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50 Creative 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

Taking the leap from the primary level to the intermediate grades.

Four printed note boards for third grade writing prompts.

Third grade is a huge transitional year in elementary school. Third grade writers have learned foundational concepts and skills and have had time to practice. Now they are developing more complex skills as they dig deeper, learn to make connections, and analyze the topics they write about. Here are 50 third grade writing prompts to help your students master and refine their writing skills.

If you’d like even more upper elementary writing prompts, we publish new ones twice a week on our kid-friendly site: the Daily Classroom Hub . Make sure to bookmark the link!

(Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the prompts available!)

1. Tell about a special event in your life.

essay question for 3rd grade

2. What are you best at?

essay question for 3rd grade

3. What do you want to learn more about?

essay question for 3rd grade

4. I could never live without______.

essay question for 3rd grade

5. If you could go anyplace in the world, where would you go and why?

essay question for 3rd grade

6. Interview one of your parents or grandparents and ask them to tell you a story from their childhood. Share their story here.

essay question for 3rd grade

7. Describe one of your favorite book characters. Tell three things about their personality.

essay question for 3rd grade

8. Do you think third graders should have to do chores at home? Why or why not?

essay question for 3rd grade

9. What is something you would change about school if you could?

essay question for 3rd grade

10. Tell about a time you helped somebody.

essay question for 3rd grade

11. Tell about a time somebody helped you.

essay question for 3rd grade

12. Tell about a memorable “first” in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc.

essay question for 3rd grade

13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

essay question for 3rd grade

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

essay question for 3rd grade

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

essay question for 3rd grade

16. What is the difference between being polite and rude? Give three examples.

essay question for 3rd grade

17. What is the most important rule in the classroom?

essay question for 3rd grade

18. What are the three most important qualities you look for in a friend?

essay question for 3rd grade

19. Do you think kids should be assigned homework? Why or why not?

essay question for 3rd grade

20. Nature gives us many beautiful things—plants, animals, water, weather, stars and planets, etc. What is one of your favorite things in nature and why?

essay question for 3rd grade

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

essay question for 3rd grade

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

essay question for 3rd grade

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

essay question for 3rd grade

24. Tell about one of your family’s unique traditions.

essay question for 3rd grade

25. If you could have a pet, what would you choose? How would you take care of it?

essay question for 3rd grade

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

essay question for 3rd grade

27. Tell about a person that inspires you and why.

essay question for 3rd grade

28. Name five things you are thankful for and why you are thankful for them.

essay question for 3rd grade

29. What are ways you can be a good citizen?

essay question for 3rd grade

30. When you and a friend disagree, how do you work it out?

essay question for 3rd grade

31. What do you think the world will be like in one hundred years?

essay question for 3rd grade

32. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?

essay question for 3rd grade

33. What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

essay question for 3rd grade

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Why?

essay question for 3rd grade

35. In your opinion, which animal makes the best pet? Give three reasons for your answer.

essay question for 3rd grade

36. If someone gave you $100, how would you spend it?

essay question for 3rd grade

37. Should third graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

essay question for 3rd grade

38. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you participate in?

essay question for 3rd grade

39. Write about your “getting ready for school” routine.

essay question for 3rd grade

40. Write about your “getting ready for bed” routine.

essay question for 3rd grade

41. If you could travel through time like Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, where would you go?

essay question for 3rd grade

42. In your opinion, what does a perfect weekend look like?

essay question for 3rd grade

43. Write about the last time you felt really angry. What happened and how did it all work out?

essay question for 3rd grade

44. Pretend there was a special zoo where animals could talk. Which animal would you talk to and what are three questions you would ask?

essay question for 3rd grade

45. What is your favorite thing with wheels? Why?

essay question for 3rd grade

46. Tell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears from the point of view of Baby Bear.

essay question for 3rd grade

47. What do you think would grow if you planted a magic bean?

essay question for 3rd grade

48. Which would you rather be able to do—fly or read people’s minds? Why?

essay question for 3rd grade

49. Tell about an adult in your life that you admire.

essay question for 3rd grade

50. If you were traveling for a week and could only bring a backpack, what would you pack?

essay question for 3rd grade

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50 Creative Third Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

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100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids: Journal Prompts

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  • Journal Writing Prompts
  • Funny Writing Prompts
  • Narrative Essay Writing Prompts
  • Fiction Writing Prompts
  • Poetry Writing Prompts 
  • Informative Essay Writing Prompts
  • Opinion Writing Prompts
  • Animal Writing Prompts
  • Descriptive Writing Prompts
  • Emotion Writing Prompts

The power of stories is immense. It not only unlocks the imagination but also improves creativity and vocabulary. For kids as young as third graders , writing prompts can be beneficial to kick-start their writing spree. It is a great way to build various genres of writing skills in kids- from narrative and informative to poetic and funny.

