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365 Creative Writing Prompts

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to help inspire you to write every single day! Use them for journaling, story starters, poetry, and more!

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If you want to become a better writer, the best thing you can do is practice writing every single day. Writing prompts are useful because we know sometimes it can be hard to think of what to write about!

To help you brainstorm, we put together this list of 365 creative writing prompts to give you something to write about daily.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire:

Whether you write short stories, poems, or like to keep a journal – these will stretch your imagination and give you some ideas for topics to write about!

1. Outside the Window : What’s the weather outside your window doing right now? If that’s not inspiring, what’s the weather like somewhere you wish you could be?

2. The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?

3. The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

4. Dancing: Who’s dancing and why are they tapping those toes?

5. Food: What’s for breakfast? Dinner? Lunch? Or maybe you could write a poem about that time you met a friend at a cafe.

6. Eye Contact: Write about two people seeing each other for the first time.

7. The Rocket-ship: Write about a rocket-ship on its way to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far, away.

8. Dream-catcher : Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.

9. Animals: Choose an animal. Write about it!

10. Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.

11. Dragon : Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

12. Greeting : Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello” or another greeting.

13. The Letter: Write a poem or story using words from a famous letter or inspired by a letter someone sent you.

14. The Found Poem : Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines.

15. Eavesdropper : Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you’ve overheard.

16. Addict: Everyone’s addicted to something in some shape or form. What are things you can’t go without?

17. Dictionary Definition : Open up a dictionary to a random word. Define what that word means to you.

18. Cleaning: Hey, even writers and creative artists have to do housework sometimes. Write about doing laundry, dishes, and other cleaning activities.

19. Great Minds: Write  about someone you admire and you thought to have had a beautiful mind.

20. Missed Connections: If you go to Craigslist, there is a “Missed Connections” section where you can find some interesting storylines to inspire your writing.

21. Foreclosure : Write a poem or short story about someone who has lost or is about to lose their home.

22. Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

23. Sugar: Write something so sweet, it makes your teeth hurt.

24. Numbers:  Write a poem or journal entry about numbers that have special meaning to you.

25. Dread: Write about doing something you don’t want to do.

26. Fear: What scares you a little? What do you feel when scared? How do you react?

27. Closed Doors: What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

28. Shadow: Imagine you are someone’s shadow for a day.

29. Good Vibes: What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

30. Shopping:  Write about your shopping wishlist and how you like to spend money.

31. The Professor: Write about a teacher that has influenced you.

32. Rewrite : Take any poem or short story you enjoy. Rewrite it in your own words.

33. Jewelry: Write about a piece of jewelry. Who does it belong to?

34. Sounds : Sit outside for about an hour. Write down the sounds you hear.

35. War and Peace: Write about a recent conflict that you dealt with in your life.

36. Frame It: Write a poem or some phrases that would make for good wall art in your home.

37. Puzzle: Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles.

38. Fire-starters: Write about building a fire.

39. Coffee & Tea: Surely you drink one or the other or know someone who does- write about it!

40. Car Keys: Write about someone getting their driver’s license for the first time.

41. What You Don’t Know: Write about a secret you’ve kept from someone else or how you feel when you know someone is keeping a secret from you.

42. Warehouse : Write about being inside an old abandoned warehouse.

43. The Sound of Silence: Write about staying quiet when you feel like shouting.

44. Insult: Write about being insulted. How do you feel? Why do you think the other person insulted you?

45. Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you? What might the mirror say?

46. Dirty: Write a poem about getting covered in mud.

47. Light Switch : Write about coming out of the dark and seeing the light.

48. The Stars : Take inspiration from a night sky. Or, write about a time when “the stars aligned” in your horoscope.

49. Joke Poem : What did the wall say to the other wall? Meet you at the corner! Write something inspired by a favorite joke.

50. Just Say No : Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.

51: Sunrise/Sunset : The sun comes up, the sun goes down. It goes round and round. Write something inspiring about the sunrise or sunset.

52. Memory Lane : What does Memory Lane look like? How do you get there?

53. Tear-Jerker : Watch a movie that makes you cry. Write about that scene in the movie.

54. Dear Diary: Write a poem or short story about a diary entry you’ve read or imagined.

55. Holding Hands : The first time you held someone’s hand.

56. Photograph : Write a story or journal entry influenced by a photograph you see online or in a magazine.

57. Alarm Clock: Write about waking up.

58. Darkness: Write a poem or journal entry inspired by what you can’t see.

59. Refreshed: Write a poem about a time you really felt refreshed and renewed. Maybe it was a dip into a pool on a hot summer day, a drink of lemonade, or other situation that helped you relax and start again.

60. Handle With Care : Write about a very fragile or delicate object.

61. Drama: Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other.

62. Slip Up: Write about making mistakes.

63. Spice: Write about flavors and tastes or a favorite spice of yours.

64. Sing a New Song: Take a popular song off the radio and rewrite it as a poem in your own words.

65. Telephone: Write about a phone call you recently received.

66. Name: Write a poem or short story using your name in some way or form.

67. Dollhouse: Write a poem or short story from the viewpoint of someone living in a doll house.

68. Random Wikipedia Article : Go to Wikipedia and click on Random Article . Write about whatever the page you get.

69. Silly Sports: Write about an extreme or silly sport. If none inspire you, make up the rules for your own game.

70. Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, such as a feeling.

71. Famous Artwork: Choose a famous painting and write about it.

72. Where That Place Used to Be : Think of a place you went to when you were younger but it now no longer there or is something else. Capture your feelings about this in your writing.

73. Last Person You Talked to: Write a quick little poem or story about the last person you spoke with.

74. Caught Red-Handed: Write about being caught doing something embarrassing.

75. Interview: Write a list of questions you have for someone you would like to interview, real or fictional.

76. Missing You: Write about someone you miss dearly.

77. Geography: Pick a state or country you’ve never visited. Write about why you would or would not like to visit that place.

78. Random Song: Turn on the radio, use the shuffle feature on your music collection or your favorite streaming music service. Write something inspired by the first song you hear.

79. Hero: Write a tribute to someone you regard as a hero.

80. Ode to Strangers: Go people watching and write an ode to a stranger you see on the street.

81. Advertisement: Advertisements are everywhere, aren’t they? Write using the slogan or line from an ad.

82. Book Inspired: Think of your favorite book. Now write a poem that sums up the entire story in 10 lines.

83. Magic : Imagine you have a touch of magic, and can make impossible things happen. What would you do?

84. Fanciest Pen: Get out your favorite pen, pencils, or even colored markers and write using them!

85. A Day in the Life: Write about your daily habits and routine.

86. Your Muse: Write about your muse – what do they look like? What does your muse do to inspire you?

87. Convenience Store : Write about an experience you’ve had at a gas station or convenience store.

88. Natural Wonders of the World: Choose one of the natural wonders of the world. Write about it.

89. Status Update: Write a poem using the words from your latest status update or a friend’s status update. If you don’t use sites like Facebook or Twitter, you can often search online for some funny ones to use as inspiration.

90. Green Thumb: Write about growing something.

91. Family Heirloom: Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family.

92. Bug Catcher: Write about insects.

93. Potion: Write about a magic potion. What is it made of? What does it do? What is the antidote?

94. Swinging & Sliding: Write something inspired by a playground or treehouse.

95. Adjectives: Make a list of the first 5 adjectives that pop into your head. Use these 5 words in your story, poem, or journal entry.

96. Fairy Tales: Rewrite a fairy tale. Give it a new ending or make it modern or write as a poem.

97. Whispers: Write about someone who has to whisper a secret to someone else.

98. Smile: Write a poem about the things that make you smile.

99. Seasonal: Write about your favorite season.

100.  Normal: What does normal mean to you? Is it good or bad to be normal?

101. Recycle : Take something you’ve written in the past and rewrite it into a completely different piece.

102. Wardrobe: Write about a fashion model or what’s currently in your closet or drawers.

103. Secret Message : Write something with a secret message hidden in between the words. For example, you could make an acrostic poem using the last letters of the word or use secret code words in the poem.

104. Vacation: Write about a vacation you took.

105. Heat: Write about being overheated and sweltering.

106. Spellbinding: Write a magic spell.

107. Collection : Write about collecting something, such as salt shakers, sea shells, or stamps.

108. Taking Chances: Everyone takes a risk at some point in their life. Write about a time when you took a chance and what the result was.

109. Carnival: Write a poem or story or journal entry inspired by a carnival or street fair.

110. Country Mouse: Write about someone who grew up in the country visiting the city for the first time.

111: Questions: Write about questions you have for the universe. Optional: include an answer key.

112. Rushing: Write about moving quickly and doing things fast.

113. Staircase : Use a photo of a staircase or the stairs in your home or a building you love to inspire you.

114. Neighbors: Make up a story or poem about your next door neighbor.

115. Black and Blue: Write about a time you’ve been physically hurt.

116. All Saints: Choose a saint and create a poem about his or her life.

117. Beach Inspired: What’s not to write about the beach?

118. Shoes: What kind of shoes do you wear? Where do they lead your feet?

119. The Ex: Write a poem to someone who is estranged from you.

120. My Point of View: Write in the first person point of view.

121. Stray Animal: Think of the life of a stray cat or dog and write about that.

122. Stop and Stare : Create a poem or story about something you could watch forever.

123. Your Bed: Describe where you sleep each night.

124. Fireworks : Do they inspire you or do you not like the noise and commotion? Write about it.

125. Frozen: Write about a moment in your life you wish you could freeze and preserve.

126. Alone : Do you like to be alone or do you like having company?

127. Know-it-all: Write about something you are very knowledgeable about, for example a favorite hobby or passion of yours.

128. The Promise: Write about a promise you’ve made to someone. Did you keep that promise?

129. Commotion: Write about being overstimulated by a lot of chaos.

130. Read the News Today : Construct a poem or story using a news headline for your first line.

131. Macro: Write a description of an object close-up.

132. Transportation : Write about taking your favorite (or least-favorite) form of transportation.

133. Gadgets: If you could invent a gadget, what would it do? Are there any gadgets that make your life easier?

134: Bring on the Cheese: Write a tacky love poem that is so cheesy, it belongs on top of a pizza.

135. Ladders: Write a story or poem that uses ladders as a symbol.

136. Bizarre Holiday : There is a bizarre holiday for any date! Look up a holiday for today’s date and create a poem in greeting card fashion or write a short story about the holiday to celebrate.

137. Blog-o-sphere : Visit your favorite blog or your feedreader and craft a story, journal entry, or poem based on the latest blog post you read.

138. Mailbox: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry based on a recent item of mail you’ve received.

139. Sharing : Write about sharing something with someone else.

140. Cactus: Write from the viewpoint of a cactus. What’s it like to live in the desert or have a prickly personality?

141. It’s a Sign : Have you seen any interesting road signs lately?

142. Furniture: Write about a piece of furniture in your home.

143. Failure: Write about a time you failed at something. Did you try again or give up completely?

144. Mystical Creatures: Angels or other mystical creatures – use them as inspiration.

145. Flying: Write about having wings and what you would do.

146. Clear and Transparent: Write a poem about being able to see-through something.

147. Break the Silence : Record yourself speaking, then write down what you spoke and revise into a short story or poem.

148. Beat: Listen to music with a strong rhythm or listen to drum loops. Write something that goes along with the beat you feel and hear.

149. Color Palette: Search online for color palettes and be inspired to write by one you resonate with.

150. Magazine: Randomly flip to a page in a magazine and write using the first few words you see as an opening line.

151. The Grass is Greener : Write about switching the place with someone or going to where it seems the “grass is greener”.

152. Mind & Body: Write something that would motivate others to workout and exercise.

153. Shaping Up : Write something that makes a shape on the page…ie: a circle, a heart, a square, etc.

154. Twenty-One: Write about your 21st birthday.

155. Aromatherapy: Write about scents you just absolutely love.

156. Swish, Buzz, Pop : Create a poem that uses Onomatopoeia .

157. What Time is It? Write about the time of day it is right now. What are people doing? What do you usually do at this time each day?

