5 paragraph essay prompts for middle school

Writing Prompts

150 Writing Prompts For Middle School (+Free Printable)

Make writing fun and easy, with these 150 writing prompts for middle school students.

The more you write, the better you become at writing. But the problem is not all middle schoolers enjoy writing. There’s always something better to do, playing video games , watching YouTube videos , hanging with friends , lazing about the house – Why bother writing, right? The trick is to understand that even the smallest piece of writing can make a huge difference in a student’s attitude towards writing.

If you unload too many lengthy assignments, such as writing 1,000 words on topic X or 3,000 about something, something – Writing can seem like a long, boring chore for some students. But if you break it down, and mix it up a bit, then your students have a real chance of actually liking writing for fun. Think of creating small writing tasks that take no longer than around 10 or 15 minutes to complete. As students complete these small tasks with ease, their confidence will grow, eventually turning them into avid young writers.

To help inspire and motivate young writers, we have created this list of 150 quick and easy writing prompts for Middle School students. Keep reading for a free printable writing pack for middle schoolers as well! Here is a quick generator that will generate a random middle school prompt for you:

For more fun writing ideas, check out this list of over 300 writing prompt for kids .

150 Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

This list of prompts is great for whenever your middle-schooler is bored and needs some quick ideas to write about:

Make a list of at least three different opening lines for this story idea: A space knight living in outer space wants to fight a real fire-breathing dragon.
Complete this sentence in at least three different ways: When I’m bored, I like to…
Draw a picture of your dream house, and describe some of the coolest features it has.
Make a top ten list of the scariest animals in the animal kingdom. You could even write down one scary fact about each animal.
Write an acrostic poem using the letters that spell z-o-m-b-i-e.
Describe the scariest monster that you can think of. You could even draw a picture of it.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: My goal for the next month is to…
Make a top ten list of your favourite foods of all time. You could even write down one reason for why each food is your favourite.
Create your own A-Z book or list of monsters. For A is for Abominable Snowman, B is for Bogeyman and so on.
Research and write down five facts about an endangered species of your choice. Examples of endangered species include the blue whale, giant pandas, snow leopards and tigers.
Create a postcard for your local town or city. What picture would you draw on the front? And what message could you include on the back?
Write an acrostic poem using the letters that spell out your own first name. This poem could be about yourself.
Make a top ten list of your favourite movies of all time.
Make a top ten list of your favourite songs of all time.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways. When I grow up I want to…
Which is your favourite season, Winter , Spring , Summer or Autumn? Write a haiku poem about your favourite season.
Create a party invite for a dinner party at your house. Think about the party theme, entertainment, food and dress code.
Write down a recipe that uses eggs as one of the ingredients.
Write a how-to guide on how to take care of a kitten or puppy.
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends? Start by making a list of activities that you do on the weekend. Then you can pick one to write about in more detail.
Using a photograph (or one of these picture writing prompts ), write a short caption or description to go alongside it.
Imagine you are the owner of a new restaurant. Create a menu of the dishes you will serve at this restaurant.
What has been the best part of your day so far? And what has been the worst part of the day?
Imagine that you have a time machine. What year would you travel to and why?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
If you could keep one dinosaur as a pet, which dinosaur would you pick and why?
Write down everything you remember from a recent nightmare that you had.
What is your favourite country in the whole wide world? List at least five fun facts about this country.
Make a list of at least 3 different story ideas about aliens.
Create a character description of the world’s most evil supervillains.
What is your greatest achievement to date? What are you most proud of and why?
Write an action-packed scene that contains the following: A car chase, a lucky pair of socks and a talking parrot.
What advice would you give to someone who is being bullied? You could make a list of at least three pieces of advice that you might give.
Imagine you are stuck on a desert island. Write a diary entry of your first day on the island.
Imagine you are a pirate sailing the seven seas. Talk about the scariest thing you faced while out at sea.
You just discovered a new planet . Can you describe this new planet in detail? What would you call it? Does any life exist on the planet? What type of climate does it have?
Would you rather have a magical unicorn as a pet or a fire-breathing dragon?
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: One day I was walking through the forest and discovered…
Write a letter to your friend about a favourite memory you have of them. You can use the following starter as inspiration: Remember that time…
Make a list of book title ideas for a story about a girl who can go invisible whenever she wants.
A talking cat is fast asleep, then suddenly someone wakes it up. Write down a short script between the cat, and the person arguing.
What is the nicest thing that anyone has done for you recently?
Make a list of 10 online safety tips to help you stay safe online.
Can you think of at least 5 ways to prevent climate change in your daily life?
Make a list of your top ten favourite books of all time.
Think about a movie that you’ve seen recently. What did you enjoy most about this movie, and what did you dislike about it?
You are just about to take a bite of an apple. And then suddenly the apple starts screaming. What do you do next?
Describe a magical forest in great detail. What makes this forest so magical?
Write a super scary scene, using the following starter: As I walked into the haunted house…
What is your greatest fear? Is it possible to ever overcome this fear? If so, how would you do it?
Make a list of at least five things you like about yourself. And then make a list of five things that you would change about yourself.
What would the perfect day look like for you? How would it start? What activities would you do? And how does it end?
You are standing in the playground when you hear two of your classmates making fun of your best friend. What do you do next?
A young boy yells at his pet eagle to fly away into the wild. The eagle does not respond. Write down this scene between the two characters in great detail.
Describe a pencil in the greatest detail possible.
Create your own superhero character. What are their strengths and superpowers? What about their weaknesses? Also, think of a cool superhero name for them!
What is your dream job? What skills and traits do you need to do this job well?
Imagine that you have had the worst day ever. Write down what happened to make it so bad.
What is your favourite colour? Now write a short rhyming poem about this colour.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for and why? Wishing for extra wishes is not allowed.
Write an action-packed scene of a lion chasing a zebra in the wild from the perspective of the lion.
Imagine you own a video gaming company. Your task is to come up with a new video game idea. Explain this new video game idea in detail.
What would you do if you were given $1 million dollars?
What is your favourite hobby or interest? Can you provide at least five tips for beginners who might be interested in starting this hobby?
Make a top ten list of your favourite celebrities or YouTube stars.
Write the opening paragraph of a fairytale about a zombie prince who has returned from the dead.
Write an alternative ending to a fairytale that you are familiar with. For example, you could write a sad ending for Cinderella or a cliff-hanger style ending for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Write down a conversation in a script format between two people waiting for the bus at a bus stop.
Would you rather get abducted by aliens, or discover a magical portal to another realm in your bedroom? Explain your answer.
Write a shape poem about your favourite food in the shape of this food.
If you had to prepare for a zombie invasion, which three items would you pack in your bag, and why?
Describe the most beautiful garden in the world in detail. What type of flowers would it have? Would it have any garden furniture?
You receive a strange parcel in the middle of the night. You open the parcel to discover… Write down at least one paragraph of what you discover in the parcel.
Use the word, ‘Stampede’ in at least three different sentences.
Complete the following metaphor in at least three different ways: Your smile is like…
Describe the city of the future. What would the buildings look like? How will people travel? What kind of homes will people live in?
What is Marie Curie (the physicist) famous for? Research and write down five facts about her research and studies.
You have just been made leader of the Kingdom of Kinloralm. As the leader, what rules would you set for the kingdom? Make a list of at least 10 rules that you will enforce.
A witch has cast a spell on you. Every night at midnight, you turn into a werewolf. Describe this transformation in great detail. What does it feel like when you are transforming? How does your skin change? What about your teeth and fingernails?
Using the following starter , write at least one paragraph: When I look outside the window…
After a deep sleep, you wake up to find yourself locked inside a cage. No one else is around. What do you do next?
You keep on having the same nightmare every night. In your nightmare, you are running as fast as you can, and then you suddenly fall. When you turn around you see… Write at least one paragraph about what you see.
Write down at least 10 interview questions that you can ask your favourite celebrity. If you have time, you can even write down the potential answers to these questions from the perspective of the celebrity.
Write a how-to guide on how to grow tomatoes at home.
Make a list of at least five tips for keeping your bedroom clean.
Would you rather drive the fastest car on Earth for one hour or own a custom-made bicycle? Explain your choice.
Write a limerick poem about an old snail.
Find something in your room that begins with the letter, ‘R’, and write a paragraph describing this object in detail.
Research the history of how the first mobile phone was invented. Create a timeline of mobile phone inventions from the very first mobile to the current time.
If you were the headteacher of your school, what changes would you make and why? Try to list and describe at least three changes.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of having access to the internet? Try to think of at least five benefits and five drawbacks.
Write about the best day of your life so far. Then write about the worst day of your life so far.
Imagine that you are an agony aunt for a newspaper. A reader has written to you with the following problem: Dear Agony Aunt, I have no friends at school. And my classmates are always making fun of me… What advice would you give this reader?
Imagine that you are a salesperson. Your task is to sell a new chocolate bar to customers. Write down a sales pitch that was selling this chocolate bar. What features would you highlight? What are the benefits of this chocolate bar?
Can you complete the following sentence in three different ways: When I feel upset, I …
What is the most difficult part about being in middle school? What is the best part of middle school?
Imagine that your best friend has just revealed a huge secret. How would you react? Write down a script of the conversation between you and your best friend.
Have you learned any new skills recently? How did you learn these?
Imagine you are sitting at a dinner party with a group of strangers. Describe the atmosphere in great detail. Who are you sitting next to? What sort of conversations are the other guests having? What food is being served?
Five years from now, where will you be? Will you be the same person? How would you have changed?
Write about your plans for the weekend.
Describe a day in the life of being a goldfish in a fishbowl at a pet shop.
While at the seaside, a message in a bottle washes up onto the shore. You open the bottle and read the message. The message reads: Help Me! I’m stranded on an island! What do you do next?
A mother and her son are baking some muffins in the kitchen. Write down a conversation that they might have while they bake together.
Make a list of indoor activities you can do when it’s raining outside. Try to think of at least ten activities.
Write down a diary entry from the perspective of an alien secretly living undercover on Earth.
Write at least three different opening lines for the following story idea: A king needs to keep his kingdom safe from the ravenous trolls that come out at night.
Imagine you are a secret agent cat, write about your most recent mission.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: If I could change the world, I would…
If you could program a robot, what tasks would you program it to do, and why?
Imagine you are the owner of a toy shop. Your task is to hire some toy makers. Write a job description for a toymaker. Think about the skills and traits required to become a toymaker.
You are the owner of a zoo. Suddenly you hear people screaming as the lions are accidentally released. What do you do next?
Your future self comes from the future to warn you about something. Write a conversation that you would have with your future self.
If you had a choice to become a superhero or a supervillain, which one would you be and why?
Can you think of at least three things that no one knows about you? Why have you kept these things a secret?
During a science experiment, you mix up the wrong chemicals. The liquid turns blue and jumps out of the glass container. It then slides into your backpack. What do you do next?
Write down at least five things that you are grateful for in your life right now.
You notice some strange footprints in your backyard leading to your shed. You follow these footprints and discover…
When was the last time someone upset you or hurt your feelings? How did they hurt your feelings? Do you remember what was said?
You walk inside a magic shop. You see all sorts of weird and fun things. Describe the inside of the shop in as much detail as possible.
Write at least three different opening lines for the following story idea: A young werewolf wants to be a human again.
Make a list of three different story ideas about dragons.
Write from the perspective of a kite flying high in the sky. Think about what you feel, see and hear.
Write about your favourite subject at school. Why do you like this subject?
Write a haiku poem about the full moon.
Imagine you are the manager of a TV channel. Make a list of at least three new TV show ideas you can air on Saturday evening.
You find a baby alien in your basement. What do you do next?
Think of at least three newspaper headlines for the following article idea: The new mayor of your town/city is planning on creating more homes.
Imagine that your pet dog has gone missing. Create a missing poster to find your dog. Remember to describe any important details relating to the dog in your power.
Write an advertisement for the brand new mixer 3000. It mixes all the best music tracks with sounds to create the ultimate track.
Write down three sentences. One of something interesting that happened to you today. Another of something positive that happened. And finally another sentence of something negative.
Write down four different character descriptions. Each character must have a different background story or history when growing up.
Imagine you had a terrible experience at a restaurant. Write a complaint letter to the restaurant manager, outlining the problems you had.
Imagine your family is planning to go on a cruise. As you drive to the boat, a person walks up to your car window, holds up a flyer, and demands that they do what they were told. What is your family’s reply?
As you’re making your way home, you pass by a group of people. It turns out the person who was walking next to them is a ghost. What do you do next?
Your best friend has had a terrible year. You need to plan the best birthday party ever for them. Make a list of items that you will need for the party.
Using the 5 W’s and 1 H technique, outline the following newspaper article idea: A new breed of wolves was discovered nearby. The 5 W’s include: What, Where, When, Who and why. The one H is How.
Write a positive self-talk poem, using the following starter: I am…
Take a recent picture that you have drawn at home or during art class. Using this picture, can you think of at least three ideas for stories from it?
How can you prevent bullying in your school? Make a list of at least five different ways to prevent bullying.
Write a list of at least 10 interview questions that you can ask your favourite teacher at school. If you want, you can actually ask these questions and write down the responses your teacher gives.
Describe a day in the life of being a mouse that lives in your school.
What qualities to look for in a friend? Make a list of at least 3 qualities. Also, think about what qualities you try to avoid.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: When I wake up in the morning, I feel…
Do you ever wish you could do more to help people? Make a list of at least five ways you can help a friend who is going through a tough time.
When was the last time you felt angry? How did you deal with this anger? Do you think it is okay to be angry all the time?
Write down at least three predictions for the future. These predictions can be personal or about the world. You can use the following starter: In 10 years time…
Do you enjoy writing? If yes, then what kind of things do you enjoy writing about. Explain your answer.
Think about the last book you read. Which scene in the book stood out to you the most? Why did it stand out for you?
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: The biggest question on my mind right now is…

