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research writing topics for middle school

206 Middle School Research Topics: Original Ideas List

As middle schoolers prepare to go to high school, they are introduced slowly to essay and research writing. They are sometimes given homework that involves picking suitable topics and writing on them. However, it should be noted that i t is not easy to write a research paper for a high grade. Middle schoolers in their preteen age are taught how to be creative, air out their opinions and conduct little research. It helps make them critical thinkers and prepares them for more writing tasks as they advance in their education. This article will help middle schoolers understand what is expected of them when asked to write an essay or research on a topic. It will also expose them to different areas where they can write and many research topics for middle school they can pick from.

What Should Be In A Middle School Research Paper?

Middle school research papers are often not required to be extended. They are in a unique position where they move from writing simple pieces to more detailed essays and research papers. This is the foundation where they learn to write excellent papers as they transcend to high school and eventually college. Writing an essay in middle school is not very different from writing in other stages. Some steps to get you started are

Understanding the Assignment :Before you begin, you should understand your teacher’s expectations when turning in your finished work.There will be rules and procedures to follow. Know the format the essay is supposed to be written in, and keep the due dates in mind. If you do not understand any aspect of the assignment, please ask for clarification, as this will help you deliver a clear and concise essay at the end.
Do Your Pre-Writing :Start with brainstorming on middle school research topics to determine what you would like your essay to be about. There are many options to pick from and several general subjects to break down into topics you want.

Pick up to three topics when you first brainstorm. From there, you can select the best one to write on. When you find a topic, start writing all you know about it. Create a rough paper where you jot down information from your research that will be useful in your essay. Feel free to write freely, as this will be your first draft, and you have the chance to edit it as you go.

Edit Your Work : Editing is essential. It helps give your paper structure. From your rough work, take out parts that are not necessary and add details you think you missed. This is where you should be detailed and try to make your work as neat and correct as possible. You are almost at the end of writing the paper.When you are sure your paper is good, it is time to proofread. Check for spelling and punctuation errors. One expert way to do this is to read the report from the bottom up, and this can help you spot any spelling errors.
Citations and References : Your teacher would have given you a format to write references for your work. Ensure that you are following the prescribed format.References will highlight the sources of the information gathered to make your essay.

What Can Middle Schoolers Write About?

There are many general subjects that middle schoolers can write about in their assignments. Streaming from what they have been taught in the classroom or their experiences outside class. Some issues that can create good middle school research paper topics include:

Science : This broad aspect covers earth science, geology, physical science, life science, and genetics. Science research paper topics for middle school will encourage the students to be interested in growth and learning how things work. Social Studies : This will involve learning about their history, other people’s cultures, human interaction, family, etc. This will create fun research topics for 6th graders, learning about life and how relationships work. Literature : This is the best time to learn about books and works of art. The literature will provide many topics to research for middle school students.

There are many more aspects that middle school students can research and write papers on. Discover more than 200 interesting research topics for middle school students below. However don’t worry if the assignment seems too difficult for you. You are only at the beginning of the path and our cheap research writing service will be happy to get you through with your paper.

Good Research Topics For Middle School

Students who have no experience writing papers and are looking for good research topics to work on are in luck. The topics below are suitable for all middle schoolers and can create detailed essays.

Should students be compelled to wear a specific uniform?
Textbooks or tablets: which is better to read from?
Obesity in American youth: Causes and solutions.
Should boys and girls be allowed to play on the same athletics team?
Should young people be allowed to play violent video games?
Impact of continuously playing violent video games.
When can we say someone is spending too much time in front of the screen?
Listening to music during class: Does it disturb concentration?
How to recognize harmful content on the internet?
Should all businesses be compelled to recycle?
What is the appropriate punishment for students who engage in cyberbullying?
Should school hours be adjusted to later in the morning?
Should our scientists be allowed to test drugs on animals?
Why do people’s behavior change in different settings?
Is sex education important?
Different types of poetry and how they came about.
What to do if you are being bullied on the internet.
How to have healthy self-esteem.
Why does the human body need sleep?
Insect repellents, are they helpful?
Why did dinosaurs go extinct?
What is skateboarding?
The effects of tobacco on the body.
Artificial tanning: Risks and benefits.
What is spam email? Where does it come from, and how can we stop it?
What is a desert mirage? How does it affect people?
What are penguins? Where do they stay, and what do they eat?
When and how was America created?
Who are some well know and inspirational women?
Who are some famous inventors?
What famous inventions helped in shaping human existence?
Steps you can take to protect yourself from scammers online.
What is a cryptocurrency, and why is it so popular?
What did the invention of the mobile phone do to change the world?
How to handle stress from school.
How can issues in the family affect a child?
Is your school working hard enough to prevent bullying?
Should we use mobile phones and tablets in class?
Does technology make you smarter?
What is an unhealthy life, and what are the effects?
Is there any benefit of doing homework?
What is video game addiction, and how to stop it?
What is a museum, and what can be found in it?
What can we do to reduce climate change?
Is soda suitable for children?
Does everyone have to go to college?
Comparing homework and class assignments.
What is physical education?
How the internet has changed our life
What is peer pressure?
What effect has global warming had on the environment?
What is racism?
What is a healthy diet?
Should students be able to pick what they learn?
Do movies depict what happens in real life?
Is arts a vital part of the school curriculum?
What are the challenges students face?
How do we conserve energy in our homes?
What is pop culture?
Should parents monitor their children’s social media?

Fun Research Topics for Middle School

Writing an essay shouldn’t always be stressful or tedious. These topics will make writing papers fun. The topics below can hold the researcher’s attention for a long time as they work on completing their project.

How should celebrities who break the law be punished?
What is bulletproof clothing made of?
All there is to know about hip-hop.
What do we know about ninjas?
Do lie detector tests work?
What are the ingredients contained in a hotdog?
Sharks, how do they hunt, and what do they eat?
How do search engines work?
Some fascinating extinct animals, and what happened to them?
How to manage time effectively.
How does insufficient sleep affect the brain?
How to let go of bad habits?
How do parents help us grow?
How to become a better writer.
Are dogs and cats enemies?
Why do parents punish children for bad behavior?
What is the best punishment for naughty kids?
Is magic real?
How to save money effectively?
What is self-development?
How to motivate yourself to be a better student?
When should you begin to earn money?
What’s the secret of having a successful life?
How not to become a game addict.

Middle School Research Project Ideas

Research shouldn’t always end as essay writing. Sometimes, you need hands-on projects to keep the middle schooler busy. The list below can serve as an ideal hub for research ideas for middle school students and work as interesting essay topics.

Investigating what life is like inside a beehive.
Steps in creating a movie.
How do our brains store memories and retrieve them when we need them?
What is a landform?
What are some important holidays around the world, and who celebrates them?
What are some significant symbols used in world holidays?
Creating an ecosystem: what’s the process involved?
Research on some exotic underwater creatures.
What is a meteor?
How to build a crossword puzzle.
What is advertising: create a short advertisement campaign.
Write the story of your life.
Create a calendar highlighting critical events in your life.
Create your family tree.

Science Research Topics for Middle School

Science is an exciting part of our lives. Because of science, the quality of our lives has increased, and there are many more inventions to come. These topics can engage the curious mind of the youngster and introduce them to science-related subjects to work on.

Earthquakes: Its causes and effects.
Computer viruses. What are they, and how do they spread?
Evolution of human beings.
Are human beings still evolving?
What is alchemy?
What is a black hole? How is it formed?
What is a submarine? Who uses them, and how do they work?
What is the cause of tornadoes?
What is a sinkhole, and how do they form?
Research on one of the planets in the solar system.
Understanding glaciers and icebergs.
What are volcanoes, and how do they form?
The different types of volcanoes and what causes them.
Who are the most famous scientists, and what are they famous for?
What are the components of airplanes that make them fly?
What are fossils, and what do they teach us?
How do genetics and DNA affect how we look?
Why does the moon change color and shape sometimes?
What is a Lunar eclipse?
What is pollution?
The different types of pollution and what can be done to curb them?
Can fruits play a part in medicine?
What is flooding?
What is an ecosystem?
What measures do butterflies take to defend themselves?
Different types of butterflies.
What is a skeleton, and why is it an essential part of the body?
How many bones are in a skeleton? Which are the most important?
Who is a marine biologist?
What is the connection between a marine biologist and the weather?
What are the risks marine biologists face when they dive?
Different types of fossils?
Are whales still hunted?
What is scientific research, and who conducts it?
What is the job of the nervous system?
Understanding the concept of hibernation?
What are the necessities plants need to grow?
Who are the people who study dinosaurs?
Mammals and reptiles: Similarities and differences.
Why don’t human beings float?
What is a prism, and what does it do?
What gives humans the ability to lift heavy things?
What factors can cause earthquakes?
How is wind measured?
What differentiates a planet from a star?
What is a galaxy? What galaxy is the earth?
Who is an astronaut, and what is their job?
What is a waterfall?
Do plants drink water?
Why do oil and water not mix?
What is microbiology?
How can we preserve our natural resources?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exploring space.
What are bacteria, and how useful is it to humans?
The similarities between temperature and heat.

If You Need Paper Writing Help

There are many ways to brainstorm ideas for your middle school homework. The research project ideas for middle school and the topics listed above will make it easier to begin. After picking a suitable topic, the next step is writing the entire paper. This will involve a lot of research and fact-finding to get accurate information for your paper. It doesn’t end at research, as you still have to write a great essay to score high marks. This could be a daunting task for many students. Don’t be afraid to get research paper help from our professional writers. After attending class, you may not have adequate time to write your essay yourself, if this is your situation, it’s okay to search for help on the internet. A quick google search for “write my paper” will result in several websites promising to write the best essay for you. However, you need to make your research before hiring an online writer for your assignment. If you need someone to write your assignment, we can be of help. We provide fast, reliable, custom paper writing services that can be completed online. Our services are available to every student, including university, middle school, high school, and college students. Our team of writers consists of professionals and teachers who are always available to ensure that you meet your deadlines. Contact us with a message “ do my research paper for me ” and enjoy the perfect result!

30 Tips For Finding Great Research Paper Topics for Middle School

Useful information: What is research paper writing and how to format it?

Is going vegan good for your health?
The dinosaurs: what should happen for them to evolve again?
The history of music and its meaning in modern life
Greenhouse effect: is it natural or artificial
What are the possible consequences of drugs legalization
World War II and its impact on the rights of women
Schools, learning and social networks
The causes, effects and consequences of earthquakes
The geological periods of Earth development
The history of cryptography
The nature of sports. Why competition is so important for humanity?
How a person’s behaviour changes in the crowd?
What is propaganda and how it works?
Is sexual education important? Why?
How much can we play computer games to not get addicted?
The prison system: shall it be reformed?
The types and forms of poetry: how does poetry evolve?
Internet safety: what to do if you are threatened or blackmailed?
The endangered cultures: is it important to preserve them in the age of globalization?
Gender roles in media and books for children
The effective strategies of waste recycling
Shall some media be banned from TV or is censorship always bad?
Human morality. Is it a national trait or a social construct?
Multicultural community: do the cultures mix?
Healthy self-esteem: what can influence it?
Forming of social hierarchy: does it differ from one group to another?
Family issues and their impact on the development of the children’s personality
What Jupiter contains of?
What is more perspective planet for colonizing: Mars or Venus and why?
Are cryptocurrencies real currencies?

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101 research paper topics.

Why do we sleep ?
How do GPS systems work?
Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
What was life like for a gladiator ?
What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
How did trains and railroads change life in America?
What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
How is bulletproof clothing made?
What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
What is life like inside of a beehive ?
Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
How does tobacco use affect the human body?
How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
How did gunpowder change warfare?
In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
What do historians know about ninjas ?
How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
Are humans still evolving ?
What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
What is the curse of the pharaohs?
Why was Socrates executed?
What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
How are black holes formed?
How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
How do submarines work?
Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
How does a hybrid car save energy?
What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
How did the Freedom Riders change society?
How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
How did Joan of Arc change history?
What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
How does a shark hunt?
What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
What causes tornadoes ?
Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
How does a search engine work?
What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
How did the Roman Empire fall?
What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
How did the black plague affect Europe?
What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
How does night vision work?
How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

This is an image of a young woman in a library. She is sitting at a desk with a pile of books and looking toward the ceiling. She appears to be in deep thought.

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

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Exciting Research Topics for Middle Schoolers to Fuel Curiosity

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Middle school is a time of burgeoning curiosity and the perfect opportunity for students to engage in research that not only educates them academically but also cultivates skills for the future. By encouraging young learners to explore topics they are passionate about, educators and parents play a pivotal role in their intellectual development and the growth of their intrinsic motivation. This blog post outlines a diverse range of research topics suited to the inquiring minds of middle school students, giving them the freedom to deepen their understanding of various subjects while honing critical thinking and independent study skills.

Uncovering the Mysteries of History

Middle schoolers often find history fascinating, particularly when learning about the past from distinct perspectives. Here are some intriguing historical research topics to consider:

The Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Apart from the well-known leaders, students can explore the contributions of lesser-known figures who played a significant role in the struggle for equality.
The Impact of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Society: Researching the ways in which the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or other ancient societies have influenced contemporary culture, politics, and technology offers a broad canvas for exploration.
Everyday Life in Different Historical Periods: Focusing on the routines, customs, and technologies that shaped people’s daily lives in times gone by can provide valuable insights into societal norms and individual experiences.

Science and the Natural World

The sciences are a playground of wonder, with an infinity of topics waiting to be explored. Here are some research ideas that can nurture a love for discovery and experimentation:

Climate Change: Effects and Solutions: Investigating the causes and potential solutions to this global challenge can make students aware of their role in protecting the planet.
The Wonders of the Solar System: Encouraging a study of the planets, their moons, and the vast expanse of space they inhabit can ignite dreams of interstellar exploration.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation: Researching the variety of life on Earth and strategies to protect and sustain ecosystems can foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

Literature, Language, and Creative Expression

Language and literature are potent forms of human expression, allowing students to explore complex ideas and emotions. Here are some topics that bridge the gap between art and academia:

Interpreting Classic Literature for Modern Relevance: Encouraging the study of timeless works can lead to discussions on their contemporary significance and the evolution of societal values.
The Structure and Evolution of Language: Investigating the origins and changes in language over time can be a rich area of study, especially when paired with the examination of cultural shifts.
The Intersection of Art and Literature: Exploring how visual arts and writing intersect to convey messages and emotions can be a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research.

Mathematics and Logic Puzzles

The precision and patterns found in mathematics can be both satisfying and thought-provoking. Middle school students often enjoy the thrill of solving problems and unraveling puzzles. Here are some mathematical research topics that can engage students’ analytical minds:

Famous Mathematical Conjectures: Researching unsolved problems, such as the Goldbach conjecture or the Riemann hypothesis, can introduce students to the excitement of open questions in mathematics.
The Application of Math in Various Industries: Investigating how mathematical principles underpin fields like music, art, sports, and technology can illuminate the subject’s real-world utility.
The History of Mathematical Discoveries: Tracing the lineage of mathematical concepts through different cultures and periods can showcase the universality and timelessness of mathematics.

Social Sciences and Human Interaction

Studying human behavior and society can help students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Here are some social science research ideas to explore:

The Impact of Social Media on Friendships and Relationships: Research could focus on positive and negative effects, trends, and the future of social interaction.
Cultural Traditions and Their Meanings: Investigating the origins and contemporary significance of customs from various cultures can foster respect for diversity and a global perspective.
The Psychology of Decision Making: Exploring the factors that influence human choices, from cognitive biases to social pressures, can provide insights into individual and collective behavior.

Technology and Innovation

A focused individual working at a desk with a laptop and a pen, engrossed in their work.

Middle schoolers are often tech-savvy and interested in the latest gadgets and advancements. Here are some technology and innovation research topics to tap into that curiosity:

The Impact of Gaming on Society: Research could examine how video games influence education, social issues, or even career choices.
Emerging Technologies and Their Ethical Implications: Encouraging students to study technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, or wearable tech can lead to discussions on the ethical considerations of their use and development.
Inventions That Changed the World: Chronicling the history and influence of significant inventions, from the wheel to the internet, can provide a lens through which to view human progress.

By providing middle schoolers with the opportunity to conduct meaningful research in a topic of their choosing, we not only deepen their education but also equip them with the skills and passion for a lifetime of learning. This list is just the beginning; the key is to foster curiosity and guide young minds toward engaging, challenging, and diverse research experiences. Through such explorations, we empower the next generation to think critically, communicate effectively, and, most importantly, to nurture their innate curiosity about the world.

Implementing Research Projects in the Classroom

Encouraging middle school students to undertake research projects requires a strategic approach to ensure sustained interest and meaningful outcomes. Here are some methods educators can employ:

Mentorship and Support: Pairing students with teacher mentors who can guide them through the research process, provide feedback, and encourage critical thinking is essential for a fruitful research experience.
Cross-Curricular Integration: Linking research topics to content from different subjects helps students appreciate the interconnectedness of knowledge and develop versatile learning skills.
Use of Technology and Media: Incorporating digital tools for research, presentation, and collaboration can enhance engagement and teach essential 21st-century skills.
Presentation and Reflection: Allocating time for students to present their findings nurtures communication skills and confidence, while self-reflection activities help them internalize their learning journey.

These strategies can create a robust framework within which students can pursue their curiosities, leading to a more personalized and impactful educational experience.

What is a good topic to research for middle school?

A good topic for middle school research could delve into the Role of Robotics in the Future of Society . Students can explore how robotics may transform jobs, healthcare, and everyday life. They can examine the balance between automation and human work, predict how robots could augment human abilities, and discuss the ethical dimensions of a robotic future. This inquiry not only captivates the imagination but also encourages critical thinking about technology’s impact on tomorrow’s world.

What are the 10 research titles examples?

The Evolution of Renewable Energy and Its Future Prospects
Investigating the Effects of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems
The Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Democracy
Understanding Black Holes: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Cosmos
The Impact of Augmented Reality on Education and Training
Climate Change and Its Consequences on Coastal Cities
The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
Genetic Engineering: The Possibilities and Pitfalls
Smart Cities: How Technology is Shaping Urban Living
The Role of Nanotechnology in Medicine: Current Applications and Future Potential

Fascinating Facts About Middle School Research Topics

Interdisciplinary Impact : Research projects in middle school often blend subjects, such as the integration of art and mathematics when exploring patterns and symmetry, which helps students discover the interconnectivity of different fields of knowledge.
Skill Building : Engaging in research equips middle schoolers with advanced skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management, which are beneficial across their academic journey and beyond.
Diversity in Content : Middle school research topics are notably diverse, ranging from examining the role of robotics in society to exploring the psychological effects of social media, catering to a wide array of student interests and strengths.
Tech Savvy Learning : Technology-based research topics, such as the influence of smart cities or the impact of augmented reality in education, are deeply relevant to tech-savvy middle school students, making learning more engaging and relatable.
Cultural Relevance : Researching topics like cultural traditions and their meanings encourages middle schoolers to develop a global perspective and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity within their own school community and the world at large.

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Exploring Exciting Research Topics for Middle School Students

Are you searching for the best research topics for middle school? If yes, then your search ends here with the best ever research topics for middle school.

Research is an essential aspect of learning, and it is never too early to introduce it to students. Middle school is an excellent time for students to start learning how to conduct research and develop critical thinking skills. By engaging in research projects, students can explore various topics in-depth and develop a deeper understanding of them.

Additionally, research projects can help students develop crucial skills such as time management, organization, and communication. This guide will provide examples of research topics for middle school students and offer tips on how to identify research topics and access scholarly sources. With this guide, students can discover the exciting world of research and the many benefits it offers.

Importance of research topics for middle school students

Table of Contents

Have a close look at the importance of research topics for middle school students.

Develop critical thinking skills

Research topics encourage students to analyze information, think critically about issues and topics, and make informed decisions. This helps them develop their ability to assess evidence and draw conclusions.

Enhance academic skills

Research projects help students develop essential academic skills such as reading, writing, and critical thinking. These skills are critical for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Prepare for high school and beyond

Research projects prepare students for the more in-depth research assignments they will encounter in high school and beyond. It also prepares them for the rigors of college-level research.

Foster creativity

Research projects can provide students with opportunities to explore creative ways of presenting information and engaging with their topic. This can include using technology, art, or multimedia presentations to showcase their findings.

Encourage curiosity

Research projects can encourage students to ask questions, investigate, and discover new information about topics that interest them. This helps them develop a love of learning and become lifelong learners.

Develop time management skills

Research projects require planning and organization, and can help students develop time management skills. This prepares them for managing their time and workload in high school, college, and beyond.

Promote collaboration

Research projects can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. This helps them develop teamwork skills and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.

Increase engagement

Research topics that are relevant and interesting to students can increase engagement and motivation in learning. This can help students become more invested in their education and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

Improve communication skills

Research projects can help students develop communication skills, such as presenting findings and participating in discussions. This helps them become better communicators and prepares them for future academic and professional pursuits.

Encourage lifelong learning

Research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives. It helps them develop a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for continued personal growth.

Benefits of engaging in research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of engaging in research projects.

Enhances critical thinking skills

Research projects not only require students to gather information but also to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate it from various sources. These skills are essential for developing critical thinking skills, which are crucial for academic and real-life situations.

Promotes problem-solving skills

By engaging in research projects, students learn to identify problems, develop hypotheses, and test them. Through this process, they acquire problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic success and life beyond school.

Develops creativity

Research projects often require students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This encourages creativity, which is a valuable skill for success in many areas of life, from science to the arts.

Improves communication skills

Research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which helps improve their communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively is crucial for academic and professional success.

Boosts confidence

Successfully completing a research project can give students a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence in their abilities. This, in turn, can lead to greater motivation and engagement in learning.

Provides hands-on learning experiences

Research projects allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, providing hands-on learning experiences. This can help students connect what they learn in school to the world around them.

Encourages independent learning

Research projects require students to work independently and take ownership of their learning, which encourages self-directed learning. This is a valuable skill that can help students become lifelong learners.

Builds research skills

Engaging in research projects helps students build research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, designing research studies, and analyzing data. These skills are essential for success in college and many careers.

Prepares for college and career

Research projects provide valuable experience that can prepare students for college and careers that require research and critical thinking skills. These skills are highly valued by colleges and employers.

Fosters a love of learning

Engaging in research projects can foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world around us. This can lead to a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

Research Topics for Middle School

Have a close look at research topics for middle school.

STEM Research Topics

Here are some STEM research topics that middle school students can explore:

Renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment
The effects of pollution on local ecosystems
Investigating the properties of different types of soils
Building and testing a simple machine or robot
The effects of different types of fertilizers on plant growth
The relationship between exercise and heart rate
The chemistry of food preservation
The physics of roller coasters and amusement park rides
Investigating the efficiency of different types of insulation materials
The effects of music on the brain and body

How to Identify a STEM Research Topic

Have a close look at how to identify a stem research topic.

Identify your interests

Think about what subjects interest you in STEM, such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or computer science.

Explore current events

Look at recent news articles or scientific journals to see what topics are currently being researched and discussed in STEM fields.

Consider problems and challenges

Think about problems or challenges in the world that could be addressed with STEM research, such as climate change, renewable energy, or medical advancements.

Brainstorm ideas

Write down any ideas that come to mind based on your interests and the topics you have explored. Consider how you could approach these topics from a STEM perspective.

Research existing studies

Look at existing research studies in your area of interest to see what has already been done and what gaps still exist that you could explore.

Consult with experts

Seek guidance from teachers, professors, or professionals in STEM fields to help you identify potential research topics and provide resources.

By following these steps, you can identify a STEM research topic that aligns with your interests and has the potential to contribute to the field.

Benefits of STEM Research Projects

Engaging in STEM research projects can offer a variety of benefits for middle school students, including:

Development of critical thinking skills

STEM research projects require students to analyze data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions, which enhances their critical thinking abilities.

Hands-on learning experiences

STEM research projects provide opportunities for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, which offers hands-on learning experiences.

Preparation for future careers

STEM research projects can prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, as they develop skills relevant to these fields.

Fostering creativity

STEM research projects often require students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions, which fosters creativity.

Development of research skills

Engaging in STEM research projects helps students build research skills, such as designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Collaboration

STEM research projects can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another.

Improvement of communication skills

STEM research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which helps improve their communication skills.

Boosting self-confidence

Successfully completing a STEM research project can give students a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-confidence in their abilities.

Encouragement of lifelong learning

STEM research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives.

Social Science Research Topics

Examples of social science research topics for middle school students:

The impact of social media on mental health.
Gender inequality in education and the workplace.
The effects of poverty on child development.
The relationship between stress and physical health.
The role of parenting styles in child behavior.
The effects of bullying on mental health and social relationships.
The impact of immigration policies on families.
The influence of media on body image and self-esteem.
The relationship between personality and academic achievement.
The effects of technology on social relationships.

How to identify a social science research topic:

To identify a social science research topic, you can follow these steps:

Identify a broad area of interest

Begin by thinking about the general field of social science that interests you the most. This could be psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, or any other related field.

Narrow down the focus

Once you have identified a broad area of interest, narrow down your focus to a specific topic or issue within that field. For example, if you are interested in psychology, you might focus on a specific mental health condition or treatment.

Consider current events

Look at current events or issues that are receiving a lot of attention in the news or media. Consider how you can apply social science research methods to study these topics in more depth.

Talk to your teachers, professors, or other experts in the field to get ideas for research topics. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights and suggestions.

Conduct a literature review

Conducting a literature review involves reading published research studies, articles, and books related to your topic. This will help you understand what research has already been done in the field and identify any gaps or areas that need further exploration.

Refine your research question

Once you have identified a topic of interest, refine your research question by making it more specific and focused. This will help you to develop a clear research plan and stay on track during your project.

Benefits of social science research projects

Have a close look the benefits of social science research topics.

Improved critical thinking skills

Social science research projects require students to analyze and evaluate information from various sources, which helps develop their critical thinking skills.

Enhance problem-solving skills

Through research, students can identify problems and find solutions by gathering and analyzing data, developing hypotheses, and testing them.

Develop empathy

Social science research projects often require students to explore topics related to human behavior and interactions, which can help them develop empathy and understanding for others.

Foster a love of learning

Engaging in social science research projects can foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world around us.

Develop research skills

Social science research projects allow students to develop important research skills such as conducting literature reviews, designing research studies, and analyzing data.

Enhance communication skills

Social science research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which can help improve their communication skills.

Promote civic engagement

Social science research projects can encourage students to become active and engaged citizens by exploring issues related to society and government.

Expand cultural awareness

Social science research projects can help students understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs , and perspectives.

Prepare for college and career

Social science research projects provide valuable experience that can prepare students for college and careers that require research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Humanities Research Topics

Examples of humanities research topics for middle school students:

The impact of art and music on society
The history and cultural significance of traditional dress
The role of religion in shaping world events
The influence of ancient civilizations on modern society
The significance of oral history in preserving cultural traditions
The portrayal of gender roles in literature and media
The impact of social media on interpersonal communication
The role of government in promoting human rights
The significance of historical landmarks in shaping national identity
The portrayal of mental health in literature and media.