158. Party Animal: Have you ever gone to a party you didn’t want to leave? Or do you hate parties? Write about it!

159: Miss Manners : Use the words “please” and “thank you” in your writing.

160. Cliche: Choose a common cliche, then write something that says the same thing but without using the catch phrase.

161. Eco-friendly : Write about going green or an environmental concern you have.

162. Missing You: Write about someone you miss.

163. Set it Free: Think of a time when you had to let someone or something go to be free…did they come back?

164: Left Out : Write about a time when you’ve felt left out or you’ve noticed someone else feeling as if they didn’t belong.

165. Suitcase: Write about packing for a trip or unpacking from when you arrive home.

166. Fantasy : Write about fairies, gnomes, elves, or other mythical creatures.

167. Give and Receive : Write about giving and receiving.

168. Baker’s Dozen: Imagine the scents and sights of a bakery and write.

169. Treehouse: Write about your own secret treehouse hideaway.

170.  Risk: Write about taking a gamble on something.

171. Acrostic : Choose a word and write an acrostic poem where every line starts with a letter from the word.

172. Crossword Puzzle: Open up the newspaper or find a crossword puzzle online and choose one of the clues to use as inspiration for your writing.

173. Silver Lining : Write about the good that happens in a bad situation.

174. Gloves: Write about a pair of gloves – what kind of gloves are they? Who wears them and why?

175. All that Glitters: Write about a shiny object.

176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

178. Jury Duty : Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

181. Discovery: Think of something you’ve recently discovered and use it as inspiration.

182. Complain:  Write about your complaints about something.

183. Gratitude: Write a poem or journal entry that is all about things you are thankful for.

184. Chemistry: Choose an element and write a poem or story that uses that word in one of the lines.

185. Applause: Write about giving someone a standing ovation.

186. Old Endings Into New Beginnings:  Take an old poem, story, or journal entry of yours and use the last line and make it the first line of your writing today.

187. Longing: Write  about something you very much want to do.

188. I Am: Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

189. Rainbow : What is at the end of a rainbow? Or, take a cue from Kermit the Frog, and ask yourself, why are there so many songs about rainbows?

190. Museum: Take some time to visit a nearby museum with your journal. Write about one of the pieces that speaks to you.

191. Cartoon: Think of your favorite cartoon or comic. Write a poem or story that takes place in that setting.

192. Copycat: Borrow a line from a famous public domain poem to craft your own.

193. From the Roof-tops:  Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and broadcast a message to everyone below – what would you say?

194. Time Travel: If there was a time period you could visit for a day, where would you go? Write about traveling back in time to that day.

195. Changing Places: Imagine living the day as someone else.

196. Neighborhood: Write about your favorite place in your neighborhood to visit and hang out at.

197. Pirates: Write about a pirate ship.

198. Interview : Write based on a recent interview you’ve read or seen on TV or heard on the radio.

199.  Hiding Spaces : Write about places you like to hide things at. What was a favorite hiding spot for you as a child playing hide-and-seek?

200. Extreme Makeover: Imagine how life might be different if you could change your hair color or clothing into something completely opposite from your current style.

201. Empathy: Write about your feelings of empathy or compassion for another person.

202. Opposites: Write a poem or story that ties in together two opposites.

203. Boredom: Write about being bored or make a list of different ways to entertain yourself.

204. Strength : Think of a time when you’ve been physically or emotionally strong and use that as inspiration.

205. Hunger: Write from the perspective of someone with no money to buy food.

206. Greed: Write about someone who always wants more – whether it be money, power, etc. etc.

207. Volcano: Write about an eruption of a volcano.

208. Video Inspiration : Go to Vimeo.com or YouTube.com and watch one of the videos featured on the homepage. Write something based on what you watch.

209. Sneeze: Write about things that make you sneeze.

210. Footsteps on the Moon:  Write about the possibility of life in outer-space.

211: Star-crossed: Write a short modern version of the story of Romeo and Juliet or think of real-life examples of lovers who are not allowed to be together to use as inspiration for your writing.

212. Font-tastic: Choose a unique font and type out a poem, story or journal entry using that font.

213. Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and use the schedule for inspiration in writing.

214. Grandparents: Write about a moment in your grandparent’s life.

215. Collage: Go through a magazine and cut out words that grab your attention. Use these words to construct a poem or as a story starter or inspiration for your journal.

216. Oh so Lonely: Write a poem about what you do when you are alone – do you feel lonely or do you enjoy your own company?

217. Waterfall: Think of a waterfall you’ve seen in person or spend some time browsing photos of waterfalls online. Write about the movement, flow, and energy.

218. First Kiss: Write about your first kiss.

219. So Ironic: Write about an ironic situation you’ve been in throughout your life.

220. Limerick: Write a limerick today.

221. Grocery Shopping: Write about an experience at the grocery store.

222. Fashion : Go through a fashion magazine or browse fashion websites online and write about a style you love.

223. So Close: Write about coming close to reaching a goal.

224. Drinks on Me: Write a poem or short story that takes place at a bar.

225. Online Friends: Write an ode to someone online you’ve met and become friends with.

226. Admiration: Is there someone you admire? Write about those feelings.

227. Trash Day: Write from the perspective of a garbage collector.

228. Mailbox: Open your mailbox and write something inspired by one of the pieces of mail you received.

229. Fresh & Clean: Write about how you feel after you take a shower.

230. Energized: Write about how you feel when you’re either at a high or low energy level for the day.

231. Rhyme & No Reason: Make up a silly rhyming poem using made up words.

232. Tech Support: Use computers or a conversation with tech support you’ve had as inspiration.

233. Hotel: Write from the perspective of someone who works at a hotel or staying at a hotel.

234. Underwater: Write about sea creatures and under water life. What’s under the surface of the ocean? What adventures might be waiting?

235. Breathing: Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing relaxation techniques. Once your mind is clear, just write the first few things that you think of.

236. Liar, Liar: Make up a poem or story of complete lies about yourself or someone else.

237. Obituaries: Look at the recent obituaries online or in the newspaper and imagine the life of someone and write about that person.

238. Pocket: Rummage through your pockets and write about what you keep or find in your pockets.

239. Cinquain: Write a cinquain poem, which consists of 5 lines that do not rhyme.

240. Alphabetical: Write a poem that has every letter of the alphabet in it.

241.  Comedy Club: Write something inspired by a comedian.

242. Cheater: Write about someone who is unfaithful.

243. Sestina: Give a try to writing a sestina poem.

244. Fight: Write about witnessing two people get in an argument with each other.

245. Social Network : Visit your favorite Social Networking website (ie: Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, etc.) and write a about a post you see there.

246. Peaceful: Write about something peaceful and serene.

247. In the Clouds: Go cloud watching for the day and write about what you imagine in the clouds.

248. At the Park: Take some time to sit on a park bench and write about the sights, scenes, and senses and emotions you experience.

249. Sonnet: Write a sonnet today.

250. Should, Would, And Could: Write a poem or story using the words should, would, and could.

251. How to: Write directions on how to do something.

252. Alliteration: Use alliteration in your poem or in a sentence in a story.

253. Poker Face: Write about playing a card game.

254. Timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about it making sense or being perfect.

255. Dance: Write about a dancer or a time you remember dancing.

256. Write for a Cause: Write a poem or essay that raises awareness for a cause you support.

257. Magic : Write about a magician or magic trick.

258. Out of the Box: Imagine finding a box. Write about opening it and what’s inside.

259. Under the Influence: What is something has impacted you positively in your life?

260. Forgotten Toy : Write from the perspective a forgotten or lost toy.

261. Rocks and Gems: Write about a rock or gemstone meaning.

262. Remote Control: Imagine you can fast forward and rewind your life with a remote control.

263. Symbolism: Think of objects, animals, etc. that have symbolic meaning to you. Write about it.

264. Light at the End of the Tunnel: Write about a time when you saw hope when it seemed like a hopeless situation.

265. Smoke and Fire : “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Use this saying as inspiration to write!

266. Railroad: Write about a train and its cargo or passengers.

267. Clipboard: Write about words you imagine on an office clipboard.

268. Shipwrecked: Write about being stranded somewhere – an island, a bus stop, etc.

269. Quotable: Use a popular quote from a speaker and use it as inspiration for your writing.

270. Mind   Map it Out: Create a mind map of words, phrases, and ideas that pop into your head or spend some time browsing the many mind maps online. Write a poem, story, or journal entry inspired by the mind map.

271. Patterns : Write about repeating patterns that occur in life.

272. Scrapbook : Write about finding a scrapbook and the memories it contains.

273. Cure: Write about finding a cure for an illness.

274. Email Subject Lines: Read your email today and look for subject lines that may be good starters for writing inspiration.

275. Wishful Thinking: Write about a wish you have.

276. Doodle : Spend some time today doodling for about 5-10 minutes. Write about the thoughts you had while doodling or create something inspired by your finished doodle.

277. Chalkboard: Imagine you are in a classroom. What does it say on the chalkboard?

278. Sticky: Imagine a situation that’s very sticky, maybe even covered in maple syrup, tape or glue. Write about it!

279. Flashlight : Imagine going somewhere very dark with only a flashlight to guide you.

280. A Far Away Place : Envision yourself traveling to a fictional place, what do you experience in your imaginary journey?

281. On the Farm : Write about being in a country or rural setting.

282. Promise to Yourself: Write about a promise you want to make to yourself and keep.

283. Brick Wall : Write a poem that is about a brick wall – whether literal or figurative.

284. Making a Choice: Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

285.  Repeat: Write about a time when you’ve had to repeat yourself or a time when it felt like no one was listening.

286. Outcast : Write about someone who is not accepted by their peers. (for example, the Ugly Ducking)

287. Scary Monsters: Write about a scary (or not-so-scary) monster in your closet or under the bed.

288. Sacrifice: Write about something you’ve sacrificed doing to do something else or help another person.

289. Imperfection: Create a poem that highlights the beauty in being flawed.

290. Birthday Poem: Write a poem inspired by birthdays.

291. Title First : Make a list of potential poem or story titles and choose one to write from.

292. Job Interview : Write about going on a job interview.

293. Get Well : Write a poem that will help someone who is sick feel better quick!

294. Lost in the Crowd: Write about feeling lost in the crowd.

295. Apple a Day: Write about a health topic that interests you.

296. Cravings: Write about craving something.

297. Phobia: Research some common phobias, choose one, and write about it.

298. In the Moment: Write about living in the present moment.

299. Concrete : Write about walking down a sidewalk and what you see and experience.

300. Battle: Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative.

301. This Old House : Write about an old house that is abandoned or being renovated.

302. Clutter: Is there a cluttered spot in your home? Go through some of that clutter today and write about what you find or the process of organizing.

303. Go Fly a Kite: Write about flying a kite.

304. On the TV: Flip to a random TV channel and write about the first thing that comes on – even if it is an infomercial!

305. Fruit: Write an ode to your favorite fruit.

306. Long Distance Love: Write about a couple that is separated by distance.

307. Glasses: Write about a pair of eyeglasses or someone wearing glasses.

308. Robotic : Write about a robot.

309. Cute as a Button: Write about something you think is just adorable.

310. Movie Conversation: Use a memorable conversation from a favorite movie to inspire your writing.

311. Easy-Peasy : Write  about doing something effortlessly.

312. Idiom: Choose from a list of idioms one that speaks to you and create a poem around that saying or phrase. (Ie: It is raining cats and dogs)

313. Playground: Whether it is the swings or the sandbox or the sliding boards, write about your memories of being on a playground.

314. Romance: Write about romantic things partners can do for each other.

315. Rock Star: Imagine you are a famous rock star. Write about the experience.

316. Come to Life: Imagine ordinary objects have come to life. Write about what they do and say.

317. Airplane: Write about meeting someone on an airplane and a conversation you might have.

318. Health & Beauty: Take some time to peruse your medicine cabinet or the health and beauty aisles at a local store. Write a poem, short story, or journal entry inspired by a product label.

