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Persuasive Writing Prompts

Free persuasive writing prompts for kids, from simple opinion writing in elementary grades to nuanced argument and policy prompts for middle and high schoolers.

Grades 3-5

  • Think about being brave in a small moment. What is one opinion you have about this topic? State your opinion and support it with two clear reasons.
  • Think about a new student joining your class. What is one opinion you have about this topic? State your opinion and support it with two clear reasons.
  • Think about a favorite place to read. What is one opinion you have about this topic? State your opinion and support it with two clear reasons.
  • Think about helping with a family chore. What is one opinion you have about this topic? State your opinion and support it with two clear reasons.
  • Think about learning a difficult game. What is one opinion you have about this topic? State your opinion and support it with two clear reasons.

Grades 6-8

  • Think about hobbies and identity. Identify an issue or question connected to this topic, take a clear position, and support it with reasons and examples.
  • Think about meaningful apologies. Identify an issue or question connected to this topic, take a clear position, and support it with reasons and examples.
  • Think about music and mood. Identify an issue or question connected to this topic, take a clear position, and support it with reasons and examples.
  • Think about rumors and how they spread. Identify an issue or question connected to this topic, take a clear position, and support it with reasons and examples.
  • Think about strategy in games. Identify an issue or question connected to this topic, take a clear position, and support it with reasons and examples.

Grades 9-12

  • Develop a nuanced argument about an issue connected to public memory of history. Address a counterargument and explain why your position is stronger.
  • Propose a policy, rule, or personal standard for an issue connected to public memory of history. Defend it with reasoning and acknowledge a limitation.
  • Develop a nuanced argument about an issue connected to harmful loyalty. Address a counterargument and explain why your position is stronger.
  • Propose a policy, rule, or personal standard for an issue connected to harmful loyalty. Defend it with reasoning and acknowledge a limitation.
  • Develop a nuanced argument about an issue connected to communities’ responsibilities to older people. Address a counterargument and explain why your position is stronger.

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