What did you think of this list of quick and easy writing prompts for Middle School students? Did you find this list useful or difficult to use? Let us know in the comments below!

Printable Writing Pack for Middle Schoolers

Thank you for reading this post! You can download the free PDF writing prompts for Middle School students pack here .

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

February 15, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

Here are 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students, when looking to engage middle school students in daily writing, it can be difficult to come up with enough creative yet educationally meaningful prompts to fill the school year. That’s why I was thrilled to uncover an incredible list of over 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students. With about 180 school days, this mega list of prompts could last nearly two school years without repeating! As a middle school teacher striving to make writing fun while also pushing my students to think deeper, stretch their perspectives, and grow their skills, I appreciate prompts tuned specifically to 11-14 year olds on topics that resonate with their developmental stage and experiences.

The list has prompts spanning popular middle school genres and themes ranging from relationships with friends, family, teachers, and community; to personal growth around emotions, hardships, ethics, and decision making; to navigating their changing identity and society around them. Examples that caught my eye include: “How can peers positively stand up to bullying?” and “What leadership lesson challenged you?” Imagine how students will light up responding to prompts that speak their language and tap into what they care about! With 300 on deck, I can target different skills and rotate in new prompts easily. This treasury of writing ideas unlocks an exciting year ahead!

These prompts are organized in the following categories:

On Relationships

On technology, on emotions.

Issues in Schools
Entertainment
On Hero/Role Models
Write about what being a good friend means to you.
Describe your best friend and what makes your relationship special.
Write about a time a friend disappointed you. What happened and how did you handle it?
What is the best advice about friendship you have ever received? Who gave you the advice?
Describe a time you and your friend had an argument. How did you resolve it? What did you learn?
What qualities do you look for in choosing friends? Explain why those qualities are important.
What is your favorite memory with your best friend? What happened that makes it so memorable?
Should friends always agree with each other? Explain your opinion using an example from your life.
Write about a person who has been a mentor for you. How have they impacted your life?
Describe how you balance time between family and friends. Give examples.
Do you find making new friends easy or hard? Discuss a time you made a new friend.
Explain three qualities that make someone a good family member. Provide examples from your experiences.
Describe your relationship with your siblings or extended family members. Use examples.
Should family always come before friends? Discuss why or why not using examples from your experiences.
Write about a family tradition or ritual you have. Why is it meaningful to you?
How can families best support teenagers? What is something you wish your family understood better?
Have you ever had a teacher that was an important mentor for you? If yes, describe how they supported you.
Describe an adult aside from your family who has been a positive influence on you. Explain how they have helped you.
Do teachers have lasting impacts on students? Describe one of your teachers who inspired you.
Write about a figure you admire but do not personally know, like a celebrity, author, or athlete. Explain why you admire them.
Describe a disagreement you witnessed between two people. How did each handle it? Who handled it better in your view?
Think of someone you had a disagreement with in the past. Looking back, how could you have handled it better?
Why is it important to admit when you are wrong? Describe a situation when you had to admit you were wrong. What was it like?
Write about a time you compromised with someone who had an opposing view from yours. How did you find common ground? What did you learn?
Do you find it easy or difficult to get along with people different from you? Explain using examples.
How can people move past stereotypes? Share a time when you or someone else overcame a stereotype.
Describe a situation where jealousy impacted a friendship or relationship. What damage did it cause? What did you learn?
Why is trust so essential in relationships? Describe the building or breaking of trust in one of your relationships.
What have you learned from both good and bad relationships? How have those lessons shaped how you interact with people?
How do you define respect? Write about a time when respect was present or absent from a relationship.
Describe a time when words were very hurtful or healing in a relationship. What impact did this have on you?
Think about a relationship that is difficult. How could you act to improve it?
Write about a stranger who did a kind deed for you or someone else. How did this small act of kindness make a difference?
Should people give second chances? Share a story from your own life on second chances.
For what reasons do conflicts happen between family or friends? Share a personal story.
How can people prevent or resolve conflicts between each other? Share a time when conflict was prevented or resolved positively.
Think about a relationship that recently improved. What specifically changed for the better? What can be learned?
What does it mean to truly listen to someone? Why is listening skills important in relationships? Give an example.
Choose one word to describe each member of your family and explain why you chose those words.
What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do and what do you enjoy most? Explain.
If you had the chance to give advice to a good friend right now, what would it be and why?
What goals can people set to become better friends or family members? What’s one goal you have set for yourself?
Who do you turn to when you have problems? Why have you chosen to talk to this person/people?
Should we forgive friends or family who lie to us? Share your thoughts and experiences with forgiveness.
Is it ever okay to keep secrets from friends or family? Explain why or why not.
What does “being responsible” with friendships and family relationships mean to you? Give examples.
Do you think rules should be different for friends than family? Explain your thoughts with examples.
Describe a time you felt support from your friends or family during a difficult situation.
For you, what is the difference between a close friend and an acquaintance? Give examples from your life.
Explain why friendships and family relationships should be valued and prioritized. Use personal examples.
Describe your extended family like grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. How often do you see them? What do you enjoy about those relationships?
What traditions or rituals does your family have? Why are they meaningful?
Has a relative ever given you great advice? What was it and why was it helpful?
How can families best support pre-teens and teenagers? What do you wish your parents understood better?
What qualities make someone a good brother or sister? Do you think you have those qualities? Explain.
Describe your mom, dad, or another caregiver’s personality. What are 3 great qualities they have?
If you had magical abilities, what problem would you solve for a family member? Why?
What does “unconditional love” mean to you? Describe how your family shows love.
Should parents be friends with their kids? Explain your view using examples and reasons.
How should parents handle teens who break rules or make poor choices? Discuss their responsibilities.
Describe one of your favorite memories with your family. What happened that makes it extra special?
For what reasons do conflicts happen in families? Share a story from your own family.
How can families prevent or resolve conflicts positively? Share a time your family resolved a conflict well.
If you could add a new family rule, what would it be and why? Would others agree it’s needed? Explain.
What does being a good listener mean in your family? Provide a time when good listening skills were helpful at home.
Describe one issue your parents had to compromise on while raising you and your siblings. Explain their perspectives.
What is one clue that a family member needs extra support? Describe a time you or someone else needed support.
How can trust be built, lost, or repaired in families? Provide a personal example.
What does “respect” require inside families? Describe how your family shows respect or could improve.
Share an example of how your family cooperates and supports one another. Why is this important?
How can families balance personal interests with responsibilities to the family unit or household? Give examples.
Have religious or spiritual beliefs impacted your family positively? Explain how.
What does “forgiveness” require in families? Describe someone forgiving or being forgiven. What was the outcome?
Is venting anger appropriately important in families? Share an example from your household.
What is one problem you think many families struggle with? Explain ideas for how to address this issue.
What is a rule that has helped create order or safety in your home? Why was it needed?
How do parents model good behavior for their children without realizing it? Give examples you’ve observed.
Write about an annoyance or frustration you have experienced with a parent, guardian, or sibling. How have you worked through this issue?
Explain why keeping promises and commitments to family matters. Provide a related example.
What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do that brings you together?
Should families pray or perform spiritual rituals together? Explain why this can be meaningful or not needed.
Is getting advice from elders important? Share an example of getting advice from your parents or grandparents.
How can parents and kids better understand each other’s perspectives? Explain with a personal example.
Describe one house rule you did not understand as a younger kid. Now that you are older, does it make more sense? Explain.
How should parents educate kids about racism or discrimination? Discuss using personal examples or observations.
Do you make friends easily outside your family? Explain how your family gives you confidence or holds you back socially.
What quality about your parents inspires you to be like them? Explain using examples.
What is one thing you wish you and your siblings would stop fighting about? Why does this issue cause problems? What could improve it?
Describe one thing you argue about a lot with your sibling(s) and one thing you get along well doing together. Compare the two relationship dynamics.
Explain one of your family’s funny little habits or traditions outsiders would find interesting or strange. Where did it originate?
For what reasons are family relationships often complicated? Share an example from personal experience.
If a new kid was joining your family as an adopted sibling, what advice would you give him or her about fitting into your established household?
Should parents give kids advice about friendship or let them learn those skills independently? Discuss, backing your view with reasoning.
Describe an ethical dilemma or complex problem your family faced together. How did working through it strengthen relationships? What did family members learn about each other?
How can parents and kids respect each other’s privacy? Discuss setting boundaries while still providing guidance.
How might experiencing hard times like illness, grief, job loss, etc. bring a family closer together? Describe a difficulty that ultimately strengthened bonds between your family members rather than weakening them.
Even in difficult or complex family relationships, what makes the bond stronger than conflict? Explain why you think family ties still endure.
Even if family relationships are challenging or imperfect, why work to understand versus give up on each other? Provide evidence that trying leads in a positive direction.
When do you think parents should stop influencing adult children’s choices? Explain where the line should be drawn and why.
What have you learned from your parents’ strengths and weaknesses? How will you carry these lessons into your future as an adult?
What is your favorite app or website? Describe what you like about it.
Explain 3 responsible ways you use the internet and social media.
Should there be laws about how people your age use the internet? Why or why not?
Describe when it’s okay or not okay to share information or photos online.
Write about a time technology like GPS maps or the internet really helped you or someone you know.
Explain why spending too much time on devices can be unhealthy. Provide evidence.
Describe problems or distractions technology like cell phones can cause at school. Should policies be made to address this issue?
How is communicating online and via text different from talking face-to-face? Include pros and cons of each.
Stories are spreading about technology like virtual reality. Describe what you think virtual reality will be like someday based on current information.
Do you think technology brings people together more than it isolates them? Use reasons and evidence to back your opinion.
How does the internet make researching for school easier and harder at the same time? Explain with examples from experience.
Write about a time technology failed to work properly. What problems did it cause? What was the backup plan to address needs?
How have smart phones impacted how youth and adults spend leisure time? Explain pros and cons.
Describe an app that helps make people’s lives easier somehow. Explain its standout features.
What are ways social media connects people positively? Also discuss risks and how to use social media responsibly.
Should everyone have access to affordable home internet? Explain pros and cons of internet access becoming an essential utility provided via programs for low income families.
Discuss an innovative medical technology that improves healthcare. How exactly does it help doctors treat patients better?
Would receiving instruction through technology at home some days help students learn? Explain the possibilities and challenges you envision.
How have delivery drones and self-driving vehicles started changing the way people transport items? Describe what future possibilities exist to revolutionize transportation.
Explain how smartphones both waste and make the best use of people’s time. Provide evidence.
How do various communication methods impact trust and relationships between people both positively and negatively? Cite examples.
Should schools invest in providing laptops or tablets to each student for learning? Explain reasoning using pros and cons.
How does advancing technology like electric cars, solar power, etc. positively and negatively impact the environment now and in the foreseeable future?
How have smartphones changed people’s behaviors for better or worse? Provide evidence from real world observations.
Should youth be on social media? At what age is appropriate? Cite reasons.
How does the online world impact body image perceptions? Discuss using observations or evidence. Provide solutions.
Explain pros and cons you see regarding video games’ impacts on things like kids’ brains, creativity, social skills, and values.
Discuss positive and concerning impacts highly advanced robotics may have on jobs, the economy, how people treat each other in relationships, self-worth and identity when more labor becomes automated.
How can the internet and connected technology increase existing inequities? Offer ideas to responsibly address this concern.
Explain why developing future technology sustainably matters. Provide examples like electric car batteries, solar panels, etc.
Should tech CEOs or companies do more about issues like device addiction? What exactly should change?
How does immediate access to so much information impact how people view issues? Explain how quality versus quantity of data impacts judgments made. Cite real world examples like politics, news stories, etc.
Discuss ways technology harms or helps entertainment quality and enjoyment like movies, shows, music, etc. Compare changes you see over time as innovation progresses.
How does the internet impact the spread of truth versus lies? Describe how credibility should be evaluated.
What existing technology truly excites you? Explain what you find interesting and innovative about it.
Share what harm has occurred when people use technology irresponsibly. Also discuss fixes to address concerns you see being neglected.
Should schools better educate students about using technology safely and wisely? Explain importance.
Discuss technology’s influence during an election. Consider media, voter engagement, political messaging, etc. Are changes mostly beneficial or concerning in your view? Explain.
Explain why websites and apps should value user privacy and security. What should companies transparently share and responsibly protect?
Has social media made peers kinder or less sensitive to each other? Explain your observations and solutions.
How does always on the go device access impact family relationships? Provide positives and hints for avoiding pitfalls.
How does being constantly plugged in emotionally impact people over time based on your observations?
Discuss an existing technology that worries you. Explain problems it fuels. What regulations could responsibly and ethically decrease harm?
How does social media impact mental health? Support your perspectives with observations, credible research sources, and possible solutions.
Share why empathy remains important even as technology progresses. Provide real world evidence supporting your claim.
Discuss how smartphones both hurt and help people fully live “in the moment.” Use personal examples and suggestions.
Explain effective tactics for determining if online content and interactions are credible versus manipulative or false. Cite real world examples like clickbait ads. What tips do you recommend?
Describe pros and cons of computers grading students’ writing versus teacher feedback. Which approach is better in your opinion? Support perspectives with reasoning.
How does always on technology impact people’s sense of wonder, curiosity to learn new things the old fashioned way, and ability to have insight? Provide observations.
What existing or emerging technology do you believe is getting too little or too much hype? Explain reasoning using evidence and examples.
Describe a time when you felt really proud. Why did this accomplishment make you feel that way?
When was the last time you felt grateful? What happened that made you appreciate something or someone?
Write about a situation where your emotions felt out of control. How did you eventually handle them?
What calms you down when feeling nervous or worried? Explain step-by-step what helps you.
What does courage feel like to you? Describe a situation where facing your fears made you braver.
Share about a hardship or failure after which you felt resilience. What gave you strength during the tough time?
Describe a memory where curiosity led to a fun adventure, interesting discovery, or new understanding.
What sparks your sense of joy or happiness most? Paint a picture with words sharing what that feels like.
How can friends show kindness to classmates who feel left out or lonely at school?
What should someone do when social media interactions stir up feelings like anger or envy? Explain smart strategies.
How might words impact someone’s self-worth without the speaker realizing it? Provide examples.
How can overcoming a challenge build grit to handle future tough situations emotionally? Recall a time this happened for you or someone else.
What values guide your life choices? Where did those become important to you?
How can students show more empathy and compassion at school? Provide examples.
How do responsibilities like chores influence attitudes and maturity levels? Explain using personal experience.
What action should people take if they witness bullying? Offer solutions.
Should students notify an adult if a peer’s joke goes too far emotionally? Explain why or why not.
How do colors impact someone’s mood? Describe colors that tend to make you feel peaceful, energized, cheerful, etc. and why.
What makes someone feel understood? Describe mindsets and behaviors that convey acceptance of others’ feelings.
Is letting anger out always required? Why or why not? Offer healthy strategies for processing anger.
Which is more important – self-confidence or self-awareness? Support your choice with sound reasoning.
How can students respect differences in learning abilities, cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, etc.? Provide positive examples.
Describe mindsets kids should avoid like blaming others for disappointments vs. taking responsibility for choices.
What advice would you offer someone who feels marginalized for being different like nationality, disability, etc?
Is perfectionism about looks and grades harmful? Explain problems and smarter mindsets to feel good enough.
How can families show members they matter through simple gestures like greeting questions, eye contact, etc?
Should people give second chances? Share why this does or does not make sense in certain relationships or situations.
When has a pet’s companionship lifted your spirits? Paint an upbeat picture sharing that memory.
Recount a time laughter healed hurt feelings between family or friends. What humor techniques restore connection?
Coach someone from your own past on building self-esteem despite mean kid behavior. Offer concrete empowering strategies.
How can students incorporate more emotional intelligence on social media? Consider acts of exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
Provide examples of tone and body language that convey trust and acceptance of someone venting feelings. Offer additional tips.
Share how music enriches your life emotionally. Pick a song that impacts your mood and explain why.
Should people give compliments just to be nice? Explain pros and cons of this using personal examples.
How can focusing on gratitude, blessings, self-care, etc. safeguard mental health when undergoing stress? Discuss research-backed techniques.
Recount a time you put yourself in someone else’s shoes during a tense interaction. How did trying to understand them positively transform empathy?
Coach a shy student on making a tough social situation better through small acts of kindness. Provide uplifting guidance.
Suggest healthy emotional habits students should build to handle future challenges like first jobs, college, adulthood, etc.
How can recess sports and games nurture social skills like teamwork, good sportsmanship, managing disappointment after losses, etc.? Use examples.
Should students speak up about wrong assumptions peers make regarding diverse groups? Politely clarify truth to dispel stereotypes. Use examples.
Pick an emotion like awe, angst, delight, despair, wrath, bliss, etc. and paint a vivid personal picture where you felt that way.
How can social media interactions demonstrate more emotional intelligence? Consider exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
When is it acceptable to hide feelings to spare someone pain versus speak truth with compassion? Explain where lines should be drawn.
How can focusing on society’s past moral progress fuel present optimism? Discuss using civil rights victories, democracy wins, etc.
Recount a time swallowing pride strengthened a valuable relationship. What wisdom did you gain?
How do fair leaders appeal to citizens’ highest ideals rather than stoke dark emotions like blame, fear, etc.? Share real examples like Lincoln.
Paint an inspirational picture of society lifting up youth wired to live meaningfully versus seek fleeting thrills. What specifically makes their lives shine?
How can rules promote ethical, wise digital community behavior versus thoughtless harm? Consider implementing guidelines for more supportive interactions.
Paint an inspirational picture of people uniting across political divides to solve real problems jeopardizing emotional and physical health like addiction, poverty, human trafficking, etc.
Recount a time you transformed hurt into helpfulness or comfort for someone else grappling with hardship. What emotional tools and insights can uplift both giver and receiver?