Stick to this blog to track down century options of 3rd grade writing prompts for kids .

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Here are more educational resources to get your third grader learning!

6 Reasons To Give Your 3rd Graders a Writing Prompt?

Teacher helping two kids with writing

When it comes to keeping your students busy with something beneficial, writing prompts are a wonderful tool. Here are a few major ways in which 3rd grade journal prompts can help children.

  • Allows children to think around creatively
  • Enhances a sense of expression
  • Eliminates the dread of writing
  • Improves story-telling
  • Boosts self-confidence in children
  • Refines grammar, spelling, and handwriting with practice

While they get busy writing the best out of their imagination, you can enjoy a sip of hot coffee (a bonus, you know!).

100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids

10 journal writing prompts.

The habit of journaling must be inculcated in kids from a young age. Wondering why? Well, it goes a long way in developing the ‘writer-like’ mindset in them. Moreover, journaling is known to be a stress reliever in teens and adults alike. Whether they make it a daily or alternate habit later, here are ten examples of 3rd grade journal topics that can be perfect for giving them a needed push.

1. What has been your favorite memory of 2nd grade ?

2. On a rainy day, would you rather be inside or outside? Why?

3. How did you meet your best friend?

4. What flavor of chips do you like the most and why?

5. Who is the favorite cousin in the family?

6. When was the last time you had your favorite dinner outside?

7. Do you have someone who makes you feel special? Who and How?

8. Which school period do you like the most and why?

9. What are you most thankful for in life and why?

10. What is your favorite cartoon character?

10 Funny Writing Prompts

Girl writing sincerely

This is every child’s favorite! Funny Writing prompts can help develop an expression of humor sense in young children. Moreover, it will allow the classroom to have a light moment together when each of them will read their chucklesome experiences aloud. We can already hear the giggles!

Check out these fun writing prompts for 3rd grade kids.

1. If your pencil boxes could talk to each other, what would they be?

2. What if you were an Easter egg?

3. Imagine if cows gave ‘Skittles’ instead of milk. What would the world be like?

4. What makes you laugh?

5. What was the best joke that your best friend cracked recently? How can you make it funnier?

6. What would happen if it did rain cats and dogs?

7. Imagine there’s a kangaroo in the classroom. How did it reach there, and what would the scenario be like?

8. Would you rather wear a swimming suit in a snowstorm or wear a snowsuit to the beach? Which kind of silly will you be and why?

9. Write a review of the animated movie for kids that you have seen recently.

10. Imagine you and your best friend switch families for a day. What would the day be like?

10 Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essay prompts can sow seeds for a future author of an American best-seller. One of the most favored writing prompts by teachers, 3rd grade narrative writing prompts expect students to tell a story based on their imagination or actual incidents. They could either build their story on dialogues or use descriptive writing. Let’s head to the list.

1. If your shoe could speak, what story would it tell?

2. One fine morning, you woke up with wings. Narrate the day.

3. If you are allowed to make classroom rules , which new rule would you make and why?

4. Make a story about where thunder comes from.

5. Imagine a boy who only eats oranges to survive. Narrate the story of his life.

6. Describe your last vacation. Where did you go, and what did you do?

7. What is the most interesting story that your family member has told you about?

8. You are given $200 to spread kindness around your city. How will you spend it?

9. If you could fly wherever you would want to, what places would you go and why?

10. What is one thing you do very well? Describe it in detail.

10 Fiction Writing Prompts

Mother helping kid with writing

Here’s another set of 3rd grade writing prompts that will make the creative juices flow in the students. Fiction writing prompts are a great stimulus for young minds to develop their characters, work on a plot line and narrate a story. 

They not only allow expand their imagination in children but gives them an opportunity to enjoy the writing process. Have a look at writing ideas for 3rd grade students:

1. What story does a camera want to tell the world?

2. A princess is trapped in a castle that is guarded by a beast. Instead of waiting for her prince charming to save her, she uses the resources and tools from inside the castle to build her escape plan. What all would she use and how? Write her escape story.

3. ‘There was a knock on the door. I opened it and saw a cat sitting there and,….’. Finish the story.

4. You had a chance to take over your father’s job for a day. Write a story narrating all your day’s events.

5. ‘On a vacation to paradise, something unexpected happens.’ Continue with the story.

