Expository And Persuasive Writing Prompts
Expository
1. Think of something you made with your own hands. How did you do it? What might you do differently next time? Write an explanation so clear and complete that someone with little or no experience could follow your directions and make the same thing. (Grades 6–12)
2. Write a clear explanation of ONE of the following:
How to change a tire
How to train an athlete for any sport
How to prepare for a vacation
How to drive on a busy freeway
How to write an essay someone will enjoy reading (Grades 7–12)
3. Many parents worry about helping their students be successful in school. Create a piece of writing that could become a how-to brochure for parents: How to Help Your Child Succeed in School. (Grades 4–8)
4. Not all drivers pass their driver's test the first time. Many require two, or even three tries. Create a piece of writing that could become a how-to brochure for new drivers: How to Pass Your Driver's Test. (Grades 9–12)
5. Inventions are all around us. Think of an invention that has been especially helpful or harmful to people, and write a paper that explains why. (Grades 5 & up)
6. Pretend your class is putting together a time capsule. It might not be opened by anyone for 100 years or more. This time capsule will tell people in the future what life on earth was like in the 2000s. You can choose one thing to go inside. Explain what you will choose and why. (All grades)
7. Think of the most valuable thing you own that was not bought in a store. Explain why it is important to you. (All grades)
8. Write about your name. (All grades)
9. Write about what you would bring for show and tell and explain why you chose this item. (Primary only)
Persuasive
1. Choose one film or book review that you have recently seen or read. (It's all right to have a copy of the review in front of you as you write, if you wish) Briefly, summarize the review, giving the name of the book or film. Then, state whether you agree or disagree with the review and why. Give enough
1. Think of something you made with your own hands. How did you do it? What might you do differently next time? Write an explanation so clear and complete that someone with little or no experience could follow your directions and make the same thing. (Grades 6–12)
2. Write a clear explanation of ONE of the following:
How to change a tire
How to train an athlete for any sport
How to prepare for a vacation
How to drive on a busy freeway
How to write an essay someone will enjoy reading (Grades 7–12)
3. Many parents worry about helping their students be successful in school. Create a piece of writing that could become a how-to brochure for parents: How to Help Your Child Succeed in School. (Grades 4–8)
4. Not all drivers pass their driver's test the first time. Many require two, or even three tries. Create a piece of writing that could become a how-to brochure for new drivers: How to Pass Your Driver's Test. (Grades 9–12)
5. Inventions are all around us. Think of an invention that has been especially helpful or harmful to people, and write a paper that explains why. (Grades 5 & up)
6. Pretend your class is putting together a time capsule. It might not be opened by anyone for 100 years or more. This time capsule will tell people in the future what life on earth was like in the 2000s. You can choose one thing to go inside. Explain what you will choose and why. (All grades)
7. Think of the most valuable thing you own that was not bought in a store. Explain why it is important to you. (All grades)
8. Write about your name. (All grades)
9. Write about what you would bring for show and tell and explain why you chose this item. (Primary only)
Persuasive
1. Choose one film or book review that you have recently seen or read. (It's all right to have a copy of the review in front of you as you write, if you wish) Briefly, summarize the review, giving the name of the book or film. Then, state whether you agree or disagree with the review and why. Give enough