How to identify a humanities research topic

Have a close look at how to identify a humanities research topics.

Brainstorm topics

Begin by brainstorming ideas that interest you or your students. This can include topics related to literature, history, art, philosophy, or culture.

Narrow down the ideas

Once you have a list of potential topics, start narrowing them down by considering the available resources, the level of complexity, and the relevance to current events or personal interests.

Conduct preliminary research on the narrowed-down topics to ensure that there is enough information available and that the topic is suitable for a research project.

Consider different perspectives

Humanities topics often involve multiple perspectives and interpretations, so it’s essential to consider different viewpoints and debates related to the topic.

Consult with teachers or librarians

Ask for input from teachers or librarians who specialize in humanities subjects. They may have ideas for topics, recommended resources, or can help guide students towards a suitable topic.

Refine the topic

Once a suitable topic has been identified, refine it further by clarifying the research question, determining the scope of the project, and outlining the research methodology.

Benefits of humanities research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of humanities research projects.

Developing critical thinking skills

Humanities research projects require students to analyze information, form opinions, and develop arguments, which helps them to think critically.

Enhancing creativity

Humanities research projects often require students to think creatively about how they present their findings and engage with their topic.

Improving communication skills

Humanities research projects often involve written or oral presentations, which help students to develop their communication skills.

Encouraging curiosity

Humanities research projects can encourage students to ask questions and explore new topics, fostering their curiosity.

Developing empathy

Humanities research projects often involve examining different perspectives and cultures, which can help students to develop empathy and understanding for others.

Preparing for higher education

Humanities research projects provide students with valuable research skills and a foundation for more advanced research projects in high school and college.

Increasing engagement

Research topics that are relevant and interesting to students can increase engagement and motivation in learning.

Encouraging lifelong learning

Humanities research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives.

Interdisciplinary Research Topics

Examples of interdisciplinary research topics for middle school students:

How does climate change affect biodiversity?
The impact of technology on society and culture.
The role of music in mental health.
How do food and nutrition affect brain development and academic performance?
The history and science of flight.
How does social media influence body image and self-esteem?
The connection between art and science in creating visual illusions.
The impact of sports on physical and mental health.
The psychology and biology of addiction.
The history and science of ancient civilizations.

How to identify an interdisciplinary research topic

Have a close look at how to identify an interdisciplinary research topic.

Look for common themes or issues

Think about topics that overlap between different subjects. For example, climate change is a topic that can be explored in science, social studies, and literature.

Identify the questions

Once you have identified a common theme or issue, think about the questions that arise from it. What do you want to learn or investigate about this topic?

When exploring interdisciplinary topics, it’s important to consider different perspectives from different subjects. For example, if you’re researching climate change, you might want to explore the scientific causes and effects, the social and economic impacts, and the ethical and moral considerations.

Brainstorm possible connections

Consider how the different subjects you’re interested in can connect to the topic you want to explore. For example, if you’re interested in exploring the history of music, you might look at how different historical events influenced music and how music, in turn, influenced history.

Refine your topic

Once you have some possible connections, refine your topic by focusing on a specific aspect or question. This will help you narrow your focus and make your research more manageable.

If you’re having trouble identifying an interdisciplinary research topic, consider consulting with your teachers or librarians. They may be able to offer guidance or suggest resources that can help you identify a topic.

Benefits of interdisciplinary research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of interdisciplinary research projects.

Encouraging creativity and innovation

Interdisciplinary research topics often require students to approach problems from different angles and find creative solutions by combining knowledge from different fields.

Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Interdisciplinary research requires students to analyze and synthesize information from various sources, think critically, and solve complex problems.

Promoting collaboration and teamwork

Interdisciplinary research often involves working in teams, which fosters collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.

Providing a broader perspective

Interdisciplinary research allows students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic by examining it from multiple perspectives.

Developing research skills

Interdisciplinary research projects help students develop research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings.

Preparing for future academic and career opportunities

Interdisciplinary research projects provide students with valuable experience and skills that can prepare them for future academic and career opportunities that require interdisciplinary approaches.

Resources for Conducting Research

There are various resources available for middle school students to conduct research. Here are some examples:

School Library

The school library is a great resource for finding books, academic journals, and other resources on a wide range of topics. Librarians can also provide guidance on how to find and evaluate sources.

Online Databases

There are several online databases that provide access to academic journals, magazines, and other scholarly sources. Examples include JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Academic Search Premier.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a search engine that allows you to find scholarly articles, books, and conference papers. It can be a useful tool for finding academic sources on specific topics.

Public Library

Public libraries also offer access to a wide range of resources, including books, databases, and other materials. They may also offer research assistance and guidance.

Government Websites

Government websites can be a great resource for research on topics such as history, social studies, and science. Examples include the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Science Foundation.

Online Archives

Many organizations and institutions maintain online archives of historical documents, images, and other resources. Examples include the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and the Digital Public Library of America.

Interviews and Surveys

Conducting interviews and surveys can be a valuable way to gather information for research projects. This can involve reaching out to experts in a particular field or surveying individuals to gather data.

Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms, such as Coursera and edX, offer courses on a wide range of topics. These courses often provide access to readings, videos, and other resources that can be useful for research projects.

How to access scholarly sources

Accessing scholarly sources can be done through various means, including:

Using academic search engines

There are several academic search engines available that provide access to scholarly sources. Some popular examples include Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed. These search engines allow users to search for academic articles, journals, and other research papers.

Using academic databases

Many universities and libraries offer access to academic databases, such as EBSCO and ProQuest, which contain a vast collection of scholarly sources. Students can check with their school or local library to see if they have access to such databases.

Checking library catalogs

Most libraries have a catalog that contains information about the books and other materials they have available. Students can use these catalogs to search for scholarly sources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

Contacting experts

Students can contact experts in their field of study or a related field to ask for recommendations for scholarly sources. Experts may be able to suggest relevant academic articles, books, or other resources.

Using interlibrary loan services

If a student cannot find a specific scholarly source at their own library, they can use interlibrary loan services to request the material from another library. This service allows libraries to share materials with one another, giving students access to a wider range of scholarly sources.

It is important to note that some scholarly sources may require payment or subscription access. However, many sources are available for free or can be accessed through a library’s subscription.

In conclusion, research projects provide middle school students with an opportunity to explore various subjects in depth, develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

STEM, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary research topics offer a broad range of options for students to choose from, and there are various resources available for conducting research, including online databases and access to scholarly sources.

By engaging in research projects, students can improve their academic performance, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and gain valuable experience that will benefit them in the future.

Therefore, we encourage all middle school students to take advantage of these opportunities and engage in research projects that interest them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of research topics for middle school students.

The purpose of research topics for middle school students is to encourage students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to conduct research. It also helps them to understand the importance of research in various fields and how it can contribute to solving real-world problems.

How do I choose a research topic for middle school?

Choosing a research topic for middle school involves identifying your interests, brainstorming ideas, and considering the resources available to you. You can start by thinking about a subject that you are curious about or passionate about, and then narrowing down your focus to a specific aspect or question you want to investigate.

What are some tips for conducting research as a middle school student?

Some tips for conducting research as a middle school student include developing a research question, finding reliable sources, taking thorough notes, organizing your information, and citing your sources properly. It’s also important to plan your time wisely and seek help from teachers or librarians if you need assistance.

Can middle school students access scholarly sources online?

Yes, many scholarly sources are available online and can be accessed by middle school students through databases provided by their school or public libraries. Some popular databases for middle school students include JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost.

How can research projects benefit middle school students in the long term?

Research projects can benefit middle school students in the long term by developing important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management. It also prepares them for future academic endeavors, and exposes them to potential career paths or fields of interest.

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30 Captivating Research Activities for Middle School

February 6, 2023 // by Josilyn Markel

Learning to research effectively is an important skill that middle-school-aged students can learn and carry with them for their whole academic careers. The students in question will use these skills for everything from reading news articles to writing a systematic review of their sources. With increased demands on students these days, it’s never too early to introduce these sophisticated research skills.

We’ve collected thirty of the best academic lessons for middle school students to learn about sophisticated research skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

1. Guiding Questions for Research

When you first give a research project to middle school students, it’s important to make sure that they really understand the research prompts. You can use this guiding questions tool with students to help them draw on existing knowledge to properly contextualize the prompt and assignment before they even pick up a pen.

Learn More: Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

2. Teaching Research Essential Skills Bundle

This bundle touches on all the writing skills, planning strategies, and so-called soft skills that students will need to get started on their first research project. These resources are especially geared towards middle school-aged students to help them with cognitive control tasks plus engaging and active lessons.

Learn More: Pinterest

3. How to Develop a Research Question

Before a middle school student can start their research time on task, they have to form a solid research question. This resource features activities for students that will help them identify a problem and then formulate a question that will guide their research project going first.

Learn More: YouTube

4. Note-Taking Skills Infographic

For a strong introduction and/or systematic review of the importance of note-taking, look no further than this infographic. It covers several excellent strategies for taking the most important info from a source, and it also gives tips for using these strategies to strengthen writing skills.

Learn More: Word Counter

5. Guide to Citing Online Sources

One of the more sophisticated research skills is learning to cite sources. These days, the internet is the most popular place to find research sources, so learning the citation styles for making detailed citations for internet sources is an excellent strategy. This is a skill that will stick with middle school students throughout their entire academic careers!

Learn More: Educator’s Technology

6. Guided Student-Led Research Projects

This is a great way to boost communication between students while also encouraging choice and autonomy throughout the research process. This really opens up possibilities for students and boosts student activity and engagement throughout the whole project. The group setup also decreases the demands on students as individuals.

Learn More: The Thinker Builder

7. Teaching Students to Fact-Check

Fact-checking is an important meta-analytic review skill that every student needs. This resource introduces probing questions that students can ask in order to ensure that the information they’re looking at is actually true. This can help them identify fake news, find more credible sources, and improve their overall sophisticated research skills.

Learn More: Just Add Students

8. Fact-Checking Like a Pro

This resource features great teaching strategies (such as visualization) to help alleviate the demands on students when it comes to fact-checking their research sources. It’s perfect for middle school-aged students who want to follow the steps to make sure that they’re using credible sources in all of their research projects, for middle school and beyond!

9. Website Evaluation Activity

With this activity, you can use any website as a backdrop. This is a great way to help start the explanation of sources that will ultimately lead to helping students locate and identify credible sources (rather than fake news). With these probing questions, students will be able to evaluate websites effectively.

10. How to Take Notes in Class

This visually pleasing resource tells students everything they need to know about taking notes in a classroom setting. It goes over how to glean the most important information from the classroom teacher, and how to organize the info in real-time, and it gives tips for cognitive control tasks and other sophisticated research skills that will help students throughout the research and writing process.

Learn More: Visualistan

11. Teaching Research Papers: Lesson Calendar

If you have no idea how you’re going to cover all the so-called soft skills, mini-lessons, and activities for students during your research unit, then don’t fret! This calendar breaks down exactly what you should be teaching, and when. It introduces planning strategies, credible sources, and all the other research topics with a logical and manageable flow.

Learn More: Discover Hub Pages

12. Google Docs Features for Teaching Research

With this resource, you can explore all of the handy research-focused features that are already built into Google Docs! You can use it to build activities for students or to make your existing activities for students more tech-integrated. You can use this tool with students from the outset to get them interested and familiar with the Google Doc setup.

13. Using Effective Keywords to Search the Internet

The internet is a huge place, and this vast amount of knowledge puts huge demands on students’ skills and cognition. That’s why they need to learn how to search online effectively, with the right keywords. This resource teaches middle school-aged students how to make the most of all the search features online.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

14. How to Avoid Plagiarism: “Did I Plagiarize?”

This student activity looks at the biggest faux pas in middle school research projects: plagiarism. These days, the possibilities for students to plagiarize are endless, so it’s important for them to learn about quotation marks, paraphrasing, and citations. This resource includes information on all of those and in a handy flow chart to keep them right!

Learn More: Twitter

15. 7 Tips for Recognizing Bias

This is a resource to help middle school-aged students recognize the differences between untrustworthy and credible sources. It gives a nice explanation of sources that are trustworthy and also offers a source of activities that students can use to test and practice identifying credible sources.

Learn More: We Are Teachers

16. UNESCO’s Laws for Media Literacy

This is one of those great online resources that truly focuses on the students in question, and it serves a larger, global goal. It offers probing questions that can help middle school-aged children determine whether or not they’re looking at credible online resources. It also helps to strengthen the so-called soft skills that are necessary for completing research.

Learn More: SLJ Blogs

17. Guide for Evaluating a News Article

Here are active lessons that students can use to learn more about evaluating a news article, whether it’s on a paper or online resource. It’s also a great tool to help solidify the concept of fake news and help students build an excellent strategy for identifying and utilizing credible online sources.

Learn More: Valencia College

18. Middle School Research Projects Middle School Students Will Love

Here is a list of 30 great research projects for middle schoolers, along with cool examples of each one. It also goes through planning strategies and other so-called soft skills that your middle school-aged students will need in order to complete such projects.

Learn More: Madly Learning

19. Teaching Analysis with Body Biographies

This is a student activity and teaching strategy all rolled into one! It looks at the importance of research and biographies, which brings a human element to the research process. It also helps communication between students and helps them practice those so-called soft skills that come in handy while researching.

Learn More: Study All Knight

20. Top Tips for Teaching Research in Middle School

When it comes to teaching middle school research, there are wrong answers and there are correct answers. You can learn all the correct answers and teaching strategies with this resource, which debunks several myths about teaching the writing process at the middle school level.

Learn More: Teaching ELA with Joy

21. Teaching Students to Research Online: Lesson Plan

This is a ready-made lesson plan that is ready to present. You don’t have to do tons of preparation, and you’ll be able to explain the basic and foundational topics related to research. Plus, it includes a couple of activities to keep students engaged throughout this introductory lesson.

Learn More: Kathleen Morris

22. Project-Based Learning: Acceptance and Tolerance

This is a series of research projects that look at specific problems regarding acceptance and tolerance. It offers prompts for middle school-aged students that will get them to ask big questions about themselves and others in the world around them.

Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi

23. 50 Tiny Lessons for Teaching Research Skills in Middle School

These fifty mini-lessons and activities for students will have middle school-aged students learning and applying research skills in small chunks. The mini-lessons approach allows students to get bite-sized information and focus on mastering and applying each step of the research process in turn. This way, with mini-lessons, students don’t get overwhelmed with the whole research process at once. In this way, mini-lessons are a great way to teach the whole research process!

24. Benefits of Research Projects for Middle School Students

Whenever you feel like it’s just not worth it to go to the trouble to teach your middle school-aged students about research, let this list motivate you! It’s a great reminder of all the great things that come with learning to do good research at an early age.

Learn More: Thrive in Grade Five

25. Top 5 Study and Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

This is a great resource for a quick and easy overview of the top skills that middle schoolers will need before they dive into research. It outlines the most effective tools to help your students study and research well, throughout their academic careers.

Learn More: Meagan Gets Real

26. Research with Informational Text: World Travelers

This travel-themed research project will have kids exploring the whole world with their questions and queries. It is a fun way to bring new destinations into the research-oriented classroom.

Learn More: The Superhero Teacher

27. Project-Based Learning: Plan a Road Trip

If you want your middle school-aged students to get into the researching mood, have them plan a road trip! They’ll have to examine the prompt from several angles and collect data from several sources before they can put together a plan for an epic road trip.

Learn More: Appletastic Learning

28. Methods for Motivating Writing Skills

When your students just are feeling up to the task of research-based writing, it’s time to break out these motivational methods. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to get your kids in the mood to research, question, and write!

29. How to Set Up a Student Research Station

This article tells you everything you need to know about a student center focused on sophisticated research skills. These student center activities are engaging and fun, and they touch on important topics in the research process, such as planning strategies, fact-checking skills, citation styles, and some so-called soft skills.

Learn More: Upper Elementary Snapshots

30. Learn to Skim and Scan to Make Research Easier

These activities for students are geared towards encouraging reading skills that will ultimately lead to better and easier research. The skills in question? Skimming and scanning. This will help students read more efficiently and effectively as they research from a variety of sources.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

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Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Ideas for Middle School Research Projects

Middle school students often find themselves looking for research project ideas that are both interesting and engaging. While the exact topics may vary based on age, subject area, or teacher preference, it is important to ensure middle schoolers have an opportunity to explore their own interests through relevant projects. This article provides a comprehensive overview of potential research project ideas suitable for middle school classrooms and suggests ways in which teachers can assist their students in researching these topics effectively. By considering some of the unique challenges associated with this educational level, educators can create meaningful learning opportunities for their pupils while guiding them towards further understanding of complex concepts within diverse subject areas.

I. Introduction

Ii. identifying a research topic, iii. developing an argumentative thesis statement, iv. gathering information and sources, v. outlining the project structure, vi. writing the report, vii. presentation of findings.

Writing a research paper is an important part of any student’s academic journey. Middle schoolers have unique opportunities to explore different topics that are engaging and relevant to their current learning level. From making connections with history and modern society, to exploring natural phenomena or the power of technology, there are plenty of interesting ideas for research papers at this age.

How do global warming trends influence local weather patterns?
What can be done to reduce pollution in urban areas?

Students can also delve into popular culture or even STEM topics such as robotics and coding programs. Researching controversial issues like immigration policies or healthcare reform helps students understand complex topics from multiple angles:

What factors should be considered when developing new immigration laws?

Selecting a research topic can be a daunting task, but with the right approach it is possible to find an appropriate and interesting subject. At the middle school level, students are often limited in scope due to their age and lack of experience; however, there remain ample topics for exploration.

The importance of physical education in schools.
Factors that influence teen suicide rates.

In order to construct an argumentative thesis statement, it is necessary to understand the fundamentals of writing a strong and convincing argument. This includes selecting a topic that has two distinct sides, researching both perspectives thoroughly and then using evidence to support your own opinion.

Step 1: Selecting A Topic

When deciding on research paper topics for middle school students, pick something with multiple points of view so that there is room for debate. Consider current issues such as gun control or standardized testing in education; any controversial topic can make great fodder for an argumentative essay. It’s also important to choose one side or another early on – you will have difficulty making an effective case if you remain undecided by the end!

Step 2: Conducting Research & Building Evidence

Accumulating Knowledge and Resources: Gathering information for your research paper can be an overwhelming process, but by breaking it down into manageable steps you’ll have the confidence to tackle any topic. The first step is finding reliable sources of information; look for credible online databases like those from universities or established organizations in addition to books, magazines, and newspapers. You should also consider using primary sources such as interviews or surveys if available. As a middle schooler researching potential topics could be especially daunting – why not begin with something close-to-home that interests you? Here are some suggested research paper topics suited for young learners:

Exploring Different Forms of Renewable Energy Sources
Examining the Benefits of Eating Organic Foods

When it comes to outlining the project structure, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. From deciding what research paper topics for middle school students should tackle, to selecting which materials and resources will best suit their needs.

Societal Impact of Technology on Education

In addition, consider ways in which you can ensure students stay focused throughout their project as well as how you can help them reach a successful outcome. For example: setting achievable goals along with realistic timelines for completion; providing helpful feedback and assistance when needed; using data visualization tools or storyboards where appropriate. .

This section focuses on the preparation and writing of a report. To begin with, there are three primary components to consider: research, structure, and language.

Research is essential for any successful project; it requires collecting information from reliable sources in order to support your argument or point of view.
Structure helps organize thoughts into logical sections that clearly convey ideas through appropriate sequencing.

Middle school students may encounter an assignment requiring them to write a comprehensive paper on a particular topic.

In either case

Evaluating and Explaining Findings The research conducted in this paper has yielded a variety of findings, each worth exploring and further understanding. For example, data collected on the topic of student success showed that students who participated in extra-curricular activities had significantly higher GPAs than those who did not participate. Similarly, it was found that when given the opportunity to pick their own research paper topics for middle school classes – such as “the effects of technology on society” or “the benefits of healthy eating habits” – students were more likely to stay engaged with the assignment and show greater interest overall.

On the other hand, while exploration into different academic models revealed promising results concerning student performance based upon teaching styles employed by teachers (such as inquiry-based learning), it was noted that socio-economic factors outside of an educational setting still presented notable roadblocks for some participants regardless which approach was used. These revelations indicate a need for additional strategies to be implemented both inside and outside classrooms to ensure equitable access and outcomes among all learners despite external influences beyond their control.

To conclude, middle school research projects can be a great opportunity to teach students the fundamentals of effective research and provide them with an introduction to understanding complex topics. These ideas for middle school research projects are just some of the many possible ways that teachers and educators can help their students develop this important skill set. With proper guidance from experienced professionals and access to reliable sources, these research project assignments can become engaging learning experiences for everyone involved.

Jan 6, 2020

Non-fiction in Middle School ELA: Using Research, Essay Writing, and Book Creation for Skill Focus

Updated: Dec 29, 2021

As with most reading workshop units, my non-fiction unit is based all around REAL books chosen by students. With non-fiction, this can be tricky to navigate. Over the years, I've used Lucy Calkins units to guide my non-fiction instruction. As is with most of her work, it is not very straightforward and sometimes a bit too open-ended for my students. So, I've morphed her ideas and came up with my own major approach to teaching non-fiction reading and writing.

What Skills Should be Taught

The first thing every teacher should do is determine what skills they want to teach . Obviously, we all have standards to follow, but a lot of standards overlap.

For non-fiction, these are the major skills that should be taught in middle school:

Main idea and supporting details- Specifically crafting main idea statements and using these statements to make summaries.

Text structure - Identifying and writing using text structure.

Text features - Beyond identifying...determining their purpose and also creation of text features. This will help.

Author's purpose and opinion - What motivated the author to write this? What is his/her point-of-view of the topic?

Synthesizing - Using various sources about one topic and analyzing commonalities and differences.

Research - Finding and using appropriate research to prove a claim.

These should NOT be taught in isolation. Students should be reading authentic texts to learn these skills.

Step #1 : Research

Depending on your grade level, research may look differently compared to others. I teach 6th, so I have my classes first choose a topic they'd like to research . I give them about 10 choices using a Google Form. From there, I group students based on common choices. This is for a group activity later on and allows students to meet and talk about their research.

After their topics are chosen, they request books from the public library on their topics . I give them very specific guidelines for book choice (less than 100 pages, juvenile or young adult non-fiction, expository not biography). I give them plenty of time to pick up their book(s) before beginning our unit. ( See my post about this ).

Then, they start their research in their books. Each day, I focus on a different skill from above and they need to use those non-fiction skills to guide their research. In my mini-lesson, I show how I use the skill with a mentor text. The pictures here show a sample student's digital notebook. These are a few pages.

Once they've done about a week or so of research in their texts, I provide them with articles on their topics. You may opt to have them find the articles themselves; I chose not to with my 6th graders because they get into that more in upper middle. For the articles, they focus on main idea statements and summarizing with lots of prompts.

They wrap up their research with provided videos on their topic, using main idea statements without prompts.

The very last component of their research is to see what topics all the sources have in common. What do all of them say about the topic? What are some major sub-topics they all touch upon?

This whole process takes about 2 and half weeks.

Step #2 : Essay Writing

All of their research leads to this a research essay . Students are not just writing an essay about their topic...it is not an all about [topic]. This essay centers on an opinion on their topics . The students start with claim about their topic. I say to them, "you've just read and researched [topic]. What do you have to say about it?". This becomes their claim. It is not a fact, it is an opinion that can be proved with evidence from their research.

From there, students work on pulling research from their research notebooks that could support their thinking. So, they already have a lot of research... what do they have already that could support their claim?

Developing topic sentences for body paragraphs is next on the to-do list. The topic sentence is the core of the body paragraph. It sets the stage for what the paragraph is about. Students are provided with sentence frames to build their sentences. For this particular essay, each topic sentence focuses on a different source. Students are encouraged to include their claim and focus of the source within their topic sentence. Once they finish, I check the sentences before they can move on to the next step.

After approval, students transfer topic sentences over to a new slide and start gathering the final evidence they want to add to their essays . They find three pieces of text evidence to support their topic sentences, especially the claim. These details can be from research they gathered already, however, they do need to be quoting , so my students often have to go back into their sources for quotes. Throughout the research process, they are supposed to be tagging page numbers, so they should easily be able to grab a quote when going back to the research notebooks.

Once all evidence is gathered, students must explain their text evidence. This is super important in middle school and may be a shift from elementary. They must explain how the evidence they chose supports their claim. They do this by using digital sticky notes over each piece of evidence.

Students then spend time looking over my sample essay . Yes, I write an essay, too ( see my blog post about that ). It's a lot of work, but once it's done, it's done. I give them a key of highlights to focus on. They read through my essay with a partner and highlight specific aspects of the paragraphs. This helps them see how their essay is supposed to be written. From there, they start drafting their own body paragraphs with a given checklist.

I have them write their body paragraphs first , then I talk about their introductions and conclusions. In the past, I used to teach elaborate intros and conclusions. I've learned, though, that the less wordy these are the better. So I teach them a basic three-sentence format for them. When it comes to state testing, especially, those who grade the essays just want to get to the nitty-gritty. The first picture here are the colors I tell them to focus on in their body paragraphs. The other picture is how I tell them to set up their intros and conclusions.

This whole process takes about a week. I conference with students the entire time. We spend a bit of time on revision, mostly focusing on how to not be repetitive with their writing of claims.

I have another blog post that explains this in more detail!

Step #3 : Digital eBook

All of this research and essay writing culminate in a group project . Students work in groups based on common topics. The ultimate goal is to create an informational book on Google Slides that looks like an expository text one would find in book stores! Students must create text features, headings, chapters, table of contents, and more.

They first spend time determining what topics they want to focus on in their books. They discuss common research they found. Once students come up with a decent list of topics, they put the topics under text structure categories with the goal of using that text structure when explaining the topic. I also have the students change the topics into chapter titles.

After they get all of the above organized, chapters are determined and students start gathering evidence that could fit into certain categories (mini-stories, quotes, statistics, etc.) with the intention of using the information in that chapter and to avoid just listing facts.

Then it's time to create ! They go into Google Slides and we discuss some of the tech tools they can use to create their books. Students set up chapters, create diagrams and charts, add pictures, color, etc. and overall set it up like an expository informational text. These come out great and I always share them with the school and parents.

Bottom Line

This is a huge undertaking, but it so much more authentic to build a unit around non-fiction and research with one specific topic so students can hone skills. Going digital with this makes organization so much easier. The whole process takes about a month and a half in my 82 minute classes (factoring in our daily reading and grammar/vocabulary.)

Interested in this unit ? Click below!

A super mini-version of this is available in my store as well for Martin Luther King Jr. Day !

