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250+ Writing Prompts for Students to Practice Clear, Logical Thinking

HyperWrite Team
Last updated:
July 28, 2025
250+ Writing Prompts for Students to Practice Clear, Logical Thinking

When students face a blank page, their instincts often lead them into a state of panic. Writing requires numerous skills, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, especially for struggling students. Writing prompts for students can help anxious writers quickly organize their thoughts and ideas, allowing them to write with confidence. This article will examine the value of writing prompts for students and illustrate how they can help students think, write with confidence, and master the structure of logical, well-organized essays through engaging, age-appropriate prompts.

HyperWrite's AI writing assistant for students can help ease the writing process, allowing students to focus on crafting their essays rather than getting stuck on what to write. By generating ideas and outlines, HyperWrite can help students think clearly and organize their thoughts, reducing anxiety and improving overall writing performance.

What is Expository Writing?

woman writing on a book - Writing Prompts for Students

Expository writing is a way to explain, describe, or inform the reader about a particular topic. This type of writing is factual and free of the author’s opinions and prejudices. By focusing on organized evidence, clear explanations, and logical structure, expository writing enables readers to understand a subject, perform a task, or make an informed decision. Articles, essays, how-to guides, and reports are all common formats for expository writing. 

Unlike narrative writing, which tells a story, expository writing is straightforward and concise, prioritizing clarity above all else. In expository writing, the author may include opinions, but only if facts support them. For example, if you were to write an essay on the causes of World War II, you would focus on explaining Germany’s losses in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, the fall of the Weimar Republic, and Hitler’s rise to power and Nazism. Everything would be based on verifiable fact – an expository essay. 

The Expository Writing Process 

Like any type of writing, expository writing requires some planning. The process is centered on four activities: 

  • Generate a rough idea or hypothesis. 
  • Find evidence to back up this idea. 
  • Expound on the idea. 
  • Present an argument to back up the idea.

Thus, if you were to say that the Treaty of Versailles was the chief cause of World War II, you would first talk about the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, the financial condition of Germany after WWI, the ineffectiveness of the Weimar Republic, and how they all led to the rise of Nazism. 

Structure of Expository Writing

Structurally, a piece of expository writing has the following components: 

  • An introduction that introduces the central idea you’ll talk about in the essay or article. 
  • The main body presents evidence to support the idea. This is the meat of the essay and should be at least 3-4 paragraphs long. 
  • A conclusion that presents your idea again in the light of the evidence.

The central thrust of expository writing should be to build towards proving an argument, fact by fact, evidence by evidence. You’ll use expository writing a lot throughout your academic life. Every essay you write in college will be expository, as will the writing segment of the SAT/GMAT/GREs. Most writing you’ll have to do in my professional life will involve a lot of expository content as well. In other words, sharpening up this skill will serve you well throughout your life. 

Types of Expository Essay Topics 

Expository essay writing is further categorized into various types, including:

  • Cause-and-effect
  • Comparison and contrast
  • Process analysis
  • Others

Each kind dealt with other types of expository essay topics. Below, we offer the most in-demand expository topics for each type. 

Cause and Effect Expository Essay Topics 

  • How bullying negatively affects children’s mental health in school. 
  • Reasons behind abuse and how they affect the individual’s morals and character. 
  • Effects of regular exercise on physical health 
  • The consequences of excessive social media use on learning. 
  • How gender discrimination impacts the hiring practice. 
  • Why do people lie, and what are the effects of this habit? 
  • How do junk foods contribute to weight loss? 
  • What are the causes and effects of overpopulation? 

Expository Essay Compare and Contrast Topics 

  • Similarities and Differences Between Online and Physical Learning 
  • Village life vs city life. 
  • High school vs College: Make a comparison 
  • Compare Android and iPhone. 
  • Morning vs night walk. 
  • Compare the literature of William Shakespeare vs F. Scott Fitzgerald. 
  • Describe the personal style vs fashion trends. 
  • Experience of watching movies in the cinema vs at home. 

Expository Process Essay Topics 

  • How to make a perfect cup of coffee. 
  • The process of writing assignments on ChatGPT.
  • The steps involved in sewing a schoolboy jacket. 
  • Process of recycling the waste material. 
  • A step-by-step procedure of how to learn a new language. 
  • How to develop a good habit in easy steps. 
  • A simple and easy way to make a social media viral reel. 
  • The simple process of living a happy life. 
  • How to learn a new skill? 

Expository Rhetorical Essay Topics 

  • Why do people avoid alcohol? 
  • The persuasive techniques used in political campaigns. 
  • What does the effect of music have on movies? 
  • The influence of a powerful speech on teenagers’ thinking. 
  • Rhetorical devices in a famous book. 
  • The use of imagery in prose or verse. 
  • The role of rhetoric in communicating global issues. 
  • Elements of a legal argument that make it persuasive. 

