College Prompt

What is x?

Find x. Is it a question? A statement? The truth of such an enigma can only be unraveled through systematically breaking down what it is. However, before we can find x, we need to understand the underlying truth behind x. In other words, before we can find x, we must comprehend x.

The definition of x can be interpreted through a multitude of means. For example, the x in a map usually indicates treasure. It can then be inferred that x is a destination or goal. However, defining x with a superficial definition can only lead to a shallow answer. It is common knowledge that math, science, and other STEM subjects are the foundation of everything. If x can be found, then x must have some sort of value. This conclusion can be explained through arguably the most simple math concept: x has value when y is 0. Therefore, we should attempt to understand why, before we can attempt to understand what. 

We recognize that x has value, but why does x have value? What gives x importance? Simply put, anything and everything has value if and only if we give it value. Moreover, x is not exempt from this universal truth. This suggests that x may simply be a byproduct of a myriad of universal laws interacting with the human race. The notion that x can be found is inherently flawed. Math, science, and physics are all part of a bigger man-made system that was designed to comprehend the incomprehensible. We as a human race created x to be part of that system, a system that attempts to organize the universe into something comprehensible. 

To find x is akin to searching for a small component on an alien ship. We have no idea what it is, who designed it, or even where to begin. Perhaps in the future humanity may uncover the answer, but until that day, x will remain an enigma.

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Reflection

This writing prompt was arguably the most enjoyable to write because I had so much freedom in choosing what to write about and how to write about it. From the wide array of college writing prompts one stood out to me, “What is x?”. The reason this prompt stood out to me was because it was so short and mysterious. But also because the prompt essentially stated that I could write about whatever I wanted. I had so much fun with this prompt that at one point I totally forgot I was writing for a school assignment.

Outline:

Paragraph 1

1. Introduce topic to be extremely vague
   1. Enter thesis
2. Elaboration on thesis
   1. Simply allude to a “definition”, do not attempt to define x
      1. EX: As stated before, the only way to find x is to answer x…… In other words, know x.

Paragraph 2

1. What does it mean to know x?
   1. What is x( emotion or something similar)
2. Connect x to something about math 
   1. X has value when y is 0
      1. So we should not ask the question “why?”
      2. Instead, we should ask “blah blah blah”
3. Connect that conclusion to the bigger picture
   1. So if x has value, what holds value in life?

Paragraph 3

1. Connection to something in P 1 or 2
   1. Something about the value of x or knowledge of what x is.
2. Elaborate 
   1. Simply allude to a “definition”, do not attempt to define x
3. Conclude with the statement(such as)
   1. There is no way we can define x
   2. What is x? We may ever know.
   3. This mystery will plague humanity for eons.
   4. The definition of x lies within your heart
   5. The value of x will remain an enigma.

Thesis:

 Before we can “find x”, we need to understand the underlying truth behind x. In other words, before we can find x, we must know x.