writing prompts opinion essay

72 Fun Opinion Writing Prompts that Students Will WANT to Write About!

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Kids love to tell you what they think and opinion writing is the perfect outlet for them to do it appropriately . These elementary opinion writing prompts will have your students wanting to write so they can tell you exactly what they think about topics that are relevant and interesting to them!

Opinion writing is the perfect way to introduce the more formal persuasive writing genre. It allows students to practise developing and justifying their own ideas before requiring a multi-paragraph essay with multiple pieces of evidence, proof or examples.

Want this list of prompts dropped straight into your inbox? Sign up below to get all these opinion writing topics in a hand PDF, ready to be printed and cut out for the perfect writing centre or writer’s workshop task!

72 FUN OPINION WRITING PROMPTS IN YOUR INBOX!

Get a FREE printable PDF version of all the opinion writing topic ideas in this post! Be sure to use a personal email address to make sure it gets to you!

FUN & GAMES OPINION WRITING IDEAS

From table games, to sports and TV & entertainment, your students will love to write an opinion paragraph on these interesting topics!

• What is the best game to play with friends? Why?
• Are card or dice games better? Why?
• Which are better – indoor or outdoor recesses? Why?
• If you could plan the ultimate weekend, what would it look like and why?
• What is your favourite TV show? Why?
• In your opinion, who is the best actor in the world? Why?
• What sport is your favourite to watch? Why?
• What is the best board game to play with friends? Why?
• Do you think that school sports are important? Why or why not?
• At what age do you feel children should be allowed social media? Why?
• Would you rather sing or dance in front of an audience? Why?
• How do you feel about video games? Explain.

FRIENDS & FAMILY OPINION WRITING TOPICS

Asking students to write about familiar topics is important for developing confidence and there is nothing students know better than their own family and friends. This category is full of opinion writing topics that your students are sure to already have strong thoughts about.

• What is your favourite activity to do with your family and why?
• If you could plan your next family vacation, where would you go and what would you do? Why?
• Would you rather have brothers or sisters? Explain your reasoning.
• Do you think children should receive an allowance? Justify your thinking.
• If you had to do one chore every day until you grow up, which one would you choose? Why?
• Would you rather your friends think of you as funny, kind or smart? Why?
• Should kids have to help around the house? Explain why or why not.
• How many siblings is the perfect number? Why?
• Where would you like to go with your friends: the zoo, the movies or the skatepark? Why?
• What qualities make a really great friend? Describe each quality and explain why it is important.
• What, in your opinion, makes you a good friend? Explain.
• What do you think is the best thing about your family? Why?

SCHOOL FUN OPINION WRITING PROMPTS

The key to a topic being interesting is that it is relevant to students. The school category gives students the chance to tell you how they feel about favourite subjects, homework and more with entertaining topics for opinion paragraphs.

• What is the best subject in school? Why?
• Which subject is the worst? Why?
• Should students receive grades? Why or why not?
• Should teachers give homework? Justify your opinion.
• Do you think college and university should be free? Why or why not?
• Which subject is the most important? Why?
• What is your opinion on school uniforms? Explain your thinking.
• What one book do you think all students should have to read? Why?
• What is one subject you would like to see added at school and why?
• What qualities make a great teacher? Describe each quality and explain why it is important.
• What is your opinion on watching movies at school? Explain your thoughts.
• Do you believe that school sports should be mandatory for all students? Why or why not?

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NATURE & ADVENTURE TOPICS FOR OPINION WRITING

This category will have students thinking about the world around them from serious topics such as environmental issues to fun outdoor activities. Choose from simple preferences between types of environments to really imaginative topics like the animal trait they would most like to have.

• Would you choose beach or mountains? Why?
• What is your favourite outdoor activity? Why?
• Which season is the best? Why?
• What unusual animal do you think would make the best pet and why?
• What is your opinion on global warming?
• Would you rather hike to a waterfall or ancient ruins? Explain your opinion.
• Which animal is the scariest? Why?
• How do you feel about camping and why?
• Would you rather go bungee jumping or swim with sharks? Why?
• What do you think is the most important thing we should do for the environment and why?
• What animal skill or trait would you most like to have and why?
• What is your opinion on zoos? Why?

72 ELEMENTARY OPINION WRITING PROMPTS

Get a FREE printable PDF version of all the opinion writing topics in this post – an instant writers’ workshop activity! Be sure to use a personal email address to make sure it gets to you!

FOOD & DRINK OPINION WRITING PROMPTS

Let students write opinion paragraphs about their favourite, and least favourite, foods and drinks. Some writing topics are fun and others are more philosophical. Many could make for a great verbal debate too!

• What is your favourite snack? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite.
• If you had the choice, what is one food you would never eat again? Why?
• If you could, what food would you happily eat for every meal?
• Do you prefer hot or cold drinks? Why?
• Would you choose vegetables or salad? Explain your decision.
• Invent the perfect dessert. Describe it and explain why it is so great.
• Should people be vegetarians? Why or why not?
• If you had to eat one vegetable every day for the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why?
• Describe your perfect meal and explain why.
• At what age should drinking alcohol be legal? Justify your opinion.
• Is a hot dog a sandwich? Why or why not?
• Does pineapple belong on pizza? Justify your opinion.

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MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS FOR OPINION WRITING

There really is no end to fun opinion writing prompts for elementary grades. Here I’ve created 12 bonus writing prompts that are full of writing ideas from aliens to cellphones.

• Do you think aliens exist? Why or why not?
• What is the hardest job in the world? Explain your thinking.
• At what age do you think people should be able to drive? Justify your opinion.
• Would you rather go to the moon or Mars? Why?
• If you were running the country for a day, what law would you change and why?
• Who would you most love to meet? Why?
• Should kids be allowed cell phones? Why or why not?
• Do you think video games should be considered a sport? Justify your opinion.
• What is your dream job? Why?
• Name a superhero power that you would love to have and explain why.
• If you were entered into a talent show, what would your performance be? Why?
• What day of the week do you feel is the worst? Why?

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50 Amazing Opinion Writing Prompt Ideas

Are you having trouble brainstorming some great opinion writing topics for your students to use during writing block or writer’s workshop? Many prompts have already been used year after year. I created a list of 50 opinion writing prompts that will get your kids thinking and may even spark some new ideas for you. Take a look at these fun topics and see what your creative kids can come up with!

In this blog post, I share 5 different category topics of opinion writing ideas to choose from. You will find 10 ideas in each category and once finished, you will walk away with FIFTY opinion writing prompt ideas! Fill out the form below to have all 50 sent to you in an easy, printable list that will help simplify your lesson planning! Get ready for an opinion writing template that will blow your mind.

50 Opinion Writing Prompt Ideas!

This FREE printable list of 50 opinion writing prompts ideas can be sent straight to your inbox! Simply drop your personal email address below & I’ll send it right over! 

*Using a school email address makes it very likely that you won’t receive your freebi e! 

Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these opinion essay topics for your kids. Kids of all ages will enjoy these opinion writing prompts in first grade and beyond. They are a great starting point before diving into persuasive writing.

Prompts About Entertainment and Hobbies

A few opinion essay topics for students include the best place to vacation, the greatest movie ever made, the best sport to play, their favorite board game, or the best T.V. show at the time. Use these fun 3rd-grade opinion writing samples to spark creativity in your students’ writing. Some of these are great opinion questions for kids during discussions as well.

• Where would you choose and why if you could choose anywhere in the world to go on vacation?
• In your opinion, what was the best movie ever made and why?
• Based on the sports you enjoy, which is the best sport to play?
• Which would you choose if you had to play a board game with a family member or friends?
• What is your current favorite T.V. show and why?
• If you have a favorite place to go, where is it and why?
• In your opinion, what is something everyone should learn do to?
• Which is better, cooking or baking? Tell us why you think that.
• What is the best sport to watch someone else play? Why?
• Tell us about your favorite thing to do in the winter and why.

Prompts about Family and Friends

All kids love writing about their loved ones. These opinion writing prompts are a great way to let students express their opinions and share their home life with the class. Grab your writing paper and teach opinion writing in a fun way.

