writing prompts for high school pdf
This document provides several writing prompts for middle school and high school students. The prompts ask students to write paragraphs about implementing different concepts. The topics cover a wide range of issues relevant to students and their lives.
Creative Writing Prompts
Here are some unique creative writing prompts for high school that students can use to think creatively, expand their writing skills, and find enjoyment in writing. The prompts are sorted by genre, including poetry, science fiction, flash fiction, narrative, and even some creative and open choice prompts.
Poetry Prompts for High Schoolers
- Write a poem about a place you’ve always wanted to visit.
- Write a poem about a time you felt like you didn’t belong.
- Write a poem about a dream you had.
- Write a poem about a person who inspires you.
- Write a poem about a time you felt scared.
- Write a poem about a time you felt happy.
- Write a poem about a time you felt angry.
- Write a poem about a time you felt sad.
- Write a poem about a time you felt confused.
- Write a poem about a time you felt hopeful.
Journal Writing Prompts for High School Students.
- What is your biggest fear? How do you deal with this fear?
- What book or movie has left an unforgettable impression on you or somehow changed your life?
- What is your dream job? How do you plan to achieve it? What steps will you take, and what challenges might you face?
- Imagine you are a leader in your field. What are some of the challenges and rewards of leadership?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? What would you do there?
If you are planning an argument or controversial issue essay assignment, here is a list of potential topics you can include in your classroom. If you need teaching materials, this argument writing teaching unit will help you walk your students through the process. This post may contain affiliate links.
This document provides 61 expository writing topics for students to practice explaining different concepts. The topics cover a wide range of issues relevant to students and their lives.
Journal Writing Prompts
Journal writing can be a great way for high school students to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop their writing skills, and reflect on their experiences. Here are some journal writing prompts that can help high school students get started⁚
- What are you most grateful for? How do you express your gratitude?
- What are you most afraid of? How do you deal with this fear?
- What book or movie has left an unforgettable impression on you or somehow changed your life?
- What is your dream job? How do you plan to achieve it? What steps will you take, and what challenges might you face?
- Imagine you are a leader in your field. What are some of the challenges and rewards of leadership?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? What would you do there?
- What is your favorite memory from childhood? Why is it so special to you?
- What is your biggest accomplishment so far? What did you learn from this experience?
- What is something you’re struggling with right now? How are you trying to overcome this challenge?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the future? What are you working towards?
Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. By taking the time to write down their thoughts and feelings, high school students can gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Argumentative Writing Prompts
Argumentative writing challenges students to develop their critical thinking skills and persuasive writing abilities. Here are some argumentative writing prompts that can spark engaging discussions and encourage students to explore different perspectives⁚
- Should athletes speak out on social and political issues?
- Should all young people learn how to invest in the stock market?
- What are the greatest songs of all time?
- Should there be more gender options on identification documents?
- Is cheating getting worse?
- Should students be able to grade their teachers?
- Does your school hand out too many As?
- Should middle school students be drug tested?
- Should reading and math be taught in gym class too?
- How seriously should we take standardized tests?
These prompts encourage students to research, analyze, and present evidence to support their claims. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and engage in respectful debate. By tackling these challenging topics, students can develop their critical thinking skills and become more informed citizens.
Expository Writing Prompts
Expository writing prompts encourage students to delve into a topic, explain it clearly, and present information in a structured and organized manner. These prompts can cover a wide range of subjects, from scientific concepts to historical events, encouraging students to develop their research, analysis, and communication skills. Here are some engaging expository writing prompts that can challenge students to explore different areas of knowledge⁚
- Explain the main reasons why you … (fill in the blank with a topic relevant to the student’s interests, such as “chose your favorite hobby,” “believe in the importance of education,” or “want to pursue a specific career path”).
- Tell a true story about a time when you or someone else had to make a choice.
- o Think of something that you learned outside of school. Explain what you learned.