319. Determination: Write about not giving up.

320. Instrumental Inspiration: Listen to some instrumental music and write a poem that matches the mood, beat, and style of the music.

321. Wait Your Turn: Write about having to wait in line.

322. Personality Type : Do you know your personality type? (There are many free quizzes online) – write about what type of personality traits you have.

323. Decade: Choose a favorite decade and write about it. (IE: 1980’s or 1950’s for example)

324. I Believe: Write your personal credo of things you believe in.

325. Lost and Found: Write about a lost object.

326. Say it: Write a poem or story that uses dialogue between two people.

327. The Unsent Letter: Write about a letter that never made it to its recipient.

328. The Windows of the Soul: Write a poem about the story that is told through someone’s eyes.

329. Trial and Error: Write about something you learned the hard way.

330. Escape : Write about where you like to go to escape from it all.

331. What’s Cooking: Write something inspired a favorite food or recipe.

332. Records : Go through your file box and pull out old receipts or records…write something inspired by what you find!

333. Banking: Write about visiting the bank.

334. Sweet Talk: Write about trying to convince someone of something.

335. Serendipity: Write about something that happened by chance in a positive way.

336. Distractions: Write about how it feels when you can’t focus.

337. Corporation: Write about big business.

338. Word of the Day: Go to a dictionary website that has a word of the day and use it in a poem, story or journal entry you write.

339. Pick Me Up:  What do you do when you need a pick me up?

340. Unfinished: Write about a project you started but never completed.

341. Forgiveness: Write about a time when someone forgave you or you forgave someone.

342. Weakness: Write about your greatest weakness.

343. Starting: Write about starting a project.

344. Mechanical: Think of gears, moving parts, machines.

345. Random Act of Kindness : Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone or someone has done for you, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed.

346. Underground: Imagine living in a home underground and use that as inspiration for writing.

347. Classic Rock: Pick a classic rock love ballad and rewrite it into a story or poem with a similar theme.

348. Night Owl : Write about staying up late at night.

349. Magnetic : Write about attraction to something or someone.

350. Teamwork: Write about working with a team towards a common goal.

351. Roller-coaster : Write about the ups and downs in life.

352. Motivational Poster: Look at some motivational posters online and write a poem or journal entry inspired by your favorite one.

353. Games: Write about the games people play – figuratively or literally.

354. Turning Point: Write about a point in life where things turned for the better or worse.

355. Spellbound: Write about a witch’s spell.

356. Anniversary: Write about the anniversary of a special date.

357. Gamble:  Be inspired by a casino or lottery ticket.

358. Picnic: Write about going on a picnic.

359. Garage: Write about some random item you might find in a garage.

360. Review: Review your week, month, or year in a journal entry or poem format.

361. Detective: Write about a detective searching for clues or solving a mystery.

362. Camera: Take your camera for a walk and write based on one of the photographs you take.

363. Visiting : Write about visiting a family member or friend.

364. Trust: Write about putting trust in someone.

365. Congratulations : Did you write a poem, short story, or journal entry every day for a whole year? Write about what you’ve learned and celebrate your achievement!

We hope you enjoy these creative writing prompts! And of course, if you write anything using these prompts, we’d love to know about it! Tell us how you’ll use these everyday creative writing prompts in the comments section below!

And of course, if you’d like the printable ad-free version of these prompts to reference again and again or to use in your classroom, you can find them at our Etsy shop !

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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191 comments.

I have been on a reading binge since being on vacation from school. By rereading Little House, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women among others, one wonders about writing a book. I stumbled across this while looking up unit supplements for my kiddos, and thought, hey, write a page a day and see what happens! Thank you for this collection of prompts! I’ve linked back to this page several times so others can try their hand at writing. Thank you again!

The Flicker, The Teeth, and A Warehouse in the Dark (the warehouse prompt)

I am in a large abandoned warehouse with a flickering light The only light in the whole room. It flickered leaving me in temporal darkness It flickered again and as it was dark I swore I saw something glowing It looked like glowing teeth The lights return and I see nothing Flickers on Flickers off I see the teeth closer Flickers on I see nothing Flickers off The teeth so close Flickers on An empty warehouse Flickers off The glowing teeth are inchings away bright red blood drips from their tips Flickers on Panic rises in my chest but nothing is there Turns off The mouth of bloody teeth is before my eyes I wait for the light to flicker back on I wait in complete darkness I wait And wait And wait The teeth open wide I try to scream by the darkness swallows it A hear the crunch of my bones I see my blood pore down my chest But I wait in darkness for the pain I wait And wait And wait The mouth of teeth devours my lower half I wait for pain and death I wait And wait And wait The light flickers on I see no monster Only my morphed body And blood And blood And blood And so much blood The light flickers off The monster eats my arm Flickers on I wait for pain Flickers off I watch as the creature eats my limbs Flickers on I wait for death Flickers off Slowly the teeth eat my head All I see is dark I wait for it to flicker on Where is the warehouse light? Where is the only light in the room? Where is the flicker? Where am I? Where are the bloody teeth? I wait for the light to come back And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait in eternal darkness

WOW. Thank you!

This is such a helpful tool! I’ve learned a lot about my self through picking a random prompt and writing the first thing that comes to mind. I’d love to see a follow up list of possible! Definitely a recomended sight!

I agree. Very helpful.

I am new at the blogging game. You have provided some wonderful ideas for blog posts. Great ideas just to get used to writing every day. Thanks

This list is really impressive and useful for those of us who are looking for good topics to blog about. Thanks!

Thank you! That somes in handy

Very nice list. Thanks for compiling and posting it. It’s not only good for bloggers, but poets, as well.

yess im using it for my new years resolution, which is to write a poem daily!

Wow, thanks so much for all these wonderful prompts! They are lots of fun and very helpful. I love how you’ve provided 365 of them–A prompt for every day of the year! 🙂

Not if it’s a leap year…

Haha. Yea. This is great though all the same.. ;-;

Lol actually there’s 364 days in a year and 365 in a leap year so……yeah

are you fucking stupid

There are actually 366 days in a leap year so… yeah

I use this for my homeschooling-I love it! Thank you so much!! This is a wonderful list. So creative! 🙂 🙂

Thanks! I’m preparing for writing every day next year and this will come in really handy. It’s just 364 writing prompts though. 164 is missing. 😉

MiMschi is wrong 164 is there i looked

I think they meant that as a joke, 164 is called left out…

Good it is useful

no its not you nonce

You Don’t Love Me, Damn You

things left unsaid

and then some

anger strangles the baby

in its crib,

flowers wilt,

rivers dry up

harsh words clatter upon the day,

echo unfortunately

till silence smothers

in its embrace

you wish you could take it back

what’s done is done

never to be undone

though things move on

part of you remains

locked in the middle of protesting

one last thing,

mouth open,

no words emerging

why must you be misunderstood?

why must everything you say

no way of straightening things out

gestures halted mid-air

an accusatory finger

shoulders locked

in sardonic shrug

dishes smash on the floor

spray of fragments

frozen mid-air

slam the door

it doesn’t open

but in spite of yourself

you turn and look

one last time…..

(Greg Cameron, Poem, Surrey, B.C., Canada)

Love these. Thank you!

This is really amazingly deep. I love it so much. You have so much talent!!

Thanks SOOO much for the prompts but I have another suggestion!

A Recipe for disaster- write a recipe for a disastrous camping trip…

that one sounds awesome.

Haha. Reminds me of the old twin’s show.. what was it.. where the two girls switch places when they meet at camp?

Pretty sure I know what you’re talking about. The Parent Trap, right? Never seen the whole movie, but it seems funny.

and also #309, everyone should have thought of a hamster “write” away XD!

May I have permission to use this list at my next Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers meeting. Thank you for consideration.

Hi Leah, please send some more info here: https://thinkwritten.com/contact

i am using it for my homeschooling and i love it

i am using it for my homeschooling

where is prompt 165?

sorry I meant 164, my mistake.

well kay, there is a 164 AND 165. So your head is clearly ????????????

What I like most about these is how you can combine them and get really weird ideas. For example, empathy from the rooftops: what if you shouted something positive in public every day – or if everyone did so? It might be fun to try, and then write a diary about it. Online time travel: if people could live virtually in incredibly well=constructed versions of different time periods, what would the effects be on today’s society? Could it change our language or customs?

It would be cool if we could have goggles that showed places during a certain time period. Like Seattle 1989. And you could buy special plugins, like specific people you want to hang out with, famous or non.

That one about online time travel is crazy brilliant!!! And highly thought-provoking.

It is amazing what creative writing could do to you. Daily prompts have proven to be very inspiring and overtime writers develop their own style of writing depending on how passionate they are about it. I would love to write about all 3, online, space, and time travel. cheers! and Don’t stop writing!

I belong to a writing club. We seem to have a lot of prompts to use. I love stories having to do with rain. Would you join me. I am jim

Wow! Inspiration right here.

May I use this list for a speech at my Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers?

Love the inspiration

THANK YOU. THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THANK YOU.

What about a leap year? You’re missing one topic.

Wonderful! I love writing and these prompts are very helpful. Thank you very much! ♥

It’s been really useful in getting me to write again! Thank you very much!

I really love the list of writing ideas you have compiled here. I will be using it and others to get myself back into writing every single day if I can be away with it. Also, I have noticed a few problems with this list. One is a repeat topic. Those are numbers 76 and 162. And you skipped a number. And have only 364 days of writing. Still through! All these ideas are absolutely amazing and awesome ideas! I commend you for putting it all together in an easy to read format too. Thank you so very much.

I think we have the list all fixed now, but thanks for catching a couple of early mistakes!

Thank you for helping me edit Lora! I don’t always have a second pair of eyes + appreciated this to fix + update the post! I always say my readers are my best editors. 🙂

these days get brighter, mine gets darker, why does it has to be me , why not life.

Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you?

u r awesome man

Wonderful compilation of ideas! I will send your blog along to my many Creative Writing students. I’m enjoying reading your posts.

wow!! great tips! but how long did it take you to write that? its a lot of words!! lol great stuff though..

This is so cool! I love these prompts and will definitely recommend some to my teacher!!

The promise “I made a promise with my best friend, I said i’d never break, Our personalities really did blend, But then I lied awake, The people disappearing, Her gaze was always leering. I never thought she was serious, I always took it as a joke, But it really made me curious, When she was digging around that oak, My best friend is a serial killer, And i knew the truth, My life turned into a thriller, And eating at me took away my youth, I couldn’t take it any long living with this weight, To the police I went to tell my tale, Looking at me with eyes of hate, she smiled and said, without her I would fail. Now i sit in the prison cell, Waiting for my call My friend across the room smiling, my eyes begin to swell, My neck snapping on the, from my sides my hands fall

Although my writing style is dark, that’s the way I enjoy writing, and thank you for this list, even though I didn’t do one per day, scrolling through I was able to see keywords that formed ideas in my mind

I love this <3 It's amazing :))

These are really nice I absolutely love them.

This is very helpful and I’ve been finding a way to help improve my creative writing!!! Thank you very much!

You are such a life developer, who can virtually transform a life busy with unnecessary activities humans are posted to through internet. And who can restore the appetite of people to purchase pen and paper which have considered the last commodity in the market at the expense of that great vampire ‘social media’ that left both old and young paralyzed. Thanks to the proponent of this great idea.

These are great. The Closed door one gives me a great idea for a new story! Thank you so much!

man what the fuck is this shit! i was looking for short story writing prompts and I get stuck with shit like “write about the weather outside”. Damn this shit is disappointing.

Hi John, the weather might seem boring, but there are a lot of ways you can springboard from that – maybe you write a story about a character who despises the sunshine or melts if they get rained on or they live in a underground tunnel and the house gets flooded…You can also use it as an exercise in developing more descriptive writing that shows, not tells for the scenes in your story. Writing about the weather seems “easy and boring” but seriously challenge yourself to write about it in a way that makes it interesting – it is not so easy to avoid the cliches as you might think!