• How does a family member or friend make you feel loved, and why?
• Share your Mother or Father’s superpower. What makes you think they have this superpower?
• What is the nicest thing a friend could do for you?
• In your opinion, who is the strongest person in your family and why?
• Which of your friends would be the best person to take to the zoo and why?
• Of all of your friends, which would you take to see a superhero movie and why?
• Are you a middle child, an only child, or something else in your family tree? Do you like your position in your family tree?
• Which friend or family member gives you the best hugs? Tell us about them!
• What is a great trait for a friend to have? Traits might include being a good listener, a great hugger, or someone who is creative.
• Would you like to have a pen pal? Why or why not?

Prompts about School and Extracurricular Activities

Kids have wonderful opinions about school and their extracurricular activities, so they will thoroughly enjoy these opinion writing prompts. You will love hearing their thoughts about topics like: should kids have more or less homework, should kids have more or less recess, and uniforms in school.

• What is something you like to do when you are not at school and why might others like it as well?
• What is the best thing about the school playground and why?
• In your opinion, should kids have more or less homework?
• Do you think kids should be allowed more recess time? Why or why not?
• Should kids have to wear uniforms in school? Why or why not?
• What is a school special (music, dance, art) that you wish were offered at your school and why?
• If there was one lunch item you could add to the menu every day, what would it be?
• Which subject is your favorite and why?
• Should school go year-round? Why or why not?
• What is the best way to start the day in the classroom? Tell us about it and why it’s the best way.

Prompts about Favorite and Least Favorite Items

These opinion writing prompts are focused on favorite and least favorite items. Students get to write about their favorite foods, drinks, songs, and their least favorite vegetables. They will love sharing some of their favorites and some things they don’t love as much.

• Tell us what your least favorite vegetable is and why.
• Share your favorite candy and why it is your favorite.
• If you could bring one toy for show and tell what would it be and why?
• What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?
• Which book could you read over and over again?
• If you had to eat one vegetable for the rest of your life, which would it be?
• Which season is your favorite and why?
• What is your favorite song at the moment and why?
• Do you have a favorite drink? What is it and why?
• What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Want access to all of these prompts to use in your classroom? Just fill out the form below for access.

Prompts about Pets and Animals

Allow your students to put their thoughts to paper as they consider their pets and favorite animals with these opinion writing prompts. Let them explore favorite pets, the coolest animals, and even made-up animals.

• Convince your parents to let you have a special pet. Choose an animal you would love to have as a pet and tell us why they would make an amazing pet.
• Do you think cats should be able to live indoors and outdoors or one or the other?
• What is the coolest animal you have ever seen?
• Which animal is your favorite and why?
• Are there any animals that would make horrible pets? If so, choose one and tell us why.
• Pick one ocean animal. Why is it the coolest ocean animal of them all?
• If you could create your own pet, what would it be and why? (Think about a half-dog so it can bark and a half-lizard so it can catch bugs with its tongue.)
• Are there any animals you are afraid of? If so, which one and why?
• Think of an animal you would love to encounter in real life. Which animal is it and why?
• What is an animal trait you would love to have for yourself? Maybe you would like to fly like a bird or slither like a snake. Tell us why.

Opinion writing can be such a fun task for elementary students. They get to express their thoughts on paper and share them with the class. It’s always fun to hear their ideas while teaching persuasive writing. Using these 50 opinion writing prompt ideas is a fantastic way to get their creative juices flowing as they practice paragraph writing fluency. I hope you and your students love these opinion writing activities and can benefit from them while teaching opinion writing.

Try my Weekly Writing Prompts as well! These opinion writing worksheets are a great way to practice weekly. They are perfect for the classroom and come in print and digital downloads. Who knows, they may even spark more good opinion essay topics.

I hope you enjoy these prompts. They are great 2nd-grade writing prompts as well as for upper grades! Grab these free writing prompts for 3rd-grade students to explore new topics. If you need 4th grade journal writing prompts, these work well, or you can check out the posts below.

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20 Prompts for Opinion Writing That Motivate Kids

When using prompts for opinion writing, students can express themselves and share their beliefs.  This automatically makes them more invested in their writing.  Read on to learn more about opinion writing including mentor texts, ideas, and assessments.  Plus you will find 20 prompts that will be sure to motivate and engage kids!

What is an Opinion Writing?

Opinion writing is used to convince or persuade the reader. The writer states their opinion and gives reasons to support it.  Facts or statistics can be used to provide supporting evidence. 

Examples for Opinion Writing

There are lots of helpful examples for opinion writing.  Below you will find a list of mentor texts for kids.  It’s beneficial to immerse students in the genre before and during a writing unit.  These books model effective writing strategies that can be incorporated into lessons.

Opinion Writing Mentor Text:

• I Love Insects by Lizzy Rockwell
• The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini 
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt 
• Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
• Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
• I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff 
• Earrings by Judith Viorst
• The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

How to Teach Opinion Writing

It’s important for students to form their own opinions and understand their feelings.  So often kids just follow the opinion of someone else whether it be a parent, sibling, or friend.  Now is the time for kids to firmly state their opinion and not waver from it.  

Writers will need to give reasons for their opinion and provide supporting examples.  The number of reasons will depend on the grade level and the student’s abilities.  For first graders, you might require only one reason while third graders may need three reasons.  Decide what works best for your learners and create modifications as needed. 

Opinion Writing Outline

Below you will find an acronym to help students plan their opinion writing. They just need to remember the word OREO. It stands for opinion, reasons, examples, and opinion (restated again). For each reason given, a sentence follows with evidence or an example. This is a more detailed approach to writing a response. It works well for the upper grades or advanced students. Depending on the level, some writers may just be working on providing reasons and will later develop the skill of using supporting examples.

The example below uses one reason with supporting evidence. For each reason, the student should write an example. The acronym might look like OREREO for two reasons or OREREREO for three reasons. A little confusing, but you get the idea.

Example: Do you think teachers should give students homework?

O – In my opinion, students should not have homework.

R – They work so hard all day at school and need a break. 

E – Instead of focusing on more work kids should be able to go outside and play, do a sport, or do other fun activities.  

O – In conclusion, students work all day at school and should not have to do homework.

Sentence Starters

As students write, it may also be helpful to use sentence starters. Teachers can project these on the board, put them on an anchor chart, or print a version for writing notebooks. I also like to do a mini-lesson where I ask the kids what types of sentence starters work well for opinion writing and we create the list together. This process helps them retain the information better and they are more likely to apply it to their own writing.

Ideas for Opinion Writing

There are so many fun and creative ideas for opinion writing.  Kids really get into this writing unit because they feel that their opinion is valued and they are eager to share their knowledge.  It’s really empowering for them!

As an activity, the teacher can present a topic to the class and have students choose a side.  Then kids can debate and state their opinion with reasons.  This is always an exciting way to get the creative juices flowing and it will translate into their writing when they have to support their opinion.

Another idea is to use prompts for opinion writing. This engages the students and helps them get started. Prompts can be assigned by the teacher or students can choose from a list or choice board. Feel free to use the sentence starters below to generate ideas for writing prompts.

• Would you rather . . . 
• Which is more important . .  
• Do you prefer . . . 
• What is the best . . .
• What is your favorite . . . 
• Should . . .
• Imagine if . . . 

Prompts for Opinion Writing

Opinion writing prompts can be created by the teacher or the students. Sometimes students come up with better prompts than I ever could. Plus kids love knowing that a peer created the prompt they are going to write about. If you’re looking for some ideas, the list below has 20 motivating and engaging prompts for kids! Also, check out this blog post to learn more about narrative writing prompts: 20 Prompts for Narrative Writing That Spark Creativity

20 Motivating and Engaging Prompts:

• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Give 3 or more reasons why.
• Should students be able to pick their own seats in class?
• Think of a present you really want.  Now convince someone to buy it for you.
• What is the best pet someone can get?
• Would you rather live somewhere that’s extremely hot or cold?
• Which sport is the best?  Give reasons to support your opinion.
• If you could visit any place, what would it be and why?
• Would you rather live on a rural farm or in a busy city?
• Imagine you could be the President for a day.  What would be the most important thing to do first?
• Which is more important?  Being a good speaker or a good listener?
• If the weather is nice, should kids be able to have their classes outside?
• Do you think kids should have more technology time or less?
• If you could see the world through colored glasses, which color would you choose and why?
• Should kids get money for doing chores or should they just do it to help out at home?
• Convince your teacher to get a class pet.  Tell which animal would be the best choice and why.
• Would you rather visit the moon or a planet?  Explain why.
• If there could only be one season, which would you choose?
• Should kids get to choose their own bedtime?
• Would you rather give a present or receive it?
• Imagine you could create the best dessert ever!  What would it be and why?

