MHS Writing Topics + Essays + Advice XD

[diameter]

The question of whether the driving age be raised to twenty-one has received significant attention among the public. If the driving age is raised to twenty-one, the action will form a safer driving environment, reduce our carbon footprint and will not be unjust to the car companies. Hence, the driving age should be raised to twenty-one. (Imagine a tick, well done)

Firstly, increasing the driving age to twenty one will reduce road related accidents. When one is eighteen, they may commit dangerous and unwise decisions, while driving. Such hazardous actions include, (Comma not needed in my opinion, not sure so sorry if I am wrong) texting, (forgot comma, maybe just a typing mistake XD) smoking and a ([a] not needed but doesn't effect the sentence) lack of attention while driving. It is likely a large proportion of road accidents are sourced from the younger population. Therefore, if the driving age is raised to twenty-one, it will lower the amount of accidents on the road.

Secondly, increasing the driving age to twenty-one will force some to use public transport, ultimately helping the environment. Public transport is a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of travelling compared to cars. If the driving age is increased to twenty-one, damaging carbon emissions will be reduced. (Maybe you could also include a sentence stating that public transport reduces the amount vehicles needed to transport the same amount people and this paragraph doesn't follow the TEEL structure)

Lastly, while some may state that such change will adversely effect car companies, due to less people willing to purchase cars, the amount of people doing so will be too insignificant to be a issue. Increasing the driving age to twenty-one will not be (not needed) severely damage car companies. (not sure if rebuttal's should use the TEEL structure, but I would recommend you do use it)

Driving is a task requiring lots of responsibility. Increasing the driving age to twenty-one will create an overall safer driving environment, will benefit the environment and will not be unfair to car companies. Therefore, the driving age should definitely be raised to twenty-one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips:
Try replacing words like (Firstly, secondly and thirdly) to [examples]:
-To begin with
-furthermore
-last but not least
-On top of that
-In addition
As you work on becoming faster in writing, try to include 3 argument paragraphs along with a rebuttal
You may also want to try to use the following starters for your conclusion:
                    - In summary......(reasons)
                    - Thus, due to...... (reasons)
Overall its a pretty good essay, I probably would have done worse if I had just gotten a tooth taken out XD
   Well done!

[pixelgraphicsful]

The question of whether the driving age be raised to twenty-one has received significant attention among the public. If the driving age is raised to twenty-one, the action will form a safer driving environment, reduce our carbon footprint and will not be unjust to the car companies. Hence, the driving age should be raised to twenty-one. (Imagine a tick, well done)

Firstly, increasing the driving age to twenty one will reduce road related accidents. When one is eighteen, they may commit dangerous and unwise decisions, while driving. Such hazardous actions include, (Comma not needed in my opinion, not sure so sorry if I am wrong) texting, (forgot comma, maybe just a typing mistake XD) smoking and a ([a] not needed but doesn't effect the sentence) lack of attention while driving. It is likely a large proportion of road accidents are sourced from the younger population. Therefore, if the driving age is raised to twenty-one, it will lower the amount of accidents on the road.

Secondly, increasing the driving age to twenty-one will force some to use public transport, ultimately helping the environment. Public transport is a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of travelling compared to cars. If the driving age is increased to twenty-one, damaging carbon emissions will be reduced. (Maybe you could also include a sentence stating that public transport reduces the amount vehicles needed to transport the same amount people and this paragraph doesn't follow the TEEL structure)

Lastly, while some may state that such change will adversely effect car companies, due to less people willing to purchase cars, the amount of people doing so will be too insignificant to be a issue. Increasing the driving age to twenty-one will not be (not needed) severely damage car companies. (not sure if rebuttal's should use the TEEL structure, but I would recommend you do use it)

Driving is a task requiring lots of responsibility. Increasing the driving age to twenty-one will create an overall safer driving environment, will benefit the environment and will not be unfair to car companies. Therefore, the driving age should definitely be raised to twenty-one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips:
Try replacing words like (Firstly, secondly and thirdly) to [examples]:
-To begin with
-furthermore
-last but not least
-On top of that
-In addition
As you work on becoming faster in writing, try to include 3 argument paragraphs along with a rebuttal
You may also want to try to use the following starters for your conclusion:
                    - In summary......(reasons)
                    - Thus, due to...... (reasons)
Overall its a pretty good essay, I probably would have done worse if I had just gotten a tooth taken out XD
   Well done!

