random essay prompts

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Essay Topic Generator

What do you do when you know what type of essay you need to write but can’t think of a proper topic? Answer: Come to our Essay Topic Generator and let us create the kind of topics you need to get started.

Need to write a controversial essay? Select that type from the drop down menu and click on the Generate Topic button!

Need to write an argumentative essay? No problem—we’ve got that covered as well!

Need to write a compare and contrast essay but don’t know what to write it about? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s see how it works!

How to Use Essay Topic Generator

Our essay topic generator is simple to use. You start by selecting the type of essay you will be writing. Options include: controversial essay, persuasive essay, personal narrative, and many more.

Once you’ve selected the type of essay you want, just click on the big blue Generate Topics button. Your first result will give you a topic idea followed by a proposed Essay Title.

For example, let’s say you have to write a controversial essay but can’t think of a topic. Select controversial essay from the drop down bar, and click the blue button. The first result you receive might be a topic on gun control. Gun control is a controversial topic in America, right? See how simple it is?

Well, say you don’t want to write on gun control—no problem. Hit that blue button again. You’ll get another result—maybe abortion as a topic. Abortion is a super controversial topic and would be a great subject for a controversial essay. But maybe you don’t want to write on that either. So smash that button again! We have hundreds of topic ideas and we’re sure you’ll find one that strikes your fancy.

Choose Your Essay Type

Essay topics.

Okay—so what? You’ve got a topic. Now you have to explore that topic. What’s that mean? It means you have to get to know the topic and understand it before you can expect to write about it. The topic is basically just a broad field for you play in. But in order to connect with your reader, you need to narrow the field. Think of your topic as a ballpark and connecting with your reader as a series of bases that have to be tagged before you can make it home. The topic tells you which ballpark you’ll be playing in—but you still need to step up to the plate and put the ball in play for your audience to care.

So how do you put the ball in play? That’s where our suggested Essay Title can help. It might strike you as a bunt or, meh, as a single. Or you make get one that strikes you as a double or a triple—or maybe one that even looks a like a homerun. It doesn’t really matter because a title is about putting the ball in play. You’re narrowing the focus and just trying to reach base in most cases. Once you’re on you can think about how to get from first to second or from second to third. The end goal is to make it to home plate. But the title is where it starts. It gets you thinking in the right direction. That’s why we don’t just stop at generating a topic idea for you. We also give you a great title to think about. So keep hitting that blue button and generating more results for yourself until you find one that fits!

From Essay Topic to Essay Title

The  essay topic  gets you in the right ballpark, the essay title lets you put the ball in play, and now you have to round the bases—i.e., write your essay. What are the steps to doing this? How do you go from topic to title to writing? Think about the bases on the base path. What shape do they make if you trace a line from home to first to second to third and back to home plate? They make a diamond shape. That’s why it’s called the baseball diamond. Now consider the writing process as a similar shape that you need to create. You’re creating a diamond for your reader and it is basically a step by step process just like rounding the bases.

Need help coming up with a title? Try our  essay title generator.

First, you need to touch first base. Let’s say first base is where you brainstorm using the title you’ve been provided. For example, if you like the title, “Should Public Schools Allow Teachers to Carry Weapons?” you can brainstorm the pros and cons of teacher carry schools. What would be the benefits of having armed teachers in public schools? What would be the drawbacks? What would be your preference if you were a student in such a school? Jot down your answers to these questions. There! See? Now you’re on first base.

Let’s get you over to second. Reaching second base is about pulling those ideas together and giving them some shape. This is where you want to start creating an outline for your essay. You bring these ideas together and arrange them in a way that makes sense. Your outline should start with an introduction that tells what you’ll be looking at in the essay. Then create a section for each point you want to cover: a section for the pros, a section for the cons, and a section for your personal view. Then follow that up with a conclusion that reiterates your points. There you go—that’s an outline!

Now you have to get to third base. Easy—start writing! Follow your outline to stay in the base paths and before you know it you’ll be rounding third and heading for home. To get to home plate all you need to do is go back and edit your essay!

Additional Title Information

You’ll notice that once you hit that big blue button we don’t just give you a topic and a title. We also give you Additional Info. This is where we provide with some more tips to think about when you got to make your outline. For example, with an essay on gun control, you might want to give both perspectives by arguing for one side and then writing a rebuttal. So pay attention to the Additional Info that we offer because it will help you round those bases.

