FCAT writing prompt

I didn't expect Clay to be here today, so I didn't have the grammar workbook with me. I gave him an FCAT prompt to work on, and he had a very difficult time coming up with ideas and getting started. I think the rigidity and formality of the prompt were what troubled him. But he's developed a habit of talking out his ideas, which is something he has to break as there won't be anyone to bounce ideas off of when he takes the test.