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500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

Writing a research paper for a class and not sure how to start?

One of the most important steps to creating a great paper is finding a good topic!

Here’s a hand-drafted list from a Princeton grad who has helped professors at Harvard and Yale edit their papers for publication and taught college writing at the University of Notre Dame and .

What’s more, we give you some foolproof formulas for creating your own paper topic to fit the requirements of your class.

Using these simple formulas, we’ve helped hundreds of students turn a B- paper topic into an A+ paper topic.

Keep reading for our list of 500 vetted research paper topics and our magic formulas for creating your own topic!

Of course, if you want help learning to write research papers tailored to your individual needs, check out our one-on-one writing coaching or academic writing workshop . Set up a free consultation to see how we can help you learn to write A+ papers!

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

African history, asian history, history of the pre-columbian americas.

Latin American History

History of Science

Politics & public policy, education & education policy, political theory, science policy.

Health Sciences & Psychology

What is a research paper?

In order to write a good research paper, it’s important to know what it is!

In general, we can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

Analytical: analyze the tools an author uses to make their point
Research: delve deeply into a research topic and share your findings
Persuasive : argue a specific and nuanced position backed by evidence

What’s the difference between an analytical paper and a research paper? For an analytical paper, it’s okay to just use one or two sources (a book, poem, work of art, piece of music, etc.) and examine them in detail. For a research paper, however, the expectation is that you do, well . . . research .

The depth of research that you’re expected to do will depend on your age and the type of class you’re taking.

In elementary or middle school, a “research paper” might mean finding information from a few general books or encyclopedias in your school library.

In high school, your teachers might expect you to start using information from academic articles and more specific books. You might use encyclopedias and general works as a starting point, but you’ll be expected to go beyond them and do more work to synthesize information from different perspectives or different types of sources. You may also be expected to do “primary research,” where you study the source material yourself, instead of synthesizing what other people have written about the source material.

In college, you’ll be required to use academic journals and scholarly books, and your professors will now expect that you be more critical of these secondary sources, noticing the methodology and perspectives of whatever articles and books you’re using.

In more advanced college courses, you’ll be expected to do more exhaustive surveys of the existing literature on a topic. You’ll need to conduct primary research that makes an original contribution to the field—the kind that could be published in a journal article itself.

For a walkthrough of the 12 essential steps to writing a good paper, check out our step-by-step guide .

Working on a research paper? Grab our free checklist to make sure your essay has everything it needs to earn an A grade.

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

One of the most important features of a research paper topic is that it has a clear, narrow focus.

For example, your teacher may assign you to write a research paper related to the US Revolutionary War. Does that mean that your topic should be “the US Revolutionary War”?

Definitely not! There’s no way to craft a good paper with in-depth research with such a broad topic. (Unless you’re in elementary or middle school, in which case it’s okay to have a more general topic for your research paper.)

Instead, you need to find a more specific topic within this broader one. There are endless ways that you can make this narrower! Some ideas generated from this one broader topic might be:

Causes of the US Revolutionary War
Changes in military strategy during the Revolutionary War
The experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War
How the Revolutionary War was pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton
The role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War
The experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War
How George Washington’s previous military career paved the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War
The main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War
Changes in clothing and fashion over the courses of the Revolutionary War
How Valley Forge was a key moment in the Revolutionary War
How women contributed to the Revolutionary War
What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War
Field medicine during the Revolutionary War
How the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War
How different opinions about the Revolutionary War were reflected in poetry written during that time
Debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War
The importance of supply chains during the Revolutionary War
Reactions to the US Revolutionary war in Europe
How the US Revolutionary war impacted political theory in England and France
Similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution
Famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War
Different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture
The appropriation of the “Boston Tea Party” by US politicians in the 2010s

This list could go on forever!

good research paper topics about the US Revolution

In fact, any of these topics could become even more specific. For example, check out the evolution of this topic:

Economic causes of the Revolutionary war
The way that tax policies helped lead to the Revolutionary War
How tax laws enacted 1763–1775 helped lead to the Revolutionary War
How the tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War
How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written 1767–1775
How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written by members of the Sons of Liberty 1767–1775

As you advance in your educational career, you’ll need to make your topic more and more specific. Steps 1–3 of this topic might be okay in high school, but for a college research paper steps 4–7 would be more appropriate!

As you craft your research paper topic, you should also keep in mind the availability of research materials on your subject. There are millions of topics that would make interesting research papers, but for which you yourself might not be able to investigate with the primary and secondary sources to which you have access.

Access to research materials might look like:

To the best of our knowledge, the sources exist somewhere
The source isn’t behind a paywall (or you or your school can pay for it)
Your school or local library has a copy of the source
Your school or local library can order a copy of the source for you
The source is in a language that you speak
The source has been published already (there’s tons of amazing research that hasn’t been published yet, a frustrating problem!)
You can access the archive, museum, or database where the primary source is held—this might mean online access or travel! To access a source in an archive or museum you’ll often need permission, which often requires a letter of support from your school.

If you’re not sure about access to source materials, talk to a librarian! They’re professionals for this question.

Finally, pick a research topic that interests you! Given that there are unlimited research topics in the world and many ways to adapt a broad topic, there should absolutely be a way to modify a research topic to fit your interests.

Want help learning to write an amazing research paper? Work one-on-one with an experienced Ivy-League tutor to improve your writing skills or sign up for our bestselling academic writing workshop .

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

How did X change over a period of time (year, decade, century)?
What is the impact (or consequences) of X?
What led to X?
What is the role of X in Y?
How did X influence Y?
How did X become Y?
How was X different from Y?
How is X an example of Y?
How did X affect Y?
What were some reactions to X?
What are the most effective policies to produce X result?
What are some risks of X?
How is our current understanding of X incorrect? (advanced)
What happens if we look at X through the lens of Y theory or perspective? (advanced)

A good research paper topic often starts with the question words—why, how, what, who, and where. Remember to make it as specific as possible!

Good research paper topics

These research paper topics have been vetted by a Princeton grad and academic book editor!

How did European rivalries (British vs French) impact North American history?
What was the role of British and French alliances with indigneous tribes during the Seven Years’ War?
Reactions to the 1754 Albany Congress among North American intellectual figures
How the Albany Plan served as a model for future attempts at union among the North American colonies
How did different religious identities (Calvinist, Catholic, etc.) play a role in the aftermath of the Seven Years’ War?
What were the consequences of the 1763 Treaty of Paris?
How did the Seven Years’ War impact British debt and colonial economics?
What were some causes of the US Revolutionary War?
How did military strategy change during the Revolutionary War?
What were the experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War?
How was the Revolutionary War pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton?
What was the role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War?
What were the experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War?
How did George Washington’s previous military career pave the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War?
What were the main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War? How did that affect the options for military strategies?
How did clothing and fashion change over the courses of the Revolutionary War?
How was Valley Forge a key moment in the Revolutionary War?
How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War?
What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts (or any other specific location) during the Revolutionary War?
What was field medicine like during the Revolutionary War?
How was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the Revolutionary War?
How were different opinions about the Revolutionary War reflected in poetry written during that time?
What were the debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War?
What was the role of supply chains during the Revolutionary War?
What were reactions to the US Revolutionary war like in Europe? What does that tell us about politics in England, France, the Netherlands, etc?
How did the US Revolutionary war impact political theory in England and France?
What are similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution?
What are some famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War? What do differences between these paintings tell us about how the artists who created them saw the war?
What are some different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture? What does that tell us?
How was the story of the “Boston Tea Party” appropriated by US politicians in the 2010s, and why?
What was the difference between the Federalists and the Jeffersonians?
How did the 1797 XYZ Affair lead to the Quasi-War with France?
How were loans from European countries and companies (France, Spain, Dutch bankers) key to the early US?
What were reactions to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
Why did the US remain neutral during the French Revolution?
How did the Alien and Sedition acts contribute to the election of Thomas Jefferson as president?
What was the US’s reaction to the Haitian revolution? Why did the US not recognize Haitian independence until 1862?
What were the reactions to John Jay’s Treaty of 1794?
How have the remarks made by George Washington in his Farewell Address inspired isolationist policies?
How did interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine change over the decades since its creation?
How did the Roosevelt Corollary and Lodge Corollary change and expand the Monroe Doctrine?
How did the presence of US companies like the United Fruit Company affect US military interventions in Latin America?
How was the Monroe Doctrine invoked in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962?
How was US culture shaped by the Cold War?
How did ecology play a role in the rise of Ancient Egypt?
How did water management technologies impact Ancient Egypt?
How did bureaucracies function in Ancient Egypt?
How did Egyptian art influence Ancient Greek art?
Who could be a citizen in Athens in the 5th century BCE? What does this tell us about classical Athenian society?
What was the impact of the Peloponnesian War?
What was the impact of Alexander the Great’s attempt to create an empire?
How does the way that Alexander the Great is represented in art demonstrate conceptions about the relationship between the human and the divine?
Was there a conception of race in the ancient world? How were these ideas different from our own modern conceptions of race?
What was the role of debt slavery in the Roman republic? How were these policies ended, and what is the significance of the end of debt slavery? What kinds of slavery remained?
To what degree does the movie Gladiator accurately the Roman Empire in 176–192 CE?
What was the role of slavery in managing the large latifundia ?
How and why did the emperor Constantine I adopt Christianity?
How did patterns of urbanism in the latter Roman empire change? What does this tell us about challenges being faced at that time?
What do reactions to the Byzantine empress Theodora tell us about ideas of gender in 6th-century Byzantium?
How did scientific advancements in Islamic Spain influence the rest of Europe?
What was the relationship between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish populations in Islamic Spain? How does this compare to the experience of Muslim and Jewish populations in Christian Spain?
How did medieval troubadour poetry represent a new idea of romantic relationships?
What are similarities and differences between medieval troubadour poetry and lyric poetry in Ancient Greece?
What do letters between women and popes tell us about gender, power, and religion in medieval Europe?
In what ways was Hildegard of Bingen groundbreaking for her time?
Who produced beer in medieval England, and what does this tell us about society?
How did the adoption of hops affect the production and distribution of beer?
How did beer production allow some women a way to be financially independent?
How was clothing used to mark religious and cultural identities in 15th- and 16th-century Spain?
How did print culture change relationships and courting in Georgian England?
How did churches function as social gathering spaces in Georgian England?
To what degree is Netflix’s Bridgerton series historically accurate?
How did ideas of love change in the 18th century? How did philosophy play a role in this?
When were Valentine cards first commercially available? What does that show us about cultural ideas of love and courtship?
What were the consequences of the desertification of the Sahara?
How did trade links on the Red Sea influence Nubian culture?
How did Carthage build power in Northern Africa around 600–500 BCE?
What was the impact of the Mercenary War (241–238 BCE) in Carthage?
How did the Roman province of Africa play a key role in financing the Roman Empire?
What were the consequences of the Donatist division in the 300s in Northern Africa?
What was the impact of the large-scale movement of Bedouins from the Arabian peninsula into the Maghreb?
How was Mande society organized in the Mali Empire?
What was the role of the book trade in Timbuktu? What does this tell us about culture and learning in the Mali Empire?
How did Aksum use trade to build wealth and power?
What do Nok terracotta sculptures tell us about Nok culture?
How did the Luba Empire create a centralized political system? How did the idea of spiritual kins ( balopwe ) play a role in this system?
How did tax collection work in the Lunda empire?
What does it mean to say that the Ajuran Empire was a hydraulic empire? How did control over water resources allow the Ajuran Empire to build and consolidate power?
What is the significance of diplomatic ties between the Somai Ajuran Empire and Ming dynasty China?
How did the tribute system in the Kingdom of Kongo help to stimulate interregional trade?
What was the impact of the introduction of maize and cassava to the Kingdom of Kongo?
How did women wield influence in the Kingdom of Benin?
How did the Industrial Revolution in Europe help lead to the Scramble for Africa 1878–1898?
What were the consequences of the Second Boer War?
What happened in the Year of Africa (1960)?
How did the Han dynasty consolidate power in frontier regions?
How and why did the Han dynasty nationalize the private salt and iron industries in 117 BCE?
What are the earliest records of papermaking, and what is the significance of this invention?
What was the role of Daoist religious societies in rebellions at the end of the Han dynasty (Yellow Turban Rebellion, Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion)?
What do tomb paintings tell us about ancient Chinese society?
What was the impact of the Sui dynasty’s standardization and re-unification of the coinage?
What was the role of standardized testing in Sui dynasty and Tang dynasty China?
Why is the Tang dynasty often regarded as a golden age of cosmopolitan culture in Chinese history?
What was the role of slavery in imperial China?
How did the rise of jiedushi (regional military governments) undermine the civil-service system? What were the consequences of this?
How did Tang dynasty China exert power over Japan and Korea?
What was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system in imperial China and how did it work?
What does the appearance of Inca, Maya, and Aztec goods in North America (Utah, Canada) and the appearance of goods from the Great Lakes region in Maya and Aztec ruins tell us about trade in the Pre-Columbian Americas?
How did celebration of maize play a central role in Mesoamerican cultures?
How did the Aztec empire use relationships with client city-states to establish power? How did the Aztec empire use taxation to exert power?
How did the luxury good trade impact Aztec political power?
How did the building of roads play a key role in the Aztec empire?
How and why has archaeology played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the pre-Columbian Americas?
What are some common misconceptions about the Americas in the year 1491? Why do these misconceptions exist?

Latin American History (post-1492)

How and why did the Spanish appropriate Aztec sites of significance (e.g. Mexico City at the site of Tenochtitlan)?
What were reactions among Latin American intellectuals (e.g. Luis María Drago, Alejandro Álvarez and Baltasar Brum) to the Monroe Doctrine?
How was the US’s involvement in the Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903 a pivotal turning point in the relationship between the US and Latin American countries?
What were the effects of the US’s involvement in the Cuban War for Independence?
How did the Roosevelt Corollary of 1904 benefit the US?
How did Simon Bolivar’s time in Europe affect his ideas about Latin American independence?
How did 19th century academic societies play a role in the advancement of scientific discoveries? Who was excluded from these societies?
How was music connected to the sciences in medieval thinking?
When was the concept of zero first used, and how was it instrumental for advancements in math?
What role did Islamic Spain play in the spread of scientific advancements in medieval Europe?
What role has translation between languages played in the development of sciences?
Why were Galileo’s ideas about astronomy controversial at the time?
What was the connection between art and advancements in human anatomy?
Why were Darwin’s ideas about natural selection controversial at the time?
To what degree does the film Master and Commander accurately depict the voyages of Charles Darwin?
How did the discovery of quinine and other medical innovations help to facilitate the European colonization of Africa?
How and why was the internet invented?
Does Virgil’s Aeneid celebrate the new Roman Empire or subvert it?
Why was the poet Ovid exiled from Rome?
What are the pagan influences in Beowulf ? What are the Christian elements in Beowulf ? What does that tell us about late Anglo-Saxon England?
How does Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales reflect gender roles in late medieval England?
How does Dante’s Inferno draw on book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid ?
How are gender roles presented and subverted in Shakespeare’s plays?
To what degree did Henry David Thoreau live out the ideals he described in Walden in his own life?
How did the serialized publication of novels affect the way that they were written?
Does Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities accurately portray the French Revolution?
How did 18th-century novels propagate the idea of marrying for love?
What did contemporary readers think about Jane Austen and her novels?
To what degree do Jane Austen’s novels reflect economic realities for women in Regency England? What do they leave out?
How did Lord Byron’s personal life affect his poetry?
What do we know about the romantic life of Emily Dickinson?
What were the religious movements that influenced the writer George Eliot, and how do those influences appear in her novels?
In what ways were Walt Whitman’s writings new or different?
How did British poets react to the horrors of Word War I?
What do Tolkien’s letters reveal about the ways in which the two world wars influenced his writings?
How did the friendship between CS Lewis and Tolkien affect their respective writings?
What are the arguments for and against Catalonian independence from Spain?
What are the arguments for and against Scottish independence from the United Kingdom?
What are some risks of contact sports, especially for children?
What are the most effective policies for combating childhood obesity?
What are the most effective policies for reducing gun violence?
Which countries have the longest life expectancy and why?
What are some differences between the healthcare system in the US and in European countries? Which country has the most similar system to the US?
What policies for parental leave exist in different countries? What are some effects of these policies?
Has the drinking age in the US always been 21? What have been some different policies, and what were some consequences of them?
What is the debate around museum artifacts like the Elgin Marbles in London or the Benin Bronzes in Berlin?
How have politicians attempted to control population growth in different countries, either directly or indirectly? What have been some effects of these policies?
Which countries have the most gender parity reflected in national governments? How have they accomplished this?
How has public funding of K-12 education changed since the 1930s in the US?
How has public funding of higher education changed in the US?
What is early childhood education like in different countries?
What are some effects of free or reduced-cost meals in schools?
How does access to menstrual products affect education outcomes for girls in different countries?
What was the impact of Rousseau’s writings on education?
How did Plato’s ideal forms of government reflect contemporary Athenian concerns about the unruly masses ( demos )?
How did Aristotle justify slavery?
How has wealth inequality increased in recent decades?
How is inflation calculated, and what are the implications of this methodology?
How have genetically-engineered crops changed the way that the planet feeds itself?
How has animal testing changed since 2000?
How is animal testing regulated differently in different countries?

Health Sciences and Psychology

How do different societies reflect the natural circadian rhythms of the human body?
How does secondhand smoke affect the human body?
How does lack of sleep affect the body?
How does stress affect the body?
What are some ways to reduce stress?
How have cancer treatments changed in the past 30 years?
Why is it hard to find a “cure” for cancer?
How has the Human Genome Project changed medical science?
How were the Covid vaccines developed so quickly? What is the difference between the various Covid vaccines that have been developed?

Ready to start working on your research paper?

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99 Great Handpicked Ideas for Argumentative Essays 12 Essential Steps for Writing an Argumentative Essay The 13 SAT and ACT Grammar Rules to Know 16 Essential Literary Devices to Know

Emily graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.

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How to Help Middle School Students Develop Research Skills

As the research skills you teach middle school students can last them all their lives, it’s essential to help them develop good habits early in their school careers.

Research skills are useful in nearly every subject, whether it’s English, math, social studies or science, and they will continue to pay off for students every day of their schooling. Understanding the most important research skills that middle school students need will help reach these kids and make a long-term difference.

The research process

It is important for every student to understand that research is actually a process rather than something that happens naturally. The best researchers develop a process that allows them to fully comprehend the ideas they are researching and also turn the data into information that is usable for whatever the end purpose may be. Here is an example of a research process that you may consider using when teaching research skills in your middle school classroom:

Form a question : Research should be targeted; develop a question you want to answer before progressing any further.
Decide on resources : Not every resource is good for every question/problem. Identify the resources that will work best for you.
Gather raw data : First, gather information in its rawest form; do not attempt to make sense of it at this point.
Sort the data : After you have the information in front of you, decide what is important to you and how you will use it. Not all data will be reliable or worthwhile.
Process information : Turn the data into usable information. This processing step may take longer than the rest combined. This is where you really see your data shape into something exciting.
Create a final piece : This is where you would write a research paper, create a project or build a graph or other visual piece with your information. This may or may not be a formal document.
Evaluate : Look back on the process. Where did you experience success and failure? Did you find an answer to your question?

This process can be adjusted to suit the needs of your particular classroom or the project you are working on. Just remember that the goal is not only to find the data for this particular project, but to teach your students research skills that will help them in the long run.

Research is a very important part of the learning process as well as being useful in real-life once the student graduates. Middle school is a great time to develop these skills as many high school teachers expect that students already have this knowledge.

Students who are well-prepared as researchers will be able to handle nearly any assignment that comes their way. Finding new ways to teach research skills to middle school students need will be a challenge, but the results are well worth it as you see your students succeed in your classroom and set the stage for further success throughout their schooling experience.

Middle School Writing Prompts: 26 Fun Ideas

Unstick your child’s creativity, stretch their thinking, and improve their writing skills with topics that tap into their passions..

Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community

A blank page: endless possibilities or bottomless pit?

For many kids from elementary school through high school, writing assignments can seem like a daunting task. With the five-paragraph essay taking center stage in so many classrooms, it’s no wonder that kids feel disconnected from the practice of writing: No one ever reads five-paragraph essays, except on standardized tests.

Yet there is something to be said for giving new writers structure: something looser than connect-the-dots but more instructive than “ready, set, write!” That’s why writing prompts are a popular tool for all grade levels. (Even professional writers , at times, take advantage of this creativity catalyst.)

At Prisma, we use writing prompts to give our learners freedom within structure, providing topics that allow them to draw on — and deepen their connection to — their real life interests, all while strengthening their communication skills.

Here are some tips for creating prompts that your middle school student will want to engage with.

Incorporate their interests

Writing activities can be a great way to teach kids the fun of incorporating their interests into school — especially things that don’t seem “academic.” We’ve seen the phenomenon at Prisma: kids who never thought of themselves as a writer fall in love with writing when they are able to use their skills to talk about the things they love, video games included .

Here are some ideas to get started; feel free to let your child shape their own:

Pick a character from your favorite tv show, and write a diary entry from their point of view.
Rewrite the ending of your favorite movie.
Add yourself into the plot of your favorite book.
Write new lyrics to your favorite song.

Low-stakes, high fun

If your child has perfectionist tendencies, try short bursts of low-stakes writing that get them in touch with their silly side. Take the pressure off, keep the sessions down to a few minutes, and consider participating with them so they feel a sense of collective engagement in the task.

Fun writing prompts include:

Design a desert island with its own ecosystem.
Plan a birthday party for a famous person.
Imagine your best friend woke up with a superpower that would only last 24 hours.
Describe where you would travel with a time machine or a teleportation device.
Imagine a conversation between you and your favorite food or your favorite animal.
Narrate a game of your favorite sport, played on the moon or underwater.

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Our personalized curriculum builds love of learning and prepares kids to thrive.
Our middle school , high school , and parent-coach programs provide 1:1 coaching and supportive peer cohorts .

Get story ideas from real life

The best story starters are all around us. Tap into your environment to help your child see connections to those around them, explore their emotional landscape, and work through areas of growth. (To make sure you never run out of ideas when you need them, create a “journal prompt” jar, and ask every family member contribute writing ideas for a rainy day.)

Real life ideas include:

Think about the last time you...laughed ‘til you cried, made a mistake that turned into a great experience, surprised yourself...
Describe the worst thing you ever ate.
Write a step-by-step guide to mastering your favorite thing.
Describe your favorite season to an alien visiting earth for the first time.

Play with genres

In the abstract, the topic of genre can seem alien to a middle schooler, but put the tools in their hands and they’ll see the power of perspective, form and word choice. Genre exercises can be especially fruitful to teach kids one of the main principles of creativity that we foreground in our “Remix” theme: There’s no obligation to create something from scratch; remixing is one of the tools of the world’s greatest artists.

Start with a piece of writing they’ve already produced (or something by their favorite author), then challenge them to rewrite it in a completely different form.

Genre transformations can include:

Turn a short story into a haiku, acrostic poem, or limerick.
Turn a chapter book into a graphic novel or vice-versa.
Write a podcast script based on a news story.

Enter a competition

Sometimes a real life competition is just the thing to light a fire in a child’s belly. There are enough competitions out there to fill a whole school year. (Here’s just one source of writing competitions for middle school kids.)

The structure and motivation of a competition can help cement a child’s writing practice and, as an added bonus, it can be a great way to build a growth mindset (after all, no one wins every contest, every time).

Middle school writing prompts from Prisma

In addition to using writing prompts for a quick activity to get your child’s creative juices flowing, you can create more elaborate topics that become the anchor of an in-depth research project. The following examples are writing assignments from recent middle school themes that learners spent several weeks developing, with guidance from their coach and feedback from peers.

Argumentative writing from “Cities of the Future” theme: Pretend to be the mayor of a city or another kind of lawmaker. Write a speech that convinces the people of your lands to approve a new law. What is the law you are proposing and how would it change people's lives for the better? What are some counterarguments against this law and how do you rebut them?
Narrative writing from “Hidden Histories” theme: Research a historical era or event. Then, identify a voice or perspective that is lesser known or under-studied from that event. Write a piece of historical fiction, or a play, that shines a light on that perspective.
Persuasive writing from “Wild Inventions” theme: Invent a new product. Then, write a persuasive pitch for investors or advertisement for customers that lets them know the features of your product, the value behind the cost, and why it will improve their lives. Include a catchy hook, convincing language, and sales techniques.
Critical writing from “Games for Change” theme: Write a review of a video game in the style of a real game reviewer. Read existing game reviews for a sense of the style. Take notes as you play through, then write a review about the strong points, weak points, and if you would recommend the game. (Here’s a printable worksheet to organize your game notes.)
Fan fiction project from “Remix” theme: Write a new story inspired by the work of an existing author. You could write a sequel, prequel, or retelling of a story from a new character's perspective.
Investigative journalism from “Unsolved Mysteries” theme: Write an article that lays out the who, what, where, when, why, and how of an unsolved mystery, such as the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, D.B. Cooper, or the identity of the inventor of Bitcoin. Evaluate the possible theories and the evidence that supports each. At the end of the article, state your opinion on which theory is the most plausible.
Nature poetry from “World of Wonder“ theme: Tons of the best poetry is inspired by nature. Observe the natural setting where you live, such as a backyard or park, and write down what you see without trying to make it sound good. Then, pull out the most interesting or impactful moments/images, and turn it into a poem.
“What If?” theme Project: Research a historical event, then imagine "What If?" it had gone differently. Write an alternate history story inspired by what would have happened if the historical figures involved had made a different choice. Or, write a story that takes place far in the future, but the whole world is different because of one thing that went differently back then.

Join our community of families all over the world doing school differently.

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Middle School Research Topics

Middle school research topics must be interesting to the students.

Middle school is a phase where students are trained in different aspects. Middle school students are also tasked to write research papers, this is normally done to ascertain the understanding of the students about the subject matter. Writing is also given to develop the students’ writing skills.Research paper writing is introduced at such an early age, for they will eventually be exploring issues that are far more complicated. Middle school research topics should be suitable to the age and capabilities of the students. Hence, it is not expected that the students will delve into issues that are too crucial. It would be sensible to give the students the chance to choose their own topics to write about for the ability to come up with something that is extremely engaging will also indicate their abilities.

Middle school writing subject should not be too shallow nor too profound. The students are not that young to write about subject matters which too petty; however they are not that mature either to embark upon issues that are quite overwhelming. In short, the subject that they can write about should be apt to their interests and level of maturity.

Deciding on a topic is not easy. There are certain considerations which you need to take into account. Even when you know how to make a research paper, it does not mean that things would be simple for you. It may really help to glance at sample research papers which are provided by some writing sites. These examples can enlighten you more about writing and can also be used as guidelines.