Opinion Writing Rubrics

After students have completed their writing, teachers are left with the difficult task of assessing it.  Assessments should be accurate and aligned with the Common Core Standards.  They also need to be helpful for the teacher and the students.  

This is when writing rubrics become extremely helpful as formal assessments. They can be used for benchmarks, progress reports, report cards, and conferences. Rubrics may also be shown to students in advance so they know what the expectations are and how they will be assessed.  

Below you will find three types of opinion writing rubrics.  Check out this blog post to learn more about student-friendly, teacher-friendly, and time-saving rubrics: 3 Types of Writing Rubrics for Effective Assessments

Opinion writing has the ability to engage and empower kids.  Students will be able to explain their thinking by giving reasons and examples.  Mentor texts, sentence starters, writing prompts, and rubrics are all helpful to use in the classroom. I know your kids will love writing and sharing their opinion pieces.

Did you grab your Free Writing Prompt Guide yet?  Writing prompts are perfect for morning work, writing time, centers, or as a homework assignment.  It will save you tons of time and energy. So click the link and grab the guide to get started!

Genre Based Prompts

Related Articles:

• 20 Prompts for Narrative Writing That Spark Creativity
• 7 Ways to Introduce Opinion Writing
• Opinion Writing Ideas and Resources
• 3 Easy to Implement Tips to Teach Opinion Writing

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Thanks for sharing. These are my favorite type of writing prompts to give to my students to see how creative they can get.

Yes! These kinds of prompts definitely get the creative juices flowing. The students always love to share their opinions with the class. Happy writing!

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55 Opinion Writing Prompts For 5th Graders

I believe that libraries should be open twenty-four hours a day. Keeping libraries open would give people who work odd hours the opportunity to use the services offered. It also gives unhoused individuals somewhere to go when the weather is bad at night. In addition…

Learning to form an opinion and supporting it is an important part of your education.

It makes you a stronger writer  and  it teaches you how to properly research things that are important to you.

Check out our list of prompts below, and get ready to write!

Using This Guide

There is no right or wrong way to use this guide. As long as you’re practicing the skills you’ve learned in school, you’re already on the right track. But if you need some ideas to help you get started, try one of these ideas:

• Scroll through the list and pick the first prompt that jumps out at you.
• Add today’s month and date, and use that number.
• Ask your teacher which topic they think you would be most interested in.

Pick a Prompt and Go!

• Which subject is the most important for students to learn? Why?
• Is it better to take risks or to be careful?
• Do you think sports should be segregated by gender? Why or why not?
• Is it important for kids to know about current events?
• Do you think school lunches should be healthier?
• Should students be allowed at parent-teacher conferences?
• Do you think students should be required to learn cursive? Why or why not?
• Should students be allowed to choose their teacher?
• Why do you think your favorite professional sports is team the best?
• Should Black history be taught more than just one month out of the year?
• Do you think 5th graders need cell phones?
• Would you rather wear a uniform to school, or casual clothes? Why?
• Should students have several short breaks throughout the day, or one long break?
• Are cell phones the biggest distraction in class? If not, what is?
• Do you think homework should be mandatory?
• Write a persuasive essay to your principal asking for a later start time.
• Would it be better to start and end school one hour earlier, or one hour later?
• Should students be required to read classic literature?
• Which type of pet is the best?
• Should students be allowed to pick where they sit in class?
• Should schools grade on a pass/fail basis or keep the A-F scale?
• Would you rather be the very best at one thing, or “just okay” at a bunch of things?
• You just caught your best friend cheating on a test. Do you tell the teacher? Why or why not?
• Should competitive gaming be considered a sport?
• Should students be paid for going to school? If so, what should they be paid for, and how much?
• Should schools teach more LGBT+ history?
• Do schools do enough to prevent bullying?
• What is the best video game ever made? Why?
• Should kids get to choose their own bedtime?
• In your opinion, is virtual school more or less beneficial than in-person learning?
• Is it important to try new things?
• Should students be required to take PE?
• Are mental health days important for students?
• Does your city do enough to help the environment?
• Do you prefer sweet or salty treats?
• Would you rather be too hot or too cold?
• Do you think aliens are real?
• Should students be required to take an art or music class? Why?
• What is the best board game ever made? Why?
• Is it important for everyone to learn at least one foreign language?
• Is cold pizza a tasty breakfast?
• Who is the better hero: Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
• Are 5th graders responsible enough to babysit?
• What is the best book ever, and why?
• Should etiquette be taught in schools?
• Is your city a good place to live?
• Should students be allowed to be more involved in school politics?
• Do grades really matter? Why or why not?
• What do you think is the hardest job in the world?
• Should kids be allowed more screen time?
• Are schools inclusive and accessible enough? What more could they do?
• Who is the best Marvel hero? Why?
• Should the voting age be lowered? If so, to what age?
• Is social media harmful to preteens and teens?
• Which season is the best? Why?

Looking For More?

If you’re looking for more prompts, activities, and homework resources, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’re looking for something specific but can’t find it, let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

162 Persuasive Writing Prompts & Topics: Examples & Tips

Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. While it is excellent for improving a student’s critical thinking and rhetoric skills, coming up with a good topic might be difficult.

The easiest way to kickstart the writing process is to find persuasive writing prompts. Are you passionate about some controversial issue? Want to express your opinion? A prompt will help you to start thinking about it critically. It may contain a set of questions or a brief guideline for your discussion.

Our team will help you!

There is plenty of persuasive writing prompts for high school and college that deserve attention. So, we’ve prepared a list of such. Once you choose one to your liking, remember to read a prompt thoroughly. The controversy of an issue is usually apparent. It is crucial to find a prompt that states the main aspects of the topic clearly.

Believe us—writing a persuasive essay is elementary with prompts at your disposal!

• 🤷 Writing with Prompts
• 💡 How to Write?
• ⭐ 12 Best Prompts
• 🧒 Elementary School
• 🎒 Middle School
• 🖊️ High School
• 🌊 Environment
• 🕹️ Video Games
• 🔌 Technology

🤷 Persuasive Writing with Prompts

Before we dive into the prompts, let’s answer a few vital questions.

What is a persuasive essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where you try to persuade your reader using arguments and supporting evidence. You provide facts and examples that explain why your position is the correct one. Describe the issue in the introduction, and express your stance on it in your thesis statement.

Remember to include the other side of the argument in your essay. It is essential to consider different perspectives on the problem. You can find numerous examples of persuasive papers in a free essay database . Not only will it serve as a sample, but can act as a source of writing prompts, too.

What is a writing prompt?

A writing prompt is a short passage that describes an idea for an essay, report, article, or some other piece of writing. It can be as short as one sentence, although it is usually more elaborate.

Some prompts can be presented in the form of an image. The most crucial thing is that they give a clear understanding of the topic.

How does a persuasive writing prompt look like?

The main goal of persuasive writing is to convince the reader that your side of an argument is the most legitimate one. Unlike in expository or descriptive writing, persuasive essay prompts express the duality of a dispute.

Persuasive letter prompts should be pertinent to the audience’s concerns. A prompt should ultimately convey your stance on the subject. Use words like convince , persuade , and why . Avoid using how in a persuasive essay prompt as it distracts from the purpose of such writing.

💡 How to Write a Persuasive Essay Using a Prompt?

Persuasive writing prompts help produce a good quality essay. Here is a list of things you should do to write an essay using a prompt:

• Read it and learn what issue the prompt states. What should you elaborate on? Look out for words that you find especially important or problematic.
• Understand what the prompt wants you to do. See whether you should discuss causes and effects or your opinion. In the case of persuasive writing prompt, it asks you to convince your reader in something. In what? Should you discuss both sides of an argument or state your opinion immediately?
• Divide the prompt. Look deeper into what it’s saying. Write down your initial thoughts on the subject.
• Compose a thesis statement . Outline the question or the situation the prompt states and elaborate on it in one topic sentence.
• Write arguments and supporting evidence. Dedicate one body paragraph to describing the opposing argument. Remember to use transition words to ensure good writing flow.
• Revise if you have time for it. Check with the prompt not to miss anything. That’s why writing drafts is always a good idea. This way, you can change your text without making a mess out of your paper.