Hey diameter!
Welcome to AtarNotes!

Thanks so much for correcting!
Oh yes! TEEL!
Huge facepalm, can't believe I forgot what I've been taught for 7 years of my life.
Oh well, I will keep that in mind next time.
Thanks for pointing that out to me, really appreciate it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As for the bit about starting phrases, love them.
Will absolutely use them.
However, I was told by pi (moderator) that I should be extremely formal in analytical essay and I thoroughly agree with that.
So, I'll use all except for maybe,
-to begin with (I used to use, to start off with.)
-on top of that
This can help you to, so keep that in mind next time you write.

Also, what year are you in?
And why does lots of people on this posts have nouns as names?
(colours, coffee, diameter) lol.

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hi Everybody,

Finished today's narrative.
This, was, idk.

I wrote this in 15 minutes! Yay, thanks for all your tips.
The prompt was this picture, switched it this time.
Page 8 of
http://www.slideshare.net/kevcummins/150-amazing-writing-prompts-pictures

The good news is, I used lots of literary devices and little forced vocabulary!
The bad news is, it was a bit messy.

Anyway, here it is. ENJOY!(AS ALWAYS, NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE ESSAY)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stared upon the sky. The magnificent wheel of fire illuminated the earth with its beaming rays. The nauseating heat made me extremely anxious. There was not a single cloud in the sky, it carried a pleasing light blue colour like that of a polished diamond.

I looked back at the flock with an undescribable feeling of excitement that travelled like lightning strikes up my feathers. I stared intently at all those familiar faces each resurfacing a well cherished memory. It was exceedingly tranquil, no one else but me and my beloved ducks. The air smelt of the lush greenery that thrived beside the pavement. After stealing another peek at my comrades, I was ready.

I tucked my feathers in and, lowered my head. I took one more glance at the large lake, then developing a theatrical posture, sprung into the water. As soon as I jumped, I could sense the humid wind fly by me. A burst of adrenalin erupted from my heart, overloading me senses, A wave of surprised quacks made their way to me.

My stubby beak landed first, then came the rest of my body. The sensation of being surrounded by water shocked me. The spine-shivering coldness of the water left me
breathless. I was ecstatic.

Blurting out a few zesty quacks, I motioned for the rest to join in. I watched in elation as the others joined me. Finally, the water wasn't boiling hot.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[diameter]

However, I was told by pi (moderator) that I should be extremely formal in analytical essay and I thoroughly agree with that.
So, I'll use all except for maybe,
-to begin with (I used to use, to start off with.)
-on top of that
This can help you to, so keep that in mind next time you write.
      YESSS!!! I completely forgot that as I haven't one since the test , they are(should/must) be formal, not making it seem like your talking someone! After editing, I think that is also something you are marked one, nice pick.

Also, what year are you in?    In year 8, just did the test 1 month ago
And why does lots of people on this posts have nouns as names?     cause... yolo XD
(colours, coffee, diameter) lol.

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hey, its gone a bit quiet down here ain't it?
Maybe cause the test just finished and people are simply waiting for their results.
Best of luck.

Anyway, the prompt was page 9 of this website.
http://www.slideshare.net/kevcummins/150-amazing-writing-prompts-pictures

I wrote this in 19 minutes.
I took very long, will try to increase my writing speed since I didn't take much time planning. I think I used lots more vocab in this but a lot of "forced" vocab I was noticing, but I ran out of time so I stuck with them.

Here it is enjoy! I would be heavily grateful if somebody gave me a suggestion, as aforementioned, the thread as gone unusually tranquil lately. You don't have to comment on everysingle one, (be awesome if you did ) just this one. Thanks again for reading. 
(All the spelling, grammar, mistakes are not typos mistakes on the actual essay.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They say curiosity killed the cat, but in my case it granted me with wisdom.

It was the kind of day that had sheets of puffy white clouds dominating the sky. I moved steadily but surely across the seemingly omnipotent sea. I felt the refreshing slice of air race by me, disturbing the water beside it. The horizon was bare, not a sign of anything besides sea.

I had been travelling all my life in about what I know as the ocean. Occasionally, pointy creatures would race up my back, soaring gracefully into the air. They would tell me stories of their travel, awe-inspiring tales of victory or gut-wrenching experiences of escape. Twisted meticulously across those stories are the tales of ships. Those creatures are supposedly tough as steel, but slow moving.