Being able to come about an appealing topic can lead to an excellent paper. When you personally have an interest about the issues, you can naturally do things better. Hence, it is more likely that you will also be able to complete your project before your deadline. Consequently, you must carefully select your subject for it will exceedingly affect the quality of your work.

As a middle school student, you can embark upon the following topics:

• Teenage issues. There are several teenage issues which are getting more and more alarming. This even leads to depression and suicide. As a youngster, it would be easier for you to tackle this topic. You can mention peer pressure, stress, family problems and other possible causes of unconstructive situations of teenagers.

• Experiences. You go through various day to day experiences. You sometimes have a bad day. However, you must make sure that you will be able to present more significant details, and valuable research on this for research work is not as simple as an essay.

• Biography. Most likely, there is someone you look up to. A politician? A social worker? An active church member? You can write about a person’s life and become more aware of the significant parts of that person’s life.

A coherent research paper outline will surely give emphasis to your middle school research topic. You must carefully arrange your ideas for despite having an attention-grabbing subject matter, when you do not accentuate it with articulate writing and well thought-out format—it would be useless.

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As a high school or college student, you are aware that you will spend a substantial amount of your time writing not one but many research papers. If you have already done it, you know how overwhelming and exhausting this process can be. Nevertheless, before writing, an equally daunting and slightly more difficult part is selecting research paper topics. Although sometimes teachers will provide you with titles or prompts for your works, most times, you will have to come up with interesting research topics to write about. If you encounter difficulties choosing a title for your paper, know that you are not alone because almost all students find it hard. We are here to provide you with various research topic ideas that can make your selection process more manageable. Before delving into our list of titles, we will first explain what research topics are, their characteristics, and how to choose them. Are you swamped with assignments and deadlines? Let us take the pressure off with our ' write my paper ' service! Our team of experienced writers is ready to deliver top-quality, custom-written papers.

What Are Research Paper Topics?

Research paper topics are titles for academic writings that describe an independent investigation of subjects or issues. They mainly focus on analyzing and presenting a critical view. In other words, these papers seek to draw on what other scholars have said and written about an issue and present the author’s unique perspective. Research topics can either be phrased as questions or hypotheses. Since you can conduct an investigation on any sector, selecting an interesting title can sometimes be stressful. However, if you choose topics for research papers, ensure they are well thought out and written because they can serve as a springboard for future studies.

Characteristics of Good Research Topics

Always select good research topics if you aim to achieve high grades in your essays. Refrain from being misled to think that this is a trivial task. It requires careful consideration and evaluation to come up with an exciting title. When it comes to the question “what is a good research topic,” the following are characteristics that you should look out for:

Interesting You ought to choose a topic that is exciting to you and your readers.
Manageable Your title should neither be too broad or narrow to be sufficiently covered.
Has practical or theoretical significance The selected topic adds new understanding to the area of study.
Researchable It should also be easily investigated with an abundance of scholarly material.
Unique The title you pick needs to be different from others so as to stand out.
Precise It exactly answers all the research questions.

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?

The first step to developing an exciting paper is choosing a good research topic. As we have said above, selecting topics to research is not the easiest of tasks, especially if you do not know where to start. However, you should not be afraid because we have you covered. Below we will give you steps to consider when picking your research paper topic:

First, you should explore the area you are interested in, i.e., ideas that are exciting to you.
Second, make a research question by analyzing what your paper will focus on and what might intrigue your readers.
Third, brainstorm research topic ideas by evaluating appropriate titles and eliminating irrelevant ones.
Fourth, narrow down your topic to one that is meaningful to you and your readers.
Lastly, ensure that you adhere to all paper guidelines presented by your teacher.

List of Research Paper Topics

Now that you know what research topics are, their characteristics, and how to pick them, we can delve into the selection process. Do you need help brainstorming for research paper ideas? Look no further because we have created research topic lists to get you going. We know that a catalog of titles can trigger your creative juices, making it easy to begin writing your essay. Below are top 10 research topics for your paper:

How has the internet impacted freedom of speech?
Negative impacts of pop culture trends on youths.
How is the American economy affected by climate change?
Can AI be classified as a threat to humans?
Practical ways that can be used to make nuclear power safe.
What are the economic impacts of GMO foods in America?
Free education: its advantages and disadvantages.
Efficient ways used in disposing of waste material.
How effective is music therapy in managing depression among senior citizens?
What causes obesity, and how can it be prevented?

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Interesting Topics to Research

Reading your essays should always be a fun experience. To achieve that, you will need to find interesting things to research. This article is the perfect place to start because the following are interesting research paper topics:

Impacts of the Ottoman Empire and the Barbarian slave trade on medicine.
Rise and fall of ancient Greek cities.
In what ways does the sense of smell affect taste?
How does room color affect students’ learning outcomes?
Should autism be classified as a natural variation of the norm or a disease?
How depression negatively impacts immunity among senior citizens.
What causes violent tendencies among children, and how may they be prevented?
Drug and alcohol abuse: cause and effect on high school students.
Impacts of commercials and advertisements on purchasing habits.
How computer dependence impacts humans.
Advantages that nanotechnology has on modern science.
How to address adolescents’ psychological needs.
Effective social media strategies that companies can use to boost sales.
Critical roles played by women during World War I.
Effects of prolonged steroid usage on human bodies.

Easy Research Paper Topics

Easy research topics are simple to investigate and write. Sometimes complicated titles can be exhausting and challenging, especially when you are running out of time. If you are looking to make things straightforward, below are easy topics to research:

Advantages and disadvantages of school uniforms.
Reasons why school athletes should be paid.
Steps that are employed to ensure children are protected from harmful internet content.
What causes obesity among teenagers in the United States?
Ways that people can be encouraged to recycle their waste.
Benefits of 3D printers to society.
Causes and negative impacts of tornadoes.
Similarities and differences between Mac and PC.
Dangers associated with hitchhiking.
Should lie detectors be considered 100% accurate?
Should education be less expensive?
How does a smartphone GPS work?
What are the disadvantages associated with using plastic bottles?
Benefits of getting enough sleep every day.
Impacts that Bill Gates made in the field of communication.

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Good Research Paper Topics

There is a broad scope of titles to choose from, which is why finding good topics for a research paper is challenging. To make your task easier, below we have narrowed down good topics to research:

Reasons why students should be encouraged to be bilingual.
Negative impacts brought by oil spills on water bodies and marine animals.
Tobacco smoking: why should it be completely banned in America?
Reasons why countries should ban risky sports.
Importance of more people embracing reading culture.
Should historical films be based only on facts?
Is democracy losing its relevance in the modern world?
Impacts that China’s one-child policy has on the population.
Key reasons and impacts brought by the UK leaving the EU.
Impacts of Affordable Care Act on healthcare in America.
History and relationship between the US and North Korea .
Efficient methods that can be used to lower gun-related deaths in America.
Key events that led to the Roman Empire falling.
Positive impacts associated with ecotourism.
Do smartphones increase or decrease work productivity?

Best Research Paper Topics

Achieving the highest possible grade in your essay may require finding the best research topics. Sometimes this may not be easy because there are so many titles to choose from. However, do not be scared because below we have the best topics to research:

How does Islam play a role in oppressing women?
Does college education fully prepare students for their careers?
Structural differences between a man's and a woman’s heart.
How gender roles have evolved in modern marriages.
Benefits associated with home health nursing service.
Causes and effects of cybercrimes.
How does terrorism affect business success?
Measures that can be employed to aid ex-convicts in getting employment.
Should schools allow licensed students to carry their guns?
Feminist movement and its impacts in America.
Reasons why women should be allowed to participate in extreme sports.
Effective ways parents can use to monitor their children’s online activities.
Who should be blamed for homelessness in America?
Should smartphone usage in classrooms be legalized?
Causes of societal stereotypes.

Funny Research Paper Topics

Using humor in your essay is an excellent way to get your readers hooked. For you to achieve that, you will need funny research topics. It may not be easy to find hilarious titles, but we have come up with some fun things to research:

Origin and development of Halloween celebration.
Crows vs. parrots: which one is smarter?
Ways in which a person can survive with minimum wage.
Why is it better for people to spend more time on their phones than to hang out with each other?
Negative impacts of the government lowering drinking age.
Reasons why handwriting has lost its importance in school.
Efficient ways that can be used in handling a drunk roommate.
Cats vs. dogs: which one makes the better pet?
Should parents pay their children to attend school?
Reasons why teachers should be compelled to wear school uniforms.
Why have humans been considered the most dangerous creatures on earth?
Origin and development of April fool’s day.
Reasons why people who want to keep fit eat the most.
Most effective ways to deal with trouble during family reunions.
Reasons why being ignorant can bring more happiness.

Couldn't find a fitting paper idea? Give our Research Paper Topic Generator a try.

Cool Topics to Research

Sometimes you may need cool research topics to make your readers enjoy the experience. If this is what you are looking for, below are cool things to research:

Measures that can be employed to prevent corporate abuse.
Causes and impacts of high rates of divorce cases in Britain.
Origin and development of skateboards.
Ways in which gunpowder changed warfare.
Reasons why Socrates was executed.
Factors that promote black hole formation.
Ways in which sharks hunt their prey.
Sinkholes: what are they, and how are they created?
Efficient ways used in creating positive employee relationships.
Should students in America take a one-year gap between high school and college?
Differences and similarities between Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.
Nuclear energy and its impacts on economy.
Effective ways used by film and music industries in dealing with piracy.
Night vision: what is it, and how does it work?
Theories that explain how dinosaurs disappeared.

Controversial Research Paper Topics

Sometimes research ideas need to be contentious to grab your readers’ attention. If this is what you are looking for, go through the following controversial topics for a research paper:

Should nurses be held accountable for their patients’ behavior?
Reasons why students should be permitted to go to school with their smartphones.
Should the presidential term limit be extended?
Why most domestic violence cases are related to alcohol consumption.
Why reducing minimum wage in America will be good for the economy.
Is there gender inequality in the field of medicine?
Should children be allowed to take care of their younger siblings?
Religion should be a compulsory subject in American schools.
Reasons why children should not be allowed to join social media sites.
Why should luxury parties be forbidden among college students?
Pros and cons of teaching women martial arts.
Should hospitals be allowed to treat patients with gunshot wounds without involving the police?
What are the benefits of tobacco advertisement?
Ethical aspects associated with legalizing marijuana.
Reasons why school uniforms should be abolished.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Some essays are meant to be persuasive with the readers to convince them to agree with your thesis statement. Thus, presenting a conclusive argument in your work will require a critical evaluation of different sources to present concrete evidence. Are you wondering how you can get good argument topics to do a research paper on? Do not worry because the following are argumentative ideas for a research paper:

Reasons why medical professionals should be allowed to market pharmaceuticals to patients.
Is the level of depression among kids rising?
What are the health consequences associated with fasting?
Effective measures that are taken to make car seats safe for children.
Reasons why social media platforms should be banned from collecting users’ data.
Should unpaid internships be made illegal?
Should governments regulate what their citizens eat?
Should gun ownership by private citizens be illegal?
US immigration policies : have they been effective?
Exam cheating: should students who are found engaging in the vice be punished?
Do academic performances suffer when students engage in sports?
Four-day work week: should companies embrace it?
Why athletes who use steroids should be banned from engaging in sports.
Reasons for the legalization of death penalty.
How effective are curfews placed upon teenagers?
Should it be illegal to smoke cigarettes in public?
Advantages of allowing kids to play violent video games.
Reasons why helmet usage in American football makes the sport dangerous.
Are workers more productive when working from home?
Reasons why climate change is the cause of increasing natural disasters.

>> Read more: Argumentative Essays Topics

Research Topic Ideas for Students

As students, you will have to write different research essays before graduating. Coming up with research ideas can take time and effort. However, instead of feeling scared, you should embrace this task because we will provide clues on how to make your selection. But in case you have any more doubts, we have created several research topics for students from different levels, including middle school, high school, and college. Go through the following lists to make your choice:

Research Paper Topics for Middle School

Students can begin writing essays as early as middle school. If you are in this category and looking for research paper ideas for middle school, you are lucky because we have you covered. The following are topics to research for middle school:

Impacts of online learning on students.
Why conducting drug tests on animals is ethically bad.
Effective ways that may enhance an individual's self-esteem.
Sex education and its importance.
How the internet has changed people’s lives.
Reasons why dinosaurs became extinct.
What is spam email, and what measures can be used to prevent it?
Tobacco usage and its negative impacts on a person’s body.
Differences between homework and class assignments.
Key reasons why the human body needs sleep.
Desert mirage: what is it, and how does it affect people?
Appropriate punishment for students who engage in bullying.
Effective ways used in recognizing harmful internet content.
Cryptocurrency : what is it, and why is it popular?
Efficient ways used in conserving energy at home.

High School Research Paper Topics

If you are seeking research paper ideas for high school, then you are in the right place. After careful deliberation, we have come up with the following research topics for high school students:

Black holes: their definition and origin.
Practical ways that can be employed in protecting species that are endangered.
Ways in which public school systems care for students’ mental health.
Reasons why there are many similarities between English and French words.
Gender roles and how they affect human development.
Photosynthesis enhancement and how it improves crop yield.
What are the roles of black holes?
Origin and resolutions of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Characteristics associated with effective leadership.
What is Obama Care, and how does it benefit Americans?
Russian Revolution: its social causes and impacts.
Ways in which stress affects the body.
Air pollution and its effects on people’s health.
Benefits that can be attributed to Plato’s mathematics philosophy.
Ways in which climate change can be reversed.

College Research Paper Topics

By the time you reach college, you will have written several essays. However, this does not mean that choosing research topics for college papers will be easy. If you have any problem, go through the following research topics for college students:

Pros and cons of cave drawing as a method of communication.
Causes and impacts of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Black Death: its devastating impacts in Europe.
Significant scientific achievements during the Age of Discovery.
How literary works were used as propaganda tools in Germany during World War II.
Martin Scorsese: his works and contributions to the film industry.
Challenges faced by the Black Lives Matter movement in fighting racism.
Effective measures that can be employed in stopping the Crisis in Syria.
Negative impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the global economy.
Space exploration and its effect on America’s economy.
Pros and cons associated with genetic engineering.
Steps taken in ensuring proper care for the elderly in Britain.
Measure taken in managing depression among adults in America.
Causes and impacts of drug and substance abuse among college students.
Impacts of online streaming platforms on the evolution of music.

Research Paper Ideas in Different Study Fields

Different study fields present an opportunity for you to select an unlimited number of things to research on. This means that you are spoilt for choice. However, as you have discovered in your studies, this is easier said than done. Sometimes all you need is research project ideas to inspire your selection. The following section aims to present titles for students studying different courses, starting from humanities and social sciences topics and ending with more technical ideas. All you have to do is select one that is specific to your study area.

Research Paper Topics on History

History is an area of study that contains an infinite number of issues to investigate. In fact, students find it to be one of their favorite subjects to research on. If you need some inspiration on history topics for a research paper, look at the following list:

Impacts of Sumerian culture and traditions on modern societies.
Efficient ways used by Julius Caesar to inspire loyalty among his soldiers.
Causes and impacts of the Salem Witch trials.
American Civil War and its consequences.
The Thirty Year War: its causes and impacts.
Steps taken to end apartheid in South Africa.
Economic consequences of the Cold War on Russia.
Tactics used by Napoleon to rise to power during the French Revolution.
Major causes and impacts of the Great Depression on Americans.
Roles played by women during World War II.

Literature Research Paper Topics

Just like history, literature is also a favorite area of investigation for students. There are many aspects of literary works on which you can base your questions for research papers. You have to decide what you want to focus on and start your investigation. To get you going, below we have provided literature research paper topic ideas:

Difference between antiheroes and villains in modern literature.
Courage and heroism as depicted in Harry Potter .
Character traits of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth .
How modernism is portrayed in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn .
Major themes in early American literature.
Characterization of Satan in Milton’s Paradise Lost .
How did Shakespeare depict love in Romeo and Juliet ?
How did Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer describe medieval England?
Friendship values between Sancho Pansa and Don Quixote as depicted in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote .
Impacts of Teresa of Avila’s work on modern literature.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Are you seeking psychology topics for research projects? Search no more because the following topics for a research paper will go a long way in inspiring your investigation:

Causes of mental health issues among teenagers in America.
How an adult life is shaped by childhood traumas experienced.
Negative impacts of social media addictions on marriages.
Correlation between mental health and eating disorders.
How does color affect an individual’s mood?
Effective methods used to achieve conformity in a group.
How do personality traits affect the musical taste of an individual?
How a child's psychological development is affected after facing loss at a young age.
Efficient ways employed in enhancing the use of reinforcement in a learning environment.
How self-efficacy affects long-term memory.

Religion Research Paper Topics

Religion has been in existence since the dawn of humans. As a result, it provides you with various topics for research papers drawn from different societies. If you are looking for religious topics for a research project, go through the following to select one that interests you:

Origin and development of Islam as a religion.
Roles that can be played by religion in protecting the environment.
Ritual similarities between Christianity and Islam.
Why is sacrificing considered essential in most religions?
Relationships that exist between morality and religion.
Importance of prayer and meditation in Buddhism.
Practices and beliefs related to Zoroastrianism.
Social and moral roots of religious extremism.
Hinduism: its origin, development, and impacts on modern Indian culture.
How religious leaders used fear to maintain control over congregations.

Political Research Paper Topics

Like religion, politics has also been part and parcel of human existence. There is an unlimited number of research paper topics ideas to choose from. Nonetheless, below we have narrowed down the most popular research topics to write about politics:

Differences in foreign policies between America and UK.
History and structure of the Chinese Communist Party.
Controversial issues that have plagued Amnesty International.
Causes and effects of the Syrian Conflict.
Effective methods used by the government to enhance community development.
Efficient ways used in eliminating corruption in America.
Political power plays that led to the split of the Soviet Union .
Pros and cons of Reagan's political agenda.
Causes of constant rebellion in the Central African Republic.
Negotiation methods that can be used to stop Ukraine's invasion by Russia.

>> More ideas: Political Research Paper Topics

Research Paper Topics on Business

The world of business is constantly evolving. As a result, you can find many great topics for research papers on this matter. Below is a list of commerce topics to do research papers on:

Efficient ways to increase jobs and reduce unemployment in America.
Negative impacts of business participating in unethical behavior.
Advantages that companies can get from branding their products.
Challenges businesses get from using remote employees.
Benefits of franchising in the long run.
Positive and negative impacts of startups on local economies.
Differences in international copyright laws between America and Britain.
Similarities and differences between offline and internet advertising.
Causes and impacts of consumer behavior change on a business marketing strategies.
Advantages of company rituals and corporate cultures.

>> Read more: Research Topics About Business

Research Paper Topics on Education

The transformation of the education sector has been rapid, especially in recent years. As a result, you can choose any topic for research papers to write on in this area. If you are seeking inspiration on such kind of project topics ideas, look at the list below:

Similarities and differences between personalized approach and group studying.
Advantages and disadvantages of having single-gender classes.
Reasons why special education teachers deserve additional payment.
Why are boarding schools popular in England?
Dangers of students engaging in drug abuse while in school.
Practical ways that can be employed in preventing violence in school.
Benefits associated with after-class activities in America.
Reasons why schools should provide advanced mental help for college students.
Pros and cons of students going to community colleges.
Roles played by video games in enhancing learning.

>> Read more: Special Education Research Topics

Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Scholars and experts have recently become more concerned with protecting the environment. This means that writing such research papers topics ideas has become popular. Some of the topics to write research paper on environment include:

Tectonic movements and their global effects on the ecosystems.
Causes and impacts of air pollution on health.
Ozone layer depletion and the dangers associated with it.
Green energy definition and effective ways to achieve it.
Role played by the government in enhancing recycling efforts in America.
Efficient ways that can be employed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Causes and prevention of ocean acidification.
Effective measures that can be taken to protect endangered species.
Consequences of farming on the environment.
Causes and impacts of desertification in Kuwait.

>> Read more: Topics About Environmental Science

Health Research Paper Topics

Although there has been rapid development in the health sector, there are still various areas that have remained unexploited. This presents an opportunity for well-being research paper topics to be written. If this is what you are aiming for, below we have topics for a research paper that you can pick from:

Speech disorder and its effect on child development.
Reasons why people are still afraid to get COVID-19 vaccines.
Health impacts of legalizing marijuana in America.
Causes and impacts of post-traumatic disorders in Britain.
Adverse effects associated with blood transfusion.
Ways in which nurses can manage work-related stress.
Types of depressions and their management plans.
Advantages and disadvantages of dealing with autistic patients.
Relationship between endometriosis and genetics.
Negative impacts of high heels on a woman’s health.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Topics

Medical Research Paper Topics

Medicine is an area of study that is highly investigated. However, there are still several medical research essay topics that still need to be explored. If you wish to bridge this gap, you can start with the following research paper topic ideas:

Challenges facing humanitarian medical missions in developing countries.
Pros and cons of medical research on animals.
Advantages and disadvantages obtained by hospitals using electronic health record systems.
How is chemotherapy beneficial to hospitals?
Effective treatment paths for Alzheimer’s disease.
Drugs and vaccine development in treating Ebola.
Advantages of having a computational oncology department.
What are the differences between pandemics and epidemics?
Negative impacts of over-the-counter prescription drugs.
Key reasons for insulin resistance in the body.

>> Read more: Medical Research Topics

Sociology Research Paper Topics

Sociology deals with studying the development, structure, and functioning of society and the people in it. You can choose to write any topic for a term paper on issues affecting communities. Below are examples of sociology topics to research :

What are some effective methods that can be used to resolve conflicts in college?
Challenges associated with raising a child in an unconventional family.
What are the negative impacts of racial stereotypes on self-esteem and work productivity?
Dangers associated with religious cults.
Effective ways that can ensure gender equality in the workplace.
Impacts of social network addictions on high school students.
How are interpersonal skills affected by teamwork in the workplace?
Gender roles in the family.
Evolution of marriage over the last 50 years.
Causes and effects of bullying in school .

Social Media Topics for a Research Paper

Despite the enormous strides made by social media in changing how people interact with each other, its potential remains unlimited. There are still several research paper topics you can write on this issue. Choose one of the following topic ideas for research paper to start your journey:

Growth of social media and its influence in American politics.
Efficient methods used by parents to protect their children from online dangers.
Relationship between social media and cybercrime.
Adverse effects of social media on investigative journalism.
Effective methods that people can use to earn through Facebook.
How effective are children's protection laws from the web’s harmful effects?
Reasons why people post pictures online.
Advantages and disadvantages brought by instant messaging and communication.
How have reality shows impacted privacy laws in America?
Effectiveness of using social media as a tool for political campaigns.

>> Read more: Research Topics About Social Media

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

If you are looking for great research paper topics, criminal and justice system is one of the areas you can look at. The following are examples of topics for research papers that you may find in this section:

What are the benefits of private prisons?
Similarities and differences between war and civil crimes.
Effective ways that can be used to prevent crime in schools and universities.
What are the responsibilities of incarcerated parents to society?
Impacts of immigration on rising rates of crime in America.
Advantages accrued to cyber criminology correction methods.
Pros and cons of forensic research identification methods.
Cyberstalking legislation: their history and development.
Reasons for human rights violations in Afghanistan.
Efficient methods of drug trafficking tracking methods.

>> View more: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Science Research Paper Ideas

Science has always been a fascinating area for many students. You will love research project topics we have created for you. Be free to choose any of the following science topics ideas for a research paper:

How can molecular biology research help scientists understand cancer and other illnesses?
Positive and negative impacts of space exploration.
Best ways to capture and use carbon dioxide.
Challenges involved in developing environmentally friendly plastics.
Best ways to use bioluminescence GFP from jellyfish in medicine.
How does rain contribute to the rising amount of chemicals in seawater?
Biomacromolecules: their definition and importance.
How “killer” mosquitoes are used in fighting malaria.
Science behind the hibernation of animals.
Best ways to use microelectronics in treating people with chronic diseases .

Research Paper Topics on Technology

You will find yourself spoilt for choice if you are looking for topics to write a research paper on technology. There are many of them, but below we have selected for you the most popular research writing topics:

Adverse effects of living in a technological world.
Disadvantages of genetically engineering children.
How societies can use video gaming to help solve their problems.
What are the advantages of genetically modified food in solving world hunger?
History and development of self-driving cars.
Best ways to incorporate technology in education.
Impacts of drone warfare on military strategies.
How internet usage is affecting young people’s attention span.
Pros and cons of using genetic sequencing to determine future health risks.
Pros and cons of virtual reality.

>> Read more: Technology Research Topics

Extra Research Paper Topic Ideas

From the above title examples, it is clear that you can never wholly exhaust investigative topics. However, if you did not find any research questions or ideas that piqued your interest, we still have some examples left for you to look at. There is a catalog of great research topics below if you would like to explore other areas, such as art, music, and sports. Please go through them and select one that excites you.

Research Project Ideas on Art

Art plays a vital role in enhancing the aesthetics of society. Many artistic pieces can inspire topics to research about. If this is your area of interest, the following research project ideas can instigate your writing:

Differences in arts between Northern and Italian Renaissances.
How does impressionist art use elements of time and light?
Influence of modern European art on American artists.
How art has been used to spread propaganda messages in France.
Impacts of the expressionism art movement in Western Europe.
Incas Empire and its influence on modern art.
Role played by religion and culture in Aztec art.
Francisco de Goya : his biography and impacts on modern art.
Life and career of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Differences and similarities between baroque and rococo.

Music Research Paper Topics

People have been creating and listening to songs since the dawn of humanity. Music is one of the most popular research paper topics for scholars. When you are stuck and considering things to write a research paper on, look for various titles like the ones below:

Does listening to music affects the brain?
History of rap music and the changes it has gone through over the years.
Music genres that appeared during the Renaissance period.
What impacts do socio-economic classes have on the choice and taste of music?
How has America influenced music?
How can music be incorporated into education to enhance concentration?
How can music be applied in learning a foreign language?
Pop music: its history and development.
Differences between modern and classical music.
How does music affect how people dress?

Sports Research Paper Topics

The availability of various sporting activities presents an opportunity for different topics for a research paper. As an enthusiast, you can never exhaust research paper topics that deal with different games. You can check out the following examples for inspiration:

How are basketball players’ performances affected by signing multi-million contracts?
Necessary measures taken by athletes in preparation for a marathon.
Reasons why Lionel Messi is regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time.
Positive and negative influences of crowds on games.
History of baseball and how it has changed over the years.
Ways of preventing severe injuries in rugby.
Benefits of competitive sports on children's health and school performances.
Gender inequalities in boxing.
Economic impacts of the Olympic Games on the host nation.
Advantages of player unions in protecting their rights.

Bottom Line on Research Paper Topics

You may think completing an essay is hard but wait until you select what to write a research paper on; then, you will discover this is the most challenging part. Having a title makes it easier for you to develop the paragraphs. By now, you are conversant with what research paper topics and ideas are, their characteristics, and how to select them. You have also gone through 350+ research topics that will be of inspiration for you to create your own. Having these examples gives you an advantage that others may not be afforded. Use them at your own convenience. Your next step is composing your own study. Check our step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper to nail your project. Good luck with writing!