Our Essay Topic Generator is a great way for anyone with writer’s block to get ideas on a topic. Click on the type of essay you need to write by selecting it from the drop down bar. Then click on the Generate Topics button. We’ll give you a topic that fits the type of essay you’re writing. We’ll also give you an essay title to help you get started with the brainstorming process. Finally, we’ll hit you up with some helpful additional info that you can use to flesh out your outline and round the bases towards writing your essay. Hey—no need to thank us! That’s why we’re here: we know that when it comes to writing, every little bit helps.

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

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Overcome writer's block! Get inspired with our AI-powered writing prompt generator for all genres and styles.

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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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Sharing is caring!

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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WRITING PROMPT ROULETTE

Hello and welcome.

Welcome to Writing Prompt Roulette, a place where writers can find writing prompts and inspiration to fuel their creativity! Whether you're a novelist or a fanfiction writer, this site is the perfect tool to help you explore new and exciting ideas, themes, and genres. With over 25,000 prompts and tags, these generators provide endless possibilities to help you craft a unique story. The site is being updating on a regular basis with new prompts and tags, and there are many other plans for the future so you'll never run out of ideas. Give these generators a try and see where your creativity takes you. Happy writing!

Random Topic Generator for Essays & Speeches

Looking for a random topic generator? Try the tool on this page! Our random essay topic generator will create a bunch of writing ideas and prompts for your paper or speech.

Follow a few simple steps to generate a topic for your assignment:

• Enter your search term
• Press the “Search topic” button and view the ideas proposed by the topic randomizer
• In case you need more options, press the button once again to refresh the list

Are you in this situation? You have been assigned an essay and not only do you have to write it, but you also need to come up with the topic you want to write about. Choosing an idea for a paper or speech can be tricky.

Having a seemingly endless number of essay topic possibilities can feel overwhelming. Especially when you have to navigate through the mountains of information available online. Is choosing a topic really that difficult of a task for a student?

Simplify this process with Custom-Writing.org!

Custom Writing offers topics for persuasive essays, informative speeches, creative writing - you name it! With just a few clicks, our random essay topic generator will provide you with brilliant ideas for your next assignment. You will be surprised by the creativity of our amazing generating tool.

• ⭐ The Tool's Benefits
• 🤨 Choosing an Essay Topic

🔍 References

⭐ essay & speech topic generator: the benefits.

Our essay and speech topic generator can provide you with fresh original content ideas. Why is it better than other tools out there?

In other words:

It’s free and requires no registration

How many times have you encountered a supposedly free tool only to be asked to sign up? This time, that’s not a problem! Use the random topic generator without payment or registration.

The generator is fast (and furious)

The search speed can play a significant role if you have a deadline. With this topic creator, you don’t have to deal with slow processing speeds. This automatic generating tool as fast as can be.

It’s user-friendly

You don’t really need detailed instructions on how to use this writing topic generator. It has a super intuitive interface. There are two categories to pick from and one button—that’s it!

Our tool is accessible online

You don’t have to download anything to use our topic creator. If you have access to the internet, you have access to this free tool!

The tool has a huge database of information

There are a lot of unutilized ideas out there waiting for you. Our generating tool collects them from a variety of sources and suggests them here. It regularly updates its list of topics to propose more relevant ideas.

Our random topic generator is the perfect choice for you. In case you prefer looking at the full list of ideas rather than at its parts, there are quite a few of them that you can find online.

🤨 Steps to Generate an Essay or Speech Topic

When you have a number of different options, you can find yourself struggling to make a choice. Which one is the most appropriate one for your academic writing or speech? How can you select it from the bunch?

Who are you talking about? Why should the reader know about them?

Where is your topic being researched? Where is your topic relevant?

When is your assignment due? When did the majority of research on your topic get published (especially important in the sciences)?

Why is your topic being researched? Is it an important, urgent issue? Why do you like your topic?

How are you going to do your research? How will you phrase your thesis or research question? How will you focus your topic?

To answer this, check out our guide!

🎓 Select an Assignment

Let’s start with the basics: did your professor or tutor ask you to prepare an assignment in a particular format, such as an essay? Or are you required to choose your own format and assignment type? If so, select one from the list!

With our topic maker, you can search for an idea specifically for:

Consider what you can write about for a blog. Discover what ideas are relevant and can attract potential readers.

There are a variety of academic papers, with essays being the most common one for students. If you’re assigned to write one, use our topic randomizer to pick the best idea.

Our topic generator can propose titles according to a paper type, with each one having specific characteristics. There are ideas for expository, descriptive, persuasive, argumentative, and creative essays. The tool forms them so that the title and the writing style fit the format.

Whether it’s an assignment or your desire to compose something creative—it doesn’t matter! The topic generator can provide you with an idea that can boost your imagination and give you inspiration.