6. There was a butterfly in Ohio who needed to earn the colors for herself. She could only earn five colors for herself. What would she do to earn colors, and how?

7. One day, you woke up and realize that you have a magic pen next to you. Narrate the events that followed it.

8. Imagine you get to choose how you would want to live your next 50 years. What would you choose? Who will be the people with you?

9. Your balloon just blew away! Write the story from the balloon’s perspective.

10. You ate a brownie, and now you are 20 feet tall. What do you do next?

10 Poetry Writing Prompts 

With Tik Toks and Reels throwing rubbish in the name of poems for kids , now is the time to introduce young minds to the real essence of poetry. They must be taught the power of syllables, rhymes, apostrophes, punctuation, and word choice to recognize the poetry. 

Poetry Writing Prompts can give good practice to 3rd graders to improve their phrasing ideas and, ultimately, the poetry sense! Whether it’s a limerick or haiku, here’s the suggestion list that you shouldn’t miss.

1. ‘Whenever I sing a silly song,

Whenever I daydream for too long..’ Continue the poem.

2. ‘Within the wrapping paper brown,

the smallest gift I’ve found. Write a poem to talk about the gift.

3. ‘Dear Friend,’. Write a short poem for your best friend.

4. Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no longer than 25 words.

5. Imagine you came from another planet, lost on Earth, and longing for home. Write short poetry to express yourself.

6. ‘Look at the stars and name them all….’ Continue an interesting poem.

7. ‘Through the trees, I go…’ Write a few lines of a Haiku poem.

8. Write a poem about your grandparents.

9. ‘It was quite a big day for me.’ Write a limerick using this line.

10. ‘I met a funny little woman,

As I walked along one day…’ Write a silly poem using this starter.

10 Informative Essay Writing Prompts

A highly beneficial writing exercise for all ages, informative writing prompts are about informing the reader without persuading or making an opinion to it. For 3rd graders, these essays could be a powerful tool to enable them to write from what they already know. It advances their memorization, learning, and reflective ability in them.

Check out the ideas that can be used as writing topics for 3rd graders.

1. Write a process to build a birdhouse in your backyard.

2. If you could meet any famous person in the world, who would it be and what conversion would you have with them?

3. Why is it important to preserve the environment around us? How can you help with it?

4. Do you have a pet? If yes, how do you take care of it?

5. Describe what all do you see on your way to school.

6. How do you prepare for a test? Share some tips with your friends.

7. Write the importance of a healthy diet in our lives. How can we make our diet healthier?

8. Describe life in the coldest cities of the world. Would you live in such places?

9. Doctors, Firefighters, Policemen, Delivery boys, etc., are all heroes. Write about their selfless contribution to our lives.

10. Why do leaves change color during autumn?

10 Opinion Writing Prompts

Kid writing on paper

We all have opinions, and so do the little ones! Teaching young kids to form an opinion can be rewarding for their future goals and personality development. 

It is important to familiarize them with understanding their mind and heart and strike a balance between the two. Opinion writing prompts for 3rd graders can be instrumental in getting them moving in that direction.

To ease the writing process, you can teach the kids about the OREO framework.

O – Opinions

E – Examples

O – Opinion (restated in a concluding note)

Let’s dive into some interesting topics for 3rd grade writing prompts.

1. Do you think teachers should give homework to students?

2. What are some important rules that must be followed in life?

3. How to become a kind human being?

4. What do you do when you are angry? Write some ways to calm yourself down.

5. How to make yourself happy when you are sad? Write from your experience.

6. What is the best restaurant in your city, and why?

7. Should 10-year-olds have their mobile phone? Why or why not?

8. Why should children not eat chocolates very frequently? How should they practice control?

9. Should everyone wear school uniforms in school? Why or why not?

10. If there could only be one season throughout the year, which one would you choose and why?

10 Animal Writing Prompts

If animals bring so much joy to us just by existing, how joyful it’d be to write about them? There are so many reasons to ask children to write about animals. It can be a wonderful way to enhance their creativity, fascination, attention to detail, and of course, writing skills. 

Here’s a list of animal writing prompts for 3rd graders.

1. Which animal would you like to meet and why?

2. Would you rather have a rabbit or a penguin as a pet? Why?

3. If you had a chance to become one farm animal, which one would it be and why?

4. If I were a turtle, I would…

5. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing your favorite animal getting ready for school. What would the scenario be like?