Order your work from our college paper writing services and don’t waste any minute on time-consuming research! Our experts will provide a fine-tuned paper just in time!

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

70+ Fascinating Informative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Tell them what you know.

How has the role of women in the workplace changed in the last hundred years?

Informative essays are a chance to show what you know. They’re all about informing the reader, without trying to persuade or offer an opinion. Informative writing can include how-to process essays, biographical writing, an in-depth analysis of a topic, research papers, or compare-and-contrast essays . Just remember to stick to the facts, and be clear and descriptive. These informative essay topics offer something for all interests and ages.

How-To Informative Essay Topics

Social studies informative essay topics, science informative essay topics, pop culture informative essay topics.

Teach your reader the steps or process to:

Cook a recipe
Set a table
Make a quilt
Change a tire
Start a recycling program
Play a game
Build a birdhouse
Plant a garden
Make and care for a compost pile

Care for an animal
Start a business
Catch a fish
Tie a necktie
Train for a marathon
Prepare a campsite
Make a campfire
Clean a room
Wrap a gift
Plan a party
Kick a bad habit
Use social media responsibly

Manage time effectively
Make a budget
Describe the life of a world leader.
How has the role of women in the workplace changed in the last hundred years?

Explore the current path to becoming an American citizen.
What are some of the possible ways the pyramids were built?
Describe a time period in history.
How does one country’s economy affect another country?
What is the difference between socialism and communism?
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing drugs.
Describe the political system in a foreign country.
Explore the causes of a specific war or armed conflict in history.

Explore the causes of a specific war or armed conflict in history.

How is a new law passed in the United States?
Give an overview of the history of any country, state, or city.
Describe the three branches of American government.
Explain how the American judicial system works.
Describe the evolution of fashion throughout history.
Describe a science experiment, including the hypothesis, process, and conclusion.

Describe a science experiment, including the hypothesis, process, and conclusion.

Explain what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What is the relationship between calories and fat?
What is the physics behind a bicycle?
How do plants convert sunlight into energy?
Describe any element from the periodic table, including its makeup and uses.
What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?
Describe the life cycle of any animal.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Describe the life of a prominent scientist.
Explain what E = mc 2 means.
Describe any disease, including its symptoms and treatments.

Describe any disease, including its symptoms and treatments.

Why do leaves change color in the fall?
Explain the difference between climate and weather.
Describe a specific ecosystem, including the plants and animals that live there.
Describe the history of video games.
What are recent trends in the video game industry?
Describe your favorite superhero.
Explain the motivations of any fictional villain.
Describe the life of your favorite celebrity.
Explore the development and growth of a main character in any book series.

Explore the development and growth of a main character in any book series.

Describe the process of making a movie or TV show.
Tell the story of any band, including its founding, successes and challenges, and breakup (if applicable).
Describe the life of a famous artist.
Explore the history of Disney World (or any theme park).
Plan the perfect fantasy football league team.
Describe popular trends and fads from any decade.
Explore the history of the Olympics.
Describe the music of a generation and how it reflected that time.

Describe the music of a generation and how it reflected that time.

Explain the history of the internet.

What are some of your favorite informative essay topics? Come share your ideas in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (100+ ideas).

70+ Fascinating Informative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Persuasive Essay Topics: Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader. Continue Reading

Reluctant Reader Books

1029 Killer Writing Prompts for Middle School

Tired of searching through endless lists for the best writing prompts?

This is the only list you’ll ever need.

We personally combed through hundreds of lists, books and writing guides to bring you the 1,029 middle school writing prompts covering 20 different topic categories.

Want to Take It With You?

Our entire 1,029 writing prompts are available as a user-friendly PDF. Click on the thumbnail to preview the first 12 pages, or click the button below to get the full book.

Want great short stories for middle school? Go here .

Want poems for middle school? Go here .

Want 17 killer writing lessons for middle school? Check them out below.

This list is huge.

Which is why we organized it by topic to make it easier to navigate. Click on any of the topics below and you will be taken directly to that topic and its prompts.

To return to the top of the page, click the arrow along the right side of the screen.

Let’s dive in.

40 Animal Writing Prompts for Middle School

A kid wakes up to find a giraffe standing over his bed. What happens next?
You have to do battle with a giant snake or a giant spider. Which would you choose and why?
You’ve been selected to live for a year on the International Space Station. You can take one animal with you. What animal do you think would be best suited for life in space. Why?
Imagine you came home from school and your pet was ten times its usual size. What would you do next?
If you could have any pet, what would it be?
You can give your teacher any animal for their birthday. What animal would you choose and why?
Are there any animals you believe people shouldn’t be able to keep as pets? Why do you think these animals should never be pets?
Imagine an alien species came to Earth and intended to take only five animals back to their planet. What five animals should they take to help the aliens on their planet best understand life on Earth?
Cat or dog? Which is the better pet? Why?
Tell how you first met your pet, but tell the story from your pet’s point of view.
What animals make bad pets? Why?
Imagine you are going on vacation and a friend is taking care of your pet. Explain in detail precisely how your pet must be cared for in your absence.
You can combine the traits of any three animals into a single new species. What animals do you choose? Describe the new animal you intend to create.
Would you rather be attacked by a shark or a giant squid?
Write a story about the biggest shark in the sea.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
What is your favorite animal? Why do you like that animal?
What is your least favorite animal? What do you dislike about that animal?
Can your pet do a funny or unusual trick? Describe the trick and how they learned it.
Should animals be kept in zoos? Give three reasons defending your answer.
Should people be allowed to bring their pets into restaurants? Why or why not?
Would you rather have to hibernate through the winter like a bear or come out only at night like an owl?
If you had a parrot that could talk, what would you teach it to say?
Choose any animal and imagine what the world would look like if they were the dominant species.
Would you rather like to jump sixty times your height like a flea or lift 100 times your body weight like an ant?
Would you rather be a shark or a dolphin? Explain your answer.
A dog’s nose is more than 10,000 times more acute than a human being’s. Describe all the things you would smell going through your day if you had the nose of a dog.
If you could bring back one dinosaur, what dinosaur would you choose? Why?
You have to fight a wooly mammoth or a saber-tooth tiger. Which would you choose to fight and why?
You can save any one animal from extinction, but to do so you must choose a different animal to vanish forever. What animal would you choose to save, and what animal would you select for extinction?
Imagine that all spiders disappeared tomorrow. What do you think would happen with them gone?
What animal do you think is the smartest? Explain your answer.
What is your spirit animal. Explain your answer.
Is it okay to have a monkey for a pet? Why or why not?
Why do you think there are more insects than mammals?
Whales don’t sing as much as before because of noise from boats on water. Write a journal response explaining how we can help the whales sing again.
What animal do you think is most similar to you in personality? Why?
Why do you think so many people are afraid of spiders?
What’s the difference between a cheetah and a tiger?
Ants can build structures that, relative to their size, are larger than anything ever built by human beings. How do you think they achieve this given their tiny brain size?

84 Biographical Writing Prompts for Middle School

Write about a time you stood up for something you believed in. What did you do?
What is the worst gift you ever received? Why didn’t you like it? How did you respond when you saw what you’d gotten?
What is the earliest memory you have? Describe your memory. Why do you think this is the earliest memory you can recall?
Do you think your personality has been shaped more by who you were when you were born or by the way you’ve been raised by your parents?
What is your favorite thing about yourself? Why is it your favorite?
Are you most like your father or mother? Why?
What do you like least about yourself? Explain your answer.
What makes you who you are?
Do you like being the center of attention? Why or why not?
Who is the person in your life that makes you laugh the most? Why do you find them so amusing?
What was your favorite summer vacation? Why?
Write about a time you gave something of yours to someone who needed it? What did you do?
Do you consider yourself to be a patient person? Why or why not?
Do your parents let you choose your own clothes at the store, or do they pick them for you? What is your style like?
What is your favorite game? Is it a video game or a board game? What do you like about it?
What is the best gift you ever received? What made it so special?
Write about a secret you’ve never shared. How do you keep it secret? How does the secret make you feel?
What is the hardest decision you ever made in your life? Explain what made it so difficult.
Have you ever received a gift you didn’t like? How did you react?
Have you ever gone to summer camp? Did you enjoy it? Explain your answer.
If you were the ruler of the world, what would you do?
If you could only play one sport for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Why?
You can visit any country in the world, but only for a day. What country would you choose and what would you do for that day?
What is the most unfair thing in your life? Explain your answer.
Are you a team player? What qualities do you possess that make you a team player or not?
You can eat only one cuisine for the rest of your life. What type of food would you choose and why?
What is your favorite month of the year? Why?
Describe your bedroom. Is it messy or clean? Where are all your favorite things? What posters/pictures are on the walls?
Write a letter to your older self ten years from now. What do you hope that your older self has accomplished by then? What do you want your older self to remember about the person you are now?
Write a letter to your younger self in first grade. What do you wish you knew in first grade that you know now? What advice would you give your younger self?
What is the most important thing you ever learned?
When was the last time you laughed so hard you could barely breathe?
Where do you feel most at home? What is it about that space that makes you feel comfortable and safe?
When was the last time you felt so angry you wanted to hit something? Why were you so angry?
Imagine you won the lottery and now have $100,000,000. Everyone in your family expects you to give them money and make them rich. Would you give everyone in your family money or keep it for yourself? Explain your choice.
You’ve just been elected leader of the country. What is the first thing you would do with your new power? Why?
Would you rather be invisible or be able to fly? Explain your answer.
What one superpower do you wish you had? Why?
Do you remember your dreams? How often? What happens in them?
Describe the worst mistake you ever made and how you have learned from it.
What are your top three pet peeves? Why do these things bother you so much?
What is your go-to thing to do when you’re bored? What would happen if you could no longer do that thing for an entire year?
Imagine you could meet any person in history, living or dead. Who would you want to meet and what five questions would you ask them?
You can spend the day with any cartoon character. What character do you choose? Why? What would you do together?
If you could open any business, what kind of business would you start?
What is your worst quality? How do you think you can improve on it?
Have you ever been bullied? Describe how it happened and how it made you feel.
What is your perfect meal? Describe it in detail.
When was the first time you can remember feeling sad? What made you feel that way?
If someone wrote a book about your life, would you be the hero, the villain, or the sidekick?
If you had to pick one of your classmates as someone who inspires you, who would you pick and why?
What is the most valuable thing you own? Why is it special?
You can make one wish come true that would help other people but would not benefit you at all. What wish would you make and why?
Who is the most trustworthy person you know? Would you trust them with your deepest, darkest secrets?
Imagine the person you least like spending time with. What would happen if you had to spend an entire week with that person, all day, every day?
Have you ever failed to keep a promise? Why did you fail? How did it make you feel?
Do you think of yourself as a competitive person? Why or why not?
Have you ever done something simply because other people were doing it, even when you thought it didn’t look like any fun? How did you feel afterward?
If you died tomorrow, what one thing would you want everyone in your school to remember about you?
Have you ever collected anything? If so, what did you collect and why? If not, why do you think you’ve never been interested in collecting?
Write about a time when you had to work very hard for something. What made it so difficult? Why were you willing to work so hard? Was it worth it?
Have you ever been admitted to the hospital? Explain why and what your stay was like.
If you could trade places with a single person in your school, who would you trade places with and why?
You have to give up one of your senses. Which do you give up and why?
Who is the oldest person you’ve ever known? Why do you think they were able to live so long?
You have to go an entire month without the internet. How would this affect your life?
Would you rather be a great athlete or a great musician? Explain your choice.
Describe something that you used to enjoy when you were younger but that you find embarrassing now. Why did you like it when you were younger?
Have you ever lost something that you loved dearly? How did you lose it? How did it feel?
What do you wish your parents understood about you?
Are you too hard on yourself or do you let yourself off the hook too easily? Explain.
What childhood rules did you break when you were younger? What were the results of your actions? Would you break those rules again?
Describe a time when you have suffered and your suffering made you stronger.
Are you the same person on social media as you are in real life? Why or why not?
Have you ever felt like you can’t do something because of your gender? Describe how that made you feel.
Do you think you have a sense of style? What does your style say about who you are as a person?
Do you think your use of technology and social media has made you more isolated as you’ve gotten older? Explain.
Would you pursue a career if you knew you would never make much money doing it?
Which is more important to you: work that makes you happy or work that makes you money?
Do you look forward to getting older? Why or why not?
What do you think is the perfect age? Explain your choice.
Would you like your body to be frozen just before your death so that you might be resurrected hundreds or thousands of years from now? Why or why not?
Would you rather be rich but die young or be poor and die old? Explain.
Have you ever been talked into something? What was it? Why were you convinced to do it?

50 Book Writing Prompts for Middle School

If you could have your teacher read only one book for the rest of their life, what book would you choose for them? Explain your choice.
Do you think kids should be allowed to read whatever they want? Defend your answer.
Pick three books you believe everyone in the country should read. Explain why you choose those three books.
Pick a book that you think was better than the movie version. Why was the book more effective?
Pick a book that you think was not as good as the movie version. Why was the movie better?
If you had to share your bedroom with one fictional character from a book, which character would you choose? Describe why they would be a good roommate.
What is your favorite book? Why do you enjoy it so much?
Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction? Why?
What is the most interesting book you ever read? What did you like about it?
What is the worst book you ever read? Why was it so awful?
Who is your favorite author? Why do you like their work?
If you could meet any author, living or dead, who would you want to meet? What three questions would you ask them?
Pick a character from one of your favorite books. Imagine that character was placed in a totally different story. Write about how they would behave in their new setting. For example: imagine Harry Potter was transported to Transylvania and had to face-off against Dracula.
What do you think makes a great book? Explain your answer.
Do you think classic books like James and the Giant Peach or Charlotte’s Web are better than modern novels? Or are modern novels better than the classics? Defend your answer.
Are there any genres of novels you don’t enjoy reading (ex: mysteries, romances, horror)? Why don’t you like those genres?
Do you ever listen to audiobooks? How do you think they compare to physical books?
Which Harry Potter house do you think you belong in? Why?
Has a book ever changed your life? Why or why not?
Imagine that your favorite fictional character had to come to school with you. What would they think of your school? What would do together?
Do you think certain books should be banned from school libraries? Explain your answer.
If you knew that a particular book were banned from your school library, would that make you want to read the book or stay away from it? Explain your answer.
Imagine that you are writing to a student a few years younger than you. Recommend three books to them and explain why you believe they should read them.
Throughout history, slave owners consistently prevented their slaves from learning to read. Why do you think slave owners didn’t want their slaves to read?
When you read, do you question what the author is telling you or accept whatever they say without question?
If you were given the power to make people only read fiction or non-fiction, which would you choose? Explain.
If you had to spend a year reading books from only one other country, what country’s literature would you choose and why?
If you were to write a novel, what kind of story would you write? A mystery? A horror story? A science fiction tale? Explain your choice.
What makes you pick up a book to read? Is it the cover? The description of the story? The author?
When you read a book, do you read out loud or only in your head?
Is it better to read a physical book or an ebook on your phone? Or does it not matter either way? Explain your choice.
Do you think kids today read less than their parents did when they were your age? Why or why not?
Adults often worry that kids don’t read enough books anymore. How many books a year do you think is enough for a kid to read?
Have you ever read a book that you’d be embarrassed to be seen reading in public? Why would you feel that way?
Are either of your parents readers? What kinds of books do they like to read?
Is it better to read books or do you think you can get just as much out of reading magazines and websites?
The oldest books in the world range from 500 to 2700 years old. Given that so much is now printed digitally, do you think any books from our own time will survive for that long? Why or why not?
Many people pass down important books from parents to children. Are there any books that are passed down through generations in your family? If not, are there any books you would one day want to pass down to your children?
Bill Gates paid over $30,000,000 for a notebook written by Leonardo da Vinci. Do you think this was a good use of his money or a total waste? Explain your answer.
The longest sentence ever published in a novel was written by Victor Hugo, who wrote Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame . That sentence was 823 words long. What do you think would happen if you turned in this writing prompt with a sentence that long?
What is the longest book you ever read? Do you think long books are better than short books? Why or why not?
Would you rather read 10 short books that are each 100 pages, or one long book that is 1,000 pages? Explain your answer.
When adults write books for kids your age, what do you think they fail to understand about you and your peers? What things do they get wrong about kids these days?
Do you think every book should have illustrations? Why or why not?
Do you like books with short chapters or long chapters? Explain your answer.
What was your favorite picture book as a child? Why did you like that particular book?
Do you think picture book writers like Dr. Seuss deserve to be considered great writers like authors who write chapter books (JK Rowling, Roald Dahl, etc.)? Why or why not?
Before the printing press was invented, history and stories were passed down orally. Why do you think the book has replaced the oral tradition? What makes the book and writing so durable and powerful?
Do you think people should write and underline in books? Why or why not?
If you could have the President read any book, what book would you choose and why?

50 Comparison Writing Prompts for Middle School

Your best friend and your worst enemy
Coke and Pepsi
Boys and girls
Freezing to death and burning to death
The pen and the sword
Outer space and the bottom of the ocean
School food and home food
Big city and small town
Vampires and werewolves
Texting and talking in person
Virtual learning and learning in person
Money and happiness
Digital movies and physical movies
Football and basketball
Men’s sports and women’s sports
Owning a business and working for someone else
Math and science
Reading and writing
Childhood today and childhood when your parents were in school
Hurricanes and tornados
Coffee and tea
Homeschool and public school
Movies at home and movies at the theater
Flying in an airplane and traveling by train
Playing a guitar and playing the drums
Camping in a tent and camping in an RV
Monday and Friday
Going to church and sleeping in
Losing a leg and losing an arm
Getting bit by a shark and getting bit by a bear
Peanut butter and jelly
Ice cream and cake
First day of school and last day of school
Birth and death
Giving gifts and receiving gifts
Kissing and being kissed
Asking someone on a date and being asked out on a date
Driving a limo and driving a bus
Sitting in the front of the class and sitting in the back of the class
Going to restaurant and cooking at home
Oldest sibling and youngest sibling
Mom and dad
Pride and humility
Like and love
Comedy and horror
Showers and baths
The first page of a book and the last page of a book
Writing on a computer and writing by hand
Explosively loud fart and silent-but-deadly fart
Swords and lightsabers

50 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School

A witch casts a spell on your parents so they can only bark instead of talk. Write about your evening dinner together.
You come to school and find that you have a substitute teacher, but the sub is a tiny baby. Write about how you and your class get through the day.
You mix all the flavors at the gas station soda fountain. When you drink the concoction, you can suddenly see the future. What happens next?
Imagine your grandfather was a fabulous world traveler. One day you find an old camera he used to take on his travels, and inside is some undeveloped film. You get the film developed. Write about the pictures you discover.
Your best friend lets you borrow his hat. But whenever you put it on, you can hear everything your friend is thinking. What happens next?
Imagine you can understand what cats are saying. Write about what happens when the cats in your neighborhood find out you can understand them.
You’re flying on a plane to visit your uncle. You look out the window and see a young boy hanging onto the wing of the plane. His fingers are slipping, and he’s screaming for help. What happens next?
Imagine you found an old book in the library but when you try to check it out the librarian says you can’t read it. You sneak it out of the library anyway, but when you get home the book opens on its own and gigantic vines start growing out of it. What happens next?
You find a journal from 1850. On the last page it reads: “Come help me! You’re my only hope.” What happens next?
You wake up and discover that you have switched bodies with your dad. Write about your day.
Imagine your teacher has gone missing for a week. One day they are back at school. Your class asks where your teacher went, and they say they were kidnapped by aliens. What happens next?
Rewrite your favorite book or movie, but make the villain the hero of the story.
You receive a plastic dinosaur for your birthday. You take it home, and later that night you wake up to see it walking across your bedroom floor. It looks at you and roars. What next?
Imagine you are assigned a new locker on the first day of school. You open the locker and find a backpack inside. In the backpack is $1,000. Write about what happens next.
You have new neighbors. As you watch them unloading their moving van, you see they have a pet dragon. What happens next?
Your grandmother comes to visit after a nice vacation overseas. You ask about her trip, and she tells you she met a werewolf. What happens next?
A new girl you’ve never met joins your class. As your teacher begins today’s lesson, the girl passes you a note. It reads: “Do you remember me?” What happens next?
Choose your favorite emoji and write a backstory about its life.
You wake up one morning and realize you are floating five feet above your bedsheets. What happens next?
A new boy arrives in your class. He cries a lot, but his tears are Skittles. Write about what happens next.
On a class trip to the zoo, you get separated from your classmates. You wander around the zoo looking for your friends and teacher. You stop to look at the giraffe, and it bends its head down and says: “Hey, kid. Get me outta here.” What happens next?
You wake up one morning and look out your window. A rocket ship has landed on your lawn. What happens next?
Imagine you are teleported into your favorite video game. What happens next?
Your parents ask you to help weed the garden. You start pulling weeds, but as you do you discover something buried in the dirt: a treasure chest. Write about what’s inside and what happens next.
On a class trip to a museum you get separated from your class. You wander the halls, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone in that part of the museum. Eventually you find your way to the entrance, but it’s locked. You’re stuck there overnight. What happens next?
It’s the first day of school and you have a new teacher. Your teacher is a robot. Write about your first day in class.
Your parents hire a magician for your little brother’s birthday. The magician says he can make your brother disappear. He performs the trick and your brother is gone. The magician tries to bring him back, but something goes wrong and it doesn’t work. What happens next?
Write a conversation between your socks and your shoes.
You’re helping clean out your aunt’s garage. In a box you find an old oil lamp. You rub the lamp and a genie pops out. Write about what happens next.
You are the world’s youngest doctor. You have made a mind-blowing new medical discovery that will change the world. Write about your discovery and how it will affect modern medicine.
You have won a contest where every day you get a new 100-pound box of candy shipped to your house. Write about the type of candy you would order and what happens next.
You’re on an airplane flying to Disneyland. You really have to pee. You go to the bathroom, but when you come out the entire plane is empty. Everyone has disappeared. What happens next?
You have brought flowers to the cemetery to put on your grandmother’s grave. You walk down the row to her headstone, but when you get there the ground is dug up and her coffin is gone. What happens next?
You are watering the flowers in your mother’s garden. You bend down to smell the roses, but when you do you hear a tiny voice coming from the flowers: “Help us!” What happens next?
You’re at the lake skipping rocks across the water. You make a great throw and the rock skips into the middle of the lake. Then, suddenly, the rock comes skipping back. What happens next?
You come into class after school for tutoring, but just as you open the door you see your teacher pulling off her face. It’s a mask, and underneath your teacher is an alien. What happens next?
You wake up and discover you’re a mouse. You realize you left your pet snake on the floor last night instead of putting it in its cage. What happens next?
Your cat is meowing at your door. You think it has caught another bird, but when you open the door you discover it has caught a tiny person three inches high. What happens next?
You open your freezer and discover it has become a doorway to a cold, wintry world. You step inside. What happens next?
You’re taking a plane to visit your cousins in New York City. But when the plane lands, you realize that you’re actually in Chicago. What happens next?
One day the school bully comes up to you and says if you don’t help him he’ll beat you up. You say sure. He says he needs your help apologizing to everyone he’s ever bullied. What happens next?
Your little brother is drawing monsters at the kitchen table. You look over his shoulder, and suddenly his drawings come to life. They peel themselves off the paper and start to run around. What happens next?
There’s a knock at your door and when you open it you find an old man who hands you a glass jar with clear water in it. He tells you that the water in the jar will make you live forever, and that he has lived over five-hundred years. Then he leaves. What happens next?
You are taking a ride in a hot air balloon. Suddenly a terrible wind comes up and you are blown off course. The skies darken, and you realize you’re heading for a massive thunderstorm. What happens next?
You and your best friend are skydiving. You jump out of the plane. As you fall, you try to pull your chute, but your parachute is broken. The ground is coming up fast. What happens next?
You wake up one morning and start to yawn, but you realize your mouth has disappeared. What happens next?
You’re invited to your neighbor’s house for the first time to swim in their new pool. You dive into the water and discover there is no bottom to the pool. The water stretches and stretches like an ocean and when you surface you’re in a whole new world. What happens next?
Imagine you live in an apartment building. The elevator has buttons for 19 floors, because there’s no button for unlucky 13. One day you board the elevator and discover the button for the 13 th floor has appeared. What happens next?
You’re at the mall and really have to go to the bathroom. You find a bathroom and go inside, but standing by the sink is a gigantic bunny with ears that touch the ceiling. It looks at you and says: “I wouldn’t use this bathroom if I were you.” What happens next?
Imagine your little sister gets a gerbil for a pet. One day the gerbil crawls onto your lap and says: “Listen, I know where the buried treasure is. You want me to show you?” What happens next?

50 Descriptive Writing Prompts for Middle School

Describe the most disgusting school lunch you can imagine.
Imagine your school is rocked by a massive earthquake. Describe the events inside your classroom.
Describe love without using the words love or emotion .
Describe how you want to spend the last day of your life.
Imagine you are teleported 100 years into the future. Describe the way your hometown looks.
You have invented a brand new flavor of soda pop. Describe what it tastes like, what it’s called, and what the label looks like.
Describe a problem you’re facing at home and how you might solve it.
Describe a problem you’re facing at school and how you might solve it.
Imagine the world suddenly loses all electricity. Describe how you would go through your day with no lights, no power, no internet, no phones.
Describe your dream car. What brand of car? What color? What kind of seats? What would it have inside?
You’re planning a road trip across the country. Describe the route you would take, what cities you would stop in, and what you would see along the way.
Who is your favorite family member? Describe what makes them so special.
Describe your bedroom. What’s on the walls? Is it neat or dirty? How big is your bed? Include as much detail as you can.
Look at your hand. Describe what you see without using the words hand, finger, or nails .
Describe the most beautiful flower you can imagine.
Describe the smell of the school locker room.
Imagine your teacher blames you for something you didn’t do and punishes you in front of the whole class. Describe how you feel in that moment.
Think of the bravest person you know. Describe what makes them brave and how they are different from everyone else.
Think of your favorite toy when you were younger. Describe that toy. Why was it your favorite?
Imagine you are sitting on a bus and the person next to you lets out a silent but awful fart. The worst you’ve ever smelled. Describe that smell.
Describe the worst day of your life.
Describe the best day of your life.
Think about what makes you a good friend. Describe the three qualities you think make you an excellent friend.
Imagine you were there the day the Titanic sank. Describe what you saw as you watched the great ship go down.
Imagine you were with Neil Armstrong when the first astronauts landed on the moon. Describe what you saw when you stepped out onto the moon.
Your principal comes on over the intercom and announces that an asteroid is hurtling towards the Earth and life as we know it will end in two hours. Describe how the world ends.
Imagine that you are surfing on the California coast. Describe what it feels like to be out on the ocean and ride the waves back into shore.
Describe the thing that scares you the most.
Imagine you are on a spaceship hurtling past a black hole. Describe what you see.
Imagine you have the ability to fly. You take off and zoom around your hometown. Describe what you see in the air and down below you.
Imagine the most perfect birthday cake. Describe what the cake looks like, what it tastes like, how many candles, etc.
Describe your first kiss, either real or imaginary.
Pick a parent. Describe what they do for a living. What does their day look like?
The warning sirens go off. A tornado has just touched down near your home. You scramble outside to get shelter, and you can see the tornado coming. Describe what you see all around you.
Describe the worst fight you ever had with your parents.
Describe a time you wanted something so badly but didn’t get it.
Imagine you are part of the first wave of immigrants to Mars. Describe what life is like when you arrive. What is your home like on the Red Planet?
Imagine you are onboard a fabulous submarine with giant glass windows. Describe your travels under the ocean and all the things you see.
Imagine you’ve created a brand new donut. Describe the donut you created, what it looks like, what it tastes like, etc.
Describe your perfect pet. What qualities of your pet makes them so appealing?
Describe the first school dance you ever attended.
Imagine you are out hiking and become separated from your group. You realize you’re lost. Describe how you would find your way back or help others to find you.
You’ve joined the circus. Describe the act you will perform opening night.
Describe your favorite kind of music without telling the genre (rock n roll, rap, rhythm and blues, etc.) or mentioning the name of any band/artist.
Describe the best pair of shoes you ever wore.
Imagine you colored your hair a neon color and cut it any way you want. Describe how your hair would look and how people would react to your new style.
Describe the best birthday party you ever had.
Imagine you crossed the country 200 years ago in a covered wagon. Describe what you saw on your way west to California.
Imagine you were part of the crew that discovered King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. Describe what you saw as you entered the pyramid and uncovered the mummy.
If the inside of your mind were a room, describe what that room would look like and what would be inside it.