Issues in School

Describe a challenging project and how you completed it successfully.
Explain why cheating on schoolwork is unethical. Have you dealt with a cheater? Discuss honestly.
Share about a teacher who inspired you to work hard. Traits? Qualities? Teaching style? How were they excellent?
Tell how you improved at something that was difficult at first like sports, music, math, etc. Hard work pays off!
Pick an ethical dilemma at school and explore solutions. Consider rights, rules, safety, fairness.
Discuss pros and cons of letter grades verses pass/fail evaluation systems. Which promotes actual learning?
Describe obstacles when group projects frustrate and solutions teachers could try instead.
How do pressures like getting into college impact student priorities? Reflect on whether the tradeoffs are worth it.
Discuss technology’s impact on school both positively and concerningly. Consider distraction, behavior, values, etc. Share ideas.
How can teachers and students unite when controversial real-world issues arise in class conversations? Explore respectful solutions.
What should teachers say and allow regarding politics, religion, activism etc.? Explain appropriate policies and ethical reasoning.
How can school sports best prevent injury? Consider health risks of head trauma, ACL tears, etc. Offer student perspective on rule changes, gear requirements, rest guidelines etc. needed to protect players.
Describe an ethical way you used tech for schoolwork versus a rule you’d add to curb misconduct. Consider cheating potential, theft, privacy invasions, harmful uses, etc. and consequences.
Discuss public school funding debates. Consider formulas, competing priorities, misperceptions, pros/cons of programs cut or supplemented by parent fundraising. Should policies shift? Why/why not?
How should schools handle mental health crises? Consider stress, anxiety, depression, trauma’s impacts. Discuss counseling, staff training needs etc. Destigmatize struggles!
How might school safety improve? Consider emergency protocols, building modifications, security roles, technology aids. Balance protection with warm environments.
What extracurricular activities matter most to you? Explore their life lessons like teamwork, resilience, commitment. Fund programs empowering students.
Discuss controversies around school uniforms and dress codes. Consider disciplinary fairness, cost factors, Pros? Cons? Alternatives?
How can students improve school spirit? Consider event turnout, community service participation etc. Share fun ideas!
Describe a great teacher. Traits? Qualities? Teaching Style? Why were they excellent? How did they inspire students?
Share a time good writing instruction made ah-ha connections for you. What teaching approach finally demystified skills? How does this help adults see school positively?
Discuss positive side effects when youth pitch service projects. Consider impacts on agency, purpose, skill-building.
How can peers positively stand up to bullying? Consider strategies matching context like severity, ages, power imbalances, supervision etc. Apply compassion.
What career discovery approach best serves students? Consider guest talks, job shadows, project relevance etc. How can exploration pair with current coursework?
Should cash incentivize good grades? Consider pros, cons and alternative motivations.
How might better nutrition improve school performance? Consider food quality, budget disconnects, health ripple effects.
What advice would you give struggling peers? Consider perspectives affecting motivation like learning differences, attention challenges, skill gaps, emotional blocks. Share supportive guidance.
What leadership lesson challenged you? Consider group projects, captain positions, committee roles. How can educators further grow student leadership?
Should middle schoolers use social media? Explain appropriate usage, privacy, ethics. Explore impacts face-to-face versus online communication, identity-building.
How do sports build character and community? Consider award/recognition systems also encouraging nonsport interests.
Share a time good teaching eased subject struggles. Consider learning style pairings, tutoring, visuals etc. What finally made content click? How can teachers apply such insights schoolwide?
How can students practice self-advocacy asking for help? Consider communication method pros/cons. Normalize speaking up!
How should schools handle grief support? Consider student perspectives on memorials, counseling, handlings of loss. What sensitivity helps healing?
Should cellphones be allowed in schools? Consider classroom complexities. How to responsibly integrate usage?
What career skills should schools teach? Consider financial literacy, interview tactics, job applications, workplace ethics alongside math, literature etc. Blend knowledge fields.
What homework policies best serve students and family lives? Consider hour limits, vacation blackout periods. How can schools support balance?
Should middle schoolers have recess? Consider mental health benefits balancing packed academic schedules.
How can dress codes embrace personal style without straying from professionalism? Consider flexibility for religious diversity.
What grading system most accurately reflects learning? Consider test reliance, extra credit, participation, skill gains versus deficits.
How young should career advising begin? Consider early goal-setting, age views of self/interests. What roles can teachers play?
Should community service become a graduation requirement? Consider purpose, logistics.
How can better school-parent communication occur? Consider platforms, frequency, accessibility etc. Building partnerships around the whole child matters!
Should teachers incorporate art forms into standard subjects? Consider benefits of music, visual art etc. blending into math, literature, science etc. Explore cross-disciplinary learning pros.
Pick a controversial real-world issue arising in class study. Outline respectful discussion ground rules enabling equitable idea sharing. Consider rule modification by grade.
Should schools screen students for mental health needs? Consider care connectors, warning signs role in prevention. Destigmatize support.
Should schools provide career counseling? If so, what issues should be addressed and what topics avoided? Consider student feelings discussing economic challenges.
Describe an imaginative teacher capturing learning in creative ways you enjoyed. What did their innovations teach in terms of thinking differently?
Should students evaluate teacher performance? Consider aspects like tone, control, care shown. Explore survey goals – accountability, improvement insights etc. Discuss complex power dynamics sensitively.
Is starting school days later better for health and learning? Consider research on adolescent sleep needs.
How can team and individual activities coexist in gym class Cooperatively rotating through stations enabling choices might help those loving and loathing competition. Discuss solutions valuing all skill preferences.

