. Here are some different options for including a prompt or source:

1. Assign one of our pre-made writing prompts from the Assignment Library.

• Select a category and browse pre-made prompts for Quick Writes
• Select an essay genre and browse pre-made prompts for Guided Drafts

2. Paste in your own prompt or source.

• Paste in text from another source (see next section for formatting tips)
• Paste in the url to another source
• Be sure to copy and paste the website’s full URL address (ex. https://resource.pdf)
• This will appear as a clickable URL for students as they work on the assignment
• The link will open in a new window/tab

3. Type in your own prompt or source.

How can I format my prompts and sources?

Using the buttons to the right of the prompt or source box, you can bold, italicize, underline, and add bullet points. Additionally, you can indent paragraphs, add line breaks, and use spaces. This may be especially helpful when including formatting-dependent sources, such as poetry!

How can I include images, videos, or other media?

If you'd like to include additional media outside of the formatting options we support above, we suggest that you add in a link to the original source, such as a link to an online video.

• Be sure to copy and paste the website’s full URL address including http or https (ex. https://resource.pdf)
• This will appear as a clickable URL for students as they work on the assignment
• The link will open in a new window/tab

You can also check out our text-based assignments, which include images with the texts, and our Picture Prompts, which use images to inspire writing. You can browse and assign all of these from our Assignment Library.

How should I use Picture Prompts?

Picture Prompts are fun assignments to get students writing while also practicing specific skills, such as writing descriptions, analyzing a source, and developing and supporting a claim.

You can use these any time you would use a Fluency and Fun Quick Write prompt (for example, as a bell ringer), or if you want a fun and engaging way to practice a skill you are currently focused on in the classroom. Picture prompts can also be used as a unique way to invite personal reflection.

How can I include multiple prompts or sources per assignment?

You can place multiple prompts one right after the other in the same text box. We recommend using bold and/or dashes as a separator. Here is an example:

You can add up to 8 total sources for students to reference. Once you've added a source, you can click "Add source" again to add another, as well as edit the source using the pencil icon or remove it by clicking the "X".