I LOVE IT SO MUCH i do not know why but my kids, they will just like come on this website every time it is time to have a little bit of video games! XD

The weather outside that day was dark.

It was a perfectly reasonable sort of darkness. The kind of darkness you might get if you wake up an hour before sunrise. But it was late in the morning.

He had to make sure of that. He checked his alarm clock, his microwave oven clock, and his cell phone.

The sun was supposed to be out. But the moonlit sky was starlit and clear.

And as he looked outside again, he saw that people were out, going about their business, as if none of this really mattered at all.

What was he missing here?

(There. Now you have a short story writing prompt..)

You know what “John” i think this website is great so fuck you.

yeah you tell him john

It depends on how you view it. That one topic for instance has given me a beautiful story telling. I am currently about to round up with it and trust me the feedback has been amazing.

That is great! I’m glad it helped inspire you!

Dude kids go on here so stop swearing “John”

Maybe you need to work on improving the quality of your writing. Your use of expletives is totally uncalled for. I see nothing wrong with “writing about the weather outside”. In fact, this is a great topic and can lead to awesome discussions.

Very useful indeed. Thank u

i think this is a good prompted

I think it’s awesome, I looked for inspiration, I found inspiration, thank you

well! i fall in love with all these ideas! i loved this page! thanks for sharing these amazing ideas!

Great stuff mat Keep up the good work

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH IT IS VERY HELPFUL BUT FOR A SUGGESTION YOU COULD DO DIARY STUFF MAYBE

When I read your comment, I thought you said “DAIRY,” not “DIARY.”

So… why not both? Write something based on a dairy farmer’s diary. Or… a dairy COW’S diary. Tell their stories, their private dreams. Or hidden shame…

That’s the way to think + use this list 🙂

Great idea!

Awesome list! Thank you!

Thanks so much! I’ve always been told I’m a great writer and should publish. I haven’t done a lot of leisure writing because I’m afraid I might realize I’m NOT a good writer. My therapist wants me to write more and these prompts are perfect!

This is fun i will keep doing this no matter what every year. I can’t stop writing either. Thanks for making this, it is very fun.

This helps so much! love these ideas

Can this website give me a write on the following topic. –

Imagine that the scientists could replace the human brains with computers or invent the computers with human feelings. What do you think would happen?Would the world become a better place to live in???

I’ve been looking for prompts to work through my creative art/collage journal for 2017…and love the ones you offer here….LOVE THEM! I like that they are more than just one word and give me something to think about before I start creating each day as a warm up to what is ahead.

I hope don’t mind, but I shared them on both Instagram and my FaceBook page in hopes to get my artist/creative friends to follow along with me in creating each day. I would like to include a link to your page in a near future blog post about my creative journal.

Thank you for posting and sharing you prompts…I’m excited to get started!

I’m on number 43 and I’ve already discovered a whole bunch about myself! These prompts are amazing and I can’t wait for the next 322 of them. I’ve recommended this to several of my friends. Totally worth several notebooks chock full of prompts and a years worth of writing 🙂

Very inspiring….

Hello! Is it alright if I add some of these to a little book I’m making for my Grandmother? She hasn’t opened a computer in her life but I know these prompts would do her a world of good. I believe in the importance of asking permission to use the creative property of another person 🙂 Cheers!

Hi Maxx, of course you may share with your grandmother – the only thing we would worry about is if you were to publish them for monetary gain. Enjoy! 🙂

This is really helpful. I’m glad I saw it first. ♥

OMG!! I’ve never been in this website before!!

Thank u so much this was so helpful. Idk how u came up with all thoughts prompts. It was very helpful. Thank u again.

For the first time in a long time it finally felt like I knew was going to happen next. I was gazing into her eyes and she was gazing back. I remember it like it was just yesterday, when she was still the one for me but never forgave me. I miss the sweet sound of her laughter and now all i hear are friends. I have tried to go back and apologize to her just to see if the answer will change but even I know that it will never change because I will never be enough for her. But if she ever decides that she wants me back she can have me because a life without love is one not worth living.

gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

can u give me one using the prompt “normal”

Thanks for this!!!!! Will definitely help me in learning to tap into my creative writing genius 🙂

Thanks, this helped me a lot!

u have a typo!!!! 364

Thanks for pointing out, got it fixed 🙂 Sometimes my brain goes faster than the computer. 🙂

I wrote this, tell me what you think; prompt #4-dancing You see her tapping her toes, always listening to music. Although she doesn’t like the music, what she doesn’t know yet is it will be stuck in her head for the next year. She’s as graceful as a butterfly yet as strong as a fighter. Many only see a pretty face yet those close enough to the fire know the passion burning deep inside of her. At home she’s quiet, always in her room yet making loud noises through the floorboards. Her parents know what she’s up to but her little brothers don’t quite understand yet. All they know is that when she goes up there she’s listening to music and soon she will play it for the whole neighborhood to hear. They don’t know that she’s practicing, practicing for the most important day of the year. The one she’s been waiting for since she’s been a little girl. Tapping her toes at the table only stops when her parents beg her to rest. Even in her dreams she on stage, dancing like a swan. Yet deep down she’s scared of the failure that she will feel if this one day goes a bit to south. Tapping her toes to the beat of her music gives her a bit of pip in her pep when she walks down the halls. No one quite understands the stress she’s going through. Through her smile she’s worries, scared that one misstep might end it all for her. But she won’t let anyone see that she’s nervous. She’s used to getting bruises, she falls on the ground but always gets back up. Because she’s a dancer, the show must go on.

Brilliant. Loved it.

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m working on a site in Danish about writing and I would love to translate these awesome prompts into Danish and use it on the site. Would that be OK? I’ll credit with links of course!

Hi Camilla, you cannot copy + post these on your site, but feel free to link to the article – our site is compatible with Google translate 🙂

Hi Camilla, this list cannot be republished, even if translated into another language. However, if you would like to link to our website that would be great, your readers are able to translate it into any language if they use a web browser such as Google Chrome.

My goal is to write all of these prompts before 2018

This is amazing! I am writing for fun and this is a list of amazing prompts!

Ha, Ha . I see what you did , #164 was missing and now it say write about being left out .

Thanks a ton !!!

This link has been really helpful for my blog, loved the ideas.

Thanks for not publishing my email address

You are welcome! We never publish email addresses. If you’d like to learn more about how we collect and use information you may provide us with on this website, you can read more on our privacy policy page. Hope that helps! https://thinkwritten.com/privacy/

I have another suggestion, What about “The Secret Journey to the Unknown”. I reckon it’s awesome!

I was wondering if you could please send new ideas to me, much appreciated thanks.

I love all of these so much and i try to write referring to these at least once everyday thank you so much for these!

Trust, It is a beautiful thing. You give it to others, For them to protect. They can keep it forever, Or they can destroy it.

Wow what a treasure! Am glad I have found the right place to begging my writing journey.Thanks guys

Super awesome! Thanks so much for this collection of writing prompts!!

Today is the last day of the year 2017. I’m proud to say that I was able to complete this challenge. Thank you for the inspiring prompts! 🙂

That is awesome! We might just have to think of some new ones!!

how about one with sports like the NBA

I thought my life was over when I couldn’t access this for a couple weeks. These prompts are excellent. I write two page short stories on one every day. I hope you guys never take down this site but I’m printing these for insurance because it truly was devastating. I’m very emotionally attached to this list. Thank you so much for sharing.

Yes, we did have a small glitch in our hosting services for a few days! Fortunately, it was only temporary and unexpected! {Though I’m sure it did feel like 2 weeks!} Good to hear you are using the prompts!

Very nice article. Very useful one for improving writing skills

Thank you Sid! Glad it is useful for you!

Oh my god.. This is something a different, thought provoking and a yardstick to those who cultivated passion on writing, like me, beginners. Wishes for this website. I really wanted to try this 365 days of writing. Thanks in tons.

Glad you find it helpful! I hope it keeps you inspired to keep growing as a writer!

i love writing too! i am writing a book and this website inspired me too!

i have been writing lots of things and am getting A + on writing

thxs for your time with the web

i am making a epic book. it is because of this website. you really help. i will share a link of my book once i am done with it to your awesome cool really helpful website! thank you for your time

That is great to hear Christopher! Would love to see some of your work when you are ready to share! 🙂

WOOOOOOOOW BEST SITE!

I’m going to write few marvelous essays based on ideas in your impressive list. Thanks!

Just to tell some people that 165 or 164 is not missing because some people probably can’t see but just to let u know that 164 is a prompt called “Left Out”

Dang. The second idea about writing about what it feels like to love someone who doesn’t love you back, I wrote something like that BEFORE I found this website.

You can always try writing it again, maybe from the other person’s perspective this time? That is the beauty of the open-ended writing prompts – you can always interpret them in a way to push and challenge you as a writer!

Thank you for these prompts! I enjoyed looking through them and writing them! They gave me great ideas and inspired me so much.

This is my favorite website to find inspiration to write. I had run out of ideas and i had a huge writers block but this made it all go away. Here’s something i wrote:

He is a mess She is beautiful He has tears streaming down his face She glides across the room as if it were her kingdom And she’s The reigning queen He’s curled up in a ball In the corner of the room He looks at me I wonder what he thinks I can’t take my eyes off her The way she subtly smiles when she realizes Someone is looking She seems to be happy all the time But I can see through the smile It’s my first time noticing It’s not complete That was the first time I wanted to say hi But I thought Why would he look at me? The nerd with all the answers in her head All the books in her hands And Her sleeves full of hearts She looked at me From the corner of her eye She saw me looking The boy with the tear stains She saw me His tears were no longer streaming He had finally stood up Tall and handsome As he is Eyes Bluer than the blue jay that sat outside my bedroom window She had opened a book and started reading She hadn’t changed pages for a while Safe to assume She was distracted She looked up and Without knowing I was in front of her “Hi” Her brown eyes Stared in to my soul Erased the memory of why the tears Were streaming in the first place “Hi”

I love it Cynthia, thank you for sharing and glad that it inspired you to keep writing! 🙂

Thank you for so many amazing ideas! I love the sound of mirror, mirror!

Glad you found it inspiring Ar!

read the whole thing and didn’t find anything I’d enjoy writing 🙁

What kinds of things do you like to write? We have a whole collection of additional writing prompts lists here. Sometimes challenging yourself to write something you don’t like all in its own can be a good exercise for writing. Hope that helps!

These are ingenious!

I love these prompts! They’re inspiring! I’ve chosen to challenge myself by using one of these prompts every day of this 2019 year. I posted my writings for the first prompt on my Tumblr and Facebook pages with the prompt and a link back to this article- I hope that’s alright. If not, I can take it down, or I would love to discuss a way I could continue to do this. I hope more people can see and use these prompts because I have already found joy in using the first one.

Hi Elizabeth! Glad you are enjoying the prompts! You can definitely post what you write with these prompts as long as you do not copy the entire list or claim them as your own. Linking back to our website or this post will help others find the prompts so they too can use them for writing! If you have any questions feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form. Thanks!

Amazing original prompts Thank you so much!

Good list, but you’re not supposed to mistake it’s for its. Not on a website for writers, of all places!

I appreciate your comment, especially because after triple checking the article AND having a few grammar-police personality type friends do the same we could not find any typos. All of the instances of its and it’s are the correct usage.

However, one thing we did remember is that it is very easy for the person reading to accidentally misunderstand and not interpret it the way as the writer intended.

To clarify when we should use it’s vs. its:

We use it’s when we intend the meaning as the contraction. This is a shortened way of writing it is . We use its without an apostrophe when we use it as a possessive noun. Any instances you may note here are correct for their intended meaning.

Some examples:

Prompt #141 It’s a Sign : In this case we intend it to be interpreted as IT IS a Sign , where the usage is a contraction.

Prompt #7 The Rocket Ship : In this case we intend it to be interpreted as the possessive form.

I hope that helps clear up any possible confusion for you!

Thank you soooo much! That helped me a lot!

You’re welcome Keira! Glad you enjoyed our list of writing ideas!