⭐ 12 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School

• Cooking as art — a delicate craft.
• 4-Day work week.
• Facebook vs. Instagram: visual design.
• Winter holidays — a time for friends.
• Is living in a village stressful?
• Beef production.
• Is kindergarten education importnat?
• Hobby as a job is a bad idea.
• High school students and independence.
• Allowance for kids: how much?
• Reptiles as pets — a lifelong commitment.
• Outside classes and fresh air benefits.

✔ 50 Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

If you have trouble coming up with ideas for writing a persuasive essay, here is our prompts list. Whether you’re in school or college, we’re sure here you’ll find a topic that interests you!

🧒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

• Your parents should go to bed at 9 pm every day. They say that it’s your time to fall asleep, but why? This way, they get to have a good night’s rest to feel energized the next morning. And your parents need it as their jobs are tedious and stressful. While you would like to have more spare time before going to bed. Persuade your parents that going to bed at 9 pm is perfect for them, not for you.
• We should stop wearing a uniform to school. If not every day, at least once a week, students should be allowed to wear casual clothes to school. Discuss why it is a fun and useful initiative.
• You need to move to another country for a year. Explain why you think that studying abroad is essential for you. Which country would you pick and why? Discuss what made you choose this country.
• Every child needs a pet. Some parents don’t allow animals at home. Explain why it is vital to have a pet in a family. Convince that a pet of your choice is the perfect option for any kid.
• Pupils should select their seats in the class . Your teacher always tells you where to sit in class. Would it be better if you get to pick your place? What is your opinion on that?
• Playing music is an educating activity that is crucial for child development. What musical instrument is the most fun to play? Convince your reader that the music instrument of your choice is the best one.
• The summer break has to be longer. Do you believe the summer holidays are long or short? Is it enough for you to get rest and find the strength to start a new term? Convince your reader that your point of view is the right one.
• The ability to read people’s minds in both the worst and best superpower. Imagine that you get to have this superpower. What are its advantages and disadvantages? When can you use it? Is it ethical? Discuss your opinion in your essay.
• Pupils should select their tutors. In school, you don’t get to choose your teacher. Would it be better if you could? Can students change teachers based on their personal preferences? Discuss why or why not.
• We should manage our budget from an early age. Do your parents give you pocket money? Well, they’re better to start. Some parents think they should give their kids pocket money even if they misbehaved. Others wouldn’t give allowance to their children if they did something wrong. What position do you think is fairer, and why?

🎒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

• Tutors should wear uniforms to schools, just like students do. Imagine there is an initiative that wants teachers to do so. Some people believe it is a sign of equality and professional attire. Others think that just a formal dress code is enough. What is your opinion on this?
• Every school has to initiate school trips. Some individuals think they are disruptive to the study process. Other people claim that such trips unite students and are an essential part of education. What do you think? Explain your point of view and why it is the right one.
• Students should learn from famous people from time to time. There is an opportunity for one famous person to come to your school with a motivational speech. Who would you want to come, and why? Discuss why your school can benefit if a celebrity of your choice gives a speech there.,
• Single-sex schools are better than mixed ones. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Talk about your point of view using convincing argumentation.
• Some individuals should lack money. What’s better: enough money to get by or too much money and more problems? Some think that too much money makes you forget about more straightforward and essential things in life. Yes, cash gives more opportunities, but people tend to strive for more money than necessary. What’s the point of millionaires in the 21st century? What is your opinion on this?
• Fast food damages children’s health and should be excluded from the school meal plan. Do you agree or disagree? What are some benefits of having fast food as a meal option at school? Discuss which opinion is more legitimate.
• Educational institutions have to support the arts and sciences more. Imagine there is a new building opening up in your school. The school administration hasn’t decided what is going to be there. It could be an art studio, a new sports center, or a computer class. Explain why it should belong to the arts and sciences. Talk about how such disciplines motivate students to evolve.
• We should study for four days a week. There is a law that considers implementing a more extended weekend. Do you think three days would be too much? Why or why not? Support your point of view with thoughtful arguments.

• Teachers should be required to turn off their mobiles during the classes. You can’t use your phone during the course (or at school). It’s a law in various educational institutions and for obvious reasons. Should teachers be prohibited from using their phones as well? Is it fair?
• It is better to have PE lessons as the first classes of the day. Some people think it is an excellent way to kickstart the day. Others believe that students will be physically tired to carry on with other classes. Which opinion is the right one?
• Plagiarism and cheating should be punished more strictly. Copying others’ works or using crib notes in class is strictly prohibited, yet it happens. Should schools implement more measures to ensure there is no cheating? How can they work?
• Students should select their courses according to their performance. Some people are better at science, while others excel at arts. Would it be better if we were allowed only to study things we are naturally good at? Why or why not? Convince your reader that your opinion is valid.
• You shouldn’t eat in class. Teachers generally think that it interrupts the lesson and distracts other students. At the same time, eating a snack can help you concentrate better and stay energized. Discuss your opinion on this in your essay.
• There should be mixed sports teams at school. Girls often like to play the same sports as boys. Should schools let them play in the same groups? Why or why not? Support your opinion with argumentation.
• Teachers should treat every student equally. It seems like an obvious thing, but the reality is often different. What would you do to make sure everyone is respected? Why?

🖊 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School Students

• In the US, the 18-year-olds should be allowed to drink alcohol. In the country, driving is permitted after age 16, while drinking becomes legal after 21. How fair are these age thresholds? Statistics show that countries with integrated drinking culture (like France or Italy) have lower alcoholism rates. Would it be better to bring the legal drinking age down to 18? Discuss why or why not, using supportive argumentation.
• The “book of your choice” is fantastic, and here is why. Write a persuasive essay explaining why your favorite book deserves attention. Convince your audience it is worth reading it.
• Time management skill is vital for a successful adult life. It’s what you acquire in school and use for a job. Why is being organized so important? And why should you learn this already in school? Talk about your opinion on this subject.
• What’s more important in school – discipline or an ability to self-express? Some think that you come to school to get knowledge and acquire social skills. However, some students thrive in a less harsh environment. Discuss your point of view and why it is valid.
• Educational institutions should implement anti-bullying policies. School authorities should intervene if a student is bullied by other students, even outside of school. Do you agree or disagree? Convince your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.

• Parents shouldn’t raise their children the same way they’ve been raised. Some people think there are universal values and principles that parents should teach their kids. While this is true, times change tremendously as generations grow up. What do you think is more just? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
• Your neighborhood requires a renovation. Imagine city authorities are planning on improving your area. What would you change in particular, and why? Write an essay using the appropriate argumentation.
• The importance of community is overrated. Some people are naturally more outgoing and thrive in such environments. Others often feel pressured and may feel out of place. Talk about your opinion on that subject.
• Are fictional books useless? Some people believe fiction improves imagination and teaches empathy. Others consider it a waste of time since there is no actual value in it. Which stance is more valid?
• Life is fair because it is unfair to everyone. Do you think this statement is true? Discuss the issue of class privilege. Do you think modern society gives everyone equal opportunities? Why or why not?
• Community service should be mandatory for high school students. Do you agree or disagree? What kind of activities would be included? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
• Classic literature should be an integral part of the high school curriculum. Should students be required to read old texts like Homer’s Odyssey or Shakespeare’s tragedies? Why or why not?
• You can make a career out of a hobby. True or not? Pick your side of an argument and convince a reader it’s valid.
• It would be better if all countries in the world switched to one currency. There are many aspects to consider when talking about this argument. Which side of it would you support? Why?
• Safety on school property should be a primary concern. Some institutions offer inefficient security services, which can result in tragedies. They may lack funds to ensure their students are safe. Should the government prioritize these issues? Discuss your opinion on this.

🎓 Persuasive Writing Prompts for College Students

• Abortions should be legal in all US states. Some religious communities are vehemently opposed to abortions. People with more liberal beliefs claim that it should be a mother’s personal choice. Discuss your opinion in an essay.
• The military should be voluntary. Military service is a civic duty is some countries. Should it be obligatory everywhere? Why or why not? Persuade your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.
• Veganism and vegetarianism should become a new norm. They start to gain popularity in Western society. Some people consider it beneficial for health and the environment. Others switch to these diets because good meat is often too pricey. What are the real advantages? Or are they a myth? Discuss your opinion.
• The education system in the Western world has become outdated. Do you agree or disagree? What should be changed to make it more suitable for modern times?
• Your parents shouldn’t be your buddies. What’s better: a parent who is your mentor or best friend? Choose your stance on the subject and defend it using appropriate reasoning.
• Soft skills are more important than hard skills. It is thought that employers often prioritize your personal skills over professional ones at first. Do you think this is the right position? Express your opinion and support it with facts.