- If I were the teacher, I would…
- If I could give one piece of advice to any person in history, that advice would be…
- Describe a dream that you had …
By exploring these prompts, students can strengthen their ability to present information clearly, concisely, and in a way that is engaging for the reader. These prompts also encourage students to think critically about the world around them and to develop their understanding of different topics.
Narrative Writing Prompts
Narrative writing prompts encourage students to tap into their creativity and craft compelling stories. These prompts offer a platform for students to explore diverse themes, develop vivid characters, and create immersive worlds. Narrative writing helps students strengthen their storytelling abilities, improve their use of descriptive language, and develop a deeper understanding of plot, conflict, and character development. Here are some narrative writing prompts that can ignite students’ imaginations⁚
- Write a story about a kid who is moving to a new school. How do you think they might feel?
- Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairy tale. For example, what if Cinderella decided to stay at the ball and never go home?
- Imagine you are a leader in your field. What challenges would you face? What would be your greatest accomplishment?
- Write a story about a time you had to overcome a challenge. What did you learn from the experience?
- If you could travel to any time period in history, where would you go and why?
These prompts provide a springboard for students to dive into their imagination and create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Narrative writing allows students to express their creativity, explore different perspectives, and engage with the power of storytelling.
Personal Narrative Writing Prompts
Personal narrative writing prompts provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, emotions, and perspectives. These prompts encourage self-discovery, introspection, and the development of personal voice. By writing about their own lives, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their place in the world. Here are some personal narrative writing prompts that can help students explore their personal journeys⁚
- Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What factors influenced your decision, and what were the consequences?
- Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life. What qualities do you admire about them, and how have they shaped you?
- Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge or obstacle. How did you overcome it, and what lessons did you learn?
- Share a memorable experience from your childhood. What made it so special, and how does it still resonate with you today?
- Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself. What accomplishment did you achieve, and how did it make you feel?
These prompts encourage students to dig deep into their personal experiences, explore their emotions, and share their unique stories with the world. Personal narrative writing allows students to connect with their own past, present, and future, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Descriptive Writing Prompts
Descriptive writing prompts encourage students to use vivid language and sensory details to create a clear and engaging picture in the reader’s mind. These prompts help students develop their ability to observe, analyze, and express their thoughts and feelings through writing. By focusing on the five senses, students can create rich and evocative descriptions that transport the reader to a specific place or time.
- Describe your favorite place in the world. What makes it special? What sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures do you experience there?
- Imagine you are walking through a bustling city market. What sights, sounds, and smells do you encounter? What kinds of people are there? What are they buying and selling?
- Describe a person you know well. What are their physical characteristics? How do they dress? What kind of personality do they have? What are their mannerisms and gestures like?
- Write a detailed description of a piece of art that you find interesting. What are the colors and shapes? What is the mood of the piece? What does it make you feel?
- Imagine you are standing on a mountaintop. What do you see in the distance? What are the sounds of nature? What does the air feel like? What is the temperature like?
These prompts challenge students to use their senses to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. By using descriptive writing, students can develop their ability to express themselves creatively and engage their audience on a deeper level.
Image-Based Writing Prompts
Image-based writing prompts offer a unique opportunity for students to explore their creativity and develop their writing skills by responding to visual stimuli. These prompts encourage students to observe details, analyze composition, and interpret the emotions and stories conveyed through images. By engaging with images, students can unlock their imagination and create original narratives, descriptions, or even poetry.
- Choose a photograph of a person’s face. What story does their expression tell? What might their life be like?
- Select a painting with a landscape scene. Describe the mood of the painting. What details stand out to you? What emotions does it evoke in you?
- Find a photograph of an object that seems ordinary but holds a hidden story. What is the object’s history? What secrets does it hold?
- Choose an image that represents a specific feeling or emotion. Write a poem or short story that captures the essence of that emotion.
- Select a photograph of a scene from a historical event. Imagine you were present at that moment. What would you see, hear, and feel? Write a personal account of the event.
Image-based writing prompts allow students to connect with the world around them in a new way. By exploring images, they can develop their observational skills, enhance their vocabulary, and express their unique perspectives through writing.