Whether you’re planning a college essay or a blog post, the generating tool can be helpful. If you don’t find your assignment type listed, search by the subject of interest instead. More on that below.

🙋 Pick a Subject

Do you have an area of research that you're required or willing to dive into? If the answer is yes, then consider the subjects that our generator proposes.

The tool can be a great random science topic generator when you need one. It provides a collection of unique topics on natural sciences, as well as healthcare and medicine. Get ready for extensive research or a quick search for useful information—whatever you choose!

What’s more:

The topic maker also covers social studies. You can find an idea for a paper on law, business, political sciences, history, or even religion. Nowadays, topics on theology are increasingly popular, and our tool can help propose ideas on what to write about.

When you’re looking for a creative idea, there are art and design topics for you. You can also find suggestions related to literature or language if it’s your sphere of interest. And ideas for such subjects such as media and education can be helpful regardless of your initial task.

Whatever subject you select, you will get a bunch of engaging ideas. So, what’s next?

👀 Consider the Topics

Having found a list or used the research paper topic generator, look at the proposed ideas. Which ones do you find most intriguing? Worthy of your time?

Choose a few topics and eliminate them one by one. Copy the picked ones and paste elsewhere or write the ideas down. From the ideas proposed by our topic generator, make your own list to compare and contrast items later.

Keep in mind:

If the selected ideas are broad, that’s great! You can narrow your topic down further. A vague idea will give you a starting point from which you can determine specifics later. Remember, you don't want your subject matter to be too narrow, as it can be hard to find any credible information on it.

To figure out the perfect in-between, neither too broad, nor too narrow, try selecting a specific aspect or angle for your essay topic. Or you can explore how various factors affect the narrow subject matter.

Overall, improve the topic!

Don’t be afraid to modify the topic to your needs. You’re the one who will be doing the research and essay writing. You should call the shots.

🎯 Define a Thesis Statement

Now that you have your topic area, see if you can create a thesis statement . You don't have to do it right away, but it can help direct your research and develop your arguments.

To create a thesis statement, try turning the given sentence into a question and then try to answer it. Study the subject matter further if you’re unsure where to begin. It’s crucial as this claim will become your thesis.

Bear in mind:

A thesis statement is neither an essay title nor an announcement. It’s a specific assertion that expresses the essential idea of academic writing. It’s the point you will argue throughout your essay, drawing on examples that prove or support this thesis statement. You create it at the beginning of your paper to make a reader understand the point of your work from the start.

So, use a topic to come up with one key point that you will write in your thesis statement. If it’s impossible for you, find another point or subject matter. An essay question generator can always help you with the latter.

🔎 Research Your Topic and Start an Outline

At this point, you're ready to start, but for any good paper or speech, you need an in-depth knowledge of the idea that you have chosen to write about. You need to find some factual information to support your thesis statement.

Start by investigating the idea and composing an outline. If you see that you can't structure and write an appropriate text, change the topic a bit or select an entirely new one. It’s more appropriate to change a subject matter while you are writing, rather than suffer through attempting to compose an entire paper.

To organize your essay or research, include topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph. They should include the idea you are discussing in that paragraph and they should link to your thesis statement. Coming up with them beforehand can help offer structure to your writing and your research.

Congratulations!

You have now successfully chosen a topic for your academic writing. Use our essay idea generator for future projects and share this article to help others with their writing.

❓ Speech Topic Generator FAQ

❓ how do you create ideas for an essay.

First of all, understand the assignment and the subject. When it’s done, there are 4 key methods:

• Brainstorming. Write down all the words and phrases that you associate with the subject.
• Freewriting. Write non-stop for a few minutes.
• Idea web. Create a web of terms and phrases related to the subject.
• Daydreaming. Let your mind wander, write when you’re ready.

❓ How do you choose a topic for an essay?

The following tips will help you with picking the perfect topic:

• Start from examining the task. Understand your assignment and determine your field.
• Find something that you’re curious about. Eliminate boring topics from the start.
• Select an idea that is neither too broad nor too narrow. Improve the topic, if you’re allowed to.
• Check whether there are trustworthy sources for your essay.

❓ How do you develop a research topic?

When deciding on a research idea, keep in mind the following:

• You can select a topic or come up with one. Improve its initial version later to suit you better.
• Determine your area of interest. Consider what you know and whether it intrigues you.
• Define your title. Make it narrow enough to know what to focus on.
• Find reliable and relevant sources.

❓ How can I start writing?

Writing should start from you ensuring that you have enough time to write without distractions. Then, create or choose a good idea. Composing will come naturally from you contemplating on and researching a fruitful topic.

Take notes and make an outline before you proceed to actually write. If you can’t start from the beginning, start composing from any other part.