• Social media is a major frustrating factor in the lives of many people. Have you ever gotten FOMO looking at other’s picture-perfect lives? Why is it so easy to succumb to this illusion of ideal life? Discuss your opinion on the subject and support your point of view with pertinent facts.
• Democracy has proven to be the most sustainable governmental form. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Express your opinion and use relevant argumentation in your essay.
• United Nations have become inefficient over time. There is an opinion that the UN does not function properly anymore. Would you agree with this statement?
• Are genderless pronouns a good idea? They have become a crucial tool for transgender and genderfluid people to express their identity. Or does society overthink about words instead of actions? Do you agree or disagree?

💯 Persuasive Essay Writing Topics

If you feel more confident and inspired after reading our prompts list, check out some persuasive writing topics!

🎤 Persuasive writing: Music

• Hip-hop music objectifies women .
• Jazz does not exist anymore.
• Music festivals involve too many drugs.
• Classical music is the most sophisticated genre.
• The music culture of other societies does not get enough attention because of Western dominance .
• Musical therapy is not efficient.
• Patriotic songs can have a stimulating effect on people.
• Listening to music can increase one’s productivity.
• Anyone can learn how to sing.
• Humanity cannot imagine itself without the art of music.
• Music is the most influential form of art.
• Rap should be considered a form of poetry .
• Jazz sounds the best at a live concert .
• A piano is the best musical instrument.
• All children should have musical training at school.
• Music can unite people from all over the world.
• Specific lyrics can trigger aggression in people.
• Queen is the most influential band in Western history.
• To some extent, all music reflects a creator’s personal experience.
• Is the bell ringer a musician?

🦙 Persuasive Writing: Animals

• Wild animals should not be kept in a zoo.
• Animal fights should be illegal.

• Hybrid animals are unnatural.
• Agricultural production puts endangered species at more significant risk .
• Slaughtering farm animals for food does not justify their killing .
• Animal hunts should be illegal everywhere.
• There is no better alternative than animal experimentation for some medicine.
• Exotic animals should not be kept as pets.
• Animals should not be treated as objects—they are meant to cohabitate with humans .
• Cow milk is terrible for human health.
• Dolphins are the most intelligent animals.
• Using animals for medical research is unethical.
• There are better alternatives than cosmetic testing on animals .
• Poaching has multiple adverse effects on the economy.
• Farming is a form of animal abuse .
• Zoos can help in preserving endangered animals.
• All makeup brands should switch to cruelty-free policies.
• The use of elephants in the entertainment industry can lead to their extinction .
• Children should be taught how to treat animals.
• A dog is the best animal companion for a human.

🌊 Persuasive Writing: Environment

• Governments should advocate for the use of renewable energy sources.
• Garbage recycling should be obligatory.
• Humanity should take rainforest conservation more seriously.
• Urban areas should implement environment-friendly design and policies .
• There is a connection between waste management and global warming.

• If proper measures are not taken, the loss of biodiversity in coral reefs will be devastating .
• Greta Thunberg is the voice of her generation . The girl’s letter to the UN was one of the most discussed events of 2019. Talk about why her call to enhance environmental protection is more than timely.
• Sustainable clothing is the best fashion trend in 2023.
• Poor farming technologies accelerate climate change .
• Water pollution will soon become a more significant issue than air pollution.
• Environmental conservation is an essential element of economic growth in developing countries .
• First-world countries should implement a carbon tax.
• It is impossible to decrease environmental pollution without severe damage to the world’s economy .
• Weather forecasts are too inaccurate.
• Climate change trends have made the risk of natural disasters worse.

🌽 Persuasive writing: Food

• Parents in America should take better care of their children’s diets . Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the US.
• Healthy eating is more important than exercise.
• Overeating junk food affects mental health.
• Restaurants should be transparent about the nutritional value of the food they serve.
• There is no harm in consuming GMOs .
• Addiction to sugar can be worse than drug addiction.
• The fast-food industry isn’t entirely responsible for consumers’ health . It is up to every individual to take care of their diet.
• Food is not just fuel; it’s a leisure experience .
• Schools must provide students with healthy food options.
• Intuitive eating is the best diet.
• The downsides of sugar substitutes aren’t thoroughly researched .
• Being underweight is more dangerous than being overweight.
• Social and psychological factors have a notable role in obesity development .
• Eating meat is bad for health.
• Food supplements are harmful.

🕹 Persuasive Writing: Video Games

• Violence in video games causes behavioral problems in kids .
• Board games will never go out of fashion.
• Playing computer games can develop one’s cognitive skills .
• Game addiction is a more prominent concern than most of us realize.
• Virtual reality can disrupt one’s social skills .
• Children should have limited access to certain video games.

• There is no place for gaming in education.
• Certain video games can be beneficial for human health and brains.
• Hunger Games should not have been turned into a franchise.
• Gaming will become the most popular leisure activity in 30 years.
• You can earn a fortune by playing online games.
• Video games have multiple adverse effects on children .
• Gaming is just a way to escape reality.
• First-person shooter games improve one’s reaction and reflexes.
• Playing video games too much affects one’s academic and life performance.

🔌 Persuasive Writing: Technology

• Siri is the best example of publicly available Artificial intelligence .
• Computer science classes at school should incorporate beginner-level software engineering.
• Internet is humanity’s greatest invention.
• E-learning in medicine is still too expensive .
• Nowadays, nobody’s personal data is protected.
• If World War III happens, it will be a war of modern technology and information, not nuclear power.
• Genetically modified organisms are science’s big mistake.
• Cloning should be illegal.
• Cell phone addiction will soon become humanity’s worst challenge.
• Cyberbullying leads to drug and alcohol abuse among the youth .
• Robots will never be able to replace humans .
• Technology can help individuals with learning disabilities .

• Drones are an invasion of privacy and should be illegal.
• Apple is the best technology brand on the market.
• Data mining is an essential part of every company’s marketing strategy .

Thank you for reading the article! Leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Share the page with friends who may find the persuasive writing prompts and topics useful.

🔗 References

• 15 Awesome Persuasive Writing Prompts: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
• 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing: Michael Gonchar, The New York Times
• English II Persuasive Essay [10th grade]: Brianna Johnson, Trinity College
• Writing Prompt (Composition): Richard Nordquist, ThoughtCo
• What Is a Writing Prompt: Karen Frazier, LoveToKnow
• What Makes a Great Writing Prompt: Laura Davis, Kripalu
• Writing Prompts for Middle School: Holt McDougal Online
• Persuasive Essay Outline: Houston Community College Learning Web
• Tips To Write An Effective Persuasive Essay: Melissa Burns, The College Puzzle
• Counterargument: Gordon Harvey for the Writing Center at Harvard University
• Persuasive Essay: EssayInfo, Writing Guides
• Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques: Brian Clark, CopyBlogger
• 31 Powerful Persuasive Writing Techniques: Karri Stover, Writtent
• A CS Research Topic Generator or How To pick A Worthy Topic In 10 Seconds: Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
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100 Captivating Opinion Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Next Essay

What is opinion writing promps 100 opinion writing prompt ideas Technology and ethics ideas Environmental ideas Society and culture ideas Healthy life ideas Education and innovation ideas Conclusion

Finding it challenging to generate engaging opinion writing topics for your students' writing sessions or workshops? It's common to see the same prompts being used repeatedly. To address this, I've compiled a diverse list of 100 opinion writing prompts designed to stimulate your students' thoughts and possibly inspire you with new ideas. Explore these intriguing topics and see what creative outputs emerge!

This blog post presents five distinct categories of opinion writing themes. Each category contains 20 unique ideas, culminating in a comprehensive collection of 100 opinion writing prompts for you to utilize! With tools like essay typer free , students can easily develop their ideas and transform them into compelling papers that showcase their unique perspectives and insights.

What is opinion writing prompts?

Opinion writing prompts are questions or statements that inspire me to share my personal views on various topics. They challenge me to think critically and express my opinions clearly and persuasively in writing. These prompts can cover a broad range of subjects, from social issues to personal experiences, and they help me develop my argumentative skills. As I respond to these prompts, I learn to articulate my thoughts effectively, consider different perspectives, and engage in meaningful discourse. They're not just exercises in writing; they're opportunities for me to explore and assert my unique perspective on the world.