50 Either/Or Writing Prompts for Middle School

Would you rather have your greatest success at a young age or later in life?
Would you rather live on Mars or the bottom of the ocean?
Would you rather cut all sports programs at school or lose the school library?
Would you rather be 10 years old forever or 70 years old forever?
Would you rather there were no cell phones or no video games?
Would you rather be a zombie or a vampire?
Would you rather your mom chooses your clothes or your brother/sister?
Would you rather eat only cake or only ice cream?
Would you rather travel by airplane or by train?
Would you rather visit the East coast or the West coast?
Would you rather live 100 years in the future or 100 years in the past?
Would you rather live through a hurricane or a tornado?
Would you rather be the star of a movie or the main character of a book?
Would you rather have purple hair or no hair at all?
Would you rather listen to only classical music or no music ever again?
Would you rather be super tall or super short?
Would you rather be incredibly strong in only one arm or only one leg?
Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or a pro sports star?
Would you rather celebrate only Christmas or only Halloween?
Would you rather be rich and unknown or famous but poor?
Would you rather end world hunger or create world peace?
Would you rather attend private school or be homeschooled?
Would you rather have an extra eye or an extra nose?
Would you rather be a shark or a whale?
Would you rather join the circus or the rodeo?
Would you rather hitchhike across the country or hop trains?
Would you rather climb the world’s highest mountain or descend into the world’s deepest pit?
Would you rather write a famous novel or sing a famous song?
Would you rather be the teacher or the principal?
Would you rather watch the sunrise or the sunset?
Would you rather eat only waffles or eat only pancakes?
Would you rather raise a boy or a girl?
Would you rather be an eagle or an owl?
Would you rather have permanent spring or permanent fall?
Would you rather lose one month of summer vacation or all the holiday breaks during the school year?
Would you rather lose your eyesight or your hearing?
Would you rather be beautiful or wealthy?
Would you rather work hard and fail or barely work and succeed?
Would you rather be the rain or the sunshine?
Would you rather work from home or work in an office?
Would you rather make more money as an employee or work for yourself but make less money?
Would you rather get bit by a spider or stung by a bee?
Would you rather stop to smell the roses or rush to get to where you’re going?
Would you rather only be able to eat with a fork or only be able to eat with a spoon?
Would you rather live forever and be unhappy or live to be 75 and be happy all those years?
Would you rather be blind or not be able to taste anything?
Would you rather be able to dance or be able to sing?
Would you rather have to ride a tricycle to school or a ride a unicycle to school?
Would you rather go to the theater or watch a movie at home?
Would you rather be known for being honest or being loyal?

50 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

In some cultures it is rude to burp. In others, it is considered a compliment to burp after a meal. Write about burping and the differences in table manners around the world.
Many schools are banning pop machines. Write about the effects of drinking too much soda, and whether or not you think kids should be able to choose for themselves.
What’s your favorite kind of music? Write about the history of that musical genre and what other genres of music influenced it.
Passing gas. Breaking wind. Silent but deadly. Most people think it’s rude to fart in public, but it’s also unhealthy to hold it in. Write about why farting is considered rude. Do you think it makes sense to shame people for doing something that everybody must do?
Is honesty really the best policy? Write about why people value honesty but also the times when honesty may get you in trouble. Do you think you should always tell the truth?
Imagine you’re a movie director. What kind of movie would you make? Write about how you would make your movie, from first idea to final cut to releasing your movie to the world.
Write about the reasons for school dress codes. Do you think dress codes are fair? Should students have input on what goes in the dress code?
Many people claim to have seen aliens and alien space ships. Write about the history of UFO sightings. Do you think we may have been visited by extraterrestrials?
What’s the best way to cure a cold or flu? Write about the different ways people around the world approach basic healing. What do you think is the best remedy for common illness?
Many countries are encouraging citizens to buy electric cars to save the environment, but those cars plug into a power grid fueled mostly by coal. Write about the history of electric cars. Do you think electric cars will positively impact the environment?
Everyone says kids are addicted to cell phones. Are they? Write about cell phone use and how it compares to other technologies kids were obsessed with in the past.
Write about the history of space exploration. Is it important for human beings to continue to explore outer space and travel to other planets? Do you think we’ll ever have a colony on Mars?
Write about the right to vote, how it has changed over time, and how old you think you should be before you can vote.
What does it mean to live a healthy life? Write about the history of health food trends and how health is different around the world. What do you think a healthy life looks like?
What is the best way to assess learning? Are grades the most effective way? Is it better to simply assign pass/fail? Or maybe no grades at all? Write about the history of grading and how it affects both students and teachers.
Does life get better as you get older? Write about the benefits and downsides that you’ve experienced as you’ve gotten older. What do you think is the perfect age?
Newspapers were once read by everyone. Now people get their news through social media. Write about how technology has changed the way people consume information. Has technology made things better or worse?
“History is written by the winners.” Pick an event from history and write about the side that “lost”. How does it influence our understanding of history when we don’t get to hear from the “losers”? Can we fully trust what we hear from the “winners”?
Write about the history of video games. Do you think kids spend too much time playing video games? Can video games make your life better?
Does homework matter? Write about the reasons teachers assign homework and whether or not you believe homework is an effective tool.
Is the only reason to go to college to get a job? Write about the history of higher education and the various benefits and drawbacks to going to college. Do you think getting a job is the sole reason someone should go to college?
What makes a great movie? How much money it makes? What kind of reviews it gets? Who decides what’s great and what’s not? Write about how you determine a movie’s greatness.
What makes someone a good friend? What qualities are the most valuable in a friend? Do you possess those qualities yourself?
Some parents believe kids should do chores and earn nothing in return. Others give their kids an allowance for chores. Write about chores, whether or not kids should be rewarded for them, and the benefits and drawbacks to doing chores at all.
Some kids drop out of school. Write about the different reasons someone may drop out. What will likely happen to kids who drop out? Are there any advantages to dropping out?
Your class is going to adopt a pet. It can be any animal. Pick an animal you think your class should adopt and explain why that animal is the ideal class pet.
Imagine an extra-curricular activity or program that your school does not currently offer. Write about why you believe your school should offer it and how it would benefit students.
What do you think makes for a good life? Who gets to decide what makes a life good in the first place? How would you determine whether you’ve lived a good life or not?
Do you think kids should have to read the classics in school? What are the benefits of the classics? What are the downsides to reading them? Who decides what makes a book a classic or not? Should those people be able to decide at all?
Imagine a traveler from the 1800s landed in our modern world. What things would be the most different between then and now? What would the traveler find the most strange or wondrous?
What is your favorite place in all the world? What is it about this place that makes it special? Write about this place and how you feel when you are there.
Who do you think is more important in a school: the principal or the teachers? How are these roles different? Why is one more important than the other?
Many schools now focus on preventing bullying. Write about the effects these efforts have had at your school? Is bullying being prevented? Or has it simply changed and gone underground?
What do you think it means to be happy? How do you rate being happy in relation to other things in your life like earning money or being a good friend? Is happiness worth pursuing?
The Founding Fathers wrote that everyone had a right to pursue happiness . Why do you think this was important enough to be included in the Declaration of Independence? Write about the importance of happiness and also why happiness itself is not a right but only its pursuit.
Do you think we expect too much of cultural heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and LeBron James, expecting them to be perfect role models? Often people act surprised when they learn their heroes are not perfect. Is this fair?
Is it okay for kids to drink coffee? Write about the effects coffee has on mood and on the brain. Do you think kids your age should be allowed to drink coffee in school?
Many people argue kids today have poor social skills because they spend too much time on their phones. Write about how technology has affected your social skills. Do you think this criticism is valid? How do you feel when you have to communicate in person rather than on a phone?
In today’s world, plagiarism is a major offense. But in earlier eras, plagiarism was allowed and artists often reworked the ideas of others. Write about the history of plagiarism and the benefits and downsides to copyrighting artistic works.
“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Do you think this is good advice? Are there times when the lemons you’re handed simply can’t be turned into anything good?
The poet TS Eliot once wrote: “In the end is my beginning.” What do you think this means? Write about how beginnings and endings are linked and whether or not this is true in life.
Should kids be allowed to watch any movie they want? Are there certain types of movies or elements in movies that kids simply shouldn’t see? Write about the history of the ratings system (G, PG, PG-13, R) and how it has changed. Do you think these ratings make sense?
In some countries, every young person is required to enlist in the military for a certain number of years. Write about the history of drafting citizens into the military. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice? Do you think you should be required to join the military?
Do you think it’s okay to keep secrets from your parents? Are there some things that should just be between you and your friends? Write about the benefits and drawbacks to secrets.
Years ago, many schools held formal dances where students were required to dress up in nice clothes. Do you think this is a good idea? Or should kids always be allowed to wear whatever they want to a dance? What are the advantages and disadvantages to a dance dress code?
Do you think artificial intelligence will ever surpass human beings? Write about the kinds of “thinking” machines are good at and how they are different from the kinds of things human beings are good at.
We have different ages for various adult responsibilities: 16 to drive, 18 to vote, 21 to drink. Write about how these benchmarks have changed over time. At one age do you think someone becomes an adult? Should all adult responsibilities be given at once or spread out as they are now?
How do you know when someone is lying? How can you be certain unless they admit to lying? Think about what you do when you lie. Is it easy to hide the truth or not?
Why is it considered rude to wear a hat indoors? Should kids be allowed to wear hats in school? What are the advantages and disadvantages to wearing hats in class?
Some parents buy their kids their first car. Others expect their kids to get a job and buy one themselves. What do you think is the best approach? Write about the benefits and drawbacks to your parents buying your car vs you buying it yourself.

67 Family Writing Prompts for Middle School

Imagine your family is going to rob a bank. What role would you assign to each member of your family? How do you think the heist would go?
If you could be a parent, what would you do differently than your mom or dad?
What do you admire most about your father?
What do you admire most about your mother?
Imagine your family is going to compete on a singing and dancing competition on national television. What song would your family perform? Who would do the singing? What kind of dance would you do?
What’s the worst part about being a sibling?
Imagine that you are now your brother or sister’s teacher. What grades would you give them for their work? Do you think they would do well in your class?
What movies do you enjoy watching as a family? What are the favorite movies of your different family members?
Ask your parents what other names they considered naming you. Do you think you’d prefer any of their other choices? Were you surprised by some of the names they considered?
What chores do you have to do at your house? Are you given anything in return for doing chores?
If you had to pick a single color to describe each member of your family, what color would you choose for them and why?
Who is your favorite member of your extended family (aunt/uncle/cousin/etc.)? What do you like about them?
What is unique about your family?
Does your family open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Imagine your family is stuck in a horror movie. Who would be the first to be killed? Who would survive all the way to the end?
What is the favorite meal of each member of your family?
What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken with your family?
Imagine your family is going to start a business. What business would you go into? What role would each member of your family have in the company?
What is the most important value to your family?
How many different homes has your family lived in? Do you have a favorite?
Who is the decision maker in your household? Why do you think they get to make the decisions?
If your parents were superheroes, what powers would they have?
If you had to live with one of your siblings for the rest of your life, which sibling would you choose and why?
Write about a recent argument you had with your parents. What was the argument about? How did it turn out?
Are there any vegetarians or vegans in your family? Does that cause any problems at meal times?
What is something you think other families could learn from yours?
What kinds of rules does your family have? Do you believe any of them are outdated and should be done away with? Which ones and why?
What restaurants does your family like to go to? Is there a special restaurant your family goes to for particular occasions?
What countries did your family come from? Have you ever visited relatives in those countries?
What holidays does your family celebrate? Which one is your favorite?
What traditions does your family keep?
Does your family eat dinner around a table? Why or why not? Do you think it matters either way? Explain your answer.
Who usually cooks in your household? What is their best meal?
What kind of expectations do your parents set for you? What happens when you don’t meet those expectations?
In what ways are you different from your siblings?
In what ways are you similar to your siblings?
Are you more like your mother or father? Explain.
Are you close to your grandparents? Write about your relationship to them and how important they are in your life.
If you had to describe the members of your family as different flavors of soda pop, what flavor would each of your family members be and why?
If you could spent one day with either your parents or your grandparents when they were your age, which would you choose and why?
Do you think you would have been friends with your mom or dad when they were young? Or would you simply be too different to ever have hung out together? Why or why not?
Do you share a bedroom or have your own? Write about the positives and negatives of your current arrangement.
Do you think your parents should buy you a car when you turn sixteen? Why or why not?
Do you think your life has been more difficult than when your parents were young? Or has it been easier? Explain.
Where do you fall in your family? Are you the oldest child? The youngest? Somewhere in the middle? How does this position affect your role in your family?
What books did your parents read to you when you were little?
Imagine your family has been cast to reboot an old movie. What movie would you choose for your family to star in? What role in the movie would you give to everyone?
What is something you learned on your own (either a skill or a life lesson) that you wish your parents had taught you?
What stories do your mom or dad tell about their childhood over and over again?
Do your parents have different rules or expectations for you versus your siblings? Do you think it’s fair that they treat each of you differently or the same? Explain.
If you could trade places with your brother or sister, would you? Why or why not?
What do your parents do for a living? What do you think about their employment? Would you like to follow in their footsteps? Why or why not?
Imagine you could give your mom or dad any job in the world. What job would you give them? Why do you think that job would make them happy?
Do you think your parents are proud of you? Why or why not?
What are your parents’ pet peeves?
What is the one place in the world your parents want to travel to more than any other? Why?
What is something that you learned from your brother or sister? How did you learn it?
What is something you wish your brother or sister knew about you?
Think back to the first time one of your friends ever stayed at your house overnight? What were you worried they would think about your home and your family?
How would you define the word family ?
How does your family celebrate your birthday?
What did you get your mom and dad for Christmas? Why did you choose those gifts?
What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done in front of your brother or sister?
Who has the messiest room in your house? Describe their room and why it’s so messy.
What room does your family spend the most time in? Explain.
If you had to pick, would you rather have your mom or your dad as a teacher this year? Explain.
Imagine your family is chosen to be the first family to live in a new colony on Mars. What roles would you give to each member of your family once you land on the Red Planet? Write about your new life on Mars.

60 Friendship Writing Prompts for Middle School

Imagine you and your best friend are police detectives. What kinds of crimes would you solve? What qualities would make you and your friend good investigators?
Which of your friends do you share the most in common with? What qualities do you have in common?
Write about the worst argument you ever had with a friend. What happened afterwards?
What is something that none of your friends know about you?
Which of your friends do you tell your deepest secrets to? What is it about that friend that makes you trust them?
What kind of music do you listen to with your friends? Do all of your friends share similar tastes in music? Explain.
Write about the day you met your best friend. What was it that drew you together?
If your friends were asked to describe you to someone who had never met you, what would you hope that they say about you?
What movies do you love watching with your friends?
Write about the first time you ever slept over at a friend’s house. What were you afraid of? What were you surprised by? How did the sleepover go?
Have you ever made friends with someone at summer camp? Write about how you connected with that friend. Do you stay in touch?
What qualities do you value most in a friend?
What skills do your friends have that you wish you had?
What skills do you have that none of your friends share?
Imagine you and your friends start a band. What instruments would each of your friends play? Who would sing? What kind of music would you record?
Imagine that your best friend is moving away to the other side of the country. Write them a letter telling them goodbye and what you are going to miss about them.
Write a letter to your younger second-grade self. In the letter, describe the best way to make friends and keep them.
What do you do with your friends in the summer that you don’t do during the school year?
Do you like making new friends? Why or why not?
Do you think you can “buy” friends if you had enough money? For example, if you bought people enough gifts and paid for them to do fun things, that they would be real friends with you?
Write about a time when you “broke up” with a friend. What was it that ended your friendship? Do you think you could ever be friends again?
What is something that you could never forgive a friend for doing?
Is it okay to lie to a friend? Why or why not? If yes, in what situations would a lie be okay?
In a friend, which do you value more: honesty or loyalty?
If you hear someone saying something mean about your friends, do you speak up and defend your friends or keep quiet? Explain.
Of all of your friends, whose parents do you like the most? Why?
Do you have any friends of the opposite sex? How are they different from your friends of the same sex?
Write about a time when two of your friends were fighting and you had to play peacemaker.
Do your parents approve of your friends? Why or why not?
How important is it for a friend to be honest and tell you when you’ve made a mistake?
Write about a time you felt betrayed by a friend.
If you had to describe each of your friends as a pizza topping, what toppings would they be and why?
What television show or movie most resembles the lives of you and your friends? Explain your answer.
What is something that one of your friends is allowed to do that your parents do not let you do? How do you think you and your friend are different because of this?
Do you think modern technology makes it easier to be a good friend? Or does it simply complicate things and make it more difficult? Explain.
Imagine you and your friends are going to take a week-long vacation together. Where would you go? What would you do? Who in your group would decide?
Where do you and your friends fit in the social world of your school? Are you part of a clique or group? How well do you get along with other social groups at school?
If you and your friends were going out trick or treating, what would everyone dress up as and why?
If your best friend moved away tomorrow, do you have another friend that might eventually take their place? Write about how that might happen (or how it would be impossible).
If your best friend was magically turned into their opposite gender, do you think you could still be friends? Or is too much of your relationship based on gender for your friendship to still work? Explain.
If you heard an unpleasant rumor about one of your friends, how would you react? Would you tell them about it?
How important is friendship? Where do you rank it in comparison to other important aspects of your life (family, health, happiness, etc.)?
If you had to be adopted by the family of one of your friends, whose family would you choose? Explain.
Where do you and your friends spend most of your time hanging out? Why do you spend so much time at that location?
How do you know when someone is just pretending to be your friend?
What is the kindest thing you ever did for a friend? How did it make you feel?
Imagine you have two close friends but can only eat with one of them at lunch. What do you do in that situation?
Imagine that your teacher accused two of your friends of stealing from the teacher’s desk. Both your friends deny it, but you know which one of them is lying. What do you do?
What would you do if your best friend began hanging out with someone you hate?
Is it harder to make friends now than it was when you were younger? Or is it easier? Explain.
If you and your friends were a box of donuts, what kind of donut would each of your friends be?
What is the funniest movie you ever watched with a friend? Why did you and your friend find it so funny?
What is the saddest movie you ever watched with a friend? What did you and your friend find so sad?
Imagine you and your friends have gone out trick or treating and are now examining how much candy you raked in. How do you divide the candy? Does everyone keep their own? Who trades for what?
If you and your best friend were going to attend a protest, what would you protest against? What kind of signs would you make?
You can pick one of your friends to vote for in the coming election for school president. Which friend do you vote for and why?
Do you behave the same with all of your friends? Or do you change your behavior slightly for each friend? Do you think they do the same around you?
Do you believe you’ll have the same friends in high school and beyond that you do now? Why or why not?
Can you ever have too many friends? Why or why not?
Imagine you and your friends have to perform on America’s Got Talent. What kind of talent performance would you put on?

67 First Line Writing Prompts for Middle School

I am an invisible man. – Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison
When Katelyn Ogden blew up in third period pre-calc, the janitor probably figured he’d only have to scrub guts off one whiteboard this year. – Spontaneous, Aaron Starmer
Until he was four years old, James Henry Trotter had a happy life. – James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl
It was the day my grandmother exploded. – The Crow Road, Iain Banks
The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door… – Knock, Fredric Brown
All children grow up, except one. – Peter Pan, JM Barrie
Edward Twonky had no intention of getting eaten by a giant the morning he left for the Cottleston Fair. – The Giant’s Tooth, Bruce Coville
Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. — Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston
Bingo Brown fell in love three times in English class. – The Burning Questions of Bingo Brown, Betsy Byars
My dad and I lived in an airport. – Fly Away Home, Eve Bunting
Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trail and found guilty. – The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Avi
Mother died today. Or maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure. – The Outsider, Albert Camus
The world had teeth and it could bite you with them anytime it wanted. – The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Stephen King
It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen. – 1984, George Orwell
Things are a lot different around here since that unicorn moved in. – Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, Bob Shea
The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold, cold, wet day. – The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss
As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found he had been turned into a giant insect. – Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
I write this sitting in the kitchen sink. – I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
When the blind man arrived in the city, he claimed that he had traveled across a desert of living sand. – The Brief History of the Dead, Kevin Brockmeier
In an old house in Paris there lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. – Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans
This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it. – The Princess Bridge, William Goldman
The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed. – The Gunslinger, Stephen King
I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books for the first time. – The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon
I’ve heard it said girls can’t keep secrets. — Wildwood Dancing, Juliet Marillier
Johnny never knew for certain why he started seeing the dead. – Johnny and the Dead, Terry Pratchett
It was a pleasure to burn. – Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
Most of the time John Midas was a nice boy. – The Chocolate Touch, Patrick Skene Catling
All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. – Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there. – The Go-Between, LP Hartley
In the town they tell the story of the great pearl – how it was found and how it was lost again. – The Pearl, John Steinbeck
That morning, after he discovered the tiger, Rob went and stood under the Kentucky Star Motel sign and waited for the school bus just like it was any other day. – The Tiger Rising, Kate DiCamillo
A screaming comes across the sky. – Gravity’s Rainbow, Thomas Pynchon
There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife. – The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman
The Herdman’s were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson
We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck. – Feed, MT Anderson
It was one of those things they kept in a jar in the tent of a sideshow on the outskirts of a little, drowsy town. – The Jar, Ray Bradbury
On Thursday, when Imogene woke up, she found she had grown antlers. – Imogene’s Antlers, David Small
People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father’s blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did not happen every day. – True Grit, Charles Portis
On the morning I was scheduled to die, a large barefoot man with a bushy red beard waddled past my house. – The Colossus Rises, Peter Lerangis
If your teacher has to die, August isn’t a bad time of year for it. – The Teacher’s Funeral, Richard Peck
It was like nothing on Earth we had ever seen before. – Your Mother is a Neanderthal, Jon Scieszka
Once upon a time, not so long ago, a monster came to the small town of Castle Rock, Maine. – Cujo, Stephen King
They say Maniac Magee was born in a dump. – Maniac Magee, Jerry Spinelli
My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty-nine, and again four years later when he was twelve. – Time Traveling With a Hamster, Ross Welford
Some years ago there was in the city of York a society of magicians. – Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke
Three objects sat upon the carpet in Cleo Porter’s living room: an apple core, a human skull, and a package wrapped in red. – Cleo Porter and the Body Electric, Jack Burt
Kidnapping children is never a good idea; all the same, sometimes it has to be done. — Island of the Aunts, Iva Ibbotson
Once upon a time there was a huge family of children; and they were terribly, terribly naughty. – Nurse Matilda, Christianna Brand
The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could ; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge. – The Cask of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe
Four days after his own funeral, Albert Wilkes came home for tea. – The Death Collector, Justin Richards
For as long as anyone could remember, there wasn’t a house at the end of Juniper Drive – until one day there was. – This Appearing House, Ally Malinenko
The magician’s underwear has just been found in a cardboard suitcase floating in a stagnant pond on the outskirts of Miami. – Another Roadside Attraction, Tom Robbins
The city waited twenty-thousand years. – The City, Ray Bradbury
The Black Slide appeared on the playground of Osshua Elementary on a clear day in late September. – The Black Slide, JW Ocker
It was Purdy Newcomb’s thirtieth birthday, though none of his family seemed to be aware of it. – Grand Opening, Jessamyn West
Listen: Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time. – Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut
The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason. – Seveneves, Neal Stephenson
It began the night we died on the Kamikaze. – Full Tilt, Neal Shusterman
The manhunt extended across more than one hundred light years and eight centuries. – A Deepness in the Sky, Vernor Vinges
I waited and watched for seven years. – Dolan’s Cadillac, Stephen King
The island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. – A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. LeGuin
Taran wanted to make a sword; but Coll, charged with the practical side of his education, decided on horseshoes. – The Book of Three, Lloyd Alexander
Esther Solar had been waiting outside Lilac Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for half an hour when she received word that the curse had struck again. – A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares, Krystal Sutherland
Ironically, since the attacks, the sunsets have been glorious. – Angelfall, Susan Ee
The first thing you learn when yer dog learns to talk is that dogs don’t got nothing much to say. – The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness
It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been warned. – Sackett, Louis L’Amour
Before the worms turned mean, before they slithered out to get their revenge, Todd Barstow had a great time with them. – Go Eat Worms, RL Stine