Related Reading

175 Brilliant Expository Writing Prompts For Students (College)

man wearing a denim shirt - Writing Prompts for Students

Argumentative

1. Your principal has asked you to recommend one course which will help you prepare for the job you want in the future. It could be a course your school is already offering or a new course. Write an essay to explain your position to your principal on the course you would recommend. Be sure to provide clear reasons/arguments to support your suggestion.

2. Friends are important, but everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good friend. Explain what, in your opinion, makes a good friend, and try to be convincing to your fellow students.

3. Friends sometimes experience conflicts. Explain your opinion to a friend with whom you have had a conflict why you think this happens.

4. Rules are essential in our daily lives. We have rules for driving, rules for studying, and even rules for playing. Think about the rules you have in your school. What are the three rules that every school should have? Write an essay explaining to the reader the three rules you selected. Give clear reasons why each one is needed.

Cause and Effect

5. We are learning all the time. Write about something you have learned recently and how it has affected you.

6. We all get angry at times, but different people react in various ways. Some people express their anger openly, while others conceal it within themselves. Explain and describe what you do when you get mad and how it affects you.

7. Much has been written about the negative effects of television on young people. Are all television shows bad for children? Think about how you feel this show has a positive impact on today’s teens and write an essay to explain some reasons how this show could be helpful and have an effect on today’s youth.

Evaluative

8. Everyone has something or someone important to him/her. Pick an object, a person, or a feeling that is important to you and explain/evaluate why it is so important in your life.

9. Eating healthy foods is very important. Write an essay explaining/evaluating why it is important to eat healthy foods.

10. Everyone has chores to do. Explain/evaluate why you do the job or chore you have.

11. Write an essay explaining/evaluating whether you prefer a big city or a small town in which to live and why you prefer the one you like.

Expressive/Imaginative

12. If you had a time machine and could go to any time in the past or future, where would you go? Explain why you chose that particular time.

13. Most people remember one day that really was special. Think about a special day you have had and write an essay explaining why that day was so special.

14. Write about what you think the world will be like in 100 years. Explain what your life would be like.

15. Your class is making a box to be seen in 2096. Write an essay explaining the one thing you put in that box and why. 

16. Talk about your favorite music and why you like it.

17. Think of your favorite year in school. Explain why it was your favorite year.

18. Most people like one particular animal more than others. Explain why your favorite animal is your favorite animal.

19. Games are fun and often teach us something as well. Think about your favorite game. Write a paper telling about your favorite game. Explain to the reader your reasons for enjoying it.

20. What is your favorite time of the year? Explain why this is your favorite time.

21. Think back to when you were little and had a favorite toy. Explain why you liked this particular toy.

22. Think of your favorite year in school. Now write an essay explaining why it was your favorite year.

Informational/Explanatory

23.  Explain the main reasons why you think students drop out of school.

24. Some teachers are special. Without giving any names, explain why one particular teacher in your life was so special.

25. If someone were new to your town, explain to him/her the highlights.

26. If you could change one thing about your school, what would you change? Explain why.

27. If you could choose any animal for a class pet, what would you choose and why?

28. Explain why it is important to learn to read.

29. If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be? Explain why you would like to be that person for a day. 

30. Everyone has responsibilities. Write a paper explaining a responsibility you have now or will have in the future and why you shoulder that responsibility.

Problem/Solution

31. If you could make changes to your school lunchroom, what would you do?

32. Your generation faces many problems. Identify one of these problems that you feel is the most important. Explain it, and propose some possible solutions to the problem.

33. Suppose you have been appointed to a neighborhood improvement committee. You must provide recommendations on ways to improve your neighborhood as a place to live. Think about some changes you would like to make in your neighborhood. Write an essay to inform your reader of changes you would recommend to improve your neighborhood and why these changes are important.

34. We are increasingly worried about our environment. Write an essay explaining one environmental problem you think is important, and propose some possible solutions to the problem.

35. Every country has problems. Think of a problem our country has, and suggest some solutions that can solve that problem and would work to make America even better.

Argumentative

36. Schools do not offer all the elective courses (like art and music) that students would like to take. Think of one elective course you want to take that your school does not offer at this time. Think of some reasons why this course should be offered. Now, write an essay explaining why you think that this particular elective should be offered in your high school, and try to be convincing.

37. Many teenagers (children) complain that adults expect too much of them. Many adults think that teenagers (children) do not help out enough at home, at school, or in society, doing volunteer work. What do you think? Do adults expect too much of you? Think of some reasons to support your answer. Now, write an essay explaining whether or not you think adults expect too much of you. Try to be convincing.