❓ What is a good persuasive speech topic?

A good persuasive speech topic is the one that you have something to say about. If you care about what you’re talking about, you have a higher chance of convincing your audience.

Make your topic appropriate and relevant to your listeners. But find one that not everyone heard about. Even the most engaging topic becomes boring when it’s overdone.

• Introduction to Research: Cornell University Library
• Prewriting Strategies: KU Writing Center
• Choosing a Topic: Purdue Writing Center
• Tips on Choosing a Topic for Long-Term Blogging Success: Susan Gunelius, Lifewire
• How to Choose Your Thesis Topic: Central European University

Writing Prompt Generator: AI-Powered Writing Prompts

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Every writer knows the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s that familiar tug of wanting to write but not knowing where to start. Enter the modern solution: AI-powered writing prompts generators. These tools are not just about spitting out ideas; they’re about sparking creativity and offering a starting point that can lead to your next great story. Whether you’re looking to break through writer’s block or add some variety to your writing sessions, leveraging these generators can provide an endless stream of prompts tailored to ignite your imagination. Let’s discover how to harness the power of these tools to continuously inspire your writing journey.

Table of Contents

Understanding Writing Prompts

To truly release your creative potential, understanding what writing prompts are and how they can ignite your imagination is important. Writing prompts are specific suggestions or sparks designed to help you engage in creative exercises. They’re not just about putting words on a page; they’re about opening your mind to the vast possibilities of storytelling and expression. Whether it’s a single word, a complex scenario, or even visual aids, these prompts serve as a starting point for your creativity.

Effective writing prompts are clear, thought-provoking, and tailored to you, the writer. They push you to explore new ideas, characters, and worlds. With open-ended questions, you’re encouraged to think deeply and critically, allowing your creativity to flow in unexpected directions. Additionally, incorporating feedback on your writing into these exercises can improve your skills and insights.

Types of Prompts

Understanding the purpose of prompts sets the stage for exploring the various types they come in, each designed to spark creativity in distinct ways. Whether you’re using a writing prompts generator, acting as a prompt writer yourself, or exploring types of writing prompt like descriptive prompts and narrative prompts, each plays a crucial role in guiding the flow of ideas and enhancing storytelling or analytical skills.

Creative Writing Prompts:

• Story Prompts:   Plot ideas , character descriptions, settings, opening lines, objects, first lines, etc.
• Genre Prompts:  Specify a genre (fantasy, mystery, romance) to guide the writer’s style and tropes.
• Character Prompts:  Focus on character development, prompting descriptions of personality, motivations, flaws, secrets, desires, etc.
• Setting Prompts:  Provide details about the world the story takes place in, sparking ideas about atmosphere, tone, culture, history, etc.

Educational Prompts:

• Open-Ended Questions:  Encourage critical thinking and exploration by asking broad questions without a single answer (e.g., What if history had taken a different turn?)
• Problem-Solving Prompts:  Present a scenario or challenge that requires analysis and creative solutions (e.g., How would you design a society on Mars?)
• Discussion Prompts:  Spark debate or analysis by posing a thought-provoking question about a particular topic (e.g., Should artificial intelligence have rights?)
• Journaling Prompts:  Guide self-reflection and exploration of emotions and experiences (e.g., Write a letter to your younger self)

Instructional Prompts:

• Task Prompts:  Clearly outline what needs to be done, providing specific instructions for completing an activity (e.g., Write a persuasive essay on why recycling is important)
• Essay Prompts:  Provide a topic or question for an essay, often with specific guidelines for structure and content (e.g., Analyze the themes of power and corruption in Shakespeare’s Macbeth)
• Coding Prompts:  Provide a problem or challenge that requires coding skills and knowledge of specific programming languages (e.g., Develop a program that can sort a list of numbers)

User Interface Prompts:

• Form Prompts:  Guide users through filling out forms by providing clear labels and instructions for each input field (e.g., Enter your name, email address, and phone number)
• Dialogue Prompts:  Appear in chatbots or virtual assistants, prompting users for specific information to complete a task (e.g., “How can I help you today?”)
• Menu Prompts:  Offer options for users to choose from within a program or interface (e.g., Select “Print” to create a hard copy)

Additional Prompts:

• Creative brainstorming prompts:  Can involve random word generators, image prompts, or even unusual questions to spark ideas.
• Personal prompts: Used for self-discovery, goal setting, or reflection (e.g., What is your biggest fear? What does your ideal future look like?

Techniques for Coming Up Writing Prompts

You’ve explored the basics, now let’s focus on specific techniques to generate writing prompts. Look around you; everyday life, different genres and themes, and even random visual aids can spark your creativity. Don’t hesitate to tap into writing communities or use a writing prompt generator for fresh ideas.