It is so rich in bright and thought-provoking ideas. Thank you so much. Get inspired to have more, please

Thanks for this. I love to write things like this. Some of these though, weren’t as interesting as I wanted it to be, not saying that they aren’t interesting. I like the help you’ve added in, such as being led into a dark room with only a flashlight to help so it gets us started. Great job!

Thanks Maya, I’m glad you like the prompts. Sometimes the prompts that seem boring are the best ones to help you practice your skills as a writer to make them interesting topics. Some of the best writers can make the most mundane topics fun!

Nice….I don’t think I’ll ever lack something to write on … I so appreciate your ideas ..,they are great

Thank you, glad you enjoyed them!

Thank you for providing these writing prompts! They are great!

Thank You so much, these are amazing to start of with to get the creative juices flowing

Thank you very much

Sweet! Thank you so much! I plan to use some of these for some creative writing on CourageousChristianFather.com

I’m glad they inspired you Steve! I always love seeing what everyone writes with these prompts – I really enjoyed your post about the cookie ad jingle! 🙂

Thanks so much for this list. I needed something to kickstart my writing. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I just wrote #1. WooHoo!!

Thank you for your list. This is great!

I write feature articles for our church library’s monthly newsletter. Perusing this list has helped me come up with a couple dozen ideas to consider for future issues! Thanks much for putting this together – it is being used beyond the scope of what you intended, I think!

That’s wonderful Debbie! There are so many ways to apply these prompts to any sort of project – thank you for sharing how you are using them!

Thanks for your prompts, an idea I have for a prompt is write a story based on your favorite story for example I’m writing a fantasy book based on the game dungeons and dragons…

i guss its ok

cgv hbvkd vjvhsvhivhcickbcjh

Just needed to ask: I’d like to think these prompts are for free writing with no pauses? But, does one edit and polish the piece after that? I keep reading about writing every day…like brain dumping. But, there is never a mention of what one does with the piece after that??

This article has been written with sheer intelligence. Such 365 creative writing prompts has been written here. This article is worth marking as Good. I like how you have researched and presented these exact points so clearly.

Thank you for this list! You’ve inspired me to take up the challenge, though I haven’t written anything in years!

I have even created a blog to post my ideas, and keep myself accountable. I hope this is okay, I will credit, and provide a link back to this page on each post. https://thefishhavegotitright.blogspot.com/

I love it Ariadne, I’ll definitely come check out your site! Keep at it!

This is really Helpful thanks I love it😊

I never knew how much I had to write about. This should definitely keep me busy! Thank you so much for the list.

Hi! I saw a note saying this had been updated for 2020. I was curious if there are plans to update it for 2021. If so, when would the 2021-updated list become available?

Hi Gabrielle, I am not sure when we will next update this list, but feel free to check out some of our other writing prompts lists if you’ve exhausted this one! Writing Prompts for Kids {which is for grown-ups too!} and Poetry Writing Prompts are two great ones to check out. Hope that helps!

Loved this a lot! I would like to ask permission for using these prompts for my poetry and stories page on Instagram. Kindly let me know if I can use these and let my followers write on them too.

Hi, Piyusha, I’m just a user of the site like you, so I’m not “official”. But if you hit CTRL + F in your browser, that should open the “Find” dialog. Search on “Camilla”, and that will take you to a post and response concerning your request. Have a great and productive writing day. K. B. Tidwell

very informative thank you

I have always had problems finding something to write about. My problem is solved🥰 Thank you

I love this

Oh great. Good for everyone who enjoys picking the pen and writing something readable

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Student Opinion

650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

By Michael Gonchar

• Oct. 20, 2016

Update, Sept. 4, 2019: Check out our newest evergreen collection of “ 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing ” that includes dozens of new prompts.

Update, Feb. 15, 2019: Learn more about how to use our 1000s of writing prompts by watching our free on-demand webinar: “ Give Them Something to Write About: Teach Across the Curriculum With New York Times-Inspired Daily Prompts. ”

Every school day since 2009 we’ve asked students a question based on an article in The New York Times.

Now, seven years later, and in honor of the Oct. 20 National Day on Writing , we’ve collected 650 of them that invite narrative and personal writing and listed them by category below. Consider it an update of a previous post, and a companion to the list of 301 argumentative writing prompts we published in 2015.

Here is a PDF of all 650 prompts , and we also have a related lesson plan, From ‘Lives’ to ‘Modern Love’: Writing Personal Essays With Help From The New York Times .

Below, a list that touches on everything from sports to travel, education, gender roles, video games, fashion, family, pop culture, social media and more. Like all our Student Opinion questions , each links to a related Times article and includes a series of follow-up questions. All questions published since May 2015 are still open to comment by any student 13 or older.

So dive into this admittedly overwhelming list and pick the questions that most inspire you to tell an interesting story, describe a memorable event, observe the details in your world, imagine a possibility, or reflect on who you are and what you believe.

Overcoming Adversity

1. What Challenges Have You Overcome? 2. What Are Your Secret Survival Strategies? 3. What Do You Do When You Encounter Obstacles to Success? 4. When Have You Failed? What Did You Learn From It? 5. When Have You Ever Succeeded When You Thought You Might Fail? 6. What Life Lessons Has Adversity Taught You? 7. What Work Went Into Reaching Your Most Difficult Goals? 8. How Often Do You Leave Your ‘Comfort Zone’? 9. When Was the Last Time You Did Something That Scared or Challenged You? 10. What Are You Afraid Of? 11. What Are Your Fears and Phobias? 12. What Are Your Personal Superstitions? 13. Do You Like Being Alone? 14. How Often Do You Cry? 15. Do You Ever Feel Overlooked and Underappreciated? 16. How Have You Handled Being the ‘New Kid’? 17. How Do You Deal With Haters? 18. How Do You React When Provoked? 19. What Role Does Stress Play in Your Life? 20. Does Stress Affect Your Ability to Make Good Decisions? 21. How Do You Relieve Stress? 22. How Do You Find Peace in Your Life? 23. Does Your Life Leave You Enough Time to Relax? 24. Do You Set Rules for Yourself About How You Use Your Time? 25. Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time? 26. What Did You Once Hate but Now Like? 27. What Kind of Feedback Helps You Improve? 28. Is Trying Too Hard to Be Happy Making You Sad? 29. Do Adults Who Are ‘Only Trying to Help’ Sometimes Make Things Worse?

Your Personality

30. What Is Your Personal Credo? 31. What Motivates You? 32. What Makes You Happy? 33. What Are You Good At? 34. When in Your Life Have You Been a Leader? 35. How Well Do You Perform Under Pressure? 36. How Well Do You Take Criticism? 37. Are You Hard or Easy on Yourself? 38. How Full Is Your Glass? 39. Do You Have a Hard Time Making Decisions? 40. How Much Self-Control Do You Have? 41. How Good Are You at Waiting for What You Really Want? 42. What Role Does Procrastination Play in Your Life? 43. How Good Are You at Time Management? 44. How Productive and Organized Are You? 45. Under What Conditions Do You Do Your Best Work? 46. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 47. Are You a Good Listener? 48. How Competitive Are You? 49. Do You Perform Better When You’re Competing or When You’re Collaborating? 50. How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? 51. Do You Take More Risks When You Are Around Your Friends? 52. Do You Unknowingly Submit to Peer Pressure? 53. Do You Think You’re Brave? 54. How Much of a Daredevil Are You? 55. What Pranks, Jokes, Hoaxes or Tricks Have You Ever Fallen For or Perpetrated? 56. How Impulsive Are You? 57. Are You a Novelty-Seeker? 58. How Do You Deal With Boredom? 59. What Annoys You? 60. Do You Apologize Too Much? 61. Do You Have Good Manners? 62. How Materialistic Are You? 63. Are You a Saver or a Tosser? 64. Are You a Hoarder or a Minimalist? 65. Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert? 66. Are You Popular, Quirky or Conformist? 67. Are You a Nerd or a Geek? 68. What Would Your Personal Mascot Be? 69. What Assumptions Do People Make About You? 70. How Good Are You at Saying Goodbye?

Role Models

71. Who Is Your Role Model? 72. Who Inspires You? 73. Who Are the People – Famous or Not – You Admire Most? 74. Who Are Your Heroes? 75. What Heroic Acts Have You Performed or Witnessed? 76. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Gotten? 77. What Are Some ‘Words of Wisdom’ That Guide Your Life? 78. Who Outside Your Family Has Made a Difference in Your Life? 79. If You Had Your Own Talk Show, Whom Would You Want to Interview? 80. To Whom, or What, Would You Like to Write a Thank-You Note? 81. What Leader Would You Invite to Speak at Your School? 82. What Six People, Living or Dead, Would You Invite to Dinner? 83. Who’s Your ‘Outsider Role Model’?

84. Who Is Your Family? 85. How Do You Define ‘Family’? 86. What Have You and Your Family Accomplished Together? 87. What Events Have Brought You Closer to Your Family? 88. What’s Your Role in Your Family? 89. Have You Ever Changed a Family Member’s Mind? 90. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 91. What Are Your Family Stories of Sacrifice? 92. What Possessions Does Your Family Treasure? 93. What Hobbies Have Been Passed Down in Your Family? 94. What’s the Story Behind Your Name? 95. What Are Your Favorite Names? 96. How Have You Paid Tribute to Loved Ones? 97. What Do You Know About Your Family’s History? 98. Did Your Parents Have a Life Before They Had Kids? 99. What Family Traditions Do You Want to Carry On When You Get Older?

Parents & Parenting

100. How Close Are You to Your Parents? 101. How Are You and Your Parents Alike and Different? 102. How Much Freedom Have Your Parents Given You? 103. How Permissive Are Your Parents? 104. Do You Have Helicopter Parents? 105. How Do Your Parents Teach You to Behave? 106. How Do You Make Parenting Difficult for Your Parents? 107. How Often Do You Fight With Your Parents? 108. What Advice Would You Give to Your Mom, Dad or Guardian on How to Be a Better Parent? 109. Is Your Family Stressed, Tired and Rushed? 110. Do Your Parents Try Too Hard to Be Cool? 111. Do You Ever Feel Embarrassed by Your Parents? 112. Do Your Parents Support Your Learning? 113. Do You Talk About Report Cards With Your Parents? 114. Do You Want Your Parents to Stop Asking You ‘How Was School?’ 115. How Much Do Your Parents Help With Your Homework? 116. How Has Your Family Helped or Hindered Your Transition to a New School? 117. Have Your Parents and Teachers Given You Room to Create?

Your Neighborhood

118. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 119. What’s Special About Your Hometown? 120. What Marketing Slogan Would You Use for Your Town or City? 121. What Would You Name Your Neighborhood? 122. Who Are the ‘Characters’ That Make Your Town Interesting? 123. Who Is the ‘Mayor’ of Your School or Neighborhood? 124. What Would a TV Show About Your Town Spoof? 125. What ‘Urban Legends’ Are There About Places in Your Area? 126. Do You Know Your Way Around Your City or Town? 127. How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors? 128. What Is Your Favorite Place? 129. What’s Your Favorite Neighborhood Joint? 130. What Is Your Favorite Street? 131. Do You Hang Out in the Park? 132. How Much Time Do You Spend in Nature? 133. What Small Things Have You Seen and Taken Note Of Today? 134. What Buildings Do You Love? What Buildings Do You Hate? 135. What Are the Sounds That Make Up the Background Noise in Your Life? 136. What Sounds Annoy You? 137. What Public Behavior Annoys You Most? 138. Have You Ever Interacted With the Police? 139. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 140. What Ideas Do You Have for Enhancing Your Community? 141. Where Do You Think You Will Live When You Are an Adult? 142. Would You Most Want to Live in a City, a Suburb or the Country?

143. Is Your Bedroom a Nightmare? 144. What is Your Favorite Place in Your House? 145. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 146. Do You Need to De-Clutter Your Life? 147. Do You Plan on Saving Any of Your Belongings for the Future? 148. With Your Home in Danger, What Would You Try to Save? 149. What Would You Grab in a Fire? 150. What Would You Put in Your Emergency ‘Go-Bag’? 151. Who Lived Long Ago Where You Live Now? 152. What Would Your Dream Home Be Like?