entertainment

What is your favorite movie and why?
What is your favorite song and why does it make you happy?
Who is your favorite singer or musical artist? Describe their music.
What is your favorite TV show? Describe the characters and plot.
If you could star in any TV show or movie, what would you choose? Why?
What is the funniest video you’ve seen? Describe what happens in it.
What is your favorite book? Describe the main character and plot.
Who is your favorite author? What do you like about the stories they write?
Describe your perfect day watching movies or TV shows. What would you watch all day?
What is your favorite smartphone or tablet app for having fun? How do you use it?
If you could attend any concert, who would you see perform live? Why?
Describe the most entertaining YouTube video you’ve seen lately.
What entertainer or celebrity would you most like to meet? What would you talk about?
Describe a time when you laughed really hard at something funny. What happened?
What is the funniest joke you’ve heard? Why did you find it so funny?
Pick three famous people you’d invite to a dinner party. Why did you choose them? What would you talk about?
Describe a time when you performed in front of an audience. How did it make you feel?
What games or activities entertain your family when you’re all together? Why do you enjoy them?
Imagine you could enter any fictional world from a book, TV show or movie. What would you choose and why?
What local attractions or amusement parks have you visited for fun day trips? Describe what you did there.
What teachers at your school make learning the most fun? Describe their teaching styles.
Describe your ideal birthday party for entertainment. What would you do? Who would you invite?
What is the best school play, concert or other performance you’ve seen? Describe it.
What do you like doing on weekends for fun?
What entertainer or celebrity do you think has the best job? Why?
Describe your favorite hobby. How did you get started doing it? What do you like about it?
What is your favorite holiday? What entertainment traditions does your family have for it?
What outdoor activities entertain you? Describe one.
If you opened your own entertainment business for kids your age, what would you offer?
When you want to relax and destress, what TV shows, music or other things do you turn to? Why are they relaxing?
How do reality talent competitions like American Idol or America’s Got Talent entertain you? Do you want to someday audition for one?
Describe your perfect entertaining day off from school. What fun would you have?
What were the best fireworks you ever saw? Describe the display.
Write a short, imaginary dialogue between you and your favorite entertainer or fictional character. What do you talk about?
What is the funniest joke you know by heart? Why can you remember this one?
Describe an entertaining family tradition or celebration your family enjoys. What happens each time? What do you like about it?
What is your favorite live event you’ve attended, like a concert, play, or sporting event? Describe it. What entertained you?
Have you ever entered a talent show or performed for an audience? Describe your act and the performance. How did you feel?
Pick three famous historical figures you’d invite to dinner and describe why you chose them and what you might talk about.
What is the most beautiful place that you have visited that made you happy? Describe what you saw and did there.
What music always makes you smile and dance? Why does it have that effect on you?
Watching movies at home or going to the movie theater – which do you prefer and why? Describe your perfect movie experience.
What were your favorite school subjects as a younger kid? What made learning fun then?
Have you ever met someone famous? Who was it? Describe the experience.
If you had the power to become a fictional character for just one day, who would you be and why? Describe some things you would do as that character.
You can have superpowers for just one whole day. What powers would you choose and how would you use them for entertainment or to help yourself and other people?
You just won front row concert tickets to see your favorite band perform live. Who is the band and how excited are you as you take your seat? Describe the incredible night.
Describe your dream vacation – where would you go, who would you take, and what fun things would you make sure to do when you get there? Make your planning committee happy!
What outdoor summer hobbies and activities do you most look forward to each year? Describe your favorites in vivid sensory detail so the reader feels like they are there with you.
What do you find entertaining that most other people probably don’t? Describe or demonstrate it and try to convince readers to give it a try!

On Hero/role Model

Who is your personal hero? Describe why you admire this person.
What qualities make someone a hero? Describe your idea of a hero.
Who in your family do you look up to the most? Explain why.
Describe a fictional character that you consider a hero. What do you admire about them?
If you could spend a day with any hero (real or fictional), who would you choose and why? Describe what you would do together.
Have you ever met someone you consider a hero? Tell about your experience.
What does being a role model mean to you? Describe someone who is a good role model.
Who is a positive role model in your community? What makes them a good role model?
Describe a time when you helped someone. Do you think that made you a role model or hero to them?
If you had a special power, how would you use it to be a hero in your town? Describe the ways you would help people.
What central traits do all heroes share? Explain some key qualities heroes have.
Explain why teachers can be everyday heroes. What makes a teacher a hero to students?
Describe a fictional superhero origin story for yourself. How did you get your powers and decide to become a hero?
Whose poster would you hang on your wall: a sports star, entertainer, historic leader, inventor, or someone else? Explain why you admire this person as a role model.
Who do you think is a hero in your family’s history? Write about one of your ancestors who inspires you.
When have you felt like a hero? Describe a time you helped someone in an important way.
What song best describes the qualities of a hero? Explain your choice.
What is the most heroic career , in your opinion? Describe why.
Have you read about an inspirational figure who overcame difficulties? Write about why their life story is heroic.
What fictional place would you want to live where you could train to become a hero? Describe your training.
Which of your friends shows heroic qualities? Share why you think they are hero material.
Describe a way you would like to help animals and become their hero.
What career would you like to have one day where you could be a hero? Explain the ways you could help people in that career.
Tell about a time you stood up for someone. Do you think that took strength or heroism?
Describe a character in book who is a good role model for teens. Explain why.
Who is your hero in sports? Why do you find them inspirational?
Have you ever written a story featuring yourself as the hero? Share some details.
What is the most courageous thing you have ever done? Why did it require courage?
Describe a way you would protect others from bullies if you could.
Explain why nurses, doctors and other medical professionals are everyday heroes.
Who is a “hometown hero” where you live and why are they admired?
What animal is your favorite hero from a movie? Explain why.
What is more important for being viewed as a hero – talent or good character? Discuss why you think so.
Describe someone at your school who you think behaves like a hero to others.
Tell about a time you exercised wisdom in a difficult situation. Does that make you feel heroic?
Design a new superhero. Describe their costume, superpowers, vehicle, mission and who they protect.
Parents often tell kids – “Be careful climbing too high or you might get hurt!” Do you think a hero would be careful or bold? Discuss why.
What 3 traits best describe a hero? Explain your choices.
How can ordinary people become heroes? Give some examples of ways everyday people have been heroic.
Pick two fictional mentors you have read about and would want to learn life lessons from about being a hero. Explain your choices.
Should people think of themselves as heroes or is it best to be humble? Discuss this idea.
What inspires you to want to make a positive difference in the world? How does this relate to being a hero?
How are teachers and students heroes for each other? Describe their heroism.
Tell about a historical hero who inspires you. Why do you look up to them?
How can music and movies motivate people to be heroes? Give examples of inspirational songs and films.
What will be the next great challenge that tomorrow’s heroes need to tackle and overcome? Speculate what that challenge might realistically be.
How can young people reveal their “inner hero” more? What would help them develop heroism?
How do images of heroes vary across different cultures? How might your idea of a hero change if you lived in another country?
Do you think there will ever be a time period that doesn’t need any heroes? Explain why you think so.
Imagine yourself at age 60 looking back – what do you hope young people say about your life that might inspire them or make them see you as a hero?

With over 300 thoughtful writing prompts for middle school students, the possibilities for sparking student engagement are endless. I’m energized imagining how students will dive into these age-appropriate topics and questions that resonate with their experiences and invite them to explore identity, relationships, responsibility, and more.

Whether it’s debating policies around technology in schools or opening up about a time they felt marginalized for being different, students will surely find prompts on this comprehensive list that interest them while also pushing their perspectives and building key literacy skills. Teachers can easily integrate these into warm-ups, journal entries, discussion springboards, and more activities.

Best of all, using so many prompts over a school year prevents repetition and boredom while allowing teachers to customize difficulty, vary formats to meet different learning styles, and scaffold writing skill development. With around 180 school days, weaving these 300 gems in daily exposes students to less redundant ideas so they sharpen a greater diversity of skills through unique responses rather than formulaic approaches. I foresee this prompting richer writing and deeper engagement that unlocks students’ potential. I can’t wait to incorporate these into my lesson planning and unit development this summer to start the year strong and set my young writers up for ongoing success! We have many more writing prompts on our site if you found these useful.

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About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry. Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

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Five-paragraph Essay Topics for Middle School

Marysia walcerz.

Five-paragraph essays are a specific writing assignment format that dictates a one-paragraph introduction, a three-paragraph body and a one-paragraph conclusion. Five-paragraph essays are a good introduction into the essay-writing format and can help middle-schoolers get accustomed to organizing their thoughts in this format. When choosing a good topic for a five-paragraph essay, consider your personal interests and the topics you've always wanted to know more about.

Explore this article

Argumentative

One type of essay that can easily fit the five-paragraph format is a report. For this type of essay, you will choose a single topic, do some basic research about it and synthesize your findings in your writing. Reports include only relevant facts about the topic, not opinions or arguments. Some topic ideas for a report-style essay could include "The Geography of India," "All About the U.S. Mint" or "Types of Dogs."

2 Persuasive

A persuasive essay aims to present evidence that sways the reader to one side of an issue. Persuasive essays rely on facts and reputable evidence to support your opinion and convince your reader that they should agree with you on a particular topic. Some persuasive essay topics include "Why Pollution is Bad for the Environment," "The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities" and "How Owning a Pet Teaches Responsibility."

A personal essay is used to look inward, letting the writer expound upon a personal experience or give information about himself. Personal essays are often written in a familiar style, different from fact-based essays, in order to draw the reader into the writer's world and evoke empathy. Some personal essay topic ideas could include, "My Trip to Another County", "Why I Enjoy Dancing," or "My Experience with the Death of my Pet."

4 Argumentative

An argumentative essay is one that presents both sides of an issue, then argues in favor of one. An argumentative essay is similar to a persuasive essay, in that the aim is to convince the reader of a particular point of view, but it also must take a neutral stance in order to present the issue as a whole before arguing in favor of one side. Some argumentative essay topics could include "Recycling: Good or Bad?" and "Video Games: Positive or Harmful?"

About the Author

Marysia Walcerz has been writing since 2008. She has been published in several compilations of artistic and philosophical work, including "Gender: Theory in Practice" and "Retold Comics." Walcerz has a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts and philosophy from The Evergreen State College.