6. Write how the world would be if humans could talk to animals.

7. You can choose either an animal or a human as your best friend. Which one would you pick and why?

8. If you could choose a different name for ‘Cow,’ what would it be? Why?

9. What I know about chickens is that….

10. A fish took a solo trip to London. Narrate the story.

10 Descriptive Writing Prompts

What do you do when you want your students to go into the tiniest details while writing? Try Descriptive writing prompts for 3rd graders. Whether they write a story or a personal experience, ignite the spark of description with these writing prompts.

1. What is your favorite math game ? Why do you like it? Also, write the steps to play.

2. Imagine you are traveling on a ship in the ocean. What does your ship look like? And, why would you like the best about your ship? Describe your journey.

3. Describe your favorite activity in the mall.

4. Which is better, winter or summer? Support your take with reasons.

5. Share a memorable experience at the park. What made it so memorable? Would you like to relive it?

6. Describe a beautiful scene from nature.

7. Alice gets to visit Wonderland in the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Describe all that you can think about Wonderland- the location, the environment, the colors, the people, etc.

8. What is a perfect day for you? Include the weather, your clothes, your friends, what you eat, and your activities.

9. Write a description of a trip to the zoo.

10. Who is your favorite teacher, and why? Describe him/her.

10 Emotion Writing Prompts

Kids writing in their copies

School is not limited to books and assignments. It’s also about preparing students to reflect on their feelings and being able to jot them down. Guess what? Emotion prompts can be the right choice here as well! They inspire creativity in kids and aid them in connecting with their feelings and emotions. Few third-grade emotion prompts that you shouldn’t miss.

1. My biggest dream is…

2. My favorite thing about myself…

3. What do you do when you make a mistake? How do you feel?

4. When was the last time you helped someone? What was it about?

5. Write about the happiest day of your life.

6. If you could have any special talent, what would it be and why?

7. What five things do you love about your family?

8. I feel sad when…

9. Imagine your friend is feeling scared. What would you do to calm him/her down?

10. Write a list of 10 things you are grateful for.

Now that you know 100 writing prompts for 3rd grade, there’s nothing that can stop your students shape into brilliant writers. However, a little something that we would like you to know- make writing as much fun as possible for these young minds. Look at a few tips which will help you chart out easy ways to teach writing to 3rd graders.

5 Steps To Help 3rd Graders With Writing

Step 1: sentence-formation.

If students struggle with understanding and forming sentences, they must be taught sentences as a single complete thought. Reading sentences aloud with necessary pauses will bring more clarity to them about the nature of a sentence. Let the children practice in small groups to make the instructions more effective.

 Step 2: Paragraph Writing

The next step will be to familiarize the children with writing small paragraphs. Don’t go throwing the list of 3rd grade writing prompts in one go. Instead, focus on strengthening the core concepts of writing. Introduce children to the parts of a paragraph-head, body, and conclusion.

Step 3: The ‘Sandwich’ Rule

It is a great way to simplify the writing process for third-graders. Teach the children that writing a paragraph is similar to making a sandwich. 

It begins with a piece of bread, i.e., the topic sentence, followed by adding some ingredients in the middle, i.e., the transition sentences, and finally, fishing it with another piece of bread, i.e., the concluding sentences. 

The rule can also be practiced in small groups to enjoy the maximum benefits.

Step 4: Additional Cues

Besides creative writing prompts for 3rd graders, emphasis must be made on using words like ‘because,’ ‘since,’ ‘for example,’ ‘another,’ ‘also,’ etc., to make meaningful connections while writing. Set 30 minutes initially for most pieces. Once they have had enough practice, you can reduce the time accordingly.

Step 5: Technical Cues

In the age of digitization, you cannot fathom eliminating the aid of digital tools to help children write. Teachers must pick something fun and let the students research about them on the internet. Noting down the point will help them build a story or idea smoothly.

Get, Set, Writing!

Writing prompts are not the end but the beginning of a brilliant writing spree for your students. Nonetheless, encouragement and support from your side are imperative to build their confidence. We hope the class will enjoy these 3rd grade writing prompts as much as we enjoyed curating them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should i motivate my child to write at home.

Before introducing them to prompts, the most important way you can help your child with writing is to give them a journal, a storybook, a pencil, and an eraser. Keep a separate basket for their stationary supplies so that they can instantly grab them whenever they are in the mood to write.

What can be the first set of prompts that I should begin with?

Children are most closely knit to their parents. Giving them writing prompts to recount a happy family vacation or their favorite family members can be an ideal beginning. Moreover, in the classroom, teachers can use prompts related to their best friend, learning environment, and favorite school activity.

