Writing Prompts

During the first week of school, especially with my beginning classes, I like to assign writing prompts for "Bell Work".  Here are five prompts from college admissions essay questions that are wonderful to promote in depth thinking skills and encourage higher level writing structure:

1-What unusual circumstances have guided or influenced your life?
2-What travel or living experiences in other countries have effected your outlook?
3-Which books have affected you the most?
4-Discuss an academic experience (class, paper, project, trip, etc...) that has meant the most to you.
5-Consider two historical figures you would like to invite for dinner.  Discuss particular insight that you believe each might provide as you embark on  your educational and professional journey and then discuss how you might apply this advice to your dreams and goals.