Childhood Memories

153. What Was Your Most Precious Childhood Possession? 154. What Objects Tell the Story of Your Life? 155. What Do You Collect? 156. What Were Your Favorite Childhood Shows and Characters? 157. Do You Have Childhood Memories of Being Read Aloud To? 158. What Were Your Favorite Picture Books When You Were Little? 159. What Things Did You Create When You Were a Child? 160. What Places Do You Remember Fondly From Childhood? 161. What Food or Flavor Do You Remember Tasting for the First Time? 162. What Do You Wish You Could See, Hear, Read or Experience for the First Time All Over Again? 163. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Things You Used to Like? 164. Do You Wish You Could Return to Moments From Your Past? 165. Was There a Toy You Wanted as a Child but Never Got? 166. What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Given or Received? 167. What’s the Most Memorable Thing You Ever Got in the Mail? 168. Have You Ever Lost (or Found) Something Valuable? 169. What Nicknames Have You Ever Gotten or Given? 170. What Are Your Best Sleepover Memories? 171. What Old, Worn Out Thing Can You Just Not Part With? 172. What Is Your Most Prized Possession?

173. What Have You Learned in Your Teens? 174. What Do You Remember Best About Being 12? 175. What Personal Achievements Make You Proud? 176. What Are Some Recent Moments of Happiness in Your Life? 177. What Rites of Passage Have You Participated In? 178. What Are You Grateful For? 179. What Advice Would You Give Younger Kids About Middle or High School? 180. What Have You Learned From Older People? 181. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 182. What Do Older Generations Misunderstand About Yours? 183. Do You Recognize Yourself in Descriptions of ‘Generation Z’?

184. What Ethical Dilemmas Have You Faced? 185. Have You Ever Had to Make a Sacrifice to Help Someone You Care About? 186. Have You Ever Donated Your Time, Talents, Possessions or Money to Support Anyone in Need? 187. When Is the Last Time You Did Something Nice for a Stranger? 188. Have You Ever ‘Paid It Forward’? 189. How Trustworthy Are You? 190. How Comfortable Are You With Lying? 191. When Do You Lie? 192. Have You Ever Lied to Your Parents or Done Something Behind Their Backs? 193. If You Drink or Use Drugs, Do Your Parents Know? 194. Have You Ever Taken Something You Weren’t Supposed To? 195. Do You Ever Eavesdrop? 196. How Much Do You Gossip?

Religion & Spirituality

197. What Is the Role of Religion or Spirituality in Your Life? 198. How Important Is Your Spiritual Life? 199. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 200. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 201. Can You Be Good Without God? 202. Are You Less Religious Than Your Parents? 203. Can You Pass a Basic Religion Test? 204. What Can You Learn From Other Religions?

Gender & Sexuality

205. How Do Male and Female Roles Differ in Your Family? 206. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 207. How Do Your Parents Share the Responsibilities of Parenting? 208. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 209. How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body? 210. How Did You Learn About Sex? 211. What Experiences Have You Had With Gender Bias in School? 212. What Have Been Your Experiences With Catcalling or Other Kinds of Street Harassment? 213. What Does it Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’? 214. Do You Consider Yourself a Feminist? 215. What Does Feminism Mean to You?

Race & Ethnicity

216. What Is Your Racial and Ethnic Identity? 217. Have You Ever Tried to Hide Your Racial or Ethnic Identity? 218. How Often Do You Interact With People of Another Race or Ethnicity? 219. Do You Ever Talk About Issues of Race and Class With Your Friends? 220. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 221. What’s the Racial Makeup of Your School? 222. Does Your School Seem Integrated? 223. Have You Experienced Racism or Other Kinds of Discrimination in School?

Money & Social Class

224. What Are Your Attitudes Toward Money? 225. Are You a Saver or a Spender? 226. What Have Your Parents Taught You About Money? 227. Do You Expect Your Parents to Give You Money? 228. How Important a Role Has Money, Work or Social Class Played in Your Life? 229. Do You See Great Disparities of Wealth in Your Community? 230. Can Money Buy You Happiness? 231. What Are the Best Things in Life and Are They Free?

232. Are You Distracted by Technology? 233. Are You Distracted by Your Phone? 234. Are You ‘Addicted’ to Texting? 235. Do You Always Have Your Phone or Tablet at Your Side? 236. Do Screens Get in the Way of the Rest of Your Life? 237. Do You Experience FOMO When You Unplug? 238. Does Your Digital Life Have Side Effects? 239. Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smartphones Playing ‘Stupid Games’? 240. Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time? 241. What Tech Tools Play the Biggest Role in Your Life? 242. What New Technologies or Tech Toys Are You Most Excited About? 243. To What Piece of Technology Would You Write a ‘Love Letter’?

The Internet

244. What’s So Great About YouTube? 245. What Has YouTube Taught You? 246. What Are Your Favorite Viral Videos? 247. What Are Your Favorite Internet Spoofs? 248. What Would You Teach the World in an Online Video? 249. Do You Ever Seek Advice on the Internet? 250. Would You Share an Embarrassing Story Online? 251. How Do You Know if What You Read Online Is True? 252. What Are Your Experiences With Internet-Based Urban Legends? 253. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 254. How Do You Use Wikipedia? 255. How Careful Are You Online? 256. What Story Does Your Personal Data Tell? 257. Do You Worry About the Lack of Anonymity in the Digital Age? 258. Would You Mind if Your Parents Blogged About You? 259. Do You Wish You Had More Privacy Online? 260. Have You Ever Been Scammed? 261. Whom Would You Share Your Passwords With?

Social Media

262. How Do You Use Facebook? 263. What Is Your Facebook Persona? 264. How Real Are You on Social Media? 265. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had on Facebook? 266. Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad? 267. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 268. Do You Have ‘Instagram Envy’? 269. Do You Use Twitter? 270. Why Do You Share Photos? 271. How Do You Archive Your Life? 272. Have You Ever Posted, Emailed or Texted Something You Wish You Could Take Back? 273. Have You Ever Sent an Odd Message Because of Auto-Correct? 274. Would You Want Your Photo or Video to Go Viral? 275. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 276. What Advice Do You Have for Younger Kids About Navigating Social Media?

277. What Are You Listening To? 278. What Songs Are on Your Favorite Playlist? 279. What Musicians or Bands Mean the Most to You? 280. What Music Inspires You? 281. Who in Your Life Introduces You to New Music? 282. How Much Is Your Taste in Music Based on What Your Friends Like? 283. What Role Does Hip-Hop Play in Your Life? 284. Which Pop Music Stars Fascinate You? 285. Who Is Your Favorite Pop Diva? 286. What’s Your Karaoke Song? 287. Which Artists Would You Like to See Team Up? 288. How Closely Do You Listen to Lyrics? 289. What Are Your Earliest Memories of Music?

290. What Are the Best Things You’ve Watched, Read, Heard or Played This Year? 291. What Are Your TV Habits? 292. Do Your Television Viewing Habits Include ‘Binge-Watching’? 293. What Role Does Television Play in Your Life and the Life of Your Family? 294. What Television Shows Have Mattered to You? 295. How Often Do You Watch a Television Show When It Originally Airs? 296. Have You Fallen Into ‘Friends’ or Any Other Older Television Shows? 297. What Old Television Shows Would You Bring Back? 298. Why Do We Like Reality Shows So Much? 299. What Ideas Do You Have for a Reality Show? 300. What Reality TV Show Would You Want to Be a Guest Star On? 301. What Are Your Favorite Cartoons? 302. What Are Your Favorite Commercials? 303. How Much Are You Influenced by Advertising?

Movies & Theater

304. What Are Your Favorite Movies Ever? 305. What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year? 306. What Movies Do You Watch, or Reference, Over and Over? 307. What Movies, Shows or Books Do You Wish Had Sequels, Spinoffs or New Episodes? 308. Do You Like Horror Movies? 309. What Is Your Favorite Comedy? 310. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Stars? 311. Would You Pay Extra for a 3-D Movie? 312. Where, and How, Do You Watch Movies? 313. What Are the Best Live Theatrical Performances You’ve Ever Seen? 314. Have You Ever Stumbled Upon a Cool Public Performance?

Video Games

315. What Are Your Favorite Video Games? 316. What Have You Learned Playing Video Games? 317. Do You Play Violent Video Games? 318. When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies? 319. Who Are Your Opponents in Online Gaming? 320. Do You Like Watching Other People Play Video Games? 321. How Excited Are You About the Possibilities of Virtual Reality?

Books & Reading

322. Read Any Good Books Lately? 323. What Are the Best Books You’ve Read This Year? 324. What Are Your Favorite Books and Authors? 325. What Are Your Favorite Young Adult Novels? 326. Do You Read for Pleasure? 327. What Memorable Poetry Have You Ever Read or Heard? 328. What Magazines Do You Read, and How Do You Read Them? 329. Do You Enjoy Reading Tabloid Gossip? 330. When Have You Seen Yourself and Your Life Reflected in a Book or Other Media? 331. Has a Book, Movie, Television Show, Song or Video Game Ever Inspired You to Do Something New? 332. Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary? 333. Do You Read E-Books? 334. Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions? 335. To What Writer Would You Award a Prize?

336. Why Do You Write? 337. Are You a Good Storyteller? 338. What’s Your Favorite Joke? 339. Do You Keep a Diary or Journal? 340. Do You Have a Blog? 341. Do You Want to Write a Book? 342. When Do You Write by Hand? 343. Do You Write in Cursive? 344. Do You Write in Your Books? 345. What ‘Mundane Moments’ From Your Life Might Make Great Essay Material? 346. What Is Your Most Memorable Writing Assignment? 347. Do You Ever Write About Challenges You Face in Life?

348. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in a Museum? 349. What Are the Most Memorable Works of Visual Art You Have Seen? 350. What Are Your Favorite Works of Art? 351. How Important Is Arts Education? 352. What Has Arts Education Done For You?

Language & Speech

353. What Words Do You Hate? 354. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 355. How Much Slang Do You Use? What Are Your Favorite Words? 356. What Current Slang Words and Expressions Do You Think Will Endure? 357. Why Do So Many People Say ‘Like’ and ‘Totally’ All the Time? 358. Do You Say ‘Kind of, Sort of’ More Than You Realize? 359. How Much Do You Curse? 360. How Good Are You at Coming Up With Witty Comebacks? 361. When Did You Last Have a Great Conversation? 362. How Often Do You Have ‘Deep Discussions’? 363. Do You Wish Your Conversations Were Less Small Talk and More ‘Big Talk’? 364. When Do You Choose Making a Phone Call Over Sending a Text? 365. How Much Information Is ‘Too Much Information’? 366. Do You Sometimes ‘Hide’ Behind Irony? 367. How Good Is Your Grammar? 368. Do You Speak a Second, or Third, Language? 369. When Do You Remember Learning a New Word? 370. What Does Your Body Language Communicate?

371. Do You Like School? 372. Are You Stressed About School? 373. Are High School Students Being Worked Too Hard? 374. What Are You Really Learning at School? 375. What Are You Looking Forward To, or Dreading, This School Year? 376. Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled? 377. Would You Like to Take a Class Online? 378. Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School? 379. How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend? 380. How Would You Grade Your School? 381. What Can Other Schools Learn — and Copy — From Your School? 382. What Would You Miss if You Left Your School? 383. Is Your School Day Too Short? 384. What Do You Hope to Get Out of High School?