100 OPINION WRITING PROMPT IDEAS!

Technology and ethics.

• Should artificial intelligence have rights?
•  Is social media more harmful than beneficial?
• Can technology replace traditional classrooms?
• Are self-driving cars a threat to public safety?
• Should there be a limit to data collection by companies?
• Is the dependence on smartphones damaging human interaction?
• Are video games beneficial for cognitive development?
• Should internet access be considered a basic human right?
• Is the digitization of books harming the essence of reading?
• Should children under the age of 10 have access to tablets and smartphones?
• Is technology making us less creative?
• Are online friendships as valuable as real-life ones?
• Should robots replace human labor in dangerous jobs?
• Is virtual reality a positive advancement or a dangerous escapism?
• Can online privacy truly exist?
• Should there be global regulations for the internet?
• Are cryptocurrencies more of a risk than an opportunity?
• Is the rise of e-commerce killing the charm of traditional markets?
• Should there be ethical guidelines for developing AI?
• Is the convenience of smart home devices worth the privacy risks?

Environmental

• Is climate change the most significant challenge of our time?
• Should governments enforce a vegetarian diet to combat climate change?
• Are renewable energy sources sufficient to replace fossil fuels?
• Is the banning of plastic bags effective in reducing pollution?
• Should companies be held more accountable for environmental damage?
• Is urbanization a threat to natural ecosystems?
• Are electric cars the solution to air pollution?
• Should there be stricter laws against animal poaching?
• Is nuclear energy a viable alternative for a sustainable future?
• Can individual actions significantly impact climate change?
• Should water be a commercial product or a free basic right?
• Are zoos unethical and harmful to animals?Is global warming an exaggerated concern?
• Should countries have mandatory recycling laws?
• Is organic farming the key to a sustainable future?
• Can we rely solely on technology to solve environmental issues?
• Should fast fashion be banned due to its environmental impact?
• Is space exploration beneficial or harmful to the environment?
• Can wildlife conservation justify the restrictions on human activities?Should there be a global tax on carbon emissions?

Society and Culture

• Is multiculturalism beneficial for society?
• Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Are beauty standards more harmful than inspirational?
• Should public transport be free to reduce traffic and pollution?
• Is the concept of marriage becoming obsolete?
• Should governments regulate social media to prevent misinformation?
• Are reality TV shows detrimental to society?
• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Is a universal basic income a solution to poverty?
• Should there be a cap on personal wealth?
• Is the jury system effective in delivering justice?
• Should schools have uniforms?
• Are traditional libraries still important in the digital age?
• Is the death penalty an ethical punishment?
• Should celebrities play a role in political matters?
• Is the traditional 9-5 workday outdated?
• Can online activism be as impactful as on-ground protests?
• Is the modern education system preparing students for real-world challenges?
• Should public healthcare be a universal right?

Healthy Life

• Is mental health still not taken as seriously as physical health?
• Should junk food be banned in schools?
• Can technology addiction be considered a mental health issue?
• Is the pharmaceutical industry more focused on profit than health?
• Should alternative medicine be used alongside conventional medicine?
• Is the beauty industry setting unrealistic standards?
• Are strict parenting methods more effective or harmful?
• Can a plant-based diet provide all necessary nutrients?
• Should daily exercise be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
• Is the stigma around therapy and counseling justified?
• Should vaccinations be mandatory for all?
• Is society too dependent on medication?
• Can mindfulness and meditation significantly improve mental health?
• Should companies be required to offer mental health days?
• Is the pursuit of happiness causing more stress?
• Are fitness influencers promoting a healthy lifestyle or unrealistic standards?
• Should health insurance be a right rather than a privilege?
• Is sleep deprivation a significant issue in modern society?
• Can excessive screen time lead to long-term health issues?
• Should fast food companies be held accountable for contributing to health epidemics?

Education and Innovation

• Should financial education be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
• Are student loans more harmful than beneficial to young adults?
• Is the emphasis on STEM overshadowing the importance of arts and humanities?
• Should schools implement more project-based learning?
• Can gamification in education enhance learning outcomes?
• Is a college degree as valuable today as it was in the past?
• Should education systems be tailored more toward individual student needs?
• Is homework necessary for students' learning and development?
• Should schools have more emphasis on teaching life skills?
• Is the concept of 'one-size-fits-all' education outdated?
• Should teachers be evaluated based on student performance?
• Are online resources making traditional teaching methods obsolete?
• Is bilingual education beneficial for students?
• Should schools encourage entrepreneurship and innovation from a young age?
• Can virtual reality be effectively integrated into education?
• Should history education focus more on global rather than national history?
• Is the pressure to achieve academic excellence causing more harm than good?
• Should coding be a compulsory subject in schools?
• Is the traditional grading system outdated?
• Can online learning replace classroom education?

‍ Conclusion

In conclusion, this diverse collection of 100 opinion writing prompts is designed to ignite the imaginations and critical thinking skills of writers, students, and educators alike. From the ethical dilemmas posed by technology and the pressing issues surrounding our environment, to the ever-evolving landscapes of society, health, and education, these prompts offer a rich tapestry of topics for deep exploration and expressive opinion pieces. Whether used in a classroom, a writing workshop, or for personal reflection, these prompts are not just questions; they are gateways to engaging discussions, compelling arguments, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

• Number & Place Value
• Addition & Subtraction
• Measurement & Geometry
• Play-based Learning
• Formative Assessment
• Planning & Programming
• Art & Craft
• Digital Learning
• Sustainability
• Transition to School
• Systems & Routines
• Classroom Themes
• Learning Displays
• Decorative Displays
• Emotional Literacy
• Staff Activities
• Teaching Literacy Phonics Reading Writing Math Number & Place Value Addition & Subtraction Measurement & Geometry Teaching Practice Play-based Learning Formative Assessment Planning & Programming Other Categories Art & Craft Digital Learning Fine Motor Sustainability Transition to School
• Classroom Classroom Management Behaviour Systems & Routines Storage Decor & Displays Classroom Themes Learning Displays Decorative Displays DIY & Hacks DIY Hacks
• Well-being Social-emotional Learning Emotional Literacy Kindness Gratitude Teacher Well-being Staff Activities

20 Fun Opinion Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

Make your opinion writing lessons more interesting by adding these opinion writing prompts and activities! They're a great way to help your students share their preferences and refine their writing skills at the same time.

Opinion writing is such a fun part of primary school! It's a great way to learn more about your students' own lives, and the personal nature of the questions can really get their creative juices going. Students are likely to have strong opinions about their preferences and beliefs, which makes it easy for them to express their points of view. Even the most reluctant writers tend to get excited about sharing their own opinions and personal experiences.

Like any writing skill, this takes practice. Students need to learn what opinions are (and what they are not) and how to back up their personal views with evidence or justifications. 

This process takes time, explicit instruction, and lots of practice, but I have a bunch of resources to help!

Best Opinion Writing Prompts for Kids

I've developed a variety of tools to help you simplify your writing lessons and make these topics and skills as easy to learn as possible.

​Persuasive Writing Powerpoint Presentations

First, make sure you start with my Persuasive Writing Slideshow !

It's packed full of information to help teach your students about opinion writing in a deep and meaningful way. It has dozens of questions to spark conversation and learn about your students' opinions regarding various topics, but it also contains activities related to several mentor texts, class surveys, and graphic organisers to organise your persuasive writing.

You might also like to explore some Would You Rather questions with your students- kids LOVE answering these, and they're a great way to get kids thinking about their opinions and explaining their reasoning.

These matching templates make a great consolidation activity or literacy rotation activity.

Persuasive Writing Bundle

For even more resources, take a look at my Persuasive Writing Activities & Resources .  They are all completely printable, so you can incorporate them into your daily lesson plans right away!  There are even more activities related to the mentor texts from the slideshow, including graphic organisers and booklets, to help your students practise their skills in a hands-on way.

Here are just a few of my favourite opinion writing activities and mentor texts.

1. The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

Get the matching activities here . 

2. Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus by Mo Willems

Get the the matching activities here .

3. What Pet Should I Get? by Dr Seuss

Get the matching activities  here .

4. I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

Get the matching activities here .