38. Many kids hear their parents and grandparents talk about “the good old days.” Is this just a figment (imaginary thought) in older people’s minds as they remember their youth? Was life really better twenty or forty years ago? What do you think of this statement? Is life for teens harder now or when your parents and grandparents were young? Now, write an essay explaining your answer to this question. Be convincing.

39. Medical studies have shown that exercise is a necessary part of our daily routine. What do you think? Do you exercise? Think about some reasons why you exercise. Exercising is important. Write an essay on why it is important to exercise regularly that someone you know who doesn’t exercise might begin to do so.

40. You have been told for years by your parents and teachers to eat healthy foods instead of junk food. Think of some reasons why eating healthy foods is important. Now write an essay explaining why eating healthy foods is important so that a friend who doesn’t eat healthy foods might be convinced.

Cause/Effect

41. Philosophers have written books and books about the meaning of life. Each one is different. What is your philosophy of life? What is life all about? Decide what you think are the most important elements that make us human, that are the ideas (philosophies) of the way you run your life. Write an essay explaining your philosophy of life and how it affects your outlook. 

Alternative for younger students:

Many books talk about the meaning of life. Your teacher talks about living a “good” life. What do you think are the most important things to remember to follow in the years to come? What do you think are the most important things to do in your life that will lead to your happiness? Now, write an essay explaining what will make life good and meaningful for you.

Evaluative

42. Most adults in this world have a job of some sort. Think of the ideal job for you when you complete your schooling. Now, think of some reasons why this would be your perfect job. Write an essay to explain why this is your perfect job.

43. High-school English classes require students to read Shakespeare and other classics. Some students object to this practice. Think of some reasons why you think the state requires that Shakespeare and the classics be taught in high-school English. Now, write an essay explaining why you think Shakespeare and the classics are required.

Alternative for younger students: In school, students are required to read classic books selected by their teacher. Some students dislike being told what to read. They would rather pick their books. Think of some reasons why your teachers require these classic books that are so famous. Think of some that your teacher has read to you or that you had to read yourself. Write an essay explaining why you think the teachers insist that students read and listen to the famous classics.

44. We all have different personalities, different ways of dealing with life, different points of view. What are the main elements of your personality? What kind of person are you? What are you like inside? Write an essay explaining your personality to your reader.

Expressive/Imaginative

45. Many writers, scientists, and politicians have a view of what the world will be like fifty years from now. What do you think the world will be like by the time you are in your sixties? Think of the future and the direction you think the world is headed. Write an essay explaining what you believe the world will be like fifty years from now. 

46. Imagine that time travel to the past was possible. Think of where and when you would like to go for a visit. Write an essay telling where and when you would go in the past, and explain why you chose to go there.

47. Imagine that you had no TV or radio for one week. Think of some activities that you can do instead to keep you busy and out of trouble. Write an essay to explain what you can do to keep occupied in a week of no TV or radio.

If your students are having trouble with this type of essay, imagine that you had no TV or radio for one week. Think of one activity that you would like to do instead to keep you busy and out of trouble. Write an essay explaining why you chose that one activity to replace the TV and radio for that week.

48. Imagine that going to the future was possible. Think how far ahead into the future you would like to visit. Think about your reasons why you would choose that particular time. Write an essay telling how far into the future you would like to go, and explain why you chose that specific time.

49. Imagine if you could do anything you wanted for an entire week. Pick one thing you would like to do that week of freedom. Now write an essay to explain why you chose to do that one thing in a week in which you could have done anything you wished.

50. Everyone has a book that he or she enjoyed reading, whether it be a book recently read or one read as a small child. Think of one book you have read that you wanted. Maybe it was your favorite book when you were little. Perhaps it’s one you read recently. Think of some reasons why you liked that book. Now, write an essay explaining why you want your favorite book.

51. We all have a place where we can imagine or go where we relax, let our troubles disappear, and have a good time. For some, it is a place far away, and for others, it is a place close to home. Think of your favorite place where you can feel an escape from the hassles of your world, a place you love to be, your favorite place. Now, write an essay explaining why this place is your favorite.

52. When we are young, we play board games, imaginary games, and sports games. Think of one game you played when you were younger that you liked. Think of some reasons why you liked this game. Now, write an essay explaining why this game was your favorite as a younger child.

53. Everyone has something they do to relax and have fun. Some like to read; others prefer sports; still others want to chat with friends. What is your favorite thing to do to relax and have fun? Think of why you enjoy this activity so much. Now, write an essay explaining why your favorite activity is your preferred way to relax and have fun.

Informational/Explanatory

54. Many students drop out of school before they graduate from high school. Think of some reasons why you think these students do not finish high school. Now, write an essay explaining why you think students drop out of school.