Learning & Studying

385. Do You Have Too Much Homework? 386. Does Your Homework Help You Learn? 387. Do You Participate in Class? 388. What Is Your Best Subject? 389. What’s the Most Challenging Assignment You’ve Ever Had? 390. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had in Learning Science or Math? 391. Are You Afraid of Math? 392. Do We Need a Better Way to Teach Math? 393. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 394. How Would You Do on a Civics Test? 395. Does Your School Offer Enough Opportunities to Learn Computer Programming? 396. Does Your School Value Students’ Digital Skills? 397. Do You Know How to Code? Would You Like to Learn? 398. What Career or Technical Classes Do You Wish Your School Offered? 399. What Was Your Favorite Field Trip? 400. What Are Your Best Tips for Studying? 401. Do You Use Study Guides? 402. Is Everything You’ve Been Taught About Study Habits Wrong? 403. What Would You Like to Have Memorized? 404. How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities? 405. Do Your Test Scores Reflect How Good Your Teachers Are?

406. What Do You Wish Your Teachers Knew About You? 407. When Has a Teacher Inspired You? 408. What Teacher Would You Like to Thank? 409. What Makes a Good Teacher? 410. Have You Ever Been Humiliated by a Teacher? How Did it Affect You? 411. Have Your Teachers or Textbooks Ever Gotten It Wrong? 412. Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well? 413. Do You Have a Tutor?

School Life

414. How Do You Feel About Proms? 415. Do You Want to Be ‘Promposed’ To? 416. Is Prom Worth It? 417. What Role Do School Clubs and Teams Play in Your Life? 418. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 419. Would You Ever Go Through Hazing to Be Part of a Group? 420. Is Your School a ‘Party School’? 421. Have You Been To Parties That Have Gotten Out of Control? 422. How Common Is Drug Use in Your School? 423. Can Students at Your School Talk Openly About Their Mental Health Issues? 424. How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave? 425. Do You Know People Who Cheat on High-Stakes Tests? 426. How Much Does Your Life in School Intersect With Your Life Outside School? 427. Do You Ever ‘Mix It Up’ and Socialize With Different People at School? 428. What Fads Are You and Your Friends Into Right Now?

429. Where Do You Want to Go to College? 430. What Are Your Sources for Information About Colleges and Universities? 431. What Role Has Community College Played in Your Life or the Life of Someone You Know? 432. Is College Overrated? 433. How Much Do You Worry About Taking the SAT or ACT? 434. What Personal Essay Topic Would You Assign to College Applicants? 435. What Qualities Would You Look For in a College Roommate? 436. Would You Want to Take a Gap Year After High School? 437. What Makes a Graduation Ceremony Memorable?

Work & Careers

438. What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? 439. Do You Have a Life Calling? 440. What’s Your Dream Job? 441. What Are Your Longtime Interests or Passions? 442. Do You Think You Will Have a Career That You Love? 443. What Do You Want More From a Career: Happiness or Wealth? 444. What Investment Are You Willing to Make to Get Your Dream Job? 445. Would You Consider a Nontraditional Occupation? 446. Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office? 447. Would You Want to Be a Teacher? 448. What Hidden Talents Might You Have? 449. What ‘Back-to-the-Land’ Skills Do You Have, or Wish You Had? 450. What Skill Could You Teach in Two Minutes? 451. What Have You Made Yourself? 452. Do You Have an Idea for a Business or App? 453. What Would You Create if You Had Funding? 454. How Did You Start Doing Something You Love? 455. Did You Ever Take a Break From Doing Something You Love? 456. What Have You Done to Earn Money? 457. Do You Have a Job? 458. Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s? 459. What Do You Hope to Be Doing the Year After You Graduate From College? 460. Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

461. Do You Have a Best Friend? 462. How Often Do You Spend One-on-One Time With Your Closest Friends? 463. How Do You Feel About Introducing Friends from Different Parts of Your Life? 464. Do You Find It Easier to Make New Friends Online or In Person? 465. How Good a Friend Are You? 466. How Have You Helped a Friend in a Time of Need? 467. Do You Like Your Friends? 468. Is Competitiveness an Obstacle to Making or Keeping Friendships? 469. How Should You Handle the End of a Friendship? 470. Have You Ever Felt Left Out?

471. Have You Ever Been in Love? 472. What Are the Most Meaningful Relationships in Your Life? 473. What Advice Would You Give to Somebody Who Just Started Dating? 474. Are You Allowed to Date? 475. Is Dating a Thing of the Past? 476. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 477. What Are the Basic ‘Rules’ for Handling Breakups? 478. What’s the Best Way to Get Over a Breakup? 479. What Are Your Beliefs About Marriage?

Sports & Games

480. What’s the Most Impressive Sports Moment You’ve Seen? 481. Who Are Your Sports Heroes? 482. What Sports Teams Do You Root For? 483. Does Being a Fan Help Define Who You Are? 484. How Far Would You Go to Express Loyalty to Your Favorite Teams? 485. Are You a Fair-Weather Fan? 486. When Has a Sports Team Most Disappointed You? 487. Do You Watch the Super Bowl? 488. What Fan Memorabilia Would You Pay Big Bucks For? 489. What Extreme Sports Interest You Most? 490. Why Do You Play Sports? 491. What Rules Would You Like to See Changed in Your Favorite Sports? 492. Do You Enjoy Playing Games or Solving Puzzles? 493. What Are Your Favorite Board Games? 494. What Are Your Favorite Games? 495. What Game Would You Like to Redesign?

496. Where in the World Would You Most Like to Travel? 497. What Is Your Fantasy Vacation? 498. What Would Your Fantasy Road Trip Be Like? 499. What Crazy Adventure Would You Want to Take? 500. What Local ‘Microadventures’ Would You Like to Go On? 501. What’s Your Perfect Family Vacation? 502. How Has Travel Affected You? 503. What Kind of Tourist Are You? 504. What Are the Best Souvenirs You’ve Ever Collected While Traveling? 505. What Famous Landmarks Have You Visited? 506. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in Nature? 507. How Much Do You Know About the Rest of the World? 508. Would You Like to Live in Another Country? 509. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist? 510. If You Could Time-Travel, Where Would You Go?

Looks & Fashion

511. What Is Your All-Time Favorite Piece of Clothing? 512. Do You Have a Signature Clothing Item? 513. What’s Your Favorite T-Shirt? 514. Do You Care What You Wear? 515. Does What You Wear Say Anything About You as a Person? 516. What Does Your Hairstyle Say About You? 517. What’s on Your Fashion Shopping List? 518. How Far Would You Go for Fashion? 519. What Are the Hot Fashion Trends at Your School Right Now? 520. What Current Trends Annoy You? 521. Would You Ever Consider Getting a Tattoo? 522. What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? 523. Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? 524. Have You Inherited Your Parents’ Attitudes Toward Their Looks? 525. Has Anyone Ever Said That You Look Like Someone Famous?

Exercise, Health & Sleep

526. Do You Like to Exercise? 527. Do You Get Enough Exercise? 528. How Has Exercise Changed Your Health, Your Body or Your Life? 529. How Much Do You Think About Your Weight? 530. How Often Do You Engage in ‘Fat Talk’? 531. Do You Pay Attention to Calorie Counts for Food? 532. Do You Pay Attention to Nutrition Labels on Food? 533. How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From? 534. Are Your Eating Habits Healthy? 535. Do You Eat Too Quickly? 536. What Are Your ‘Food Rules’? 537. What Are Your Healthy Habits? 538. What Health Tips Have Worked for You? 539. What Rules Do You Have for Staying Healthy? 540. How Careful Are You in the Sun? 541. What Are Your Sleep Habits? 542. How Much of a Priority Do You Make Sleep? 543. Do You Get Enough Sleep?

Meals & Food

544. What Are the Most Memorable Meals You’ve Ever Had? 545. What’s Your Favorite Holiday Food Memory? 546. What’s Your Comfort Food? 547. What Are Your Favorite Junk Foods? 548. What’s Your Favorite Candy? 549. What’s Your Favorite Sandwich? 550. Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’? 551. What Food Would You Like to Judge in a Taste-Off? 552. Do You Cook? 553. What Would You Most Like to Learn to Cook or Bake? 554. What Messages About Food and Eating Have You Learned From Your Family? 555. How Often Does Your Family Eat Together? 556. What Are Your Favorite Restaurants? 557. What Restaurant Would You Most Like to Review? 558. What Do You Eat During the School Day? 559. Do You Eat Cafeteria Food? 560. Is School Lunch Really All That Bad?

Holidays & Seasons

561. How Do You Celebrate Your Birthday? 562. Will You Be Wearing a Halloween Costume This Year? 563. Do You Like Scary Movies and Books? 564. Do You Believe in Ghosts? 565. What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 566. What Do You Look Forward to Most – and Least – During the Holiday Season? 567. What Are Your Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season? 568. How Will You Spend the Holiday Break? 569. What Does Santa Claus Mean to You? 570. Do You Look Forward to New Year’s Eve? 571. Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions? 572. How Do You Fight the Winter Blues? 573. What Would You Do on a Snow Day? 574. What Are Your Experiences With Severe Weather? 575. How Do You Feel About Valentine’s Day? 576. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 577. What Would Your Fantasy Spring Break Be Like? 578. What Are You Looking Forward to This Summer? 579. What Would Your Ideal Summer Camp Be Like? 580. What Are Your Favorite Summer Hangouts? 581. What’s Your Favorite Summer Food? 582. What Is Your Favorite Summer Movie? 583. What’s on Your Summer Reading List? 584. Do You Have a Summer Job? 585. Do You Choose Summer Activities to Look Good on Applications? 586. What Are the Best Things You Did This Summer? 587. How Do You Prepare to Go Back to School? 588. How Can People Make the Most of Long Holiday Weekends? 589. What’s Your Sunday Routine?

590. What’s Your Favorite Store? 591. To What Company Would You Write a Letter of Complaint or Admiration? 592. To What Business Would You Like to Give Advice? 593. Do You Ever Hang Out at the Mall? 594. How Would You Make Over Your Mall? 595. Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses? 596. What Are the Best Things You’ve Acquired Secondhand?

Cars & Driving

597. How Important Is It to Have a Driver’s License? 598. Are You a Good Driver? 599. Do You Have a Dream Car? 600. Would You Like to Ride in a Car That Drives Itself?

Animals & Pets

601. What Are the Animals in Your Life? 602. What’s Your Relationship Like With Your Pet? 603. How Well Do You Know Your Pet? 604. What Are Your Thoughts on Cats? 605. Would You Want to Hang Out at a Cat Cafe? 606. Why Do We Love Watching Animal Videos So Much? 607. What Are Your Most Memorable Stories About Wildlife? 608. How Do You Feel About Zoos?

Environmental Issues

609. How Green Are You? 610. How Do You Try to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment? 611. Do You Ever Feel Guilty About What, or How Much, You Throw Away? 612. How Much Food Does Your Family Waste? 613. What Could You Live Without? 614. How Do You Celebrate Earth Day?

Politics & Beliefs

615. How Would You Like to Help Our World? 616. What Cause Would Get You Into the Streets? 617. Have Your Ever Taken Part in a Protest? 618. What Would You Risk Your Life For? 619. When Have You Spoken Out About Something You Felt Had to Change? 620. What Would You Invent to Make the World a Better Place? 621. Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate? 622. What Organizations Do You Think People Should Give to This Holiday Season? 623. Do You Trust Your Government? 624. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 625. Do You Consider Yourself a Republican, Democrat or Independent?

History & Current Events

626. What Event in the Past Do You Wish You Could Have Witnessed? 627. What Are the Most Important Changes, in Your Life and in the World, in the Last Decade? 628. What National or International Events That You Lived Through Do You Remember Best? 629. Why Should We Care About Events in Other Parts of the World? 630. What News Stories Are You Following? 631. How Do You Get Your News? 632. Is Your Online World Just a ‘Filter Bubble’ of People With the Same Opinions? 633. Do Your Friends on Social Media All Have the Same Political Opinions You Do?