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Home › Study Tips › Creative Writing Resources For Secondary School Students

Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

Published February 11, 2023

Creative Writing Prompts for middle school students is a fun list to help unmotivated and uninspired students use their imagination. Do you know one of the major reasons why students struggle with their writing growth is a lack of inspiration and guidance? This can result in low creative thinking leading to lower-quality work and poor confidence.

With these creative writing prompts specifically tailored to middle school students, you’ll have a starting point for your writing. There’s nothing like a spark of inspiration to get you going! Do you need more structured guidance from Oxbridge tutors to give you a massive boost in your creative writing skills? Check out our most in-demand creative writing summer school !

Are you ready to dive in and feel inspired by exciting writing prompt ideas? Read on!

The Best Writing Prompts for Middle School

Before getting started, you may want to delve deeper into some creative writing examples to get into the swing of things. If you’ve done that, then here are a few of the best writing prompts for middle school students that help spark creativity:

Who’s your favourite character in a book? Try journaling from the character’s perspective.
What topic are you passionate about? Write a persuasive essay on the topic.
Think about your favourite place on Planet Earth. Write a descriptive essay about it.
Write a story that begins with the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night.”
If you had a time machine, where you would go and what you would do.
Recall a memorable emotion or experience. Write a poem about it.
Think about a current event you find interesting. Write a news article about it.
Who would you approach if you could ask for advice from anyone, living or dead? Write them a letter.
Imagine you’re an astronaut travelling through space. Write a journal entry about your experience.
What’s one of the most memorable moments in your life? Write a personal narrative about it.
Write a short story about a character who overcomes a challenge or obstacle.
What topic did you learn about recently? Write an informative essay about it.
Write a fictional diary entry from the point of view of a historical figure.
What specific animal do you find beautiful? Write a descriptive poem about it.
Describe your hopes and dreams for the next five years via a letter to your future self.
Imagine that you are stranded on a deserted island. Write a story about your experience.
Write a scene in a play in an unusual setting.
What place would you like to visit? Write a descriptive paragraph about it.
Write a personal reflection about a significant event or experience and what you have learned from it.
What’s your favourite animal? Write a fictional story from your fave animal’s perspective.

Creative Story Ideas: 34 Story Starters and Prompts for Middle Schoolers

A magical pen that brings drawings to life
A group of friends find a hidden treasure map.
A world where animals can talk
A robot who develops human emotions
A strange creature is discovered in the depths of the ocean.
A character who can see into the future
A young detective solves a series of mysterious crimes.
Teenage superhero navigates the challenges of middle school while saving the world.
A group of middle school students stumble upon a secret government experiment.
The magical kingdom is hidden in a scary forest.
A vengeful ghost haunts the basketball court at a small school.
Time-travel adventure to the Wild West 100 years ago.
Friends have to save their town from a massive alien invasion.
A character who learns to communicate with animals to save them from illegal hunters.
A future world where AI technology controls everything.
A distraught character who can control time and tries to change their past.
Four teenagers go on a survival camping trip that turns into a nightmare.
The magical creature must find a way back home against the efforts of evil humans who want to use its powers for their own purposes.
A young girl discovers she was born 500 years ago.
An orphan wakes up with no memory of who they are until they accidentally stumble upon an oddly familiar house.
Students accidentally open a portal to another dimension and try to find their way back home fast because their final exam is a week away.
A terrifying monster lives beneath the city streets. So why did it start terrorising the city all of a sudden?
A gamer gets stuck in a video game. How can said gamer get out? Do they even want to?
A middle school student starts having foreboding dreams that come true. What is the universe trying to warn them?
Students attend a school for monster-slaying magic. So what monsters are they fighting against?
A group of kids discover a secret underground society they must fight to save modern civilisation.
An old man saves his town from a natural disaster in 13 minutes.
The dragon wakes up from a century-long slumber. Only to discover it’s the only one left.
The robot becomes self-aware and must navigate human emotions.
A young inventor creates a machine that can read minds for a sinister purpose.
A magical place where everyone has a special ability gets tangled up in a civil war.
Supernatural mystery in an old, abandoned mansion that can save the world from a looming threat.
A haunted amusement park contains secrets that can solve a criminal case.
A young scientist creates a potion that can make people fly.
An evil character can control the elements. How will the average human hero stop them?

Writing Prompts for Stories That Start with Dialogue for Middle Schoolers

“I can’t believe you did that,” John says to his best friend. Write a story about what John’s best friend did.
“I wish I could go back in time and change everything,” laments Jane. Write a story about Jane’s regrets. What would she do differently if given a chance?
“I found something bizarre in the backyard,” said Tom to his sister. Write a story about what Tom found. How did the discovery change their lives?
“I can’t do this anymore!” screamed Sarah to her parents. What is Sarah complaining about? How did her parents react?
“I’m going to run away,” whispers Michael to his classmates. Why does Michael plan on running away? What happens when he does?
“I knew you were hiding something,” said Jack to his friend. Write a story about Jack’s discovery and how it affects their friendship.
Blake cries to her family, “I’m not who you think I am!”
Write a story about how Alex stands up for himself against a bully. Starting with this line: “I’m not going to take it anymore,”
“I think we might be lost,” whimpers Lucy to her friends. Where are Lucy and her friends? Why did they get lost in the first place?
Ryan is grappling with a massive decision. Begin the story with “I think this is a sign.”
The principal walks through the hallway, saying to Teacher Clare, “Help your students cope with the recent tragedy that plagued our halls.” What happened?

General Creative Writing Ideas for Middle School Students

Here is a list of prompts to get those creative juices flowing:

Talk about a time you were so happy you wish the moment would last forever.
You went to art class with a blind friend. How would you describe the painting to them? Use descriptive words.
If you could go on your dream vacation today, what would it be like?
Make a list of the most thought-provoking questions you can come up with.
You’re about to meet your favourite celebrity. What interview questions would you ask them?
If you could choose what happens next in your life until death, what will your story look like?
Imagine how your favourite pet was created and use procedural writing to describe the process.
If you were to insert yourself in a book you read, how would you change the story?

Want more fun writing prompts ? Check these out! Write a/an:

Short story about reluctant writers whose writing changes the world.
Acrostic poem about friendship or love.
Science fiction story about a futuristic world where your favourite toy is a legendary weapon with fearsome power.
Letter that will help inspire your past self when you were in a difficult part in your life.
Personal narrative about a memorable event from your childhood.
Descriptive paragraph about a person you admire.
Write a horror science fiction story about a world where technology is advanced beyond our current understanding.
Background story for your least favourite side character.
List of the benefits of writing. Use persuasive writing
Instructional essay on how to make a magical portal.
Mystery story where the main character finds the missing heirloom of an ancient noble family.
Story about a boy who became a millionaire because of a video game idea.
Personal letter to a historical figure, asking questions or seeking advice.
Descriptive poem about a specific season or weather.
Story about time travel and the consequences of changing the past.
Fun story about a cross-country road trip you would like to take.
Story about a character who is an outsider and how they find a sense of belonging.
Terrifying story about a person haunted by a past event and how they come to terms with it.
Heroic story about a character who journeys to discover their true identity.
Persuasive letter to a public figure expressing your thoughts on a current issue

Journaling Prompts for Middle School Writing

Here are journal prompts for middle school kids:

Describe your hometown.
What’s your favourite season, and why?
What are your greatest fears? Do you want to overcome them? Why or why not?
Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
Write a descriptive paragraph about your favourite food and why you like it.
What’s the meaning of your life? Use reflective writing.
What’s your favourite food and what does it remind you of?
If you won the lottery today, what would you buy?
Do you have a pet dog? How do you feel about your furry friend?
Choose one event in your life you wish didn’t happen. Why?
What’s your dream dinner party?
Would you rather become a normal person or a superhero? Why?
Who would you call first when you’re in a dangerous situation?
When was the time you felt most peaceful? Describe what was happening.
Do you enjoy story writing? Why or why not?
What are your top 3 greatest accomplishments so far?
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
What’s the most embarrassing experience you’ve had?
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? Why?
What’s your dream job? Why?
Describe your ideal friend.
Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
Write about a time you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.
What’s the most beautiful movie science you’ve seen? Describe it.
If you could invent any item, what features would it have? And what is its purpose?

If you feel like challenging yourself then check out our high school creative writing prompts .

There you have it – a fun list of favourite writing prompts for middle schoolers to enjoy. What are your favourite ideas to write so far? And,

26 Fun Middle School Writing Prompts

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

5 paragraph essay prompts for middle school

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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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.

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50 creative writing prompts for middle school students.

September 11, 2023
11 min read

Why creative writing matters, prompts to explore personal experiences, prompts for imagining fantastic worlds, prompts for exploring emotions, prompts to unleash adventure, prompts for humor and laughter, writing prompts for middle school mystery and suspense section, prompts to reflect on the future, prompts for historical time travel, writing prompts for middle school to target sci-fi and futuristic fantasies, writing prompts for middle school to dive into nature, writing prompts for middle school for alternate realities, are these prompts suitable for both classroom and individual use, creative writing.

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Middle school is a time of exploration, growth, and boundless imagination. It’s a phase where young minds are eager to express themselves, and what better way to channel this energy than through creative writing? This article explores 50 creative writing prompts for middle school students to worlds of wonder, emotion, and adventure. These prompts stimulate their creativity, boost their writing skills, and encourage them to think beyond the ordinary.

Creative writing holds a significance that extends far beyond the confines of a classroom. It is a form of expression that acts like a mirror reflecting human emotions, similar to what is explored in What are the three main purposes for writing? . It is a powerful medium through which individuals can express their innermost thoughts, emotions, and ideas, allowing them to connect with themselves and the world around them on a deeper level. This art form empowers individuals to unleash their imagination and paint vivid landscapes of words, enabling them to communicate in ways that traditional language often falls short of. For middle school students, creative writing is a journey of exploration and growth, much like the journey described in How to write a good story: A complete process . As they engage with a diverse array of writing prompts for middle school, they embark on a path that enriches their vocabulary, refines their grasp of grammar, and teaches them the invaluable skill of structuring their thoughts coherently and effectively. Through crafting narratives and weaving intricate tales, students learn the art of storytelling, a skill crucial in literature and various aspects of life. Whether it’s penning down a compelling essay, delivering a persuasive speech, or even drafting a well-structured email, the ability to organize ideas compellingly is a trait that serves students well throughout their academic and professional journey. However, the benefits of creative writing go well beyond linguistic and organizational services like book writing services . This form of expression acts as a mirror that reflects the complexities of human emotions. As students immerse themselves in crafting characters, settings, and plotlines, they inherently develop a deep sense of empathy. By stepping into the shoes of diverse characters and exploring the world from various perspectives, students cultivate an understanding of different viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences. This broadens their worldview and nurtures their ability to relate to and connect with people from all walks of life.

Discovering a Hidden Door

Imagine stumbling upon a mysterious door in your school that no one else has noticed. Where does it lead, and what adventures await on the other side?

The Day I Traveled Through Time

You wake up one morning to find yourself in a different period. Describe your experiences and the challenges you face in this unfamiliar era.

My Conversation with a Talking Animal

While wandering in the woods, you encounter an animal that can communicate with you. Write about your unexpected conversation and the wisdom the animal imparts.

A Mysterious Message in a Bottle

You discover a message in a bottle washed up on the shore. What does the message say, and how does it change your life?

Life on a Floating Island

Describe a world where entire civilizations exist on floating islands in the sky. What are the unique challenges and wonders of this airborne realm?

Journey to the Center of a Candy Planet

You embark on a journey to the core of a planet made entirely of candy. Detail your adventures as you traverse the sugary landscapes.

The Robot’s Secret Rebellion

In a futuristic city, robots have secretly started rebelling against their human creators. Explore the events leading up to this uprising and the consequences that follow.