‍Alternative for younger students: Many students do not do their work in school and then later often quit school before they graduate. Think of some reasons why you think these students do not do their job and get bad grades. Now, write an essay explaining why you think these students do not work in school and often quit school before graduating.

55. By the time we reach high school, at least one teacher has made an impact on our lives. Think of a teacher you have had who influenced you and helped you to learn and to mature. Think of some reasons why this teacher made such a positive impact on your life. Now, without mentioning the teacher’s name (use Mr. or Ms. X), explain why this teacher had such a positive influence on your life.

56. Everyone, no matter how young, has a year in his or her life that was not so good. Think of the worst year of your life. Think of reasons why it was your worst year. Write an essay explaining why that particular year was the worst year of your life.

Or conversely:  Some years are better than others. Usually, people can think of one that was particularly nice. Think of the best year you have had so far in your life. Think of the reasons that made it your best year. Write an essay explaining why that year was your best year yet.

57. We consider certain people (real or made-up) to be our heroes. Think about a real or made-up person and why he or she is your hero. Now write an essay explaining why that person is your hero.

58. At school, at work, and play, we have to work in teams to achieve our goals. Think of some attributes that make a good team player, whether it be in a sport, at work, or school, when working in groups. Now write an essay to explain what makes a person a good team player.

59. Your parents and teachers insist that respect for others is very important. Think of some reasons why this might be important. Now write an essay explaining why respect for other people is essential.

Problem/Solution

60. Teenagers (children) are faced with many problems today. School, home, society, and peers all complicate your lives. Think of one issue that bothers you. Now, think of some solutions to that problem that might make it easier to bear. Write an essay offering solutions to your worst problem.

61. Each year, many teenagers are killed by driving under the influence of alcohol or by being a passenger in a car driven by another teen who has had too much alcohol. How can the number of alcohol-related deaths be reduced? Think of some solutions you and your friends could implement to solve this problem. What do you think would work to reduce the deaths? Now, write an essay proposing some solutions to help stop teenagers from risking their lives and driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Alternative for younger students: 

Each year, many teenagers are killed by driving under the influence of alcohol or by being a passenger in a car driven by another teen who has had too much alcohol. Think of what you and your friends, as younger persons who cannot yet drive, can do to keep your older brothers, sisters, and friends from drinking and driving when drunk. Write an essay explaining your ideas to keep these teens out of the car if they drink.

62. Pollution, excessive garbage, toxic and industrial waste, and using up non-renewable resources are all problems facing our environment. Think of one particular environmental issue that you believe could be solved. Now think of some possible solutions to that problem. Write an essay proposing and explaining your solutions to the ecological problem you chose.

63. In the past few years, there have been more and more incidents of violence reported on school campuses. There have been many reports of violence even at the kindergarten level! What do you think is the cause of this rise in violence? Think of some possible reasons. Write an essay explaining why you believe there have been more incidents of violence in schools in recent years.

64. Life is filled with conflicts of interest, conflicts of opinion, conflicts of lifestyles, etc. Most good novels contain conflict to add to their interest. Resolving that conflict is what the novel is about. Think about some of the conflicts in your life. Now, think about how you resolve those conflicts. Write an essay to explain how you usually resolve conflicts. What is your method?

65. Your school (the United States, your state, etc.) is not perfect. No matter how good something is, there are always ways to improve it. Think of one problem your school (the United States, your state, etc.) has that might be improved with some clever plans. Now, think of some solutions, some ways to make that improvement. Write an essay explaining your solutions to the problem.

Using Quotations to Create a Topic

66. The poet Celia Thaxter said, “One golden day redeems a weary year.” What does this quote mean? Write an essay to explain how this relates to your life experiences so far.

67. The actress Liza Minelli said, “Reality is something you rise above.” Think about this quote. Think about what this means. Then write an essay to explain how this relates to your personal experiences.

68. “Tell me the company you keep, and I’ll tell you what you are,” said the writer Miguel de Cervantes. Think about what this means. Think about how this could apply to your personal experience with life. Now write an essay to explain what this quote means, and use personal experiences and observations to make your point.

69. Franklin P. Jones said that “Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.” Think about this quote for a minute. Think about what it means. Then write an essay explaining how this applies to your life and your experiences in life.

70. Mahatma Gandhi said, “My life is my message.” What message do you want your life to convey? Think about it and then write an essay explaining the messages you wish to communicate to the world through the actions you choose (or will choose) to take in life now and in the future. 

71. Charles Dickens, the famous English author from the 1800s, started one of his books with “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Think about what he meant by that. How could the best of times be the worst of times? Using personal experiences, explain what Mr. Dickens meant by his quote.

72. Gwendolyn Brooks, the famous American poet, once said, “When handed a lemon, make lemonade.” What do you think she meant by this? Think of some times when life handed you “lemons.” Explain how you made “lemonade.”