5. A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black

6. Daisy: Eat Your Peas by Kes Gray

Other great mentor texts for opinion writing include:

• Hey, Little Ant by Hannah Hoose - you can find my matching activities here .
• Spoon  by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

These resources are all available on The Hive , our digital teacher platform which is loaded with thousands of evidence-based resources, videos, and materials to help you spend more time teaching and less time searching for the right lesson activities!

Sign up for your free 7 day trial of The Hive today!

Teaching opinion writing in elementary school

It will take years of instruction before students are fully prepared to write opinion essays, but you can set them up for success by teaching these specific concepts. 

State a preference

I like to ask a lot of questions about my students' preferences from the first day of school. Not only does this help them get to know each other, but the sentence starters or questions are usually easy to answer. This is also a great way to build community and also have students learn what their own preferences are.

Take it to the next level and ask students what they would do in specific situations. This is more complex than simply stating a preference, but it's a great way to develop critical thinking skills and learn about each other in a meaningful way.

The best way to get students to share their personal experiences and preferences is through a morning journal. I have 101 Free Writing Prompts for Journal Writing , which is such a great resource!

It has 101 different questions about your students' favourite foods and movies, as well as more inquisitive topics that require them to think a little. There is also a free digital version to make it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Opinion Writing Sentence Starters

Use sentence starters to help them share their answers out loud and also in writing. Your writing expectations should vary depending on the grade level. 

Kindergarten : Students are generally only expected to state their opinions out loud or, with support, write them on paper.   

1st and 2nd Grade : Students should be able to state an opinion, offer a reason to support their view, and organise their writing with an introduction and conclusion.   

3rd Grade: Students should be able to write organised opinion pieces with several reasons to support their claim.   

• My favourite _____ is _____.
• I prefer _____  because _____.
• I would rather _____ because _____.
• I believe that _____  is the best because _____.
• I think _____ because _____.

20 Elementary Opinion Writing Topics

Need some opinion essay topics to add to a lesson right away? These are the perfect topics to spark a conversation or writing assignment.

• What is your favourite colour? School subject? Ice cream? Sports team?
• Which animal makes the best pet?
• Do most kids spend too much time on video games?
• If you could meet one famous person, who would it be? Why?
• Should students wear school uniforms?
• Would you rather be a pop star or an actor?
• Do you prefer sour candies or chocolate?
• What's the scariest animal?
• Do you prefer pizza or tacos?
• Is it better to be brave or smart?
• What's the best thing to do for your birthday?
• What type of music is the best?
• Should we have school 5 days per week or 4?
• Should primary school students have access to social media?
• ​At what age should kids get phones?
• Which grade has been your favourite so far? Why?
• Which is better: physical education, music, or visual arts? 
• Where is the best place to live? Why?
• What do you like the most about our school?
• What is your dream job? Why?

Fact vs opinion

One of the first things students need to learn is the difference between facts and opinions. They tend to catch onto this very quickly since facts are usually visual, observable, or verifiable in some way.

For example, "the dog is brown" can be verified by looking at the dog. "Chocolate ice cream is the most delicious ice cream" cannot be verified. That belief is someone's personal opinion, and it may not be true for other people.  

This can become a little confusing at times, since sometimes opinions can feel really true and it's hard to think in shades of grey.

This free fact or opinion sorting activity can help students work through this skill in a hands-on way.

Opinions vs persuasive writing

Although opinions and persuasive writing can look the same, they're not really the same thing.  

Opinions are based on someone's personal beliefs or experiences. They don't have to justify or  explain their answer; they can simply state their favourite book, color, food, hobby, etc. 

Persuasive writing requires you to persuade or convince someone to think or feel a certain way based on your own unique perspective. It generally requires reasoning, logic, and examples to support a point. This is more sophisticated and must be scaffolded appropriately, especially in the early years.

At the beginning of your writing unit, it's best to teach your students that persuasive writing is a special type of writing, like informational or narrative writing. They should follow specific writing criteria to make sure their argument really works! If you have a writing center , make an anchor chart to list the different types of writing you've taught so far to introduce this new skill!  

My Persuasive Writing Activities make this whole process so much easier and accessible. There are dozens of activities that break down these complex skills to make them easy to follow and engaging. 

Ultimately, opinion writing is a powerful way to help students learn about each other and themselves, but it's also an important building block for the higher-level writing they'll be expected to do in the upper grades.

If you can teach your students how to support their arguments and offer reasons or evidence for their claims, they'll have a much easier time writing argumentative essays later on. These baby steps can go a long way! Fortunately, it's a really fun skill to teach, and you'll get a chance to learn so much more about your students at the same time!

Take your opinion writing lessons to the next level

In addition to The Hive's  one-of-a-kind digital visual timetable and growing library of digital learning tools, you'll love our morning routines and daily discussion prompts, including our Would You Rather questions! They're a great way to promote discussion and opinions each day with your students!

Here's a few examples of what you might discuss with your students:

If you’re ready to get started with all of The Hive's innovative learning tools, head over to   The Hive   to start your free trial today!

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Opinion Writing Prompts And Worksheets

Are you about to start your opinion writing unit? I bet you’re looking for opinion writing prompts and worksheets. Don’t worry, if you’re a kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, or even fourth grade teacher, I’ve got you covered!

Kindergarten opinion writing prompts and worksheets

In kindergarten, we don’t expect the little ones to be writing essays! They are still learning their alphabet, sounds, and sight words at this point. But that doesn’t mean that as teachers, we can’t teach opinion writing.

Students can draw pictures to represent their opinions. They can also write one word answers to prompts (either on their own, with adult support, or copied from the teacher). Drawing illustrations is the first step that kinders need to take towards becoming great writers.

Next, they can begin to write a single sentence (perhaps with adult support or dictation). But either way, it’s important for kindergarten students to verbally share their opinions and represent their opinions in written or picture format.

When I created these opinion writing prompts and worksheets , I made sure that there are lots of options. Some prompts are easier and others are less scaffolded. The options are –

1.) Draw a picture and write one word

2.) Draw a picture and write two words

3.) Draw a picture and write one sentence

4.) Write a sentence (or two) on three dotted lines

5.) Write a sentence (or two) on four dotted lines

You can pick the format that suits your students. Meet them where they are at!

Here’s a look at the common core standard for kindergarten opinion writing:

Kindergarten

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.1 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book (e.g.,  My favorite book is… ).

“These opinion prompts are the best! I love how they have a place to write their own opinion down on the page. The students did such a good job of opinion writing, we were able to assess them using these prompts! Thanks for the awesome work!” – Cherre A.

Click here to check out my kindergarten opinion writing prompts and worksheets.

First grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets

Similar to kindergarten students, we don’t expect firsties to be writing lengthy opinion writing essays either! But in first grade, students are becoming more confident with their alphabet, sounds, and sight words. They are learning to write great sentences, so they can certainly share their opinions!

Students can share their opinions and provide a reason to support it. They can complete sentence frames like, ‘I prefer______because_____’.

When I created these opinion writing prompts and worksheets , I made sure that there is lots of variety in the prompts and sentence starters –

1.) The best…

2.) I prefer…

3.) Would you rather…

4.) My favorite…

5.) Which is better…

The prompts are still full of engaging clip art to color in and some of them have picture boxes too. This way, students get to color and draw so that the activity is fun (and accessible for emergent writers).

Here’s a look at the common core standard for first grade opinion writing:

First grade

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

Click here to check out my first grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets.

“Stop reading this and just go buy it. It’s that good. Plus, you can use it many times during a school year. Definitely a must-use for me.” – Amber S.

Fun fact – If you sign up for my free resource library here , you’ll get access to two opinion writing prompts for first grade!

Second grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets

As students begin second grade, they are becoming more proficient writers. They can offer two reasons to support their opinions.

They can use linking words like ‘also’ as they move from one reason to the next. It is important for 2nd graders to understand that their opinion writing needs an introduction and a closing. They learn to re-state their opinion with phrases like ‘that is why…’

Psst! Guess what? You can try one of these prompts for free here .

When I created these opinion writing prompts and worksheets , I made sure that there were prompts with lots of scaffolding and others with just lines.

As you start your opinion writing unit (or the school year), you can offer prompts that are very structured and students just fill in the gaps. As your students become stronger at opinion writing (or writing in general), they can write completely on their own!

This is great for differentiation. Your advanced writers can write on the plain lines and work independently. Your emergent writers can have more support.

Here’s a look at the common core standard for second grade opinion writing:

Second grade

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g.,  because ,  and ,  also ) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.