I was woken from my thoughts by a large object in the horizon. I advanced forward, I could make out specific details about the object, humongous, creates noise. Gradually, I realised what this creature might be. The dark colours that plagued the ship gave off a vibe of something that shouldn't be touched. Nevertheless, an undescribable wave of curiosity consumed me, causing me to race to it.

Crash, crash, crash! The water around me shouted. As I came dangerously close to the monster, I pushed down on to the ground, buying me a glimpse of the insides of the ship. Aaah! Wild screams of terror filled the atmosphere as I launched myself into the monster. I stared into the eyes of the parasites that lived on the creature. I slided, satisfied, of the ship.

At that moment, there was no place I'd rather be.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hey everybody,
So, I may have forgot to post one of my persuasive essays.
I'll do that tomorrow when I'm not going to write one.

Moving on, here is today's persuasive writing.
The topic was confusing for me, I had to google what an illegal immigrant was a minute in the essay.

The prompt was:
Should illegal immigrants be allowed to get drivers licenses?
And I'm not going to lie, I wrote this in 19 minutes. However I think I did all right for this topic which I found really hard. 
However in these 19 minutes, I tried to make sure my grammatical and spelling errors were kept to a minimum. So yay?

Here it is! I will be very grateful for any suggestions, or just a you got this!
Gives me enough motivation for a week!

BRACKETS=MODIFICATIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The question of whether illegal immigrants be allowed to get drivers licenses has been asked by the government. Banning them from receiving drivers licenses will promote public transport, boost the country's morals and serve as a detergent for other asylum seekers. Hence, illegal immigrants should undoubtedly be prohibited from receiving drivers licenses.

Taking away the access of cars from asylum seekers will force them to utilise public transport. Public transport is a environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive way to travel. Therefore, banning illegal immigrants from earning drivers licenses will adversely (i thought this meant like "in return" its a mistake) benefit the environment.

If illegal immigrants have the freedom to get drivers licenses, it will damage the nation's values. Proving that the country is negotiable may give other nations hazardous ideas. Hence, illegal immigrants should not be able to get drivers licenses.

Prohibiting asylum seekers to receive drivers licenses can be seen as a major negative for a possible illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration should not be taken lightly as it is being exploited by many. Therefore clarifying that a nation will not allow asylum seekers to receive drivers licenses will warrant (i thought this meant "deter" ) possible illegal immigrators to enter the country. Banning asylum seekers to receive drivers licenses will warrant possible illegal immigration to enter the country. Banning asylum seekers from getting drivers licenses will deter othe (not a typo!) illegal immigrants.

Illegal immigration is a growing issue in the 21st century. Prohibiting asylum seekers to gain drivers licenses will force them to utilise public transport, have a nation's values and will war off future illegal immigrators. Hence, asylum seekers should not be able to get drivers licenses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COLORS]

Hey, its gone a bit quiet down here ain't it?
Maybe cause the test just finished and people are simply waiting for their results.
Best of luck.

Anyway, the prompt was page 9 of this website.
http://www.slideshare.net/kevcummins/150-amazing-writing-prompts-pictures

I wrote this in 19 minutes.
I took very long, will try to increase my writing speed since I didn't take much time planning. I think I used lots more vocab in this but a lot of "forced" vocab I was noticing, but I ran out of time so I stuck with them.

Here it is enjoy! I would be heavily grateful if somebody gave me a suggestion, as aforementioned, the thread as gone unusually tranquil lately. You don't have to comment on everysingle one, (be awesome if you did ) just this one. Thanks again for reading. 
(All the spelling, grammar, mistakes are not typos mistakes on the actual essay.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They say curiosity killed the cat, but in my case, it granted me with wisdom.

It was the kind of day that had sheets of puffy white clouds dominating the sky. I moved steadily but surely across the seemingly omnipotent sea. I felt the refreshing slice of air race by me, disturbing the water beside it. The horizon was bare, not a sign of anything besides sea (you've already used 'sea' once before, so try substituting it for a synonym).

I had been travelling all my life in about what I know as the ocean. Occasionally, pointy ( pointy creatures??? Maybe it would better to say 'pointy-eared' or 'pointy-tailed') creatures would race up my back, soaring gracefully into the air. They would tell me stories of their travel, awe-inspiring tales of victory or gut-wrenching experiences of escape. Twisted meticulously across ('Twisted meticulously' doesn't sound right ) those stories are the tales of ships. Those creatures are supposedly tough as steel, but slow moving.

