Essay Question Deconstruction

Essay Question Deconstruction Worksheet

Help students break down any essay task with clarity and confidence
1-page visual guide + bonus printer-friendly template for class analysis or individual use

This essay question deconstruction worksheet is the perfect tool for helping B1–B2 learners understand exactly what a writing prompt is asking them to do. By guiding students to identify command words, topic words, concept words, and critical words, this visual resource builds essential skills for approaching any essay task with precision and purpose.

What’s inside:

• Clear definitions and examples of the 4 key word types:
  • Command words (e.g., analyse, explain, compare)
  • Topic words (e.g., housing, tourism, education)
  • Concept words (e.g., attitudes, values, context)
  • Critical words (e.g., significant, dominant, controversial)
• Ideal for teaching essay planning, task analysis, and structured brainstorming

Perfect for:

• Essay writing workshops
• Exam preparation
• ESL academic writing scaffolds
• Peer or group planning

From vague confusion to confident planning – this worksheet helps your students truly understand the question before they write a single word.

Download the Essay Question Deconstruction Worksheet and transform how your students approach writing prompts!