Informational Essay Writing Prompts

1. Natural disasters occur every day all over the world (hurricanes, tornadoes,
tsunamis, blizzards, floods, mudslides, etc). Which one do you
think is the most destructive and why? What are some ways
people can help prepare themselves in the event of this
devastating natural disaster? Be sure to include details about
the most devastating example of this disaster.

2. Everyone has thought about trips they might take and places
they would like to visit. Write a paper telling where you would
go if you could go anywhere in the world that you wanted to.
Write at least three reasons why you would like to visit this
place. Remember to use specific details to support and explain your reasons.

3. Baseball is called Americas Pastime. Think about other sports you know and
love. Would any of these sports be a better national sport? Explain why you
feel this way.

4. Insects share our world with us. They are almost everywhere around us.
What kind of insect do you think is the most interesting? Think about insects
that you have learned about, read about, or observed. Write a paper telling
about the insect that you think is the most interesting. Remember to tell at
least three reasons why this type of insect is interesting. Use specific details
to explain and support your reasons.

5. Do you have an idea about would like to do when you "grow up." Think about
the career you would like to have when you finish school. Think about why you
would like to have this career. Write a paper discussing this career and why you
would want to have it when you "grow up." Explain at least three reasons why
this is what you would like to do. Use specific details to explain and support
your reasons.

6. You have been asked to help your classmates make decisions about meals they
would like added to the cafeteria menu choices. As a nutrition expert,
recommend choices for different groups of students. Explain the advantages of
your selections.

7. Think of a game that is unique to your culture. Where did it originate? How
is it played? What is the history behind the game? Be sure to include as many
details as possible.
8. Everyone has thought about a pet that they would like to have. What pet
would you really like to have? Think about reasons you would like to have this
pet. Write a paper telling about the pet you would like to have most and at least
three reasons why you would choose it. Remember to use specific details to
support and explain your reasons.

9. Identify an activity, such as a hobby, pastime or sport, you enjoy or do well.

Explain what you do and why you chose that activity. Be sure to discuss the
history of the sport, as well as how it is played now.

10. There are many different modes of transportation: airplane, car, buses,
train, and foot just to name a few. Which mode of transportation do you feel
is the safest and best way to travel? Use some examples of safety
advancements that have been made for this mode of travel.

11. Many students say they feel safest when they are in school. Think about all
the things we do in school to stay safe, and research what other schools do, to
come up with a master plan for keeping children safe at school.

12. Think about someone you admire. Write to explain the admirable qualities
this person has and how they have influenced you and your behavior.

13. Many organizations rely on volunteers to help them accomplish their mission.
Suppose each student in your school were required to volunteer for 40 hours
over the course of the school year. What are some of the organizations you
would encourage them to volunteer in and why? Provide information to your
peers about these organizations so they can make informed decisions.

14. Most of us have all our senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Write
about the role each of these senses plays in your life. Which of your senses
would be the most difficult to live without? Write about how it would be most
difficult to live without this sense.

15. Think about all the inventions that have affected our lives. Select one
invention and write to explain why this invention has been good or bad for
society. Remember to use at least three examples from your research to back
up your opinion.

16. Students in our school are being taught to recycle, renew and reuse. Explain
to these students what they can do to benefit the environment by recycling,
renewing an reusing materials. Be sure to include the benefits of all three.
 17. From kitchen appliances, to computers, to iPods- technical advancements
have affected everyone. Identify and research one technological advancement
that you could not do without and explain why.

18. Music is a part of every culture and plays different roles in peoples lives.
Tell how music plays a role in your culture and/or in your own life. Discuss
different types of music and how they are used for different things.

19. You and a friend are having a conversation about a popular group of
students. Write an essay sharing your thoughts about popularity in general, and
what makes someone popular. Be sure to discuss how society perceives certain
types of people and how this may affect their popularity status.

20. The Student Organization has asked students to share their ideas about
new playground equipment and games to be used by middle schooler students at
recess. Research different types of equipment and games and come up with
three suggestions for the S.O.

My top three writing prompts are:

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2.

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