I was woken from my thoughts by a large object in the horizon. I advanced forward, I could make making out specific details about the object,: humongous creates noise and ominously loud (wouldn't hurt to throw in adjectives describing it's appearance, since you did say 'specific details'). Gradually, I realised what this creature might be. The dark colours that plagued the ship gave off a vibe of something that shouldn't be touched. Nevertheless, an uindescribable wave of curiosity consumed me, causing me to race to it.

Crash, crash, crash! The water around me shouted. As I came dangerously close to the monster, I pushed down on to the ground, buying me a glimpse of the insides of the ship. Aaah! Wild screams of terror filled the atmosphere as I launched myself into the monster. I stared into the eyes of the parasites that lived on the creature. I slided slid, satisfied, off the ship.

At that moment, there was no place I'd rather be.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

I found the end sort of confusing.

Sorry, I suck with analytical pieces.

[pixelgraphicsful]

I found the end sort of confusing.

Sorry, I suck with analytical pieces.

Hi COLORS!
After days of absence, having someone correct my piece feels strangely gratifying.
Nice to know this section is still alive.

The above essay was kind of weird for me. I didn't have any ideas that weren't trash while writing and I only thought up the ending 1 minute before the clock ended. I'm trying to build up on my vocabulary since I find that helpful in general and assists with lots of the aspects of the test. 
Hence, some of my pieces might be encrusted with some weird use of vocabulary.

I will definitely keep your advice about the synonyms and for the pointy fish. I tried to make it so that, idk, it was vague. The wave was clueless or something. Idk, I was very rushed while writing it.

Also, when do your results come out?
I'm really keen to know whether you got in or not.
Best of Luck

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hey peeps!

Done with today's creative writing.
Overall, I believe I performed well, however I went past the limit by a bit.
The prompt was sourced from page 10 of this site:
http://www.slideshare.net/kevcummins/150-amazing-writing-prompts-pictures
I wrote this in 17 minutes! yes!

I tried to use descriptive words and stuff, so kind of stole a lot of time. Worth it I reckon. You can decide.
However, I feel like I didn't space my paragraphs correctly and it wasn't kept 1st person the whole way. Also, the ending was kind of anti-climatic.

(AGAIN EVERYTHING BELOW THE DOTTED LINE IS WHAT I ACTUALLY WROTE IN MY NOTEBOOK, NOT ERRORS, MAYBE 10% ARE ERRORS, MOST AREN'T, YOU GET THE IDEA.)

Anyway, here it is, any suggestions or invigorating words will be cherished by me!
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stared upon the night sky. A magnificent wheel of light illuminated the atmosphere with falling diamonds. Turning my attention to the sea, I admired the calming tranquillity of the ocean. It seemed to stretch out to eternity, no signs of land in sight.

I nodded satisfyingly at the idea of coming here. Everyone had warned me against fishing here because it was dangerous. Once I make a large catch, my colleges will drown in envy. I felt an euphoric sense of glee creep up my spine. I shifted my attention to my fishing rod, adjusting every nook and cranny of it to ensure a large catch. "Ouch!" I exclaimed as I pricked my fingers withe the hook. Hastily covering it with my hands I realised I would lose control of my fishing rod. I moved my body so that I could press it down against the edge of the rail with my stomach.

It was indeed extremely dangerous as it was balancing precariously. However, the overwhelming pain in my finger required immediate attention, I yelped in pain, a few passengers passengers turned their heads then continued with their activities. I silently cursed under my breath, hoping that I wouldn't hook a fish at the moment.

Out of the blue, a dart shaped fish jolted in front of my face. Any composure I had was lost, as I screamed piercingly. It was nothing compared to what followed. The devilish creature squirted ink all over me, decorating my expensive clothes with appalling blotches of ink. Then, fell back into the ocean mockingly. I stared at myself in disbelief.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hey Peeps,
Here's the missing persuasive writing I forgot to post a while ago.

I don't fully remember the specifics but I believe I wrote this in about 17 minutes.
The prompt (I'm sure of this) was:
Should students be rewarded for good grades?