Drawing Inspiration from Daily Life

Drawing inspiration from daily life can greatly enrich your writing prompts, as everyday experiences offer a wealth of ideas and perspectives. Whether you’re observing your surroundings, reflecting on conversations, or tuning into your emotions, these moments serve as a fertile ground for creative writing. Consider using a journal to capture these sparks of daily inspiration, turning them into fuel for your creative spontaneity. This practice not only hones your observational skills but also transforms ordinary experiences into extraordinary stories. Engaging in activities that stimulate creativity, like nature walks or exploring new places, can act as a natural writing prompt generator. Experiment with different perspectives and scenarios based on your daily life, and you’ll find an endless stream of ideas for your creative writing endeavors.

Exploring Different Genres and Themes

Venturing into different genres, such as fantasy and mystery, and exploring themes like love and betrayal can greatly enhance your creativity in generating writing prompts. By diving into the territories of sci-fi prompts, you can craft stories that push the boundaries of imagination. Fantasy prompts allow you to explore magical worlds and mythical creatures, while mystery prompts challenge you to weave intricate plots of suspense and intrigue. Don’t overlook non-fiction prompts; they encourage you to explore reality, bringing forward compelling narratives based on true events or personal experiences. Combining genres and themes, like mixing romance with historical fiction or adding a twist of adventure to a redemption story, can generate unique and engaging prompts that captivate both writers and readers alike.

Using Visual Aids as Creative Catalysts

Often, visual aids like photographs and art pieces can serve as powerful sparks for your writing creativity, helping you craft vivid settings and complex characters. By turning to visual aids as creative catalysts, you’re unleashing a treasure trove for your imagination. These tools not only enhance your descriptive skills but also encourage a deeper exploration into the nuances of storytelling.

Incorporating Prompts from Writing Communities

Building on the inspiration that visual aids provide, consider tapping into the resources of writing communities to further enrich your prompt collection. These communities are bustling hubs where creative minds converge, offering a goldmine for anyone seeking specific writing prompts. Here’s how you can immerse yourself :

• Join online writing platforms where members regularly share and critique prompts.
• Participate in writing workshops to engage in collaborative brainstorming sessions, exploring a wellspring of ideas.
• Enter prompt challenges or contests hosted by these communities to spur your imagination.

Using a Writing Prompt Generator

You might wonder why you’d use a writing prompt generator in the first place. It’s simple: these tools can quickly offer you a variety of themes and ideas, breaking through any creative blocks you’re facing. Next, we’ll look at the steps to effectively use one, ensuring you get the most out of this resource.

What is a Writing Prompts Generator?

A writing prompts generator is a tool designed to help writers generate ideas for stories, essays, or other creative writing projects. Powered by artificial intelligence, it efficiently facilitates the creative process by providing fresh and engaging prompts based on user inputs.

How a Writing Prompts Generator Works:

The operation of a writing prompts generator involves a few clear steps that turn user specifications into actionable writing ideas:

User Inputs :

• Type of Prompt : Users specify the genre or nature of the writing prompt they need, such as story, dialogue, or essay.
• Details to Include : Users can further refine the prompt by adding specific elements they want to incorporate in their writing. This could include characters, a setting, a particular conflict, or even a unique object.

AI Analysis :

• Data Processing : The generator’s AI analyzes the input using advanced algorithms that interpret the user’s requirements. It draws on a comprehensive database that includes narrative structures, genre-specific tropes, and thematic elements.
• Creativity Algorithms : Beyond mere analysis, the AI applies creative algorithms designed to mimic human creativity. This means combining elements in novel ways that might not be immediately obvious even to experienced writers.

Generating the Prompt :

• Synthesis : The AI synthesizes the information from its analysis to create a cohesive and engaging prompt. This involves crafting scenarios that align with the specified genre and include the requested elements.
• Presentation : Finally, the prompt is presented to the user. This prompt is not only tailored to fit the initial specifications but is also designed to be open-ended enough to inspire further development and personalization by the writer.

Benefits of Using a Writing Prompt Generator

Exploring the benefits of using a prompt generator can significantly enhance your creative writing process, offering a treasure trove of ideas that counteract writer’s block and ignite your imagination.

Steps to Use the Writing Prompt Generator

Harnessing a prompt generator effectively requires understanding its features and how to apply them to your creative needs. Here’s how you can make the most out of it:

Select the Type of Prompt : Choose the type of writing prompt you need. Options typically include different genres such as mystery, romance, or science fiction; types of writing like stories, essays, or poems; and even specific focuses such as character development, setting, or plot twists.