40 History Writing Prompts for Middle School

Imagine you have signed on to go aboard a whaling ship in the 19 th Century. You will be away from your home sailing the seas for three to four years. How do you feel as you step onboard your ship? 
Imagine you lived two hundred years ago. There is no electricity, no phones, no paved roads. What would you miss the most about the modern world? Explain. 
If you had to build a statue to honor one person from your town, who would you build a statue of and why? 
Through most of history, people rarely traveled more than five miles beyond the place where they were born. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of this? 
Pick a local park or bridge or monument that is named after someone from your town. Write about who that person was and why this park/bridge/monument is named after them. 
What is the greatest invention since sliced bread? 
America is named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer who claimed to understand that there was a “New World” between Europe and China. If you could rename the Americas, what would you name them instead and why? 
Have you ever been to a history museum? Write about what you saw and what you thought. 
If you could visit any period in history, what period would you visit? Why? 
What events are going on right now in the world that you think people will write about in the history books hundreds of years from now? Explain your choices.  
For thousands of years, very few people could read and write. The invention of the printing press changed that as it made the printing of books and papers much cheaper. How do you think this changed the lives of everyday people? 
Have you ever visited your local history museum? Write about what you saw there and what you thought. 
Many stories from history are actually not true. George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth. Benjamin Franklin didn’t fly a kite in a lightning storm. Why do you think so many myths get passed down and believed as fact? 
“People who neglect history are doomed to repeat it.” Do you agree with this statement or not? Explain. 
During World War II, the United States didn’t officially enter the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor. In fact, many citizens didn’t want the US involved at all. Do you think the US would have gone to war if the Japanese had not attacked? 
When President Jefferson sent Lewis & Clark into Western America, he believed they would find wondrous creatures like wooly mammoths. They didn’t, of course, but what if they had? Write a “lost journal entry” from Lewis & Clark’s journals in which you discover a wooly mammoth. 
“History is written by the winners.” What do you think this statement means? Do you agree? 
When do you think was the best time to be alive? Why? 
Many people imagine Adolf Hitler was always considered an evil man, but 43% of German people voted for him during his first run for president and was Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 1938. What do you think we can learn from the fact that Hitler was so popular and yet so evil at the same time? 
Do you think you can learn more from non-fiction books like The Diary of Anne Frank or from fictional stories about the same time period like Number the Stars or The Book Thief ? Explain. 
What one person from history would you like to meet? What three questions would you ask that person? 
If people in the 1930s had YouTube, what do you think they’d be posting videos of? 
Often visiting historical sites like the pyramids or the Eiffel Tower is boring. Reality isn’t as exciting as what you’ve seen in the movies. Write about a famous historical site, but write about it in a context that makes it more interesting and exciting. For example, a bank robber who tries to escape the police by hiding inside the Great Pyramid.  
What if the Chinese had “discovered” America before Europeans? Write about how the history of the “New World” would be different. 
What if the Allies had lost World War II? How would America be different if it were under the control of the Germans and Japanese?  
Imagine that you have been hired to record what is happening in your town so that people 100 years from now will know all about it. What would you take pictures of? Who would you interview? What would you ask them about? What would you write down for the history books? 
Imagine that you’ve traveled back in time 500 years. Your mission is to make life better for people in the past, but you can’t bring anything with you. Can you accomplish your mission? Can you explain how anything in our modern world works so that people 500 years ago can benefit? 
If you had to describe your town as a person, how would you describe it? What gender would it be? What personality would it have? Would it be young or old?  
Imagine an archeologist 1,000 years from now digging up your house and discovering your bedroom. Pick three objects they would find. What do you think they would make of those objects? How might they misinterpret what they find? 
How much of your history is determined by where you live? Imagine how the history of you and your family would be different if you lived in China, or South Africa, or Brazil. How does geography and culture shape your world? 
As cultures and attitudes change, so do our views on figures from the past. What do you think should be done about different holidays, memorials, streets, parks and other things named after historical figures who held views we no longer agree with? 
Many cities still have monuments and statues to Confederate generals. What do you think should be done with these monuments? Should they be left standing or removed?  
Some people believe everyone should visit the concentration camps of World War II to gain a better understanding of the horrors that happened there. Others feel the camps should be forgotten, that visiting them is like slowing down to view a car wreck. What do you think? 
In Philadelphia, a man once found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence behind a painting he had purchased for $4. Imagine your own story of discovering a famous object from history. What object do you discover? Where did you find it? What do you do with it? 
In ancient times, the Greek historian Herodotus made a list of the Seven Wonders of the World, which included the Great Pyramid at Giza, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Make your own list of 7 Wonders of Today’s World. What makes your list? 
Cities often build monuments to remember major events from history. If you were the mayor of your town, what monument or statue would you build in your city, and what historical event would it commemorate? 
The Declaration of Independence speaks of unalienable rights , those rights that should not ever be taken away. Should recess be an unalienable right? As a student, what rights do you think your teacher should be able to take away, and what rights do you think should be unalienable? 
In The True Story of the Three Little Pigs , Jon Scieszka retells the classic tale from the point of view of the Big Bad Wolf, giving us a new perspective. Pick a villain from history and retell their story from their point of view.  
Thomas Edison is often thought to be the inventor of the lightbulb, but other scientists and engineers invented variations on the light bulb before him. Why do you think history often attributes discoveries to one individual, even when a discovery is the result of the work of many different people? 
Napoleon once said: “History is a fable agreed upon.” What do you think he meant? Do you agree?

50 Movie Writing Prompts for Middle School

Popcorn is the most commonly sold item at movie theaters. But in certain parts of the country, other foods are also popular. Giant pickles, for example, are sold in theaters in the Southwest. What do you think is the ideal food for watching movies at the theater? 
Imagine you can keep only Disney movie. All the others must be lost to history. What movie would you keep and why? 
What is the best way to watch a movie? In a theater? On your phone? On your TV at home? Explain your answer. 
Who is the greatest movie villain of all time? Explain. 
Should kids be allowed to see rated R movies? Why or why not? 
What movie terrified you when you were younger? Why? 
List your three favorite movies. What do you like about them? 
Take a character from one of your favorite movies and place them into a different film. For example, take Spiderman and place him into Jurassic Park . Write about what happens in your mashup. 
What is your favorite genre of movie (comedy, action, science-fiction, horror, etc.)? Why do you enjoy those kinds of movies so much? 
Who is the greatest movie hero of all time? Explain.  
What makes a movie successful? Is it the director? The actors? The screenplay? The special effects? Explain your answer. 
Who is the greatest actor or actress of all time? Defend your answer. 
Many actors get typecast , meaning they are given the same sort of role over and over again. Clint Eastwood played in dozens of westerns. Jamie Lee Curtis played in many horror movies. If you had to be typecast, what type of movie would you want to act in? 
You are invited to watch a movie at the White House with the President, and you get to pick the movie! What movie would you pick and why? 
Do you prefer movies or television shows? Why? 
Many child actors have success early on and then struggle greatly with drugs, alcohol and depression as they get older. Do you think children should be allowed to act in movies given that it may wreck their lives? 
What is the worst movie you’ve ever seen? Why was it so bad? 
Certain actors become so famous for a particular role (Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Daniel Craig as James Bond), that everyone in the world knows who they are. Would you want to have that kind of fame? Write about how your life would be different if you were that famous. 
Have you ever watched a movie with subtitles? What did you think? Did it change your enjoyment of the movie? 
When a new television show comes out, do you prefer to be able to binge watch the entire season? Or is it better for the season to come out one episode every week?  
Hollywood is constantly remaking old movies, even movies that were great the first time around. Do you think great movies should be remade, or do you think that they should be left alone since they’re already amazing? Explain.  
How do you choose what movie to watch? What is it that catches your eye and makes you pick a particular movie? 
Are actors and actresses paid too much money? Is it right for anyone to make $20 million just to star in a movie? Explain your answer. 
Would you rather be an actor or a director? Explain. 
What do you think of the Academy Awards? Do you think the Academy usually gets their picks for Best Picture, Best Actor, etc right? Or do you think the Academy is usually wrong? Explain. 
Did Disney ruin Star Wars ? Defend your answer. 
It is now common for directors to go back and alter different things in their movies or shows, sometimes to improve them but other times because people on social media get upset about something in the movie they don’t like. Do you think directors should be allowed to change their movie/show after it has been released? Why or why not? 
Have you ever gone to a theater and seen a movie alone? Would you? Why or why not? 
You can get rid of one genre of movie forever (comic book movies, horror movies, romantic comedies, etc.). What genre do you do away with and why? 
Pick one book that you think should be turned into a movie. Who would you cast in the main roles? Why would it make a good movie? 
Can a movie still be a great movie if it has a bad ending? Why or why not? 
Name a movie that everybody loves but that you hate. Why do you not like it? Why do you think everyone else is wrong? 
What is the very first movie you remember seeing? Did you enjoy it? What do you think of that movie now? 
Imagine that you are tasked with re-thinking the movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, R). How would you recreate the current system? Where would you make the cutoffs? Explain.  
If you could remake any movie and put yourself in the starring role, what movie would you remake? What role would you play? Explain.  
Many people think very young children shouldn’t be allowed to watch movies or television. When do you think children should be allowed to start watching movies? Explain. 
Does seeing violence in movies lead to violence in real life? Defend you answer. 
Imagine you are given a chance to pitch a movie idea to a major Hollywood studio. What’s your pitch? What movie would you want them to make? 
Imagine Hollywood is going to make a movie of your life. Who would you want to star as you in the movie? Explain.  
Have you ever been to a drive-in theater? How was it different from watching a movie at an indoor theater? Did you enjoy the experience? 
In the past, some horror movies claimed that they were so scary that people ran out of the theater screaming in terror or fainted dead away in their seats. Do you think these stories were true? Or do you think they were just good marketing to make the movie sound more scary? 
Do you think Hollywood should keep making more movies in a successful franchise even if the movies aren’t very good (Lord of the Rings, Marvel comics, Star Wars)? Or should Hollywood move on and make something totally new? Explain. 
Imagine that you’re tasked with selecting the next actor to play James Bond. Who would you choose? Why? 
Which are better: live action movies or animated movies? Defend your answer. 
People often decide whether to watch a movie or not based on user reviews on rating sites like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. Do you use these ratings to decide what to watch? What are the advantages and disadvantages to letting anyone leave a rating and review? 
Are movies better now than movies made in the past? Explain your answer. 
Are there movies your parents watched when they were kids that they have had you watch too? What did you think of those movies? 
Are there any movies you watch every year as a tradition ( Groundhog’s Day on Groundhog’s Day, A Christmas Carol on Christmas, etc.)? If so, what movies and why do you watch them every year? 
What is your favorite documentary film? What is it about? Why do you like it? 
“The book is always better than the movie.” Give an example of a movie you think is better than the book. Explain why you think so.

50 Opinion Writing Prompts for Middle School

Write a letter to your parents explaining why, in your opinion, you should be their favorite child. 
How would you describe the difference between an opinion and a fact? 
Imagine you have the power to outlaw either chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Which flavor do you keep, and which do you outlaw? Explain your choice. 
Should girls be allowed to play on boy teams and vice versa? Defend your answer.  
Should teachers assign homework? Why or why not? 
Take the Other Side: Argue for why you should be allowed to drop out of school.  
Can wishes come true? 
Should you be required to obey your parents? Why or why not? 
Are boys and girls really all that different from one another? Explain.  
If a kid skips school enough, eventually their parents will end up in trouble with the law. Is that fair? Should the parents be held responsible for what their kid does? 
Should kids your age have an assigned bedtime or be allowed to stay up as late as they like? Defend your answer. 
If a student doesn’t get good grades, should they be held back a year or allowed to move on? Explain. 
“The truth will set you free.” Does it really? What do you think? Is it better to always tell the truth? 
What are five places you believe everyone should visit at least once? Explain your choices. 
Is distance learning a good substitute for in-class education? Why or why not? 
Take the Other Side: Argue for why kids should be allowed to smoke.  
Should kids your age have their own phones? Why or why not? At what age should a child be allowed to have a phone? 
Should parents be allowed to “spy” on what their kids do online in order to keep them safe? Explain your answer. 
Would you be okay with going to school for an extra hour every day if it meant you would receive a better education? Why or why not? 
Should all schools have uniforms? Defend your answer. 
Should smoking be illegal? Or should people be allowed to do things that may end up killing them?  
Take the Other Side: Gossiping about people behind their back is perfectly alright. 
Should shoppers be required to bring their own grocery bags? Why or why not? 
Girls or boys: who has it harder? Explain.  
Technology makes kids lazy. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.  
Imagine you find $100 in the school parking lot. Finders keepers? Or should you turn it in? Defend your answer. 
Pick a season and explain why it’s the best season of all.  
Kids should be limited to only a few hours of screen time each day so that their brains will develop properly. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer. 
Every kid should be required to learn cursive. Agree or disagree? Explain your answer. 
Take the Other Side: Argue for why cheating on a test should be allowed. 
Pick your favorite athlete. Why are they the best in their sport? Defend your answer.  
How old should a kid be before they are allowed to date? Explain. 
At what age should a kid be allowed to wear makeup? Explain.  
Kids shouldn’t have to do homework if they don’t want to. Agree or disagree? Defend your answer. 
Should someone in middle school be allowed to date someone in high school? Why or why not? 
Take the Other Side: Argue for why the movie is always better than the book. 
Should all the zoos be shut down and their animals let free? Why or why not? Explain.  
Aliens exist and we have been visited by them many times. Agree or disagree? Explain.  
Should kids be allowed to play video games or should they be banned for kids altogether? Defend your answer. 
Money can buy happiness. True or false? Explain. 
What modern musical artist will people still be listening to 50 years from now? Defend your answer. 
Is it ever okay to ban books? Why or why not? Explain. 
Every student should be required to participate in PE and sports. Agree or disagree? Explain. 
Should students be allowed to bring homemade cakes or cupcakes to class to celebrate their birthday? Why or why not? 
Should kids be allowed to go trick or treating on their own without their parents? Why or why not? 
At what age should someone be allowed to get a tattoo? Explain.  
Should cookie have nuts in them? Why or why not? Defend your answer. 
At what age should someone be allowed to have a baby? Explain.
Should students be forced to memorize poetry? Why or why not? Explain.
Santa Claus: fun and harmless or vicious lie? What do you think? Explain your answer.

50 Poetry Writing Prompts for Middle School

Imagine you are a balloon a child accidentally let go of at a birthday party. Write a poem about being released and floating away. 
Write a poem about the worst nightmare you ever had. 
Write a poem from the perspective of the very last dinosaur that has survived extinction for millions of years and has never been found by mankind. 
Write a poem about a time you were disappointed by a birthday present.  
Write a poem from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the East from The Wizard of Oz about how you got hit and killed by Dorothy’s house. 
Write a limerick about waiting for the bell to ring on Friday afternoon.  
Write a narrative poem about the street you live on.  
Imagine you won the lottery. You’re rich! Write a poem about how all that money ruined your life. 
Write a rhymed poem about the worst meal you ever ate. 
Imagine you could get rid of your brother or sister by selling them at an auction. Write a poem about auctioning them off to the highest bidder. 
Write a poem about a dog falling in love with a cat.  
Think about what makes you feel sad. Imagine you are a doctor prescribing what will make you feel happy again, and write your prescription in the form of a poem. 
If you could change your name, what name would you pick? Write an acrostic poem using the name you selected. 
Write a haiku about the end of the world.  
Imagine that you have been selected to come up with a new national holiday. Write a poem about this new holiday and what it celebrates. 
Write a poem about the sinking of the Titanic.  
Write a rhyming poem about waking up Christmas morning and discovering that there are no presents under the tree. 
Pick a sibling. Write an acrostic poem using their name. 
Write a haiku about the smell of breakfast waking you up in the morning. 
Write a poem about the most annoying sound in the whole world. 
Write a poem from the perspective of the Moon. What was it like the first time someone landed on your surface? How does it feel to be cold and empty?  
Write a poem from the perspective of a flower. How does it feel the day someone finally comes and picks you? 
Write a limerick about the loudest fart ever heard. 
Write a poem from the perspective of a fish studying a lure in the water. Do you take the bait or pass? What happens if you get caught? 
Imagine you discover a secret passageway in your house. Where does it lead? Write a poem about exploring this hidden passage. 
Write a poem about a flood sweeping your house away. 
Write a poem about why you should never fall in love. 
Imagine you are a baseball. You just got hit for a homerun to win the World Series. Write a poem about how it feels to get smacked over the fence to win the series. 
Write a rhyming poem about getting lost in the woods.  
Write a poem from the perspective of a snowman melting on a warm winter day. 
Imagine you’re an old pair of shoes. Your owner brings home a brand new pair of shoes. Write a poem about how you feel and what happens next. 
Write a poem from the perspective of Haley’s Comet as it passes by Earth. 
Write a poem about a fight you had with your best friend.  
Write a poem about moving to a new home.  
Write a poem from the perspective of an abandoned shopping mall. What is it like now that everyone is gone? 
Write a poem about your favorite movie theater. 
Imagine Hollywood has decided to make a reality television show about your life and overnight you become a famous star. Write a poem about how your life has changed. 
Write a poem about Halloween night. 
Imagine you have an evil twin. Write a poem about all the wicked things your evil twin does and how hard life is because everyone believes these things are done by you. 
Write a poem from the perspective of your hands, but without using the word hand .  
Write a poem about a lost toy.  
Imagine you come to class and you have a new teacher. She is literally a monster and says she will eat anyone who gets out of line. Write a poem about what happens next. 
Imagine the internet suddenly dies and all the computers stop working. Write a poem about what happens next. 
Write a poem about the worst thing you’ve ever tasted. 
Imagine you’re Death and have come to take an old woman who has lived a good life. Write a poem about this final encounter. 
Write a poem about an Elf on the Shelf who comes to life and causes all sorts of mischief. 
Write a poem from the perspective of a book that has been banned from your school library. 
A drought has caused the water levels to fall in the lake/river/sea near your home, causing all the old items lost in the water of the years to be revealed. Write a poem about the objects that can now be found and recovered. 
Write a poem from the perspective of a Christmas tree on Christmas morning.
Write a poem from the perspective of a pumpkin being carved for Halloween.

30 Procedural Writing Prompts for Middle School

Explain the steps for teaching a puppy new tricks. 
Imagine you once escaped from prison and are now writing a letter to a friend of yours who is in your old cell. Explain step by step how they can escape as well. 
How do you build the perfect snowman? 
Explain the steps for how to apologize when you’ve hurt your friend’s feelings. 
Write the process for shooting the perfect jump shot. 
What are the steps for making a new friend? 
Imagine that you are a bull rider performing at a rodeo. Explain the steps for riding the bull and staying on as long as you can. 
Explain how to whistle.  
What is the perfect way to spend a Saturday? Explain the order of your days from when you wake up to when you go to bed again. 
How do you do the perfect dive? 
Imagine you’re taking a road trip across the country. What are the steps for preparing your car for the trip? Think about what you will bring with you and how you will know where to go. 
Explain the precise steps for carving a pumpkin. 
Explain the steps for pitching a tent. 
Imagine you’re going skydiving with someone who has never been in an airplane before and is terrified of heights. Explain to them how you will jump out of the plane and survive. 
Explain the process for tying your shoes. 
Imagine you’re planning a bank robbery and have to explain to your fellow robbers exactly how you will all escape without getting caught. Write down your precise getaway plans. 
What is the best way to eat a pie? Explain the steps from removing it from the oven to the final burp. 
Explain how to properly wash and dry your hair. 
What is the procedure for packing your suitcase for a long vacation? 
Imagine that your city is flooding due to a massive storm. Explain the steps you need to take to secure your house and protect it from the rising water.  
Step by step, explain how you clean your room. 
What is the procedure for tying a stem into a knot with your tongue? 
Imagine that you are a general in charge of storming a medieval castle. Explain the steps your army will take to lay siege to the castle and win the battle. 
Explain step by step how you draw a self-portrait. 
Explain step by step how to live a good life. School, job, marriage, kids, etc. What order and at what age should these events happen to live a good life? 
What is the procedure for convincing a stray dog to come to you so you can help it find its way home? 
What are the steps for changing the world? 
Imagine you are performing in a circus. Pick an act that you will star in and explain the steps for performing your act. 
What is the proper way to make the perfect bowl of popcorn? 
Explain the steps for making your parents happy.

53 Relationship Writing Prompts for Middle School

What does romance mean to you? 
Should boys ask girls to dances or the other way around? Explain. 
How do you say you’re sorry when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings? 
What is the difference between hearing and listening? 
Do you hold a grudge when your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner hurts you in some way? Why or why not? 
What are the qualities that make you a good romantic partner? 
How do you know your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner is reliable? 
At what age do you think you should be allowed to start dating? 
How do you know when you are ready to have sex with someone? 
Describe your first kiss. Was it what you imagined it would be? Why or why not? 
How are romantic relationships at your school different from the way they are portrayed in movies and television? 
What are the top three qualities you would look for in a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? Explain. 
What are the biggest challenges in having a romantic relationship? 
Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? 
Do you think your classmates make too big a deal about romantic relationships in middle school? Why or why not? 
How do you know your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner respects you? 
Should you only date people that your parents approve of? Why or why not? 
Should schools do a better job of preparing students for having relationships and having sex? Explain. 
Where is the best place to get information about relationships and sex?  
Describe your perfect boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. What do they look like? What is their personality like? What do you two do together? 
Should romantic partners ever fight? Why or why not? What does it mean if they do? 
Valentine’s Day: romantic holiday or marketing scam? 
How should a middle school couple celebrate their anniversary? 
Should boys hold open doors for girls? Or is this just sexist? Explain your answer. 
Should students be allowed to date someone older or younger than themselves? Why or why not? 
“All is fair in love and war.” Agree or disagree? Explain. 
What scares you the most about having a romantic relationship? 
Do you think romantic relationships get better in high school? Why or why not? 
What does it mean to be committed to your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? 
How do you know when you want to marry your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? 
Do you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner laugh a lot together? What makes you laugh? 
Does it matter who says “I love you” first? Why or why not? 
What do you think the opposite sex really wants in a romantic relationship? Explain. 
Do you feel pressured to start dating? Why or why not? 
What do you friends think of your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? Do you agree with them? Explain. 
How do you know when it’s time to break up with your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? 
Is it okay to never date in middle school and high school? Why or why not? 
What are the disadvantages of having a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? Explain. 
Should parents be allowed to choose your romantic partners for you? Why or why not? 
Is love logical? If it’s not, should you pay attention to it and follow it? Explain. 
In what ways can a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner make you a better person? 
Many people say that romantic partners should be “equals”. Do you think this is actually possible, that two people can be equals? Why or why not? 
What would you do if your close friend was dating someone you didn’t think was good for them? 
Do you think couples should have secrets? Why or why not? 
How do you establish boundaries in a romantic relationship? 
What have you learned about romantic relationships from watching how your parents interact? 
How are romantic relationships today different from those in the past? 
Do you think romantic relationships today have benefited from cell phones and technology or not? Explain. 
Is it okay to ask someone out by text? Why or why not? 
Are middle school romantic relationships doomed to fail? Why or why not? 
What would you do on your “perfect” date? 
Who should pay for things on a date? 
“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

50 Research Writing Prompts for Middle School

Research the history of Christmas. Was Christmas always the holiday we know now? When did people begin celebrating Christmas the way we do today? How has the Christmas holiday changed over time? 
Research the history of the circus. Who invented the first circuses? What kinds of attractions did they have? How did circuses become popular? What circuses still survive today? 
What is a food desert? How do they affect families living within them? What can be done about food deserts? 
Research a job or profession that no longer exists. Who performed that job in the past? Was it a good job or not? Why is that particular job no longer around anymore? Which jobs exist today will eventually disappear? 
What did people use before GPS and Google Maps? Research how ancient people developed maps and learned to navigate by the stars.  
What are some of the scariest places in your state? Research one of them and write about its history. What happened there that makes it so scary? Do you think the stories about this place are real or just made up? 
Many people mistakenly believed that the Egyptian pyramids were created by slaves. New evidence suggests they were created by well-paid laborers. Research how the pyramids of Egypt were created. Who made them? Why? Why have they lasted so long? 
Research the history of shoelaces. When were shoelaces first invented? What were shoelaces originally made from? How many different ways to tie shoelaces are there? 
“The greatest invention since sliced bread.” Pick an invention. Write about how it was invented, who contributed to it, and how it changed the world. 
Pick your favorite sport. Research how your sport was originally created. Who was responsible for inventing the rules? How did your sport come to be widely accepted? How were its professional leagues formed? How many people participate in it today? 
What was the worst war in the 20 th Century? Write about why a particular war was the worst. How did this war start? Why and when did it finally end? 
How do plants communicate? Research how plants have evolved to communicate with each other. How does this compare with human communication? Are plants really “unthinking” or are they more complicated than you thought? 
Research the history of the Supreme Court. How was it formed? What is its role in the US government? How are justices appointed? How does the Supreme Court operate on a daily basis? 
Pick a major city in a foreign country. Write about how that city was founded and what that city is known for today. If you visited that city, what would you go see? Who are famous people from that city? 
Pick a particular natural disaster from history (hurricane, volcanic eruption, earthquakes, etc.) and write about what happened on that day. What were the effects of that disaster? Could the damage have been lessened if certain steps were taken? 
Research the history of the cigarette. Why was it developed? Why is smoking so deadly? Has the tobacco industry always known about the dangers of smoking? How has vaping changed the industry? How many young people smoke? 
Research how the different planets in our solar system were discovered. Who made the discoveries and how did they know the planets were there? Do you think there are more planets out there in our solar system waiting to be discovered? 
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Research why teens commit suicide. What are the signs someone is thinking about suicide? How can suicide be prevented? 
Research the history of the video game. When were video games first invented? What were the earliest video games? How did video games develop over time? What are the most popular video games of all time? 
Pick an author that you enjoy. Write about where they came from, what books they write, and why they became an author. Would you recommend their work to your classmates? 
Christopher Columbus was once credited with “discovering” the Americas, but many other explorers had landed in the Americas before him. Write about the history of discovery in America. What cultures landed in the Americas before Columbus? 
Research the history of the White House. How was it designed? What rooms are within it? How does it operate on a daily basis? 
Are we alone in the universe? Research how scientists have searched for life outside of Earth. What are different groups doing now to look for signs of intelligent life beyond our solar system? Do you think they will ever find any? 
Homelessness remains a huge problem in America. Research the different reasons people become homeless. What solutions are there for addressing homelessness?  
What were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Research how this ancient list was made, and then select one of the wonders to write about. When was your Wonder created? Where was it located? What happened to it? 
Select an astronaut. Research their life and how they became an astronaut. What was their childhood like? What kind of missions have they done as an astronaut?  
Research the history of school lunches. Why were lunches first served in schools? What kinds of foods have been served over the decades? Are school lunches healthy? How have they changed over time? 
Research the history of your state. When was it founded? Why did it become a state? Who are some of the famous people from your state? What is your state known for? 
One of the most massive floods we have evidence for happened during the last Ice Age at Glacial Lake Missoula. Research these floods and write about why they happened. How much water was involved? What would the floods have looked like? Where did all the water go?  
Research the history of the dictionary. Why were dictionaries first created? Who created them? What effect did compiling a dictionary have on the English language?
Why do we keep dogs as pets? Research the history of dogs. Where do they come from? Why did humans start keeping them as pets? What kinds of jobs have dogs performed over the years? What is your favorite breed of dog? 
Research the history of gargoyles. When did people first start putting gargoyles on buildings? Why are so gargoyles monstrous? What purpose do gargoyles serve? 
Where does chocolate come from? Research the history of chocolate. Where is it grown? Who originally discovered chocolate? Has it always been used in candies and deserts? How much chocolate is consumed every year? 
Research Halloween. Has Halloween always been celebrated the way it is today? When did people begin celebrating Halloween as they do now? How has the celebration of Halloween changed over time?  
How did we find the Titanic? Research the history of the search for the wreck of the Titanic. How long did it take to find? Who found it? How did they find it? What did they discover when they finally found the wreck? 
Research the history of the ice cream truck. Why were ice cream trucks invented? Who drove the first ice cream trucks? Why do ice cream trucks play the kind of music they do? How many ice cream trucks are still around today? 
Research the history of tattoos. When did people first begin tattooing themselves? What different kinds of tattoos have people created in different cultures? How does someone become a tattoo artist today? If you got a tattoo, what would you get? 
Research the history of comic books in America. How popular are they? Why were they censored in the 1950s? Is reading comics the same as reading books? 
The only successful skyjacking in American history happened in 1971. A man later called DB Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727, held it for ransom and escaped by diving out of the plane. Research the history of this caper and the speculations about what happened to DB Cooper. 
Research the history of the Christmas tree. When did people begin using trees as Christmas decorations? Were Christmas trees always decorated the way they are now? What kinds of trees were used in the past?  
Pick your favorite candy bar and research its history. When was it first invented? Has it ever changed over time? How many are sold every year?  
Research the history of dragons. When were dragons first created? In what cultures did dragons first appear? Have dragons always had the same characteristics (fire-breathing, hoarding gold, etc.)? How have dragons changed over time? 
Bullying remains a problem in schools. Research the various ways schools and communities can combat bullying. Which ideas do you think would be the most effective? 
Research the history of money in the United States. What was the first money printed by the US government? How has money changed over the years? What is paper money made of? How is it decided what will be on the coins and bills? How much money is in circulation? 
Who invented the electric guitar? Research the history of the electric guitar and how it changed modern music. Why was it invented at all? Was it popular right at the beginning? How many kinds of electric guitars are there? 
Research the history of reading. When did people first begin to read silently? When did literacy become widespread enough for most people to own and read books? How did the spread of literacy change the world? 
Research the history of the playground. When were playgrounds invented? What kinds of toys were used in the first playgrounds? When were playgrounds included at schools? How have playgrounds changed over time? 
Research the history of pirates. Who were the first pirates? Who were some of the most famous pirates? What was the difference between a pirate and a privateer? How many pirate treasures are still out there to be discovered? 
Research the history of the pencil. Who invented the pencil? When was it first invented? Where pencils always made of wood and graphite? How many pencils are made every year? 
Research the history of the crayon. When were crayons first invented? Why? Who made them? How are crayons made? How many crayons are sold every year? How many crayon colors are there?