When Magic Came to the Modern World

Magic suddenly becomes real in the present day. How does society change, and how do you adapt to this new magical reality?

The Joy of Finding a Lost Toy

Revisit a childhood memory of losing a cherished toy and the overwhelming happiness of eventually finding it.

A Moment of Overcoming Fear

Write about when you faced a fear head-on and emerged stronger and braver on the other side.

The Bittersweet Farewell

Explore the emotions surrounding a farewell to a close friend moving away. How do you cope with the mixture of joy and sadness?

An Unexpected Act of Kindness

Describe an instance where a stranger’s small act of kindness profoundly impacts your life and perspective.

Quest for the Enchanted Crown

Embark on a quest to retrieve a stolen enchanted crown from a treacherous dragon’s lair. Chronicle your epic adventure and the challenges you must overcome.

Lost in a Haunted Forest

You find yourself lost in a mysterious and haunted forest. Describe your eerie surroundings and the spine-chilling encounters you experience.

Exploring an Abandoned Space Station

Write about your exploration of a deserted space station, uncovering its secrets and unraveling the mysteries of its past.

Time-Traveling to Historical Events

Where and when would you go if you could time-travel to any historical event? Describe your experiences and the impact they have on your perspective.

The Day I Turned into a Vegetable

Imagine waking up one day to find yourself transformed into a vegetable. How do you communicate, and what hilarious misadventures ensue?

Conversations Between My Pets

Write a humorous dialogue between your pets discussing their daily lives, adventures, and their peculiar perspectives on the world.

When My Room Became a Miniature Zoo

Describe a scenario where your room suddenly becomes a mini-zoo filled with various animals. How do you manage this unexpected turn of events?

The Misadventures of Super Socks

Create a quirky superhero story where a pair of socks gains extraordinary powers and embarks on comical crime-fighting escapades.

The Puzzle of the Whispering Walls

Detail a suspenseful investigation into the strange phenomenon of walls that whisper cryptic messages, leading to an unexpected revelation.

Footprints in the Forbidden Attic

You discover mysterious footprints leading to the forbidden attic in your house. Write about your daring exploration and the secrets you uncover.

The Disappearance of the Midnight Carnival

Describe the mysterious disappearance of a beloved carnival that only operates at midnight. What clues do you follow to solve the enigma?

The Secret Diary of a Famous Explorer

You stumble upon the secret diary of a renowned explorer. Unveil the adventures chronicled within its pages and the hidden truths it holds.

A Glimpse into Life as an Adult

Imagine yourself as an adult and write about a day in your future life. How have your goals, priorities, and perspectives evolved?

Inventing a Revolutionary Gadget

Design a revolutionary gadget that changes the world. Describe its features, benefits, and the impact it has on society.

My First Day on Another Planet

Transport yourself to an alien planet and narrate your experiences on the first day of your interstellar adventure.

The World After Solving Pollution

Describe a world where pollution has been successfully eliminated. How does this achievement reshape the environment, society, and daily life?

Prompts for Exploring Friendship

Write about a strong and unbreakable bond between two friends. What challenges have they overcome together, and how has their friendship evolved?

Adventures of the Dynamic Duo

Create a story about a dynamic duo who embark on thrilling adventures together. What makes their partnership special, and how do they complement each other?

A Magical Friend from a Book

Imagine a character from a book coming to life and becoming your friend. Describe your magical friendship and the escapades you share.

Messages in a Bottle Between Pen Pals

Two pen pals communicate through messages sent in bottles across a vast ocean. Write about their unique form of friendship and the stories they share.

An Interview with a Renaissance Artist

Travel back in time to interview a famous Renaissance artist. Explore their inspirations, struggles, and the impact of their art on the world.

Surviving the Titanic Disaster

Imagine being a passenger on the Titanic and surviving the tragic sinking. Chronicle your experiences and the lessons you learn from the ordeal.

Ancient Egypt: Through the Eyes of a Pharaoh

Experience life as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Describe the grandeur of your rule, interactions with subjects, and leadership challenges.

Encountering Dinosaurs in Prehistoric Times

Describe an adventurous journey to prehistoric times, where you encounter dinosaurs and experience the wonders and dangers of the ancient world.

When Robots Ruled the World

Envision a world where robots have taken over as rulers. Detail the consequences of this robotic regime and the struggles of human resistance.

Galactic Explorers on a New Frontier

Join a group of galactic explorers as they venture into uncharted space territories. Describe their discoveries, encounters, and the mysteries they unravel.

The Day I Met an Alien from Mars

Write about the day you encounter a friendly alien from Mars. How do you communicate, and what do you learn from each other?

Earth 3000: A Utopian Dream or Dystopian Reality?

Transport yourself to the year 3000 and describe the state of the Earth. Is it a romantic paradise or a dystopian nightmare? What led to this outcome?

Conversations with Forest Creatures

Imagine having conversations with animals in a magical forest. Write about the wisdom they share and the adventures you embark on together.

My Adventure in the Enchanted Rainforest

Describe your thrilling adventure through an enchanted rainforest with mystical creatures and hidden secrets.

The Underwater Discovery: Mermaid’s Tale

You discover a hidden underwater world inhabited by mermaids. Chronicle your underwater journey and the interactions you have with these mythical beings.

Exploring a World Inside a Dewdrop

Write about a micro-adventure inside a dewdrop, where you encounter miniature worlds and experience nature from a new perspective.

Stepping into a Mirror Universe

Describe an experience where you step into an alternate reality through a mirror. How is this world different from yours, and what challenges do you face?

The Butterfly Effect: Changing a Single Moment

Explore the butterfly effect concept by narrating a story where changing a single moment in the past has a cascading impact on the present and future.

My Life as a Fictional Character

Imagine living the life of a fictional character from your favorite book. Describe your experiences as you navigate their world and story.

When Dreams Became Our Reality

Write about a world where dreams have the power to shape reality. How do people use their dreams to create their lives, and what challenges arise?

The Ethereal Library

Imagine a mystical library that holds books containing the stories of every possible life you could have lived. Write about a person who stumbles upon this library and can read the book of their alternate life stories.

The Reality Architect

In a future society, some specialized architects design alternate realities for individuals seeking escape from their own lives. Write about a reality architect and their journey to create the perfect alternate world for a client.

The Convergence Point

Describe a world where all alternate realities converge at a single point in time. People from different realities can meet and interact for a brief period. Write about the challenges and opportunities that arise during this unique convergence.

The suitability of writing prompts for middle school for classroom and individual use depends on their content and complexity. Prompts encouraging critical thinking, creative expression, and thoughtful discussion can work well in both settings. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Ensure that the prompts are clear and easily understandable by individuals and a group of students. Avoid overly complex language or concepts that might be confusing.
Writing prompts for middle school allow various interpretations, and responses can engage individual learners and groups. This flexibility encourages students to express their unique perspectives.
Choose interesting and relevant writing prompts for middle school to the target audience, whether in a classroom full of students or individuals working independently. Engaging prompts are more likely to spark enthusiasm and thoughtful responses.
Prompts that invite discussion and debate can lead to rich and meaningful conversations for classroom use. These prompts should be open-ended and encourage diverse viewpoints.

Middle school is critical for nurturing creativity, similar to the journey detailed in How to launch a book: The ultimate guide for authors , young students’ creativity, and honing writing skills. These 50 creative writing prompts for middle school offer many opportunities to explore diverse themes, emotions, and scenarios while refining their writing abilities. Whether they’re crafting tales of time travel, exploring futuristic realms, or delving into the mysteries of the past, these prompts will ignite the imagination and open new avenues of self-expression for budding writers.

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

Engaging Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Nurturing creativity is essential to help middle school students explore their potential and prepare for future challenges. One effective method of promoting creativity in the classroom is through engaging writing prompts. These prompts not only spark imaginative thinking but also enhance skills, such as world-building, descriptive language, and point of view.

While writing prompts can be used with all grade levels, middle school is a prime opportunity to use them to bridge foundational skills and knowledge learned in elementary school with critical thinking and analysis that will be used in high school. Middle school students are at an age in their learning where they can explore creativity and writing in a setting that primes them for the higher level of thinking that will come in later years. The benefits of using writing prompts in middle school validates the argument that they should be regularly integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year. Here, we’ll explore the different benefits of writing prompts, engaging writing activities, and even specific writing prompts that can be used with young writers.

The Role of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are brief, thought-provoking statements or questions that inspire students to write clearly and creatively. They serve as the ignition for the creative fire within students, encouraging them to explore new horizons through writing. Writing prompts for middle school students also serve as invaluable tools for fostering literacy skills .

Writing prompts, such as creative writing prompts and personal journal prompts , offer a structured framework within which students can explore a wide range of writing ideas and literacy skills. For example, fun writing prompts can be used as hooks or bellringers to engage students in creative and critical thinking before reading a challenging text.

In addition to playing a role in general classroom instruction, writing prompts can also be used in reading and writing interventions. For example, teachers can provide students who may need extra guidance with sentence starters or story starters to help guide analysis or jumpstart creativity.

Unlocking Creativity Through Engaging Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can also be used for informative and explanatory writing but as discussed already, they play a pivotal role in fostering creativity. In fact, engaging writing prompts are a powerful tool that can unlock the doors to imaginative thinking and self-expression. Let’s take a closer look at the creative benefits of using engaging writing prompts :

Encouraging Imagination and Originality : Writing prompts challenge students to think beyond the ordinary and come up with original ideas. By exploring diverse topics, they can tap into their unique perspectives and unleash their creativity.

Inspiring Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills : Some writing prompts present real-life situations or dilemmas, prompting students to analyze and devise solutions. This process nurtures critical thinking abilities, preparing students for future problem-solving challenges.

Promoting Emotional Expression and Empathy : Writing prompts that evoke emotions encourage students to express their feelings and develop empathy toward others. This emotional exploration contributes to their holistic growth as individuals.

Enhancing Communication and Language Abilities : As students respond to writing prompts, they refine their communication skills, learning how to articulate their thoughts effectively. Additionally, they expand their vocabulary and command of the language.

Reinforced Reading Skills : Effective writing prompts can be used to support reading instruction and intervention as well. According to Dr. Jason DeHart in Connecting to the Written Word: Intentional Writing with Older Readers , “Older readers are also keenly aware of their own need for additional support, which can result in avoidance behaviors. Teachers who invite students to comfortably engage in writing and composing can gain knowledge of and build relationships with students who would otherwise stay ‘under the radar.’” From techniques like dialogic reading with young readers to intentional writing with older readers, an integrative approach to reading and writing deepens skill levels and understanding.

Integrating Writing Prompts in the Middle School Curriculum

Integrating creativity and self-expression into the curriculum is a fundamental aspect of nurturing well-rounded and confident individuals. Therefore, the integration of writing prompts in the middle school curriculum is not just about fostering better writers; it’s about empowering students to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and confident individuals.

Writing prompts can be designed to align with educational standards, ensuring they contribute to the overall learning objectives. Writing prompts can also be tailored to various subjects, making them a versatile tool across the curriculum.

One of the main concepts that writing reinforces is reading. In The Writing Rope: A Framework for Evidence-Based Writing Instruction podcast episode, Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy and author of The Writing Rope , explores the notion that writing is a task as complex and multifaceted as reading—but it’s often taught as a single skill. Sedita states, “There is this relationship between reading and writing. And what I found in writing this ( The Writing Rope ) and in the professional development work that I do, is that many of the components that we need to teach to students, skills, strategies, are things that also usually support their reading comprehension.” This is just another reason why writing prompts need to be a foundational part of middle school curriculum.

Writing Prompt Activities for Middle School Students

Here, we’ve included a list of different writing activities, as well as a specific prompt that can be used with each idea.

Diverse Genre Exploration

Writing prompt activities expose middle school students to various literary genres. This diversity broadens their understanding of the written word and empowers them to find their unique writing voice.