Add Any Details (Optional) : You have the option to add specific elements to tailor the prompt more closely to your needs or interests. This could include character traits, a particular setting, a historical period, or a unique conflict. Adding details helps refine the generator’s output to better match your creative vision.

Click on ‘Generate’ : Once you’ve made your selections and added any desired details, simply click the ‘Generate’ button. The generator will then process your inputs using AI technology to produce a customized writing prompt based on the criteria you’ve set.

Tips for Using Writing Prompts

Using writing prompts effectively can transform them from simple sentences into gateways of endless creativity. Here are some additional tips to maximize their potential and enrich your writing practice:

Set a Timer: Begin with a short, focused writing session. Setting a timer for 15 to 20 minutes forces you to write without overthinking, encouraging spontaneous creativity that can lead to surprising discoveries.

Don’t Edit as You Go: Resist the urge to edit while writing your initial response to a prompt. The goal is to let ideas flow freely without the interruption of critical self-assessment.

Explore Multiple Angles: If a prompt catches your interest, try tackling it from different perspectives or genres. Writing multiple short pieces on the same prompt can reveal its various dimensions and enrich your creative exploration.

Combine Prompts: Mix and match prompts to create a new, more complex challenge. This can lead to innovative stories or ideas you might not have explored otherwise.

Use Prompts for Character Development: Apply prompts to your existing characters. How would they react in the scenarios proposed by the prompts? This can add depth to your characters and provide new insights into their personalities and motivations.

Create a Prompt Journal: Keep a dedicated journal or digital document for writing prompts and your responses to them. This not only tracks your progress over time but also serves as a personal idea bank for future projects.

Reflect and Revise: After writing, take time to reflect on what the prompt helped you uncover about your writing style, preferences, or recurring themes. Use this insight to revise your piece with a more focused intention.

Share Your Work: If you’re comfortable, share your responses to prompts with a writing group or on social media. Feedback can offer new perspectives and encouragement, enriching your writing journey.

Transform Prompts into Projects: Don’t hesitate to expand a prompt-driven story that feels particularly compelling into a full-blown project. Many novels, plays, and scripts have begun as simple exercises in response to a prompt.

Let Prompts Guide Research: Use prompts as a starting point for research, exploring the historical, scientific, or cultural contexts they evoke. This deep dive can add authenticity and richness to your writing.

Customize Prompts: Adjust and personalize prompts to better fit your current project or interests. Tailoring a prompt can make it more relevant and stimulating to you.

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generatestory.io is a hub of AI-powered story and content generators. We provide innovative tools for writers, educators, and creatives seeking to enhance their storytelling and content creation. Our platform offers diverse prompts and resources tailored to various genres and needs, supporting your journey from idea to execution. Explore our range of generators and find the perfect aid for your next creative project.

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Random Topic Generator

Enter the keywords you want to see in your topic and click the button. Our AI-powered tool will provide the most up-to-date writing ideas for you!

Now, here comes your inspiration 😃

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Get a Bunch of Ideas in a Flash

We know how hard picking up the right topic may be. That’s why we developed this powerful topic generator that will provide you with the best topics within a second.

Boost Your Creativity

Every writer at least once had issues with choosing the right topic. If you have ever felt a lack of creativity or patience in selecting the idea for your paper—you’re in the right place. Try our tool to get a comprehensive list of topics to use in any writing and enhance your creativity.

100% Authenticity

Using our random topic generator, you can be sure that you will get 100% unique ideas to choose from. Enter the keywords, press the button, and select the subject you feel the most interested in.

Random Topic Generator Features

Ai algorithms.

We created this random idea generator using the most sophisticated NLP algorithms to provide you with relatable topics.

Multipurpose Usage

The random topic creator can help literally with any writing project: an article, blog post, essay, or even research study.

Creative Approach

Use the random topic maker to think from a different stance of view and formulate new ideas around the topic.

How to Use Our Topic Generator

Using our free online topic maker is very simple. Just follow the steps below and get an excellent topic suggestions:

• Enter the keyword you’re looking for—it would define the paper’s central theme.
• Press the button "Generate Topics." Our random topic maker will provide you with a list of suggestions.
• Copy the 100% authenthic thesis statement and paste it right into your paper.

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Writing prompt generator for students

A world of captivating ideas is near! Whether you are a student, writing enthusiast, or researcher, our free writing prompts generator will fuel up your thought flow!

Choose the category that fits your paper.

Click the “Generate” button.

Use the offered idea for your writing or repeat Step 2.

What is the creative writing prompt generator?