50 School Writing Prompts for Middle School

Imagine you’ve been made principal for the day and can change three things about your school. What three things would you change and why?
Imagine you find an old letter tucked inside a library book. The letter reveals that there is a hidden passageway somewhere at your school. Write about your search for the passageway and where it leads. 
What is the worst part about school? Is there any way it could be improved? Explain.
Should students be required to share a locker with a classmate? Why or why not?
Spirit Week: good fun or totally stupid? Defend your answer.
Do you think teachers should have a seating chart? Or should students be allowed to sit wherever they like? Explain.
Imagine you have been chosen to host a foreign exchange student who has never been to America. Write a letter to your new guest explaining how to succeed at your school.
If you could add any extra-curricular activity to your school, what would it be and why?
Should tests include more multiple choice questions or more short answer questions? Explain.
Should students be required to lead parent/teacher conferences? Or should teachers have to lead them instead? Explain.
What is the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher?
What is the biggest problem facing your school right now? What are possible solutions to that problem?
What is one thing you wish your teacher understood about you?
Imagine that no one can raise their hands ever again. What would you replace hand-raising with so that students can respectfully get the attention of their teacher?
You are in charge of replacing the school lunch menu. You can select three restaurants to provide new menu items. What three restaurants do you choose and why?
Should the number of students per class be increased or decreased? What is the ideal number of students in a single class? Defend your answer.
Imagine one day at school you are allowed to create a rule for students to follow. Explain the rule you create and why you choose to make that rule.
Sitting in the back row or sitting in the front row: which is better? Defend your answer.
Imagine that you have been given the job of driving a school bus to school every morning. How will you keep order on your bus? What rules will you have? How will you enforce them?
What is the point of education? Why does it matter? Explain.
Should education be entirely directed to getting a job after school? Or should school teach you things that may not apply to a job but that enrich your mind? Defend your answer.
You can do away with one subject at school so that it is never taught again. What subject do you get rid of and why?
Should students be allowed to skip grade levels? Why or why not?
Should students be held back if they cannot meet basic standards in their classes? Why or why not?
Should teachers be allowed to assign homework to student athletes on game days? Why or why not?
You can invite one famous person to come to your school. Who would you invite and why?
Write a letter to the President of the United States. Explain the problems facing your school. What three things would you ask that the President do to address these problems?
The best athlete at school or the student with the highest grades: which would you rather be? Explain.
Imagine you are going to run for school president. Write a speech to convince your fellow classmates that they should vote for you.
Do you think students should be allowed to choose their teachers? Why or why not?
Would you rather start the school day earlier (and get out earlier) or start the day later (but have to stay later)? Explain.
Is recess necessary? Why or why not?
Where do fifth graders belong? In elementary school or in middle school? Explain.
Where do eighth graders belong? In middle school or in high school? Explain.
Should students be allowed to take mental health days and stay home from school? Why or why not?
Should schools be allowed to celebrate holidays? Or should they not acknowledge them at all because they might offend some students?
Do you feel safe at school? Why or why not?
Should teachers be allowed to assign what books you read? Or should you always be allowed to pick whatever book you want? Defend your answer.
Is it important to learn more advanced mathematics like algebra and geometry if you’re not ever going to use them? Why or why not?
Should students be required to take exercise/workout/yoga classes? Why or why not?
Should students be required to take classes in basic life skills like cooking, how to change a car tire, how to write a resume, etc.? Explain.
Your teacher gives you a camera and asks you to take pictures of three things you like at school. What would you take pictures of and why? 
Is Monday through Friday really the best school schedule? Why or why not? If not, what schedule would be better?
What does it mean to have school spirit? Is school spirit important? Explain.
You are in charge of organizing a film festival at your school. You can pick three movies to show to all the students and teachers. What three movies would you show and why?
Public school or homeschool: who gets a better education? Defend your answer.
If you could repeat one grade level because you enjoyed it so much, which grade level would you choose and why?
If you could add any sport to your school for students to compete in, what would you add and why?
Should students have a say in the dress code? Why or why not?
Get rid of lunch (you can eat at your desk in class) or get rid of recess? Pick and defend your answer.

38 Science Writing Prompts for Middle School

Is artificial intelligence going to take over the world? Why or why not? If it does, will life be better or worse? Explain.
Imagine there is no longer any gravity on Earth. Write about a day in your life without it.
Has technology really improved the world? Or has it simply changed the way things are done (cooking in a stove instead of over a fire, for example) but not really made it any better? Defend your answer.
What technological advancement do you think the world would be better off without? Defend your answer.
Imagine you are tasked with naming the Moon. What would you name it and why?
Self-driving cars are the way of the future. But self-driving cars will put millions of delivery drivers, truckers and taxi drivers out of work. Should companies be allowed to create new technology that ends so many jobs? Defend your answer.
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?
Imagine that you could create a magnet that would attract something other than metal. What would you want your magnet to attract? Explain.
If you were an astronaut, would you rather go to the Moon or go to Mars?
If you could invent an app to improve people’s lives, what would you invent and why?
How do you know the world we live in is real? Can you prove that we are not all part of a massive computer simulation? Explain.
Would you rather have the ability to transform into a liquid or a gas? Explain.
Should people be allowed to clone themselves? Why or why not?
Some people believe we will one day be able to upload our consciousness into a computer and then download it thousands of years later into new bodies so that we can live forever. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
If you could have a robot that did everything for you, would you want one? Why or why not?
You can watch one event: the beginning of the universe or the end of the universe. Which do you choose? Explain.
What do you think happens if you travel into a black hole?
Until a word is invented for a particular color, people literally cannot see it. For example, ancient people could not see blue until the Egyptians invented blue dye and the word blue entered ancient languages to describe it. Until then, the sky and the ocean were seen as shades of black and green, not blue. Why do you think this happens?
If you scream in space, can anyone hear it? Why or why not?
Imagine you traveled to Mars and planted a tree. Do you think the tree would look the same as it does on Earth? Why or why not?
What do you think would happen if every spider on Earth disappeared tomorrow?
How would you go about your day if electricity had never been discovered?
Do you think scientists will eventually create a pill that will make people lose weight without any effort? Why or why not?
What are some things that science cannot help us understand?
You can make one discovery: the cure for cancer or a device that will reverse global warming. Which do you choose and why?
Science has often resulted in unintended consequences. For example, Einstein’s discovery of the Theory of Relativity led to the creation of the atomic bomb. What inventions or discoveries happening today might lead to unintended consequences in the future?
If you could live in a virtual reality world like in the movie Ready Player One , would you want to? Why or why not?
What one invention would you most want to make? What would your invention do? How would it help people and society?
We spend billions of dollars to learn about things like distant galaxies and the structure of atoms. Should we spend so much on these things when we haven’t solved more immediate problems like world hunger or the cure for cancer? Why or why not?
Should recycling be required for families, schools and communities? Why or why not?
Do you think there is intelligent life out there on other planets? Why or why not? If yes, do you think we should try and contact them?
Should you be allowed to own your DNA? Or should companies be allowed to use samples of your DNA to create medicines and cures without your consent? Explain.
Should students be required to learn how to write computer code? Why or why not?
A thousand years from now, what do you think scientists will find left over from our civilization? What will they think about us?
What aspect of science excites you the most (space exploration, biology, computer coding, chemistry, etc.)? Explain.
Do we rely too much on technology? Explain.
No species survives forever. They are wiped out by mass extinction events or they die out over time because they can’t adapt. Do you think human beings will be the first species to live forever? Why or why not?
Pick one item from your bedroom that scientists 5,000 years from now might discover excavating your house. What would that item tell them about you?

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Student Opinion

310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

Breanna Campbell and Nathaniel Esubonteng, in “Vote 16” sweatshirts, are interviewed by a television reporter at Newark City Hall.

By Natalie Proulx

Does social media harm young people’s mental health? Do video games deserve the bad rap they often get? Should parents track their children? Who is the greatest athlete of all time?

Every school day, we publish new questions for students based on the news of the day, including prompts, like these, that inspire persuasive writing.

Below, we’ve rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn from our Student Opinion column , links to a free New York Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You can use these prompts however you like, whether to inspire an entry for our new Open Letter Contest , to hone your persuasive writing skills or simply to share your opinions on the issues of today. So scroll through the list below and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

If you enjoy these questions, know that you can find all of our argumentative writing prompts, as they publish, here . Students 13 and up from anywhere in the world are invited to comment.

Argumentative Prompt Topics

Technology and social media, college, work and money, health and relationships, gender and race, arts and entertainment, parenting and childhood, government and politics, animals, science and time.

Social Media

1. Does Social Media Harm Young People’s Mental Health? 2. How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media? 3. Should the United States Ban TikTok? 4. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 5. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 6. What Should Be Done to Protect Children Online? 7. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 8. Are You a Fan of ‘School Accounts’ on Social Media? 9. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 10. Is It Ever OK to Use Strangers as Content for Social Media?

Phones and Devices

11. Should More Teenagers Ditch Their Smartphones? 12. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 13. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings? 14. What Are Your Texting Dos and Don’ts? 15. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 16. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 17. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 18. How Young Is Too Young for an Apple Watch?

The Internet

19. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 20. How Excited Are You About the Metaverse? 21. Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are? 22. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 23. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 24. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 25. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 26. Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

School Discipline and Attendance

27. Should Schools Ban Cellphones? 28. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 29. What Are Your Thoughts on Uniforms and Strict Dress Codes? 30. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 31. How Can Schools Engage Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out? 32. Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons? 33. Should Your School Day Start Later? 34. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 35. Do Kids Need Recess? 36. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money?

School Quality and Effectiveness

37. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 38. Do Schools Need to Do More to Hold Students Accountable? 39. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 40. Should Students Have the Same Teachers Year After Year? 41. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 42. Should We Get Rid of Homework? 43. Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs? 44. Is It Time to Get Rid of Timed Tests? 45. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 46. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 47. Does Your School Need More Money? 48. Do School Employees Deserve More Respect — and Pay? 49. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?

Teaching and Learning

50. Do You Think We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught? 51. Should Financial Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 52. Should Schools Teach Students Kitchen and Household Skills? 53. Do We Need Better Music Education? 54. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 55. What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History? 56. Do Schools Need to Do More to Support Visual Thinkers? 57. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 59. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 60. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 61. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 62. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 63. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language

Technology in School

64. How Should Schools Respond to ChatGPT? 65. Does Learning to Be a Good Writer Still Matter in the Age of A.I.? 66. Is Online Learning Effective? 67. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 68. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 69. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 70. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 71. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 72. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 73. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?

Education Politics

74. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 75. Should Students Learn About Climate Change in School? 76. Should Teachers Provide Trigger Warnings for ‘Traumatic Content’? 77. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 78. What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries? 79. What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read? 80. What Do You Think About the Controversy Surrounding the New A.P. Course on African American Studies? 81. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 82. Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools? 83. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?

College Admissions

84. Should Colleges Consider Standardized Tests in Admissions? 85. Should Students Let ChatGPT Help Them Write Their College Essays? 86. What Is Your Reaction to the End of Race-Based Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 87. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 88. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 89. How Much Do You Think It Matters Where You Go to College? 90. Should Everyone Go to College? 91. Should College Be Free? 92. Is Student Debt Worth It? 93. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists?

Campus Life

94. What Should Free Speech Look Like on Campus? 95. Should Greek Life on College Campuses Come to an End? 96. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 97. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses?

Jobs and Careers

101. Is High School a Good Time to Train for a Career? 102. Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Useless’ College Major? 103. Should All High School Students Have Part-Time Jobs? 104. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 105. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job?

Money and Business

106. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 107. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 108. Should We All Go Cashless? 109. When Should You Tip? 110. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 111. Are You a Crypto Optimist or Skeptic? 112. Do Celebrities and Influencers Make You Want to Buy What They’re Selling? 113. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 114. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 115. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 116. What Should Stores Do With Unsold Goods? 117. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 118. Who Should We Honor on Our Money?

Mental Health

119. Is Teen Mental Health in a State of Crisis? 120. ‘Love-Bombing.’ ‘Gaslighting.’ ‘Victim.’ Is ‘Trauma Talk’ Overused? 121. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 122. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 123. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 124. How Can We Bring an End to the ‘Epidemic of Loneliness’? 125. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 126. What Ideas Do You Have to Bring Your Community Closer Together? 127. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 128. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times?

Dating and Relationships

129. Who Should Pay for Dates? 130. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 131. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 132. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

Physical Health

133. Should Governments Do More to Discourage People From Smoking and Vaping? 134. How Should Adults Talk to Kids About Drugs? 135. Can Laziness Be a Good Thing? 136. Should There Be Requirements for Teens Who Want to Ride E-Bikes? 137. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 138. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 139. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs?

140. Is It Becoming More Acceptable for Men and Boys to Cry? 141. Is It Harder for Men and Boys to Make and Keep Friends? 142. Should Award Shows Eliminate Gendered Categories? 143. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 144. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 145. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 146. What Is Hard About Being a Boy? 147. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 148. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 149. Are Beauty Pageants Still Relevant? 150. Should Period Products Be Free? 151. What Are Your Thoughts on Last Names? 152. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 153. What Is Your Reaction to the Recent Wave of Legislation That Seeks to Regulate the Lives of Transgender Youths? 154. What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers?

Identity, Race and Ethnicity

155. How Should Schools Respond to Racist Jokes? 156. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 157. What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools? 158. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 159. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 160. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 161. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 162. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 163. What Can History Teach Us About Resilience? 164. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 165. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 166. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 167. When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? 168. How Useful Is It to Be Multilingual?

TV and Movies

169. Is True Crime As a Form of Entertainment Ethical? 170. Should Old TV Shows Be Brought Back? 171. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 172. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 173. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 174. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 175. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 176. When Does Lying in Comedy Cross a Line? 177. How Do You Feel About ‘Nepotism Babies’?

Music and Video Games

178. Will A.I. Replace Pop Stars? 179. If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing? 180. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 181. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 182. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 183. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 184. Should There Be Limits on How Much Time Young People Spend Playing Video Games? 185. Should More Parents Play Video Games With Their Kids?

186. Are A.I.-Generated Pictures Art? 187. What Work of Art Should Your Friends Fall in Love With? 188. If Artwork Offends People, Should It Be Removed? 189. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 190. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 191. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 192. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 193. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 194. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 195. Should Graffiti Be Protected?

Books and Literature

196. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 197. Should Classic Children’s Books Be Updated for Today’s Young Readers? 198. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 199. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? 200. Should Libraries Get Rid of Late Fees?

201. What’s the Best — and Worst — Part of Being a Sports Fan? 202. Who Is the GOAT? 203. Do Women’s Sports Deserve More Attention? 204. What Should Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap in Sports? 205. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 206. Should More Sports Be Coed? 207. College Athletes Can Now Be Paid. But Not All of Them Are Seeing Money. Is That Fair? 208. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 209. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 210. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 211. Is It Bad Sportsmanship to Run Up the Score in Youth Sports? 212. Is It Ethical to Be a Football Fan? 213. Does the N.F.L. Have a Race Problem? 214. What New Rules Would Improve Your Favorite Sport? 215. What Sports Deserve More Hype? 216. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 217. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 218. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 219. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures? 220. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 221. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport?

Related Writing Prompt

222. Should Parents Ever Be Held Responsible for the Harmful Actions of Their Children? 223. Where Is the Line Between Helping a Child Become More Resilient and Pushing Them Too Hard? 224. Should Parents Give Children More Responsibility at Younger Ages? 225. Should Parents Tell Children the Truth About Santa? 226. Should Parents Weigh in on Their Kids’ Dating Lives? 227. Should Parents Track Their Children? 228. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 229. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 230. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 231. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 232. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 233. Should Parents Bribe Their Children?

Childhood and Growing Up

234. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 235. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 236. When Do You Become an Adult? 237. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 238. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 239. What Can Older Generations Learn From Gen Z? 240. What Is the Worst Toy Ever?

Legislation and Policy

241. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 242. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 243. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 244. What Is Your Reaction to the State of Abortion Rights? 245. Should the Government Cancel Student Debt? 246. Should Public Transit Be Free? 247. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 248. Should the U.S. Be Doing More to Prevent Child Poverty? 249. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 250. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations?

Gun Violence

251. Are You Concerned About Violence in America? 252. How Should Americans Deal With the Problem of Gun Violence? 253. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 254. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 255. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns?

Voting and Elections

256. How Much Faith Do You Have in the U.S. Political System? 257. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 258. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 259. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 260. Should There Be a Minimum Voting Age? 261. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 262. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 263. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped?

Freedoms and Rights

264. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 265. Why Does the Right to Protest Matter? 266. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 267. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 268. Should You Have a Right to Be Rude? 269. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities?

Civic Participation

270. Are You Optimistic About the State of the World? 271. If You Could Take On One Problem Facing Our World, What Would It Be? 272. If You Were Mayor, What Problems Facing Your Community Would You Tackle? 273. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 274. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 275. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 276. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics? 277. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 278. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 279. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 280. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 281. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 282. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 283. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 284. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 285. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today?

286. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 287. What Is Our Responsibility to Lab Animals? 288. What Are Your Thoughts About Hunting Animals? 289. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 290. What Do You Think of Pet Weddings? 291. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 292. Should We Bring Back Animals From Extinction? 293. Are Zoos Immoral? 294. Do Bugs Deserve More Respect?

Environment and Science

295. What Role Should Young People Play in the Fight Against Climate Change? 296. Should We Be More Optimistic About Efforts to Combat Climate Change? 297. How Far Is Too Far in the Fight Against Climate Change? 298. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 299. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 300. Should We Still Be Sending Astronauts to Space? 301. Do You Think Pluto Should Be a Planet? 302. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Time and Seasons

303. What Is the Best Month of the Year? What Is the Worst? 304. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 305. Do You Think It Is Time to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time? 306. When Do Holiday Decorations Go From Festive to Excessive? 307. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 308. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 309. Should School Be a Place to Celebrate Halloween? 310. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

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Middle School Research Topics

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COMMENTS

206 Middle School Research Topics
This will create fun research topics for 6th graders, learning about life and how relationships work. Literature: This is the best time to learn about books and works of art. The literature will provide many topics to research for middle school students. There are many more aspects that middle school students can research and write papers on.
30 Middle School Research Paper Topics
30 Tips For Finding Great Research Paper Topics for Middle School. If you get stuck on the stage of choosing the topic of your research paper, we can completely understand you. It is the case when too vivid or too tired imagination can both work against you. The good news are that in the middle school the teachers are usually less strict when ...
101 Research Paper Topics
Use the following list of 101 research paper topics as a starting point for your paper. As you begin learning and writing about your topic, you should revise or amend your research question or thesis statement to better match the information that you are interpreting, analyzing, and expressing. Let your interest guide you.
Research Topics for Middle Schoolers: Engaging Ideas for Student
Explore a variety of compelling research topics suitable for middle school students. Discover engaging themes that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity among young learners. ... Exploring how visual arts and writing intersect to convey messages and emotions can be a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research.
PDF 8th Grade Research Packet
In 8th grade, we will conduct THEMATIC RESEARCH - that is research that is based on an overarching theme. Your goal is to create a 2 - 3 "magazine-type- page" academic essay that presents information and illustrations (pictures, charts, graphs, etc.) that supports your group's theme by exploring a specific topic within the theme.
Exploring Exciting Research Topics for Middle School Students
Examples of social science research topics for middle school students: The impact of social media on mental health. Gender inequality in education and the workplace. The effects of poverty on child development. The relationship between stress and physical health. The role of parenting styles in child behavior.
30 Captivating Research Activities for Middle School
22. Project-Based Learning: Acceptance and Tolerance. This is a series of research projects that look at specific problems regarding acceptance and tolerance. It offers prompts for middle school-aged students that will get them to ask big questions about themselves and others in the world around them.
113 Great Research Paper Topics
113 Great Research Paper Topics. Posted by Christine Sarikas. General Education. One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and ...
Ideas for Middle School Research Projects
Step 1: Selecting A Topic. When deciding on research paper topics for middle school students, pick something with multiple points of view so that there is room for debate. Consider current issues such as gun control or standardized testing in education; any controversial topic can make great fodder for an argumentative essay.
PDF 10 Ways to Make Research-Based Middle Schools
practitioners across the country, the Middle School Matters Field Guide is a collection of research-based principles, practices, and strategies deemed essential for middle school success. It includes instructional practices derived from the most rigorous research conducted in the middle grades over the past 15 years. Speciically,
33 Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School
Good Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (and Free, too!) With these 33 new argumentative essay topics for middle school students, you can help your students learn more about what makes a good argument and how to evaluate and decipher so-called "evidence.". As they explore topics like the ways in which schools handle bullying and whether or not ...
Teaching a Research Unit
Engage students with interesting research topics, teach them skills to become adept independent researchers, and help them craft their end-of-unit research papers. CommonLit 360 is a comprehensive ELA curriculum for grades 6-12. Our standards-aligned units are highly engaging and develop core reading and writing skills.
Non-fiction in Middle School ELA: Using Research, Essay Writing, and
Step #1: Research. Students pick a topic from a Google Form and I build groups based on their choices. Depending on your grade level, research may look differently compared to others. I teach 6th, so I have my classes first choose a topic they'd like to research. I give them about 10 choices using a Google Form.
Tips for Teaching Research Skills to Middle School Students
We use the Research Essay Outline worksheet to get started, transferring our well-organized information from the Research Matrix to the outline. I often advise students to begin with the body portion of the essay, leaving the introduction and conclusion for last. This may seem awkward, but the research students have been working on naturally ...
100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School
Lacking inspiration for a middle school writing project? Get your pencil moving with 100 varied creative prompts for narrative, informational, argument, and poetry writing. ... Research Prompts. Research writing is a type of expository writing that involves choosing a topic, asking a question about that topic, and finding credible sources to ...
500 Good Research Paper Topics
Given that there are unlimited research topics in the world and many ways to adapt a broad topic, there should absolutely be a way to modify a research topic to fit your interests. ... We have experience working with students of all ages and writing abilities, from middle school students to college students at the nation's top universities.
How to Help Middle School Students Develop Research Skills
Process information: Turn the data into usable information. This processing step may take longer than the rest combined. This is where you really see your data shape into something exciting. Create a final piece: This is where you would write a research paper, create a project or build a graph or other visual piece with your information.
Middle School Writing Prompts: 26 Fun Ideas
Middle school writing prompts from Prisma. In addition to using writing prompts for a quick activity to get your child's creative juices flowing, you can create more elaborate topics that become the anchor of an in-depth research project. The following examples are writing assignments from recent middle school themes that learners spent ...
Middle School Research Topics
Middle school is a phase where students are trained in different aspects. Middle school students are also tasked to write research papers, this is normally done to ascertain the understanding of the students about the subject matter. Writing is also given to develop the students' writing skills.Research paper writing is introduced at such an ...
Research Paper Topics: 350+ Best Ideas for Your Paper
Research Paper Topics for Middle School. Students can begin writing essays as early as middle school. If you are in this category and looking for research paper ideas for middle school, you are lucky because we have you covered. The following are topics to research for middle school: Impacts of online learning on students.
PDF Research Paper Manual Middle Township School District
The purpose of this research guide is to offer a standard format for the teaching and writing of research papers in courses at the Middle Township schools. The guide outlines the process of research, explains devices for organization of research and sources, gives examples of methods for documenting research sources within the paper, explains ...
70+ Fascinating Informative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens
Informative writing can include how-to process essays, biographical writing, an in-depth analysis of a topic, research papers, or compare-and-contrast essays. Just remember to stick to the facts, and be clear and descriptive. ... She holds a B.S. degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education and has taught in both middle and high school ...
1029 Killer Writing Prompts for Middle School
50 Descriptive Writing Prompts for Middle School. Describe the most disgusting school lunch you can imagine. Imagine your school is rocked by a massive earthquake. Describe the events inside your classroom. Describe love without using the words love or emotion . Describe how you want to spend the last day of your life.
310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing
Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom. Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English ...
Findings from the Field: Students and Professionals Connect at Research
On March 18, 2024, 65 middle and high school scientists gathered at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland, Maine to share their science research projects with one another and with professional scientists from GMRI, Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. GMRI is the anchor institution for the NASA Science […]