73. Chamfort, a French author, said that “At every stage in life he reaches, man finds himself but a novice.” A novice is a beginner. Think about this. Apply this adage to your own experiences.

74. Think about the old saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” Consider some instances in your life where this adage holds. Explain how, in your personal experiences, “the early bird caught the worm.”

75. Think about the aphorism “All that glitters is not gold.” What does it mean? Have you ever thought that something was super, but it turned out to be not so good? Explain the adage “All that glitters is not gold” with experiences from your own life

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Writers

1. The Variants of Vampires

Think of an alternative vampire that survives on something other than blood. Write a story or scene based on this character.

2. Spinning the Globe

Imagine that a character did the old spin the globe and see where to take your next vacation trick. Write a story or scene describing where they went and how their trip panned out. 

3. Misheard Lyrics

Think of some of the song lyrics you have misheard throughout the years. Pick your favorite, and use these misheard lyrics as the title of a new creative writing piece. Write a story, scene, or poem based on this title.

4. I'm Glad You Called

The person whom you or your character has been trying to talk to for ages finally answers the phone. Who is this person? Why were you or your character trying to track them down for so long? How does the phone conversation progress?

5. What's Cooking? 

As your character watches the hibachi chef prepare their meal, something seems ... off. What is it?

6. Tornado Season

A tornado is forming and your character is in the absolute worst place they can be at the moment. Where are they? How do they handle the situation?

7. School Daze

Your character's child comes home with a detention slip to sign, but your character isn't angry. What's the reason that they aren't angry with their child for getting into trouble at school?

8. Awkward Prom Date

Your character's prom date didn't go so well. Why?

9. Museum Artifacts

Take a look around a museum or recall your favorite pieces in a museum. Imagine what the past lives of these artifacts look like. Alternatively, imagine what the everyday objects in our lives look like in a museum and what stories future generations will tell about them.

10. Thrift Store Finds

Take a trip to the thrift store or reflect on your latest shopping experience. Pick one item 

you find interesting and imagine who its past owner(s) were. How did they use the item? Why did they ultimately donate it to the thrift store?

11. What In The World? 

Your character's day has been every sort of strange that you can imagine. Write about this day from their perspective in the voice of a children's book.

12. If You Look Back Far Enough, You Can See 

Complete the sentence "If you look back far enough, you can see ..." and write a scene or short story that contains the line.

13. No One Can See Me

Rewrite a scene or story from the point of view of someone or something that none of the characters knew was watching. It could be a ghost, an animal, the furniture come to life, etc.

14. Firecracker Justification

Take the words firecracker, sad, antacid, 72, and courtroom. Or, pick five random words of your own. Write a scene or story that includes all of the words.

15. Heat Wave

It's getting hotter, and things are also becoming weirder. Write a scene or story that describes the strange things happening as it gets hotter.

16. It's My Story and I'll Pitch if I Want To

Imagine that you are a character from a classic tale pitching your memoir to a literary agent. You know that it will become the next bestseller. Write your query letter, story synopsis, or elevator pitch to the agent.

17. Creating the Character

Begin a new story by creating a character. What do they look like? How do they dress? Is there anything unusual about their appearance? Write a scene or story exploring your new character.

18. So I've Heard

 Write a story or scene that includes "sound words" that set the scene. 

19. Abecedarian

Write a story, scene, or poem that uses the abecedarian format. Start with the letter A or get creative and start anywhere in the alphabet you wish.

20. Apocalypse Now

Write a story or scene set during an apocalypse.

21. Setting the Scene

Begin a story or scene by envisioning the setting first. What is unique about this place? What does it look like? How does your character feel about this place?

22. Food For Thought

Write a scene or story that includes food. 

23. Write What You Know

Begin with something familiar from your own life such as a past event, something you know how to do, a character inspired by someone you know, or a place from your life—and put it in a fictionalized scene or story.

24. Anthropomorphize That

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to something that isn't human, such as an animal or an object. Write a scene or story that includes anthropomorphism.

25. The Invitation

Write a scene or story that includes a character receiving an invitation, or showing up to an event that they were invited to.

26. Facing Obstacles

Write a story or scene in which your protagonist faces an obstacle.

27. Masquerade

Write a scene or story that includes a character wearing a disguise or costume.

28. Pick a Monster

Write a scene or story that includes a monster or another character from a horror movie.

29. Letters From Summer Camp

Imagine your character is a child or camp counselor at a summer camp that is the setting of a horror-comedy movie. Write a letter home to family or friends from your character's perspective, describing the strange happenings at camp to your loved ones.

30. The Sweetest Story

Write a scene or story that includes a piece of candy.

31. The Elusive Demon

You are a ghost or demon who is about to be exorcised. How will you avoid this horrid fate?