While writing this, I tried to keep it as realistic as possible. I think it helped. However, my ideas were quite weak for this piece.
Well here it is, any suggestions or constructive criticism would be fantastic.
Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The intriguing idea of whether students be paid for having good grades has caught the attention of schools. If pupils receive payments for good grades, it will teach students the importance of school, relieves parents of financial stress and will help shape better learners. Thus, pupils should undoubtedly be paid for high academic scores.

Paying students for good grades will urge students to focus more on schools. The leading issue to why many students spend little time on academics is the lack of motivation. Placing a cash reward for achieving well academically will inspire pupils to pay more attention to school. Rewarding money for good grades will invigorate students to learn more.

Giving money to students who achieve highly academically will financially assist parents. Many students demand money for average grades. If such action is implemented, pupils will have no choice but work harder for the school to pay them, ultimately benefiting parents. Rewarding students for having good grades will ease stress from parents.

The opposition might state that paying students for good grades will financially disadvantage schools. However, if pupils wish to learn, the teacher's task of teaching the students will be significantly easier, making it cheaper to teach students. Thus, rewarding money for good grades will not cost the schools.

Hence, rewarding students for good grades will inspire better learners, ease stress from parents and will not be unfair to schools. Therefore, pupils should definitely be rewarded for good grades.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COLORS]

Hey peeps!

Done with today's creative writing.
Overall, I believe I performed well, however I went past the limit by a bit.
The prompt was sourced from page 10 of this site:
http://www.slideshare.net/kevcummins/150-amazing-writing-prompts-pictures
I wrote this in 17 minutes! yes!

I tried to use descriptive words and stuff, so kind of stole a lot of time. Worth it I reckon. You can decide.
However, I feel like I didn't space my paragraphs correctly and it wasn't kept 1st person the whole way. Also, the ending was kind of anti-climatic.

(AGAIN EVERYTHING BELOW THE DOTTED LINE IS WHAT I ACTUALLY WROTE IN MY NOTEBOOK, NOT ERRORS, MAYBE 10% ARE ERRORS, MOST AREN'T, YOU GET THE IDEA.)

Anyway, here it is, any suggestions or invigorating words will be cherished by me!
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stared upon the night sky (if you want to use 'upon', maybe it would be better to say "I cast my gaze upon the night sky".). A magnificent wheel of light illuminated the atmosphere with falling diamonds (Describing the moon as a 'disc' would be better. Anyway, it sounds like something an animal would say instead of a human.). Turning my attention to the sea, I admired the calming tranquillity (you use this word a lot. c: There's only one L in 'tranquility') of the ocean. It seemed to stretch out to eternity, no signs of land in sight.

I nodded satisfyingly at the idea of coming here. Everyone had warned me against fishing here because it was dangerous. Once I make a large catch, my colleges colleagues will drown in envy. I felt an euphoric (the 'eu' part is pronounced as 'y-'. Like Europe.) sense of glee creep up my spine. I shifted my attention to my fishing rod, adjusting every nook and cranny of it to ensure a large catch.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed as I pricked my fingers withe the hook. Hastily covering it with my hands I realised I would lose control of my fishing rod. I moved my body so that I could press it down against the edge of the rail with my stomach.

It was indeed extremely dangerous as it was balancing precariously. However, the overwhelming pain in my finger required immediate attention, I yelped in pain, a few passengers passengers turned their heads then continued with their activities.  (I think you could do better with this sentence <<<)I silently cursed under my breath, hoping that I wouldn't hook a fish at the moment.

Out of the blue, a dart shaped fish jolted in front of my face. Any composure I had was lost, as I screamed piercingly. It was nothing compared to what followed. The devilish creature squirted ink all over me, decorating my expensive clothes with appalling blotches of ink,. then, fell back into the ocean mockingly. I stared at myself in disbelief.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't spend too much time spewing out descriptions. They're more interested in how you interpret ideas than how flowery your writing can get.

[pixelgraphicsful]

Don't spend too much time spewing out descriptions. They're more interested in how you interpret ideas than how flowery your writing can get.

Hi COLORS,
Once again, you've saved the thread from extinction.
lol, Terrible comparison I know, I'm just grateful that you bothered to help me out after the silence that's being haunting this thread for a while now.

I use tranquillity a lot, agreed.
I think it's because every time I use it, I place it in the wrong context. Making me determined to retry.

