Clarification: Writing Prompt Homework

I am seeing that many students do not understand the terms "writing prompt". Essentially, I writing prompt means an "essay question." For instance, here are some simple writing prompt examples:

Humanities:

• The University of Illinois seeks to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. How would you contribute to this community?

Science:

• The molecules BF3 and NH3 both have covalent bonds. Explain why BF3 is described as a trigonal planer shape while NH3 is described as a trigonal pyramidal shape.

Family/Consumer Science:

•  Tell how abstinence from high-risk behaviors can be important health decisions