How many writing prompts can I use in one go?

Depends on the length of the class period. However, it is recommended to use one prompt in each class to preserve the class’s interest. Otherwise, children often feel burnout and pressure from having too many topics to write on in a single class.

essay question for 3rd grade

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Informative writing prompts

Grade 3 writing prompts.

Students are prompted to write short informative essays about grade level appropriate subjects. Some example sentence starters (stems) and linking words are provided.

essay question for 3rd grade

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Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

essay question for 3rd grade

Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include  opinion , informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects.

For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page. The following grade-level appropriate writing prompts provide plenty of inspiration to help your students get started on a number of different writing assignments.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on real or imagined events. Students should use descriptive writing and dialogue to tell their tale.

  • Scary Stuff. Think of something that scares you and explain what makes it so frightening.
  • Grouchy Pants. Describe a day when you were grouchy. What made you so grumpy and how did you get in a better mood?
  • School Rules. If you could make a new school rule, what would it be? How would your rule change an average day at school?
  • Snappy Travel. Imagine you could snap your fingers and be anywhere else in the world. Write about where you’d go.
  • Family Tales. What is the most interesting story that a family member has ever told you about their life?
  • Food Forever. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
  • Book Bound. If you could be the main character from your favorite book, who would you be? Write about an adventure you might have.
  • Seeing Double. Imagine that you have an identical twin who is a different class than you. What pranks would you play on your teachers and classmates?
  • Nessy's Life. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster ? Imagine you’re the monster. Describe your life under the sea.
  • Lost. Have you ever been lost? Write about your experience.
  • Perfect Party. Describe what the ultimate birthday party would look like if you could do anything you wanted.
  • Kindness Counts. You’re given $100 to do random acts of kindness for others. What do you do?
  • Memory Eraser . Describe something that happened to you that you wish you could forget. Explain why.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an opinion essay , students should clearly state their opinion, then back it up with sound reasons and facts. Opinion essays should close the essay with a concluding paragraph and a summary of the argument. 

  • Be a Friend. What does it mean to be a good friend?
  • Growing Up or Down. Would you rather be older than you are right now or younger? Why?
  • Hello? Some kids in 3rd grade have cell phones. Do you? Do you think that’s good or bad?
  • Best Pets. Which animal makes the best pet? Give at least three reasons for your opinion.
  • Tattletale. If you saw one of your friends doing something that you knew was wrong, should you tell on them? Why or why not?
  • School Favorites . What do you think is the best subject in school? What makes it the best?
  • Off Limits . Is there a TV show that you’re not allowed to watch or a video game that you’re not allowed to play? Explain why your parents should allow it.
  • Summer School. Should your school be in session year ‘round with more breaks throughout the year or continue to give students the summer off? Why?
  • Junk Food Fans. Should candy and soda machines be available to students on school property? Why or why not?
  • School Supplies. What is the most important tool in your classroom? What makes it so useful?
  • School Pride . What is the best thing about being a student at your school?
  • What’s in a Name? If you could change your name, what would you choose and why?

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

Informative essays introduce a topic, explain a process, or describe an idea, then provide facts, definitions, and details. Students should organize related information into paragraphs in order to write the most logical essay possible. Remember that they should also include introductory and concluding paragraphs.

  • Real Superheroes. Superheroes in movies and comics can do some pretty amazing things, but think of someone you consider to be a real-life hero. What do (or did) they do that makes them a hero? 
  • Liar, Liar. Someone told your best friend a lie about you and your friend believed them. Explain how you’d handle the situation.
  • Student Teacher. Think of something that you found difficult to do at first (such as multiplication or tying your shoes), but that you now understand. Explain the process so that someone else could learn to do it.
  • Holidays . What is your favorite holiday? Explain how you celebrate it.
  • Pet Sitter. Your family is going on vacation and a pet-sitter is coming to care for your pets. Write a note explaining how to care for them.
  • PB&J. Write out the step-by-step process for making the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • Chores. What is a household chore for which you are responsible? Explain how to do it.
  • Emergency Drills. Think of one emergency drill that your school practices. Write a paper describing exactly how to do it as if you were explaining it to a brand-new student.
  • Allergies. Do you have a serious allergy to something like peanuts or milk? Write an essay explaining why it’s so important for you not to come into contact with the allergen.
  • Color Wheel. What is your favorite color? Choose an animal or object that is that color and describe it.
  • State Fun Facts . Describe some interesting facts about your state to someone who has never visited.
  • Family Traditions. Describe a unique family tradition that your family has.
  • Game On.  What's your favorite game? Explain the rules to someone who has never played it before.