32. Lesser of Two Evils

A knock on your door reveals a stranger who hands you their business card, claiming they are The Lesser of Two Evils. Write a scene or story that reveals what happens next.

33. You Make Me Simile

Write a scene or story that includes a simile. Try to create a simile that has never been written before, such as “it was warm as an oven.”

34. Truth or Dare

Write a scene or story that includes a character either taking a dare or revealing a secret about themselves.

35. I'm Thankful for That

Write a scene or story that includes a character being thankful for something unusual.

36. Well, That Was Embarrassing! 

Write a scene or story that explores your character's most embarrassing moment.

37. Acting Out of Character

Write a scene or story in which someone acts outside of their normal behavior.

38. Dream Logic

Write a scene or story that involves a dream.

39. The Gift

Write a scene or story in which a character receives an unusual gift.

40. The Resolution

Write a scene or story that includes a character confronting the decision to make a big change in their life.

41. One Last Wish

Write a scene or story that includes a character fulfilling someone's dying wish.

42. All the Chatter

Visit a park, coffee shop, or another public place that is buzzing with activity. Take note of what you hear the people around you say. Begin an original scene or story that includes something you overheard.

43. What's In a Name? 

Build a character's traits based on the meaning of their first or last name. You may have to consult a baby name website or Ancestry.com. Write a scene or story starring your new character.

44. Pick Six

Open a book or magazine in your reading pile to a page of your choice. Pick six words from the page that sound interesting to you. Write a piece that uses all six of those words.

45. M.A.S.H. Your Characters

Create a game of M.A.S.H for a character of your creation. Write a scene in their life story based on the result of the M.A.S.H. game.

46. Complete and Utter Chaos

Create a scene of chaos. 

47. Maybe This Time

Write a scene that includes time travel.

48. Through Their Eyes

Write a scene from a child's point of view. 

49. Happy 100

Write a scene that includes the number 100.

50. Fake Vacation

Write a scene set somewhere far away from your character's home.

51. Seeing Green

Write a scene that includes the color green, literally or figuratively.

52. Exercise of Perspective

Write a scene from an animal's perspective.

53. Fairy Tale Remake

Write a scene that puts a character or characters from a fairy tale in a different situation.

54. Writing the Stream

Write a piece using the stream-of-consciousness technique.

55. Dear Diary

Write a diary entry or a letter from your character's point of view. 

56. Earth Day

Write a scene set in a universe in which the inhabitants take good care of their planet. 

57. In Living Color

Write a scene that makes mention of a color.

58. Prompt, Newburyport

Create a scene or short story that is told entirely in one sentence. 

59. View From Space

Take a scene from any story you've written already. Rewrite it so that it takes place somewhere in a galaxy far, far away.

60. Small Delights

Write a scene or short essay that celebrates a small, simple pleasure.

61. Invent a Word

Famous authors coined some of the words we use today. Which word will you introduce into the lexicon?

62. The Premonition

Write a scene or story that includes a destiny predicted for the future. 

63. Imposter Syndrome

Is this character the person who they say they are?

64. Finish the Sentence

Pick any of the prompts in this article. Finish the sentence, and begin your story!

65. A Different Match

Start a retelling of a classic tale in which the romantic pairings of characters are altered.

66. Mega Replay

Take a story you've written or your favorite classic story. Now tell a different version of that story, changing the genre or the main character's occupation.

67.  Strange Phenomenon

Describe an everyday object or activity from the perspective of a character who perceives it as a strange phenomenon they are struggling to understand. 

68. Write Like Studio Ghibli

Write a scene or story based on one of these premises inspired by Studio Ghibli.

69. Join The Club

Write a scene or story that involves a character being in some sort of club. 

70. Story to Structure

Tell a story in a unique form. It can borrow the format of a question-and-answer session, such as writing on the back of a cereal box, a shopping list, a job application, a business profit and loss statement, or a recipe.

71. Powerful Prowess

Write a scene or story that includes a character with a superpower.

72. Clothing Your Character

Create a new character, beginning with the clothing they wear. Look in your closet, costume box, or search online vintage retailers such as Etsy for inspiration. Write a scene or story starring this character.

73. Opposites Attract

Write a scene in which two characters play opposites to each other.

74. Story Title Generator

Begin a new story, with the title structure of “A [Fill in the Blank] of [Object A] and [Object B].” Use the title generator in this article to fill in the blanks based on your star sign, first initial, and last initial. 

75. And The Culprit Is... 

Your character sets out to find who the culprit of a misdeed is and the guilty person is...not who they expected it would be.

76. History Repeated

Write a scene or story in which a character looks at a historical document.

77. What's in the Cauldron?

 Write a piece inspired by a potion. 