Some genres students can explore include imaginative fiction, personal reflection, mystery and suspense, historical fiction, and poetry and verse. Through these, students can develop the ability to craft suspenseful plots, create vibrant characters, and build intricate worlds that captivate readers’ imaginations. Moreover, as they step into genres like poetry, they can embrace the rhythmic cadence of language, painting emotions and experiences with words in a way that resonates deeply.

PROMPT : Imagine you have the opportunity to blend two different genres together to create a brand-new story. Choose any two genres (e.g., fantasy, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, romance, adventure, horror) and combine them in a creative and unexpected way. Write a short story that incorporates elements from both genres.

Imagination Ignited

Prompts that delve into fantastical scenarios, futuristic worlds, or magical realms stimulate students’ imaginations. This activity is especially important for exploring the five senses and having students practice the writing skill of showing, not telling.

PROMPT : Close your eyes and imagine stepping into an enchanted forest. This forest is no ordinary place—it’s a realm of magic, mystery, and unexpected wonders. As you venture deeper into the forest, describe what you see, hear, and feel. What kind of magical creatures do you encounter? Are there hidden secrets waiting to be discovered?

Real-Life Relevance

Some prompts present real-life situations or dilemmas relevant to middle school students. Writing about familiar experiences allows students to relate more deeply to the subject matter and encourages them to reflect on their daily lives, maybe even stirring up a favorite memory.

Writing prompt exercises for middle school students go well beyond the boundaries of the classroom, incorporating real-world applicability into the educational process. These activities work as vibrant platforms that help students develop their literary abilities while also forging significant connections with their surroundings.

PROMPT : Imagine you are a young inventor with a mission to create innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Choose one real-world environmental challenge, such as plastic pollution, energy conservation, water scarcity, or air quality. Write a persuasive essay explaining your inventive solution to address this challenge. Consider how your solution could make a positive impact on the environment and inspire positive change.

Visual Prompts

Visual prompts, such as pictures or videos, act as powerful catalysts for creativity. These stimuli spark inspiration and help students visualize their ideas, leading to descriptive and vivid writing. A few popular visual prompts for middle school students include: enchanted forest, desert island, abandoned amusement park, hidden doorway, and journey through a wormhole.

PROMPT : Examine the image of a person discovering an object in an unexpected place. It depicts a person stumbling upon an unexpected object in an unlikely place. Write a short story inspired by this limited imagery. Consider who the person is, what the object is, and how they react to this surprising discovery.

Character Building

Writing prompts that focus on character development allow students to create intricate and relatable personas. This activity fosters empathy and an understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Some activities include empathy exploration, personal heroes, character evolution, reflective essays, and acts of kindness narratives. Whether reflecting on real people, analyzing fictional characters, or creating characters of their own, students can think both creatively and critically about the people they experience in the world around them as well as their own character traits.

PROMPT : Imagine a character who faces a situation that requires immense courage. This could be standing up to a bully, facing a fear, or defending a friend. Write a short story that follows this character’s journey as they navigate their fear and find the inner strength to overcome the challenge. Explore their thoughts, emotions, and the growth they experience along the way.

Time Travel Through History

Historical writing prompts transport students to different eras, enabling them to experience the past through the eyes of historical figures. Such activities blend storytelling with historical context, making history come alive. This offers middle school students a portal to the past and an opportunity to connect with the people and events that have shaped our world. Students can transport themselves to the courts of ancient civilizations, walk alongside figures of significance, and experience pivotal events that have left an indelible mark.

PROMPT : Imagine you have a time machine that can transport you to any ancient civilization in history. Choose a specific civilization (e.g., Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Mayan Civilization) and write a detailed account of a day in the life of a young person living during that time. Describe their surroundings, daily activities, challenges, and interactions with others. What do they eat? What do they wear? What adventures do they embark on?

Writing in Different Tenses and Points of View

Writing prompt activities that require students to experiment with different tenses and points of view expand their narrative skills. From the immediacy of the present tense to the reflective nature of the past tense, and even the speculative intrigue of the future tense, each tense holds a unique charm that can transform a narrative’s tone and texture. This practice prepares them for tackling complex storytelling techniques.

The choice of point of view shapes the reader’s connection to characters and events. Middle school students can experiment with different perspectives, forging intimate bonds or granting omniscient insight that illuminate the narrative in distinct ways. As they use writing prompt activities, let students explore tenses and perspectives. For example, students may be asked to write from the perspective of a best friend, family member, famous person, or main character. By doing so, they not only refine their writing skills but also cultivate empathy for others, new facts or information, and an appreciation for the language.

PROMPT : Write a short story about an unforgettable adventure. Start by describing the adventure in the first person, using the present tense to immerse the reader in the moment. Then, switch to the third person and past tense to recount the same adventure from an outsider’s perspective. Compare the two versions, considering how the choice of tense and point of view impacts the reader’s experience.

Nature and Environmental Themes

Writing prompts inspired by nature and environmental themes promote ecological awareness and encourage students to contemplate their relationship with the natural world. Some nature and environmental themes to spark imaginative writing activities for middle school students include eco-friendly adventures, a letter to future generations, an imaginary ecosystem, an unexpected encounter, and a day without technology.

PROMPT : Step into the shoes of a young explorer who enters a mystical forest known as “The Whispering Woods.” This forest is said to hold ancient secrets and a strong connection to nature. Write a short story that captures your journey through the woods, describing the sights, sounds, and encounters you experience.

The power of writing prompts for middle school students goes beyond honing writing skills; it encourages them to explore their thoughts, express their creativity, and develop a strong voice in the world of words. By providing a diverse array of prompts that resonate with their interests, challenges, and curiosities, educators can inspire young minds to embark on literary journeys filled with self-discovery and growth.

Voyager Sopris Learning’s writing instruction programs include engaging writing prompts and provide an explicit, multisensory approach to writing instruction. For example, Step Up to Writing ® instructional strategies help students understand the importance of each step in the writing process for increased writing success in all content areas. Download free Step Up to Writing lesson samples to explore the program.

Research-Based Writing Instruction (Grades K–12)

Classroom Activities/Strategies/Guides

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50 Writing Prompts for All Grade Levels

Sometimes students need a little push to activate their imaginations.

The collection of prompts below asks young writers to think through real or imagined events, their emotions, and a few wacky scenarios. Try out the ones you think will resonate most with your students.

As with all prompts, inform students that their answers should be rated G and that disclosing dangerous or illegal things they’re involved in will obligate you to file a report with the administration or school counselors. Finally, give students the option of writing “PERSONAL” above some entries that they don’t want anyone to read. We all need to let scraggly emotions run free in our prose sometimes.

If your class uses daybooks (an approach recommended in Thinking Out Loud: The Student Daybook as a Tool to Foster Learning ), wait for composition notebooks to go on sale at Target, the Dollar Store, or Walmart for $0.50 a piece. To organize the daybook, direct young writers to leave the first three pages blank and number and date each entry—adding these entries to a table of contents that they create as they work so they can return to specific entries later.

High School Prompts

Should cameras on drones watch all public spaces to prevent crime, or is that a violation of privacy?
Do Americans have it too easy? Why do you think that?
What causes racism?
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation hires you as a consultant to determine how best to use $20 billion to save the world. What’s your plan?
What’s the worst thing about the internet?
Would you rather be very beautiful or very smart? Explain.
You can save one object before your house burns down. What is it? What makes that object important to you?
How much control over your life do you have? What makes you say that?
Describe your ideal life 15 years from now. What is something you can do every day to reach that goal?
What would your friends say is your most lovable quality? Describe that quality.
What is something scary that you would like to try? What makes it scary for you? How might you overcome that fear?
What things do you conscientiously do to feed your brain?
What are three of your most profound learning experiences? Where and when did they occur?
By age 18, the average American has seen 200,000 acts of violence on TV, including 40,000 murders. What is it about television violence that is so compelling to people?
Would you rather be loved or respected? Because?
Does social media represent individuals authentically? Explain with examples.
Imagine that it’s the last day of high school and you’ve been asked by a teacher to say a few words that summarize the events that have occurred over the last four years that are most meaningful to you. What do you say?

Middle School Prompts

Which classmate would be the best to lead us through a zombie apocalypse? Why?
What real-life situations would work out better for you if you were a different gender? Why?
How can you tell when someone your age is feeling insecure? Are most people more insecure or anxious than they let on?
If the internet were to crash forever, what would the benefits be for you? The drawbacks?
Write a scene that features a) a classmate, b) $100 million, and c) magical shoes.
What three features should your future house have? Why?
If you starred in a television show about your life, what would the show be called? What genre would it be? (Examples: comedy, drama, thriller, romance, action-adventure, fantasy, superhero, soap opera, reality, game show, space adventure, Western, tragedy, etc.) Summarize the plot of an episode.
In the future, what extreme sports will people be talking about?
Is your ethnicity an important part of your identity? How so?
You get to take one book, one food item, and one famous person (living or dead) to a deserted island. What and who do you take? Why?
Write a powerfully supportive email to yourself 10 years from now. Send that email to yourself using FutureMe.org .
You have been selected to be king or queen of your school. What are five rules that every kid should follow at your school? What should the punishment be for rule breakers?
What do the five friends you hang out with most have in common? How are you most like them? How are you different from them?
What contributes to someone becoming a bully? What can help stop someone from bullying?
Do you make friends slowly or quickly? Describe how one of your important friendships evolved.
Should we fear failure? Explain.
If a wizard could tell you anything about your future, what would you most like to know?
Do you believe in luck? Are you superstitious? How so? If not, why do you think some people are?

Elementary School Prompts

I wish my teachers knew that . . .
What’s the most beautiful person, place, or thing you’ve ever seen? Share what makes that person, place, or thing so special.
Which is better, giant muscles or incredible speed? Why?
What is your most difficult subject in school? Why is it difficult? What can you do to get better at that subject?
Rewrite “Hansel and Gretel” from the witch’s perspective.
Describe a scary situation that you’ve experienced.
What is your first memory? Describe it.
You wake up tomorrow with a silly superpower that makes you famous. What is that silly power? How does it lead to your becoming an international superstar?
Are you a good loser? Explain.
What are examples of things you want versus things you need?
Last Friday, you were given one wish by a magical panda. You tried so hard to make the wish positive, but after the whacked-out events that unfolded over the weekend, you regret ever meeting that tricky panda. What did you ask for, and what happened?
I wish my friends . . .
Describe a routine that you often or always do (in the morning, when you get home, Friday nights, before a game, etc.).
What things do all kids know that adults do not?
What TV or movie characters do you wish were real? Why?

After they’ve finished an entry, ask students to read their work aloud or exchange daybooks for a read-around. If you give the entries written feedback, show that their work is respected by using a sticky note or scratch paper.

You might also incorporate background writing music one day a week—say on “Music Monday.” For some examples of music you might use in class, Pitchfork has an article called “ The 50 Best Ambient Albums of All Time .” My favorite album for composing is the Birdy soundtrack by Peter Gabriel—a good one for older kids. Other Edutopia staff and bloggers like writing to Coffitivity , Noisli , Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Alcest’s Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde .

Don’t forget to write along with your students. Why should they have all the fun?

What are your students’ favorite writing prompts?

essaytopicidea.com

inspiring essay topic ideas

List of 75 Essay Topic Ideas For Middle School Students

Middle school students have learned how to write and are only too willing to show off their writing. Writing their ideas on paper is one way they can express what they feel on the inside. As a teacher, it is your duty to encourage them by giving them essays to write. However, you may be lacking in inspiration with essay topics ideas for middle school students. You don’t have to worry about that any longer. In this article, you will be getting 75 essay topic ideas for middle school students. So, continue reading!