Research Writing Prompts

Students in 3rd grade can conduct simple research projects that build on their knowledge about a topic. They should use digital and print media to explore the topic , take simple notes, and create a basic outline before beginning the writing process.

  • State History. What is the history of your state? Research the history and write an essay about one key event in your state's past.
  • Marsupials. Marsupials are animals who carry their babies in pouches. With the exception of the opossum, all marsupials live in Australia. Choose one of them to learn more about.
  • Insects. They may be small, but insects play an important role in our environment. Choose an insect to research and write an essay about its characteristics.
  • Jaws! Are Great White sharks really man-eaters? Research this question and write an essay about your answer. 
  • Bat Signal. How do bats use echolocation?
  • Explorers. Choose a famous (or not-so-famous) explorer to research.
  • Comic Book Heroes. When was the first comic book published and what was it about?
  • Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather event such as a tornado, hurricane, or tsunami, and explain its cause.
  • International Space Station. Learn more about the International Space Station: how it's used, who visits it, and why it's important. Write an essay about your findings.
  • Ben Franklin, Inventor . Many people know Benjamin Franklin as a Founding Father and statesman, but he was also an inventor. Learn about some of the things he invented.
  • Legends.  Research a popular legend such as the Lost City of Atlantis, Big Foot, or Paul Bunyan . Write an essay describing the evidence for or against the legend.
  • Presidential History. Research the childhood of one American president and write an essay about what you learn.
  • 4th Grade Writing Prompts
  • Second Grade Writing Prompts
  • Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
  • First Grade Writing Prompts
  • Writing Prompts for 7th Grade
  • 24 Journal Prompts for Creative Writing in the Elementary Classroom
  • 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students
  • Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling
  • November Writing and Journal Prompts
  • January Writing Prompts
  • February Writing Prompts
  • October Writing Prompts
  • May Writing Prompts
  • Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
  • September Writing Prompts
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompts

Grade 3 Writing Prompts

25 great third grade writing prompts.

essay question for 3rd grade

These Grade 3 writing prompts will transform your child into a budding young author! Keep scrolling for the following categories:

  • Sentence starters

Descriptive Writing

Journal prompts, personal narrative writing, general prompts, sentence starters.

  • If I was in charge of the world…
  • If I could make the rules in my house…
  • School is interesting because…
  • If I could be friends with a celebrity we would…
  • If all the trees were made of candy…
  • Invent a new game. Describe how you play it?
  • Describe a goal you have for yourself.
  • Describe your perfect pet.
  • Describe your dream job.
  • If you had all the money in the world, describe what you would do.
  • If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
  • What makes you most happy?
  • If someone was to describe your personality, what would they say?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment?
  • How do you show others you care about them?
  • Have you ever been hurt? What happened?
  • Write about a time when you felt you worked really hard.
  • Think about a time when you were sick. What did you do to get better?
  • Describe your favorite memory from when you were little.
  • Do you have a favorite holiday memory? Describe it.
  • If you could bring home any wild animal, what would it be?
  • What do you like to do in your free time?
  • If you and a friend were laughing, what would it be about?
  • Go for a walk outside. Using your five senses, what did you experience?
  • What would happen if you were trapped in a store overnight?

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  • Grade 3 Writing Activities
  • Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
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Teacher's Notepad

33 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

An opinion is your personal way of feeling. It is not based on facts, but rooted in your own personal knowledge and beliefs. Your opinion can be shaped by your life experiences and those around you.

Opinions can change and evolve over time, or they can stay the same.

Everyone has their own opinion, and that makes life interesting! Sharing your opinion can help you find like-minded friends and help you learn even more.

In our opinion, writing can help you discover your own opinions and find out what means the most to you!

How to use these prompts:

There are so many ways to enjoy these writing prompts!

You can pick a random number and write as much as you can, or you can go down the list and write a prompt each day as a writing challenge.

You can set a timer or a fixed word count and let the words fly!

There is no wrong way to use these writing prompts, you just have to pick one and start writing.

