1-MINUTE PROMPT:
Find something ho-hum that’s happening in your environment right now, like a leaf blowing in the wind or a bus making a left-hand turn. You’ve been hired by a tabloid to write an outlandish tale about this typically minor event. Write down ideas for the sensational headline of this article.
5-MINUTE PROMPT:
We all know that Internet articles have dreadful characters in the comments section. Use your phone or computer to pull up an article about a current event. Perhaps it’s a notable person’s death, or a natural disaster, or an election scandal. Craft a pint-sized opinion piece in the style of an online comment about this event.
10-MINUTE PROMPT:
Locate a nearby newspaper or magazine and find an article or news item about a current event. If need be, pull up an article on your phone or computer. Re-envision this event as a modern-day fairy tale. Who are the villains? Who are the heroes? For fun, throw an accidental curse into your story.
20-MINUTE PROMPT:
The debate team is prepping for a regional event and you’ve got to argue one side of a divisive topic. Pick something in your environment that people could have a difference of opinion about, such as junk food or a skinny stretch of sidewalk. Next, write a debate speech defending your opinion on this potentially controversial subject.