Are you sure I should spend less time on descriptions?
So I should think about the whole plot first then writing?
I've tried that before and my mind just goes blank, I find it better and more time-efficient if I start writing descriptively as soon as I receive the prompt?
Any more insight? Thanks

[COLORS]

Hi COLORS,
Once again, you've saved the thread from extinction.
lol, Terrible comparison I know, I'm just grateful that you bothered to help me out after the silence that's being haunting this thread for a while now.

I use tranquillity a lot, agreed.
I think it's because every time I use it, I place it in the wrong context. Making me determined to retry.

Are you sure I should spend less time on descriptions?
So I should think about the whole plot first then writing?
I've tried that before and my mind just goes blank, I find it better and more time-efficient if I start writing descriptively as soon as I receive the prompt?
Any more insight? Thanks

Er, well, it all depends on how fast your write/think, I guess? Never ever have I ever bothered to plan. Plan while writing is what most people do. The ideas just come as you get deeper into your story, you know?

For me, descriptions are a waste of time. If you decide to go JAC, they'll give you stuff like "Imagine that you are on a mountain. What do you see?", where you'll have to be super descriptive. I don't think a prompt like that would be used for selective exams, though.

Exploring the concept of my story > description. Connecting a (recurring) theme to the prompt comes almost immediately. I dunno about everyone else.

(i don't think i've ever interpreted a prompt literally lol. it's always figuratively.)

I think something like this was used years ago as a prompt for creative writing:
http://www.clker.com/clipart-15343.html

Try it?

[pixelgraphicsful]

Hi fellow readers!
YES! Finished today's persuasive text.
I found this topic extremely hard to write about, but I still managed to finish in 16 minutes.

The topic was:
Should not wearing a seat-belt be illegal?

I feel like I repeated myself a bit in terms of words and ideas.
The arguments I wrote weren't very powerful themselves however.
I did write this impressively fast if compared to how long I imagined I would take.
Also, I tried structuring this essay differently to what I normally do, the intro is modified. See if you can tell.

Without further ado, here it is!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A seat belt is a desire that absorbs major damage from a crash to protect the user. Not wearing a seat belt should definitely be illegal. Regarding seat belts as mandatory will benefit the society, make a formal first impression for the country and will not take away freedom.

Firstly, seatbelts will improve the society. It is likely that a major portion of road-related accidents can be prevented by wearing a seat belt. Once seat belts are required, a society will feel more protected, ultimately leading to a more advanced nation. If the act of not wearing a seat belt is illegal, the country will generally feel more protected.

On top of that, making seat-belts compulsory will improve a country's reputation. First impressions are undoubtedly crucial to success. A nation with strict laws equivalates to a higher class country. A good reputation will attract a significant amount of tourists to the country, generating more cash. If seat belts are required, a nation's reputation will rise.

The opposition may argue that forcing seat-belts will take away freedom from citizens. The truth is that this mythical freedom the opposition might suggest is purely wishful thinking. The government already prohibits many acts; such running for office before a certain age or use of certain dangerous substances. Hence, rendering the argument as weak.

If the government prohibits not wearing seat-belts, society standards will increase, heighten the country's reputation and is not violating one's freedom. Therefore, not wearing seat belts should unequivocally be illegal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pixelgraphicsful]

Er, well, it all depends on how fast your write/think, I guess? Never ever have I ever bothered to plan. Plan while writing is what most people do. The ideas just come as you get deeper into your story, you know?

For me, descriptions are a waste of time. If you decide to go JAC, they'll give you stuff like "Imagine that you are on a mountain. What do you see?", where you'll have to be super descriptive. I don't think a prompt like that would be used for selective exams, though.

Exploring the concept of my story > description. Connecting a (recurring) theme to the prompt comes almost immediately. I dunno about everyone else.

(i don't think i've ever interpreted a prompt literally lol. it's always figuratively.)

I think something like this was used years ago as a prompt for creative writing:
http://www.clker.com/clipart-15343.html

Try it?

Okay, that's pretty much what I'm doing now with the creative writing. I find myself  get a better grasp of my story when I write more. I'll try to focus more on the plot.

I've never been to a place specifically for selective school exam, however I plan on doing so a few months before the test.

As for the picture prompt, I've never received anything so simple. Normally I have a very graphical picture. But, now that I've opened it, pretty much ruins the whole time limit thing. If you could be kind enough to find another very simple picture for a creative writing and post the link, I'll use that on Thursday. 
Thanks!