The writing prompts:

  • What do you think an opinion is? Why do you think it is so hard to put into words?
  • How do you form an opinion? Is it formed quickly or slowly over time?
  • Can an opinion change over time? How does it change?
  • Answer the age-old question: in your opinion, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • What is your opinion on cartoons? Are they only for kids, or can adults enjoy them too?
  • In your opinion, what is the best superhero and why? What makes them special?
  • What, in your opinion, is the best food in the world? How is it prepared? When did you first have it?
  • Do you think it is necessary to go to college after high school? Why or why not?
  • What is your opinion on school sports? Should participation be required or not?
  • Do you think every student should have a computer provided to them? Why or why not?
  • Do you think students should get a vote on what is served in the cafeteria? Why or why not?
  • What is your opinion on school uniforms? How do you think they benefit or detract from the learning experience?
  • In your opinion, what is the best weather to live in? Do you prefer hot summers or snowy winters?
  • What’s the best theme park, and what informs your decision? Is it the rides, the food, the wait times?
  • In your opinion, what book should everyone read at least once? Share your opinion on the book as well.
  • What is the ultimate dessert in your opinion? How is it different from other desserts?
  • What is your favorite holiday besides Christmas? Rank your top5 favorite holidays and explain why, in your opinion, they are the best.
  • In your opinion, what movie should everyone see in their lifetime? Should they watch it with a friend or experience it alone?
  • What is the best vacation spot in your opinion? Be sure to include your vacation experience there as well.
  • What is your favorite type of exercise? Explain why you want others to try that exercise.
  • What genre of music, in your opinion, is the best? Why?
  • What is your favorite kind of ice cream and why? Have you tried your friend’s favorite flavors? Has it changed your opinion?
  • What is the most interesting animal in your opinion, and why?
  • What, in your opinion, is the best animal for a pet? Have you ever had this pet, or known someone that has? What makes them a great pet?
  • Would you rather live in a house or an apartment? Why?
  • What career seems most interesting to you? Is that what you want to be when you grow up?
  • In your opinion, is chess or checkers more enjoyable? Why?
  • What is, in your opinion, your favorite board game? Do you play by the rules or make up your own? Who is your favorite person to play with?
  • What is your opinion on video games? Should everyone play video games? Why or why not?
  • Do you think everyone has the responsibility to vote when they are old enough? Why or why not?
  • Do you think that homework should be required for students? Is it beneficial for students to have extra practice at home, or do they get enough learning time at school?
  • In your opinion, should virtual learning be offered to all students from now on? Or do you believe that every student should be learning in a classroom at school. Why?
  • In your opinion, do you think you should have dessert with every dinner? Would it be the same dessert or a different one? What do you think about ordering dessert first?

Looking for more?

We provide unique and interesting free content for writers and readers of all ages to share and enjoy on our website!

Try inspiring some writing about the moon , or dogs – or maybe try writing about why we dream ? We have literally thousands upon thousands of original writing prompts on our site, as well as all sorts of random story starter generators and more!

If you have any questions or suggestions for us, please reach out. Your opinion matters to us, and we look forward to hearing from you! Thanks and see you again soon.

essay question for 3rd grade

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. 50 Creative Third Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

    10. Tell about a time you helped somebody. 11. Tell about a time somebody helped you. 12. Tell about a memorable "first" in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc. 13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

  2. 100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids

    Opinion writing prompts for 3rd graders can be instrumental in getting them moving in that direction. To ease the writing process, you can teach the kids about the OREO framework. O - Opinions. R -Reasons. E - Examples. O - Opinion (restated in a concluding note) Let's dive into some interesting topics for 3rd grade writing prompts. 1.

  3. 3rd Grade Essay Writing Worksheets & Free Printables

    Third Grade Essay Writing Worksheets and Printables. Essays become standard as elementary school progresses. Third grade essay writing worksheets help kids overcome writer's block and encourage teamwork and skill-building instead. Your child will create opinion-based pieces, elaborate on internal feelings, and learn to organize their thoughts ...

  4. Informative writing prompts for grade 3

    Grade 3 writing prompts. Students are prompted to write short informative essays about grade level appropriate subjects. Some example sentence starters (stems) and linking words are provided. Informative writing prompt. Write about conflict. Write about junk food. Write about pets. Write about a future field trip.

  5. Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

    Updated on April 01, 2020. Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include opinion, informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects. For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page.

  6. 57 Exciting 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Updated!)

    Third grade is one of the best years to implement a regular journaling schedule in your classroom. That is also what makes using 3rd-grade writing prompts such a wonderful tool. Using 3rd Grade Writing Prompts. Third-grade journal writing prompts can provide your students with a starting point for their work.

  7. 30 Creative Writing Topics for Grade 3 » JournalBuddies.com

    Fun and Fabulous Writing Topics for Grade 3 Students— When kids write, their minds are opened to brand new worlds and endless possibilities—and there is no form of writing more conducive to inspiring ideas than journaling.Oh yeah… check out our list of writing topics for third graders. Enjoy!