The writing prompt generator is a tool that students of every discipline find helpful for generating ideas for their academic papers and other writing activities. We have designed this tool to help you to spark new ideas, find inspiration, and speed up the writing process. It will be helpful for those students who frequently get stuck with writing assignments due to a lack of ideas; or in other words, struggling from “writer’s block.” Thanks to our writing ideas generator, you can easily unleash your potential and achieve your writing goals. Our writing ideas generator and our essay writing service are here to make your writing journey both effective and enjoyable.

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Features that make our random prompt generator special.

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How essay and story prompts generator can spark new ideas

As an essay help service, we strive to not only provide professional writing help, but also guide students to write academic papers better. We work within the principles of academic integrity to keep our services fair and beneficial for students' learning. Our story prompts generator help students extend their understanding of topics and gives them great methods for dealing with essays, research papers, and other kinds of writing.

Below you can find detailed information about random writing prompts and how to use our short story prompt generator more efficiently. Our simple yet effective random prompt generator can become an invaluable tool for overcoming your writer’s block, inspiring you with beautiful ideas. With our online instrument you can explore all sorts of unique angles and unlock new insights that will challenge you to think outside the box.

Benefits you get from our writing ideas generator

Our writing prompt generator is appreciated by loads of students and academic writers. When your imagination is puttering and you’re feeling stuck, try our tool and get the following benefits:

Writing prompt generator is a valuable tool

Lots of students encounter a roadblock when they are assigned a writing project without a specific topic or an example. A task like this becomes even more difficult when you need to accomplish it within just a couple of hours. If you find yourself experiencing writer's block or a fear of a blank page, our prompt generator writing will promote your creativity and speed-up the writing process.

Compared to brainstorming on your own, our writing prompt generator will save you time, enhance your creativity, and allow you to access hundreds of ideas written by professional writers. Add EssayShark’s writing idea generator to your bookmarks to have access to it whenever you need fresh ideas for your essays.

Random prompt generator for different papers

Whether you are writing an argumentative essay or you’re looking for a great topic for a creative essay, our writing prompt generator will be a valuable tool for you. Users commonly use our college essay idea generator for the following writing projects:

• Essays on any subjects
• Critical thinking assignments
• Creative writing (e.g. short story)
• Term papers
• Research papers

How to apply the results of the essay and short story prompts generator

Every time you use our story prompt generator, you are presented with prompts that you can use in a wide variety of ways. As many of our expert writers also use this amazing tool for brainstorming, here are some recommendations on how to use our tool from the professionals:

• Use the idea from the random essay prompt generator as a starter for your essay. Just copy the suggested prompt and paste it at the very beginning of your future masterpiece.
• Incorporate the suggested writing prompt as a part of your existing writing. This is helpful for those struggling to come up with the next sentence.
• Improve your creative and writing skills with regular practice. Writing routines can help you prepare for your writing exam and improve your ability to express your thoughts. Use our story prompts generator as a source of ideas for your writing exercises.
• Use the prompts as an idea booster. Our short story prompts generator tool can offer provide you with numerous writing themes and phrases. The brainstorming process becomes a delight when so many great ideas pop up for you in seconds.

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AI Essay Prompt Generator: Free Essay Prompts For Writing

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Creating an engaging essay prompt can sometimes feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. It’s about striking the right balance between guidance and creativity, offering just enough direction to inspire without stifling the imagination. This is where an AI essay prompt generator can become an invaluable tool in your arsenal. 

With its ability to sift through vast amounts of data and identify patterns you might not see, it offers a fresh perspective on essay topics . In this guide, we’ll show you how to harness the power of this technology to create essay prompts that not only engage but also inspire, making the blank page seem less daunting and the pen (or keyboard) mightier than ever.

What is an Essay Prompt?

An essay prompt is a statement or question used to guide and inspire the writing of an essay. An essay prompt is the starting point that sets the direction and focus for an essay. It’s a crucial element in the essay writing process. It provides the central focus or topic that the essay should address. Some key things to know about essay prompts:

• They are typically short, concise statements or questions that set the parameters for the essay.
• Prompts can cover a wide range of subjects and may ask the writer to analyze a text, argue a position, explain a concept, or describe an experience.
• Well-designed prompts are open-ended enough to allow for original thinking and analysis rather than simple facts recitation.
• Prompts are commonly used in academic settings, such as in school assignments or on standardized tests, to elicit a thoughtful, thesis-driven essay response from the writer.
• Crafting an effective prompt is an important skill, as a good prompt can inspire more insightful, engaged writing from the essayist.