634. What Would You Do if You Won the Lottery? 635. What Superpower Do You Wish You Had? 636. What Era Do You Wish You Had Lived In? 637. Would You Want to Be a Tween or Teen Star? 638. Would You Want to Be a Child Prodigy? 639. Would You Want to Grow Up in the Public Eye? 640. What Kind of Robot Would You Want? 641. What Would You Outsource if You Could? 642. What Would You Like to Learn on Your Own? 643. What Would You Be Willing to Wait in a Really Long Line For? 644. If You Were a Super Rich Philanthropist, What Causes Would You Support? 645. What Would You Do if You Were President? 646. What Famous Person Would You Like to Visit Your School? 647. Who Would Be the Ideal Celebrity Neighbor? 648. What Do You Want to Be Doing When You’re 80? 649. Do You Want to Live to 100? 650. What Do You Want Your Obituary to Say?

Reluctant Reader Books

1029 Killer Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

This is the only list you’ll ever need.

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

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

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Table of Contents

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

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Let’s dive in.

40 Animal Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

84 Biographical Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Book Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Comparison Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Descriptive Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Either/Or Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

67 Family Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

60 Friendship Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

67 First Line Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

40 History Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Movie Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Opinion Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Poetry Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

30 Procedural Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

53 Relationship Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 Research Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

50 School Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

38 Science Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

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• Writing Prompts

150 Writing Prompts For Middle School (+Free Printable)

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

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

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

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

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

150 Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

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

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

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

Printable Writing Pack for Middle Schoolers

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

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

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30 Fun Daily Journal Prompts For Adults + Free PDF Printable

If you want to start a journaling habit, then look no further than this list of 30 daily journal prompts for adults, free printable included!

Using journal prompts is an easy way to start writing every day, even if you’re a total beginner to writing.

Journaling is wonderful for mental health , self-growth, relaxation, and self-care. It’s one of the best ways to check in with yourself every single day and gain clarity about your life. It’s also a simple way to unwind and regain a sense of inner peace after a hectic day.

If you want to start a daily journaling habit, these 30 daily journal prompts are perfect to get started. They’re perfect for adults, college students, and anyone who wants to explore the joys of journaling.

These journaling prompts will last about a month if you write one question per day, which is perfect for beginner writers. There is plenty to write about, and the topics are interesting, but you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Of course, you can write as many journal questions as you like per day. Take as much time or as little as you’d like for each topic. And have fun!

To get started, read through the list of daily journal prompts for adults. Then, download and print the free PDF printable worksheet at the end of the list. No email is required.

**This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you for products you purchase via this website. For more information click here.**

Without further wait, here are some fun journaling questions to help you start journaling daily! After reading through this list, we will cover some ideas for making journaling a daily habit and talk about what else to include in a daily journal.

30 Daily Journal Prompts for Adults

• What are you most excited about this week?
• Who makes you feel happiest in life and why?
• What are you most grateful for in your life?
• Write a short story about the best day you’ve had recently.
• What challenges have you overcome in your life?
• What are you most proud of?
• Write about one of your happiest memories.
• List 10 things you love about yourself.
• What are your blessings in life?
• How can you make the world a better place?
• What do you want to improve in your life ?
• List 5 short-term goals and 10 long-term goals.
• When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably and why?
• Where would you like to travel, and what adventures would you like to have?
• What inspires you to work on personal growth ?
• Jot down a list of books to read, movies to watch, or topics to learn about.
• What is your dream job and why?
• List some ways you can improve your physical health.
• What excites you about the future, and what do you miss most about the past?
• What negative thoughts or negative emotions are you working on improving?
• What kind of positive change would you most like to make in your life?
• What are some new hobbies you’d like to try?
• Who or what inspires you the most and what gets your creative juices going?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are the most valuable life lessons you have learned?
• How would you describe yourself to someone you’ve never met?
• What is your favorite place in the world and why?
• What are your spiritual beliefs like?
• Describe your perfect daily routine and ideal lifestyle.
• What advice would you give your younger self?

Free Daily Journal Prompts PDF Printable 

You can download these journal prompts below for free. Then print them out and use them anytime you want, as you wish!

30 Daily journal prompts free PDF printable worksheet

Keep in mind that you can answer these journaling prompts in any way you want. You can write stream-of-consciousness answers, bullet journal lists , and more! No matter how you write your journal prompts, enjoy the process and have fun!

Daily Journal Writing Prompts Are Just The Beginning

If you’re a new writer, these daily prompts are just the beginning of your journey! They will get you started writing in no time.

If you check out the journal prompts section of my website, you’ll find many more journaling prompts. I also have a journal prompts book on Amazon.

But after a while, you’ll likely begin picking up your journal instinctively and writing without any prompts. I think it’s always good to trust your own inner voice and write whatever comes to mind! Soon enough journaling may just become your favorite thing to do in your free time. Your writing confidence will grow, and as a benefit, you’ll naturally become better and better at writing!

Why Keep a Daily Journal?

There are so many benefits of journaling. Journaling is great for relaxation, stress relief, creative expression, mental health , and gaining clarity about life. That’s why a daily journaling practice is such a great form of self-care.

Journal writing is also fun ! You can write down your dreams, plan for your future, doodle, make bullet-style lists for productivity, keep a record of your daily life, and so much more. Journaling is a joyful creative outlet that can stretch your imagination.

What to Write in a Daily Journal

For your daily journal, you may want to include the date and time, depending on if you plan to look back over your writing later. You may also want to write down notes about your current mood, plans for the day, or upcoming events.

Your daily journal can be used to track your progress on goals, keep a record of your daily activities, or vent your feelings. Turn your daily journal into a gratitude journal , or use it as a place to write a bucket list of creative ideas. There is not one “best way” to use your daily journal- the choice is yours!

Use your intuition to fill the blank page, and don’t be afraid to write candidly. Your journal is a safe space, and it’s for your eyes only.

You can be as organized or disorganized as you’d like in your daily journal. There are no rules, no right or wrong way to keep a journal.

My journals are messy and tend to look like a mad scientist wrote in them. They include to-do lists, goals, dreams, doodles, and many haphazard creative ideas. I consider my style of journaling to be the opposite of bullet journaling (which is also totally great by the way.) 

Related: 12 Weekly To-Do List Printables: Free PDFs to Stay on Task

Other Fun Ideas for a Daily Journal

Daily journal prompts make great writing exercises but also consider adding art to your journal. You could paint, collage, or practice hand-lettering inspirational quotes , for example. Because sometimes words alone can’t express how you feel.

You may also feel inspired to create a:

• Travel journal (recording your daily adventures.)
• Baby, new mom, or family journal.
• Honeymoon journal.
• Fitness journal.
• Business journal.
• Self discovery journal.
• And more on any specific topic you can think of!

I think it’s a fun idea to create separate journals for different events or time periods in your life. 

Related: 15 Creative Art Journal Pages for Inspiration

How to Make Journaling a Daily Habit

If your goal is to journal every day, then good for you! Journaling is a wonderful daily habit to develop. To make sure you stick to writing every day, try the following tips:

• Create or choose a special writing place in your home.
• Try journaling outside in nature, in a cafe, or on the bus.
• Write at the same time each day.
• Always have journals on hand and accessible.
• Minimize distractions when writing.
• Set up some crystals, light a candle, or use other props to help you get in the writing mood.
• Or don’t get in the writing mood- just start writing, even on a bad day.
• Allow yourself to write nonsense and incomplete sentences. Scribble freely.
• Don’t judge what comes up; that’s the most important thing!

Concluding Thoughts

I hope you liked these daily journal prompts!

These journaling questions are the same questions I ask myself. These are things I think of to write about, that I figure others may benefit from thinking about or writing about.

I do think journaling daily is the best thing you can do for mental health and inner peace. It’s a great way to unwind and destress, and it helps you clarify your own thoughts. As a new habit, you really can’t go wrong with daily journaling.

Need a new journal to start writing in? There are so many to choose from, from bullet journals to old-school Mead journals. Here are a few journals you might enjoy writing in:

If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to subscribe for the latest blog posts, including more journaling ideas. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments!

You may also enjoy:

50 Positive Affirmations for a Good Day {Plus Free Printable Affirmations!}

11 Undeniable Signs You’re an Old Soul

Seeing Triple Numbers All the Time? Meanings of Repeating Angel Numbers

How to Discover Your Divine Purpose {Find Your Heart’s Calling}

35 Signs of a High Vibration Person and How to Be One

15 Positive Quotes for Women to Feel Strong and Confident

Kristen Tudeen is the founder of Dream Dash Journal and has worked as a lifestyle blogger since 2018. She enjoys inspiring others to explore their spirituality and creative interests.

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

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

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

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

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

1. Tell about a special event in your life.

2. What are you best at?

3. What do you want to learn more about?

4. I could never live without______.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Tell about a time you helped somebody.

11. Tell about a time somebody helped you.

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

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

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

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

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

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

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

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

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

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

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

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get My Third Grade Writing Prompts

Love these third grade writing prompts? Make sure to check out our third grade jokes to start the day !

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If you’re looking to inspire your students’ writing and creativity, turn to these fun and exciting writing prompts. Perfect for overcoming writer’s block or even starting a brand-new short story in a different narrative, creative writing prompts can help students begin a new piece with confidence.

Plus, these story starters can also encourage students to explore different genres while honing their writing skills. There are a lot of ways you can use writing prompts in your classroom. Try: 

Reading a book in a genre, then having students use a story starter in that same genre. 

Starting off class with 10 minutes of writing, using one of the prompts below. If you'd like, you can ask a volunteer to share their story! Students may be surprised by the variety of stories that are written based on the same prompt. 

Using these prompts as an introduction to a creative writing unit. 

Providing fast finishers with a way to stay busy — and have fun. 

Using story starters to encourage students to write at home.

Adventure Story Starters 

Take inspiration from classics like Treasure Island and newer popular series like The Bad Guys to explore how to write thrilling adventure stories. And to encourage students to begin writing their own adventure-focused stories, share these creative story starters: 

You’re part of a pirate crew in search of a long-lost storied treasure trove. What is happening on the ship and where do you find the treasure? 

You get the chance to use a time machine to meet one historical figure of your choice. Who do you go meet, and what will you do to explore that time period?

You receive a fortune in a fortune cookie that changes the course of your life. What does the fortune say, and what happens when it comes true?

Get students excited about adventure stories with these great books: 

Fantasy Story Starters 

Have fans of dragons, unicorns, wizards, and other mythical creatures in class? Encourage them to give fantasy writing a shot. 

You’re on a quest through a hidden underground world that no one else has ever seen. What magical creatures do you come across? What do they look like, and how do they act? 

There is a witch who lives in a nearby legendary haunted house. She puts a hex on you that needed to be broken by the time the clock struck midnight the next night. What kind of hex is it, and how do you break it? 

You stumble into an enchanted forest. How did you find it, and what do you discover in it?

Check out these fun fantasy titles for more inspiration:

Sci-Fi Story Starters 

Kids interested in STEM concepts will love science fiction! Try these prompts to see how your students combine science with their wildest imaginations. 

• You’re the first person to ever set foot on Mars. What is it like? What do you explore first? 
• You and your friend have the same dream in the middle of the night about a prophecy that involves another dimension. What is the prophecy, and what is this other dimension? What do you and your friend have to do to reach and alter this dimension?
• After NASA discovers a whole new world of giants in a nearby nebula, they send a team of scientists through a wormhole to study them. You are one of the scientists on board. What does the journey feel like? What do the giants look like in this world? 

Plus, find great kid-friendly sci-fi here:

Genre Scrambler Story Starters 

Have some fun with genre studies by combining them! Try these prompts to get started:

• You are on an expedition in the Arctic and discover a new species of animals living in the harsh climate that no one has ever seen before. What kind of species is it, and what characteristics do they have? 
• You’re walking home from school and notice that the front door of a neighbor’s house is wide open, and no one is in sight. The old man who normally lives there is nowhere to be found. Curious, you go into the house and find that everything is fake: the furniture, the food, the technology, etc. In fact, the whole property is made of plastic, even the grass and trees! What happened to the old man who lives here? Why does this house exist, and why is everything fake? 
• You are a child living in the early 1800s in an unnamed country when an asteroid hits, releasing aliens that want to make contact with your leaders. What do these aliens want? How does everyone react?

Shop popular books of all genres that will inspire young writers below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store .