78. How to Haunt a House

Write a scene that takes place inside a haunted house.

79. Banshee Screams

Write a scene in which a banshee arrives to wail.

80. Full Moon

A full moon looms in the air. What effect does it have on the Earth below?

81. A New Kind of Chip

Think outside the box and imagine a new chip flavor. How might the head of marketing at the chip company plan to promote the new chip?

82. Fortune Cookies

I just ate three fortune cookies, which gave me the following fortunes. Interpret them how you will: "Do you want to be a power in the world? Then be yourself." "Call an old friend today." "A close friend reveals a hidden talent." Write a scene or story inspired by one of the fortunes.

83. Just Keep Rolling

Write a scene or story that takes place at a roller skating rink.

84. The Map Quest

Write a scene or story that includes a character looking at a map.

85. Ripped from the Headlines

Write a scene or story inspired by one of these recent bizarre stories in the news: 

  • Couple Finds More Than 66 Bottles of Prohibition-Era Whiskey Hidden in the Walls of Their New York Home
  • Illinois Man, 81, Uses Antique Walking Stick to Beat Thief
  • Metallic Monolith in Utah Vanishes Just as Mysteriously As It Appeared
  • Tourist Mails Back Stolen Roman Marble, Apologizes for Being An American A**hole'
  • Man in Taiwan Forced to Sell PS5 After Wife Discovers It Was Not an Air Purifier

86. Top 10 List

Write a top 10 list in the voice of a character. Is your character a tween writing in their diary? A person making a bucket list? How about someone listing their greatest fears? What does the list they make say about the character?

87. A Proposal

Write a scene or story that includes a proposal. What is the proposal for? Is it accepted or rejected? How does the proposer present their question?

88. Word Association Exercise: Holiday. 

  • Brainstorm a list of images or ideas that you associate with the word holiday. What comes to mind when you hear the word a vacation, special tradition, or Billie Holiday? 
  • Write a scene or story inspired by your associations.

89. Food + Magical Realism

Write a scene or story that incorporates one of the following elements: 

  • A plate of nachos that talks
  • A bowl of ravioli that grants wishes; or 
  • A pie that can tell the future with its filling

90. The Transformation

Happy New Year! 2021 will kick off with a prompt excerpted from Going Short, a great new guide to writing flash fiction by Nancy Stohlman: "Write a story in which something transforms into something else."

91. Say What? 

Write a scene or story that includes a character who is a talking animal.

92. A Lie

Write a scene or story that involves a lie. How far does the lie go? What will characters do to hide or reveal the truth?

93. Planting the Seed

Did you ever hear the myth that if you swallowed a watermelon seed, a watermelon would grow in your stomach? If Jack had swallowed the magic beans instead of planting them, could he have gained magical powers? Write a scene or story in which a character swallows a seed.

94. Phobia

Write a scene or story that includes a character who has a phobia. What do they fear? How does this phobia affect their life?

95. Fragrance Notes

Look at the description of the scent of a bottle of perfume or cologne. What notes does the maker list? Include each of these words in a scene or story. For example, if a fragrance is described as smelling like black truffle, orchid, and plum, your story might include a black cat, a garden, and plums for breakfast.

96. In the Listings

Find a listing for a home for sale anywhere that piques your curiosity. Take a look at the photos. What type of story do you envision taking place inside this home? Do you see a murder mystery taking place in a Victorian mansion? A rom-com in the high-rise urban condo? A fairy tale in a country cottage?

97. Characters in a Crunch

Write a scene or story that includes a character eating cereal. What does a character's favorite cereal say about their personality? Do they carefully pick the marshmallows out of their Lucky Charms, or do they eat Aldi bagged cereal by the handful straight out of the container? Or, perhaps your character prefers a healthy oatmeal with no added sugar.

98. Color Me Happy

Don't paint colors have the best names? Explore paint colors on a hardware store website. Pick a color or color name that intrigues you, and use it to inspire a scene or story.

99. Hidden Images

Write a scene or story in which a character sees (or misses) a hidden image. What does this hidden image reveal? Is it the clue they've been searching for?

100. Acronym Mania

Create a new acronym by picking four random letters of the alphabet. Write a scene or story that includes this acronym and the whole phrase represented by the letters.

Related Reading

81 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle and High School Students

woman in a yellow outfit writing - Writing Prompts for Students

Descriptive

1. Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.

2. Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.

3. Write an essay describing a rainy night.

4. Write an essay describing your first pet.

5. Write an essay describing your first memory.

6. It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..

7. Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside, and school has been cancelled.

Sequential

8. Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.

9. You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.

10. Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.

11. Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

12. Tell how you wash your hair.

13. Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

14. Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.

15. Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.

16. Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.

17. Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.

18. Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.

19. Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

20. Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.

21. Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.

22. Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.

23. Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.

24. Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

25. Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.

26. Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved tomake your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why your plan would work.

27. Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? 

Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is essential and why it would work.

28. Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. 

Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

More prompts

29. Think of your most valued possession. Explain why it is so important to you.

30. Explain why it is so important for kids to attend school.

31. Think about a time when you did something that you didn’t want to do. Explain why you did it anyway.

32. Think of a person whom you consider to be a hero. Explain why other people should admire this person.

33. Explain three ways that people can do nice things for one another.

34. Explain what you would do if a friend got mad at you for something that you didn’t do.

35. Think about a famous person whom you would like to meet and explain why you would want to meet them.

36. Choose a vital tool that can be found in our classroom. Explain how it has made an impact on teachers and students.

37. Think about a time when you couldn’t stop laughing and explain what happened.

38. Explain why it is important to eat healthy foods.

39. Explain why you shouldn’t have too many sweets or snacks.

40. Think of something your parents always tell you and explain why it is or isn’t true.

41. Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest child in your family? Explain what you like or dislike about your position.

42. Think about what you want to be when you grow up and explain why you think that would be the best job.

43. Explain what your favorite thing to do after school is.

44. Choose your favorite holiday and explain why people celebrate it.

45. Think about one of your best friends and explain why you like them.

46. Explain what it means to be a good person.

47. Explain what you would do if you were at a store and couldn’t find your grownup.

48. Choose a type of transportation (car, bike, plane, etc.) and explain why it is beneficial for people who use it.

49. Explain what you like most about living in our city.

50. Think of one of your family’s traditions. Explain why it matters to your family and how you perform the tradition.

51. Explain why it is essential for students to learn how to do math.

52. Think of something that you know how to do well and explain how to do it as if you were teaching someone who didn’t know.

53. Explain why it is important for students to follow our classroom rules.

54. Explain what you would do if you saw someone being bullied.

55. Choose a food that you love and explain what you like about it.

56. Think of your favorite TV show and explain why you like it better than other programs.

57. Explain what you like most about summer vacation.

58. Choose your favorite book and explain what elements made it a good book.

59. Think about how you feel when someone notices something you’ve done well. Explain what kinds of feelings you get.

60. Choose one of your favorite activities and explain what you like most about it.

61. Explain why it is important to help people who are less fortunate than us.

High School Level Writing Prompts

These topics require a bit more research and test the writer’s expository writing skills. They are best used for high school students, although secondary students in advanced writing classes can also benefit from them.

1. There is a strong parent-led campaign in your city to curb down on homework assignments given to students. As a student, however, you feel homework is essential to promoting learning. Write a paper arguing your stand by providing specific examples and statistics to show the benefits of homework.

2. Mobile phones are both a boon and a bane for high school students. On the one hand, it puts you in touch with the world, on the other, it discourages real face-to-face interaction. Write a paper that explores both the pros and cons of mobile phone usage among teenagers.

3. A lot of medical research today focuses on developing medicinal cures to ageing. Presumably, with the right breakthrough, humankind would live forever. How do you feel about this? Write a paper describing the advantages and disadvantages of extremely long life.

4. There has been a concentrated campaign in your school to curb bullying. While the campaign has been largely successful within schools, bullying has now reared its ugly head in online communities. Describe how online bullying is different from real-life bullying, and what steps can be taken to curb it.

5. In a globalized world, learning a foreign language has become increasingly important. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer in a detailed essay. Use facts, statistics and studies to supplement your views.

6. What are the qualities of a good leader? What can you learn from the examples of great leaders of the past?

7. You use the internet on an everyday basis. While the internet offers a vast array of benefits, it also has some downsides. Write an essay exploring the disadvantages of using the internet, specifically referring to internet addiction and information overload.

8. What is your favorite hobby? Describe how someone could go about learning this hobby, and what benefits he can gain from it.

9. If you were to volunteer to work in your community, where would you work and why?

10. A few members of your community have lost their homes due to a nearby forest fire. Explain how you would assist these community members in recovering from their loss.

11. Explore how obesity affects a nation’s productivity and economy.

12. What were the direct and indirect causes of World War II?

13. What are the long-term effects of global warming, especially its estimated impact on coastal cities?

14. What is your favorite retail business (Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.)? Describe to a layman how this business was started, what products it sells, how it makes money, and what its best qualities.

15. Describe the evolution of communication in the last 20 years since the advent of the internet.

16. What is your favorite poem or short story? Explore and analyze its salient features in an essay.

17. What is a serious public health concern that you believe does not get enough attention? Describe this problem in detail. Back up your arguments with appropriate research.

18. Why is diversity in a workplace important?

19. What are the causes and effects of not voting in the elections?

20. What steps would you take to buy a new computer? Describe the process in detail.

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