Essay Topic Ideas For Middle School Students

What Are The Benefits of Technology To Education?
Should School Cafeteria Serve Only Vegetables?
Is Fast Food Just As Safe As Homemade Food?
Why Should People Stop Taking Soda?
What Can Students Do To Improve Their Grades?
Why More Time Should Be Allocated To Sports In Schools
Discuss Your Understanding of Democracy
Describe The President of Your Country
Is It Possible For Virtual Friends To Become Real-life Friends?
Does Social Media Help Improve Mental Health?
Should Education Be Tuition-free?
Homeschooling vs Virtual Learning: Which One Should Stay?
Do Students Have Too Much Access To The Internet?
In What Ways Can Bullying Be Curbed?
Why Are Sports Part of The School Curriculum?
Should Students Engage In All Types of Sports?
Write About Your Understanding of Democracy
Write About Three of the World’s Most-Democratic Leaders
What Is Healthy Competition For Middle School Students?
What Punishment Is The Most Suitable For Bullies In Schools?
What Are The Top Three Countries You Would Like To Visit?
Should Children Be Taught How To Pray In Schools?
What Do You Think About Tattoos and Piercings?
How Can Parents Help Their Children To Do Better In Schoolwork?
Is Homework Necessary For Students?
Can A Middle Schooler Decide To Be A Vegan?
Can A Middle Schooler Learn How To Drive?
What Is The Most Embarrassing Thing That Has Ever Happened To You?
What Was The Happiest Day of Your Life?
What Was The Saddest Day of Your Life?
Discuss Your Experience At The Gym
Discuss The First Time You Learned How To Swim
Discuss The First Day You Went Hiking
Write About Your Experience With Your First Pet
How Did Getting Your Personal Computer Feel Like?
What Is That Smell You Will Never Forget?
What Incident Scared You The Most?
Write About Your Role Models
Which Celebrity Will You Like To Meet?
What Do You Think About Alien Invasion?
Describe A Typical Day In Your Life
Write About Your Favourite Parent
Write About Your Favourite Food
Should Middle School Students Be On Social Media?
What Do You Know About Cyber-bullying?
Write About Your Favourite Song
Write About Your Favourite Instrument To Play
Write About Your Favourite Movie
Write About The Day You Met Your Best Friend
Write About The Day You Got Sick
Describe Your Experience At A Bank
Describe Your Experience At A Zoo
Describe Your Experience At A Beach
Describe Your Experience With Your First Flight
Write About How To Take Care of A Pet Dog
Write About How To Take Care of A Pet Cat
Should More Teenagers Be Involved In Tech?
Write A Step-by-Step Method On How To Cook Your Favourite Meal
What Can Your School Do To Get Rid of Bullying?
Should Middle Schoolers Be Allowed To Talk About Politics In Schools?
What Do You Understand About Peer Pressure?
Should Middle School Students Be Stopped From Using A Cell Phone?
What Is The Biggest Problem Facing Middle School Students?
Why Are Uniforms So Important To Schools?
Write About A Famous Ideology You Disagree With
What Is The Best Thing About Middle School?
What Is The Worst Thing About Middle School?
If You Were To Be A Fantasy Animal, What Type of Animal Would That Be?
Write About Your Life As A Middle Schooler
Write A Letter To Your Role Model
Write About What You Think Of Racial Discrimination
Write About The Holiday You Love The Most
Write About Your Favourite Toy
What Would You Like To Study In College
Write About Friendships

How To Write A Middle School Essay

The structure for a middle school essay is simple; it consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. As a teacher, you should guide your students on how to write these. The introduction of the essay should provide an idea of what the student wants to write about and the conclusion should summarize all that the student has written. The body paragraphs should have a natural flow of the student’s ideas. While this may be easy for most students, as a teacher, you should expect that not all students will get this right. Thus, it becomes your duty to help them.

Coming up with essay topics for middle schoolers can be mentally tasking. Thankfully, with this article, there are 75 different topics to choose from!

70 argumentative essay topic ideas college students, 66 “proposing a solution” essay topic ideas that you need, leave a reply cancel reply.

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by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in Pedagogy

Expository Writing Prompts Middle School

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
Write an essay describing a rainy night.
Write an essay describing your first pet.
Write an essay describing your first memory.
It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Tell how you wash your hair.
Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

About the author

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

Pingback: Writing in the Middle School-Thoughts and Ideas | Teachers Pondering

the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

Comments are closed.

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100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

creative writing prompts for high school and middle school teens

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts. This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
Describe a family ritual.
Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
What’s your earliest memory?
Who was your first friend?
Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
Write about the best month of the year.
Write about the worst day of the year.
Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
Tell the story of a piece of trash.
Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
Invent a mode of time travel.
Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
Write like you’re telling a secret.
Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
Write a story that begins with the ending.
Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
Invent a bank or museum heist.
Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
Write about your day, but lie about some things.
Tell the story of your birth.
Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
Good Transition Words for Essays
High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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5-Paragraph Essay Topics for Middle School: 20 Ideas of the Hottest Issues to Discuss

In middle school, 5-paragraph essays are one of the most common types of papers to write. This structure is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. Most students are somewhat successful with it and can adapt to the organization easily.

What’s not so easy is coming up with essay topics. Some teachers are going to be rather strict about what students can and cannot write about. Other times, students are given quite a bit of freedom to choose their own 5-paragraph essay topics.

5-paragraph essays typically consist of an introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. For example, if someone was writing a 5 paragraph essay on why basketball is the best sport ever, their essay structure might look like this:

Introduction Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Conclusion

The introduction should give a preview of what’s to come without giving it away. Each paragraph should have supporting information, such as stories, facts, statistics, and more. The conclusion should summarize the key points.

You can use this list to help you to come up with a topic. Keep in mind that it can be helpful to choose a topic that is truly meaningful to you. Then, your research and writing will not feel as difficult. Of course, your teachers will give you some restrictions. This might mean that you don’t enjoy the writing. Still, try to choose relevant topics when you can.

It’s good to have a topic list available when you’re getting started. It can also be helpful to use a cheap essay writing service to help to ensure that you’re on the right track. To do this, search for companies where you can buy essay cheap services. A professional writer will create a paper for you to use as a guide.

For example, you will be able to see the structure and the organization of a 5-paragraph essay. It’s very important that you do the work on your own and don’t turn in the professionally written one.

With a combination of these essay topics and the help of a professional writer, you’ll be on the right track in no time!

5 Paragraph Essay Topics to Begin Working on Your Next Essay

What Ways Can You Prevent Bullying In Your Community or at School? What Can You Do to Raise Awareness?
Should Standardized Tests Be Required In Schools? Why or Why Not?
What Are Some Alternatives To Standardized Testing In Schools? Will They Work As Well?
How Can We Prevent Animal Extinction And Endangerment? What Can We Do As a Country or a State? What Can Individuals Do?
Should E-books Or Physical Textbooks Be Used in Schools? Why?
Should Cell Phones And Other Electronic Devices Be Allowed At School? If So, at What Times? What Regulations Should Be Put on Them?
Should Students Have More Freedom at School? In What Areas?
Why Is Or Isn’t Education Important? Does It Contribute to One’s Success?
What Are Some of the Changes That Should Be Made at School? How Can These Changes Be Made?
Should Middle School Students Be Given Free Time or Recess During the School Day? Would This Improve School Performance or Take Away From Instructional Time?
In What Ways Does Peer Pressure Affect Individuals? For Better or For Worse?
What Is Important to Have In a Friendship? Why?
Is Too Much Pressure Put On Students to Participate In Extracurricular Activities?
Is Fast Food to Blame For the Obesity Problem?
How Does Music Influence Student Performance During Homework, Tests or Writing?
Why Should Students Be Allowed to Listen to Music During Tests?
Should Students Be Required to Bring Their Own Computers or Tablets to School?
Should Movie Ratings Be Changed So That More People Can See Them?
Should Middle School Students Be Allowed to See Higher Rated Films?
What Should The Curfew Be In The State or at Your Home? Why?

As you can see, there are plenty of topics to choose from for your 5-paragraph essay. Be sure to use these suggestions! You might also want to search for “ write my essay for cheap ” to find someone to help you learn the structure.

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Angelina Bennett

Angelina Bennett is a college adventurer, shopaholic and dreamer. She has, perhaps, the widest circle of offline friends, but despises aggressive online presence. “Be true” is her motto. She explains her life philosophy in her personal blog at CheapEssay.net – a website for international students. View all posts by Angelina Bennett

‘Do The Write Thing’ more than just a slogan for these area middle-school students

SPRINGFIELD — Tah’Tionna Taylor is hoping an essay she wrote about the impact of violence in her community will make a difference.

>> I-Team: Teachers assaulted in their own classrooms

“There’s like a lot of kids at my school that go through violence that shouldn’t have to, and like they’re scared to speak their mind and stuff,” the seventh-grader said Thursday.

Her essay was selected from more than 100 that were entered as part of “Do The Write Thing,” a national program aimed at getting students to write about violence and its impact.

Tah’Tionna, one of 10 Springfield City School District finalists honored for their essays, also caught the attention of state Attorney General Dave Yost during the award ceremony at John Legend Theater.

Students in Springfield “tackled the difficult subject with candor, thoughtfulness and insight beyond their years,” Yost said.

“Do the Write Thing” originated in Ohio in 2021, when Springfield became the first district statewide to partner on the program with Yost’s office. Bolstered by that success, the program has since expanded to four other Ohio districts: Canton, Lima, Youngstown and Zanesville.

This year, more than 900 Springfield seventh- and eighth-graders participated in the program.

“I love this program because it helps students find their own voice,” Yost said, who noted that he was taken by this part of Tah’Tionna’s essay: “In this generation kids and teens can’t walk down one street without seeing an act of violence.”

Yost told News Center 7′s Xavier Hershovitz that the impact of growing up around violence is something he sees in his job all the time.

“You start to think that’s the way the world works and you want to try to either hide or become the strong one,” Yost said. “And that’s not a good way for our society or civilization to go.”

And Tracy Yates, whose husband, Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Yates was killed in the line of duty by gun violence, also backed up the message of the event -- to encourage middle-schoolers to explain how youth violence affects them and what they can do to help stop it.

“The impact of violence, especially when it claims the life of someone like Deputy Yates, goes far beyond the incident itself,” she said.

Tah’Tionna said she hopes her essay will make a difference.

Her mother is hoping the same.

Growing up in Springfield can be rough, Pearla Taylor said.

“I hope that she grows into an adult that would stand in that for our community also that’s what I’m rooting for her for her life,” Mother Pearla said. “So I want this to be a lifelong thing, not just for a school essay.”

The two winners from Springfield will head to Washington, D.C., this summer to join other “Do the Write Thing” ambassadors from all across the country.

Ohioans see northern lights Friday night due to rare solar event

PHOTOS: Rare northern lights visible in parts of the Miami Valley

At least 1 dead after crash involving motorcycle in Miamisburg

Father dead, son arrested after shooting in Kettering

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COMMENTS

40 Wonderful Middle School Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com
40 Great Middle School Writing Prompts. In essay form, discuss how going through disappointments can have a positive side. Write about someone you care about and why they are so important to you. (Tip: You could include all the traits about them you most admire.) Playing a team sport can have both good and bad points.
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31 Fun Writing Prompts for Middle School » JournalBuddies.com
Journal Writing Prompts. Write a short story with a dramatized version of your first day of school. Think of something bad that happened to you recently—and then try to find and write about a silver lining from the situation. Write about one thing you learned last week. List a color, a number, and your favorite food.
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To organize the daybook, direct young writers to leave the first three pages blank and number and date each entry—adding these entries to a table of contents that they create as they work so they can return to specific entries later. 50 Writing Prompts for All Grade Levels. pdf 144.59 KB.
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Many teachers start with the five-paragraph model as a beginning point on how to show students what a piece of writing should look like. Some people despise the five-paragraph essay. For the sake of this post, I am going to show you the setup that worked for me for over 10+ years of teaching for both a paragraph with evidence and an overall essay.
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'Do The Write Thing' more than a slogan for these area middle-school
Tah'Tionna, one of 10 Springfield City School District students honored for their essays, also caught the attention of state Attorney General Dave Yost during the celebration at John Legend Theater.