  8. Free and Fun 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

    These 3rd grade writing prompts give your students the chance to write about their experiences and the issues that are important to their lives. Plus…. Your 3rd graders will consider the similarities between themselves and their best friends, reflect on their own abilities and talents, and…. Your 3rd graders will even answer silly questions ...

  9. 75 Third-Grade Journal Prompts

    75 Third-Grade Journal Prompts. 5 min. Develop students' writing skills and encourage a healthy dose of self-expression with these third-grade journal prompts! Journal writing is a great way to help children develop a range of writing skills, from narrative to opinion and persuasive to informational. Keeping a journal also allows students to ...

  10. Grade 3 Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    Featured Grade 3 Prompts Lists. The Journal Buddies 3rd grade writing prompts collection offers you thousands of FREE writing prompts to use with your student writers. Please share them with your kids, students, colleagues, friend, family… and on social media. I appreciate it!

  11. 25 Great Grade 3 Writing Prompts

    How Night Zookeeper can help. Night Zookeeper makes writing fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve! Our language arts program for kids includes thousands of award-winning writing activities, from creative writing prompts, to interactive lessons, to writing games that your child will love! Sign up today and get a 7-day FREE trial!

  12. 10 Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

    Third Grade Prompts. The PTA is going to award a "Best Relative of the Year Award" in the spring. Every student is allowed to suggest one person to receive the award - a parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, sister, or other relative. Write a letter to the PTA and tell them why they should pick your relative to win the award.

  13. Teaching Your Third Grader to Write an Opinion Essay

    Look at a third-grade opinion rubric. Select a topic and write three short essays about it. Write one essay that clearly qualifies as an excellent essay; one that meets the requirements of a good essay, and one that is a poor essay. This will not take long because third-grade essays are usually not very long. 2.

  14. Looking at Writing: Third Grade

    Third graders can write an essay with a simple thesis statement, examples and supporting details, and a thoughtful concluding sentence. They are building skills in the writing process — research, planning, organizing, revising , and editing (with help from teachers and peers).

  15. 70+ Dynamic 3rd Grade Writing Prompts

    Using 3rd grade writing prompts the right way might be what inspires a student's writing. Choose one of these prompts to get them started on the right path!

  16. Expository Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade: 43 Great Ideas

    3. Explain the reasons why people should avoid junk food. 4. Think of a person that you admire a lot. Explain why he or she is so special to you. 5. Explain to your teacher why you deserve to pass to the next grade level. 6. Think about the strategies that good readers implement as they read.

  17. 51 Narrative Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade: Great Ideas

    narrative writing prompts for 3rd grade. 21. Draft a story about yourself as the hero. 22. Retell a memory about doing a science experiment. 23. Write about the best birthday celebration you've every had. 24.

  18. 30 Fun 3rd Grade Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    3rd Grade Writing Prompts on Compassion and Charity— Third grade is a big year for many students—they're finally older than the "little kids," but they're still not quite old enough to be considered "tweens" or the "middle school kids.". As a result, the third grade can be an important year of reflection, self-awareness, and ...

  19. 51 Great Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

    10. Persuade your sibling to play a board game with you. persuasive writing prompts for 3rd grade. 11. Children should be able to go to bed at whatever time they want. 12. Persuade your mom/dad to let you open a gift one day before your birthday. 13.

  20. 51 Awesome Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade Students

    These third grade opinion writing prompts promote critical thinking, highlight how students feel regarding certain topics, plus encourage learners to develop writing skills. So whether you're preparing for state testing or just want to assess students' writing growth, schedule into your writer's workshop plans this week a few of these ...

  21. 33 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

    33 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade. An opinion is your personal way of feeling. It is not based on facts, but rooted in your own personal knowledge and beliefs. Your opinion can be shaped by your life experiences and those around you. Opinions can change and evolve over time, or they can stay the same. Everyone has their own opinion, and ...

  22. Printable 3rd Grade Informative Essay Structure Worksheets

    Worksheet. Informational Outlines 3. Worksheet. Magnify an MVP. Worksheet. 1. Browse Printable 3rd Grade Informative Essay Structure Worksheets. Award winning educational materials designed to help kids succeed. Start for free now!

  23. 10 Excellent Creative Writing Topics for Grade 3

    Third Grade Creative Writing Topics List — Writing prompts are a wonderful tool to help inspire and get young students writing regularly and to jumpstart their self-expression. Now, with these 10 excellent creative writing topics for grade 3 students, you can encourage your kids to think and write outside the box. So get to it and take a look now. Oh yeah!