“I loved the progression of students filling in words to then writing sentences. Great practice!” – Nicole N.

Click here to check out my second grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets.

Third grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets

Third graders are usually able to write detailed opinion writing pieces. They can offer two to three strong reasons to support their opinions. By third grade, it’s also ideal if students are adding details and examples to support their reasoning.

Third graders definitely need to have an introduction and a closing.

Here’s a look at the common core standards for third grade opinion writing:

Third grade

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.A Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.B Provide reasons that support the opinion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.C Use linking words and phrases (e.g.,  because ,  therefore ,  since ,  forexample ) to connect opinion and reasons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.D Provide a concluding statement or section.

It’s so important for students to be engaged during writing lessons. If students lose interest in the topic, they begin to resent writing and become reluctant writers. That’s why I created so many different prompts to choose from in these opinion writing prompts and worksheets . Students get to write about delicious food, cute animals, and activities that they love (just to name a few)!

“Writing can be overwhelming. This method allows the children to learn and practice in increments. It is exactly what they needed to understand the process and produce quality work.” – Sonya R.

Click here to check out my third grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets.

Fourth grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets

Unlike kindergarteners, fourth grade students are expected to write detailed opinion essays! They need to support their reasoning with facts and details. They are also expected to use more complex linking words such as, ‘for instance…’

Here’s a look at the common core standards for fourth grade opinion writing:

Fourth grade

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.C Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g.,  for instance ,  in order to ,  in addition ).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

Although fourth graders are often independent and proficient writers, it’s still important for opinion writing to be fun and accessible. That’s why I have included engaging topics, cute clip art, and scaffolding in these opinion writing prompts and worksheets . In short, a blank piece of paper can really make a writing lesson dull. These prompts are sure to make opinion writing more fun.

“Great activity for quick writing. I let my students choose between two of the papers and they enjoyed it a lot!” – Bonnie M.

Click here to check out my fourth grade opinion writing prompts and worksheets.

Free prompt

I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out my opinion writing prompts and worksheets for kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade!

Guess what? You can try one of these prompts for free here . Sign up for lots of awesome freebies!

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4th Grade Writing Prompts

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Students in fourth grade need varied practice in developing their writing skills. According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative, fourth-grade writing should consist of opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, narratives about real or imagined experiences, and short research projects. 

The following writing prompts offer diverse forms of inspiration for every student.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

In an opinion essay , students must state an opinion and back it up with facts and reasons . Ideas should be organized logically and supported by details.

Here are some great topics for writing an opinion essay.

• Best Friends Forever. Write an essay explaining what makes your best friend the best best friend. 
• Awesomeness.  Describe the most awesome thing about being in fourth grade.
• New Worlds. Would you rather help start a colony on a new planet or a city under the ocean? Why?
• School Food. Name one thing you would like to change about your school’s menu and explain why.
• Someday. If you could be a race car driver, an astronaut, or president of a country, which would you choose and why?
• Cityscapes . If you had a friend visit from another state, what is the one place in your city you would insist he or she had to see? What makes this place so special?
• Shipwrecked. You find yourself stranded on a deserted island with only three items in your backpack. What would you want those items to be and why?
• Flat Earth. Some people still believe that the Earth is flat . Do you agree or disagree? Include supporting facts.
• Extra! Extra! Name one class, sport, or club you wish your school offered and explain why it should be available.
• Seasons. Which season is your favorite and why?
• One-star . What is the worst book you have ever read and what made it so terrible?
• Fandom. Who is your favorite TV, movie, or music star? What makes him or her the best?
• Progress.  Identify a way in which you would like to improve as a student this school year. Explain why you would like to get better and list some steps you can take to make it happen.

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an informative or explanatory essay, students should introduce the topic clearly, and then develop the topic with facts and details. When explaining a process, prompt students to outline the steps in a logical order.

Encourage your fourth graders to build their essay-writing skills using these topic ideas.

• Bullied. Explain how you would handle being bullied and the steps you would take to stop a bully.
• Mad Skills. Describe an unusual talent, hobby, or skill that you possess.
• Cuisine. Describe a food that is unique to your family or area of the world to someone who has never tasted it.
• Role Model. Think of a person who has made an impact on your life and describe the role they have played.
• Pay It Forward. What is one thing you would like to do—either now or in the future—to make the world a better place?
• Packing. Explain the most effective way to pack for a trip to ensure that you have everything you need.
• Wild Kingdom. Of all the animals wild or domesticated, write about your favorite. Include interesting facts about this animal in your essay.
• Gaming. Explain how to play your favorite video or board game to someone who has never played it before.
• Problematic. Describe a problem you are facing and three ways you could possibly solve it.
• Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather condition or a natural disaster , such as a tornado or a volcanic eruption. Explain its causes and effects.
• Sweet Treats. Explain the process of making your favorite dessert.
• Learning Styles. Think of the way you prefer to learn, such as by reading, listening, or doing. Explain why you think you learn best that way.
• Edison. Thomas Edison said that he did not make mistakes, he just learned 10,000 ways not to make a light bulb. Describe a mistake you made and the lesson you learned from it.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing narrative essays about real or imagined experiences, students should use descriptive details and logical sequence. They can incorporate dialogue and sensory details to develop their essay .

The following are some writing prompts for narrative essays.

• Microscopic Details. Imagine being microscopic. Describe an adventurous trip through your body.
• Alone. You find yourself locked in your favorite store alone overnight. Where are you and what do you do?
• Homeless. A friendly stray dog follows you home from school. What happens next?
• Time Travel. Imagine you could travel back in time to when your mom or dad was your age. Write an essay about your relationship with your fourth-grade parent.
• Mismatched. Write a story about someone your age. The story must include a giraffe, a mouse, a flying carpet, and a large birdcage.
• Pet Peeve.  Recount a moment when something really got on your nerves. Describe the experience and why it irritated you so much.
• Surprise! Think of a time your teacher surprised your class. Describe what happened and how the class reacted.
• Special Moments. Think of a specific day or event that you will always remember. What made it so special?
• Travel Through History. Imagine you could travel back in time to live through one event from history . Describe the event and write about your experience.
• The Most Terrible Day. Write an essay about a day when everything went wrong. How did the day start and end, describe the experience.
• Road Trip. Write about a favorite family vacation or road trip. Where did you go? What made it special?
• Funny Pet Tricks.  Can your pet do a funny or unusual trick? Describe it.
• President. If you could be president for a day (or the principal of your school), what would you do?

Research Project Essay Writing Prompts

Fourth-grade students should also complete short research projects using books, magazines, and online sources . Ask students to take notes and provide a list of the sources they used in their research.

Below are several research project prompts to give your students inspiration for a narrative essay.

• New Puppy. You want a new puppy. Do some research to determine the best breed for your family and write about it.
• Battles . Research and write about what you consider the most significant or famous battle in history.
• Famous People. Choose a famous person from history or science and write about his or her life and contributions.
• Animal Kingdom. Select an animal to research. Include facts about its behavior, habitat, and diet.
• Countries. Choose a country. Investigate its culture and holidays, and find out what life there is like for kids your age.
• States. Pick a state you have never visited. Learn three to five unique facts about the state to include in your essay.
• Inventions. What do you think is the greatest or most useful invention of all time? Find out who invented it and how and why it was invented.
• Native Americans. Choose a Native American tribe. Learn about where its members lived, its culture, and its use of natural resources in their area.
• Endangered Species. Research and write about an animal that is endangered. Include facts about why it is endangered and any changes that people can make to help increase its population.
• Fine Arts. Learn more about an artist or composer. Include facts about his or her life and death and details about the artist's most well-known works.
• Authors. Research an author whose books you enjoy. Include facts about what inspired him or her to start writing.
• Dig Deeper.  Research something you have studied in history, science, or literature but would like to know more about.
• State Standouts. Choose a famous person from your state. Learn about his or her life and contributions.
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• Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders
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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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Independence day 2024: simple essay writing tips and samples for school and college students.

Independence Day 2024 Essay Tips: Celebrated annually on August 15th, India's Independence Day in 2024 marks 77 years since gaining freedom from British rule in 1947. The day features flag hoisting, patriotic songs, and cultural performances. Schools and public institutions commemorate the event, highlighting the contributions of freedom fighters and fostering national pride.

Independence Day 2024 Essay Writing Tips

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