Purpose of an Essay Prompt

An essay prompt is a crucial starting point in the writing process, guiding you through constructing a coherent and thoughtful response. Think of it as a roadmap that outlines your essay’s journey, ensuring that you stay on topic and engage with the subject matter effectively. By creating an essay prompt as more than just a question to be answered, you can develop a rich, well-structured, and compelling essay that meets the requirements and demonstrates your ability to think critically and write effectively. Here’s how an essay prompt functions and benefits your writing:

• Guiding Your Focus: An essay prompt helps you understand what the instructor or test expects from your essay. This clarity is invaluable as it directs your research and brainstorming efforts towards relevant topics and questions, enabling you to maximise your study time. It prevents you from wandering off on tangents that, while interesting, might not contribute to the essay’s objective.
• Stimulating Critical Thinking: Formulating an essay prompt is designed to elicit writing and encourage deep thinking about a given topic. It challenges you to analyze, reflect, and argue, pushing you to explore beyond surface-level responses. This stimulation of critical thinking is essential in developing your ability to engage with complex ideas and present nuanced arguments.
• Structuring Your Response: A well-crafted essay prompt outlines specific criteria for structuring your essay. It may suggest the inclusion of certain types of evidence, the need for comparisons or contrasts, or the importance of a particular perspective. This helps organise your thoughts coherently, ensuring that each part of your essay contributes effectively to the argument or discussion.
• Enhancing Academic Skills: Responding to essay prompts is an exercise in academic skills. It involves researching, organizing, drafting, and revising, which are fundamental to academic writing. Each prompt you tackle improves your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, an essential skill in any academic or professional setting.
• Providing a Measure of Assessment: For educators, essay prompts are tools to assess students’ understanding of a subject, their ability to link theory with practice, and their analytical and writing skills. They provide a standardized method for evaluating numerous students on a level playing field. When faced with an essay prompt, consider these elements to maximize your response’s effectiveness:

Understanding the Question : Make sure you understand what is being asked. Look for keywords that indicate the required task, such as “analyze,” “describe,” “compare,” or “argue.”

Planning Your Answer : Organize your thoughts and research findings into a clear outline before you begin writing.

Developing a Thesis : Your thesis is your essay’s central argument or claim. Make sure it responds directly to the essay prompt.

Supporting Arguments with Evidence : Build your case using relevant facts, examples, and quotations from credible sources.

Reviewing and Revising : Always leave time to review and revise your essay to improve its clarity, coherence, and correctness.

Role of Essay Prompts in Education

The role of essay prompts in education extends far beyond simply requiring students to write papers. They are a critical educational tool to facilitate learning, gauge comprehension, and develop essential academic skills. The role of essay prompts in education is to test what you have learned and enhance how you learn. Essay prompts significantly contribute to your intellectual growth and readiness for future academic and professional challenges by pushing you to analyse, argue, and articulate. Here’s a detailed look at how essay prompts actively contribute to educational goals:

• Facilitating Learning and Engagement: Essay prompts encourage active learning by requiring students to engage with material rather than passively receive information. By answering prompts, you interact with complex concepts, connect disparate ideas, and apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways. This active engagement helps solidify learning and can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: A key educational objective is cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Essay prompts effectively challenge you to analyze information, draw conclusions, and defend your viewpoints. This process teaches you to evaluate evidence, recognize biases, and consider different perspectives. Each essay becomes a problem-solving exercise, where the challenge is to construct a persuasive argument within the set parameters of the prompt.
• Encouraging Research and Information Literacy: Effective essay writing requires thorough research. Prompts compel you to delve into academic texts, scientific papers, and various data sources to gather and synthesize information. This process enhances your research skills and teaches you to discern the quality and relevance of sources. Information literacy, a crucial skill in the digital age, is thus reinforced every time you respond to a prompt.
• Developing Writing Skills: Writing is not merely a way to communicate ideas; it’s a fundamental skill crucial for academic and professional success. Essay prompts provide a structured way to practice writing regularly. Each essay offers an opportunity to improve grammar, expand vocabulary, and refine argumentation techniques. Moreover, the diverse nature of prompts ensures that you develop versatility in writing styles, from expository and analytical to persuasive and narrative forms.
• Assessing Knowledge and Skills: From an educator’s perspective, essay prompts are invaluable assessment tools. They provide a clear framework for evaluating a student’s understanding of content, their ability to integrate knowledge, and their proficiency in expressing ideas coherently. By analyzing essays, teachers can identify areas where students excel or need improvement, allowing for targeted feedback and instruction.

Key Components of an Effective Essay Prompt

When crafting an effective essay prompt, remember to prioritise clarity and precision to guide the writer effectively. Utilize open-ended questions to encourage the exploration of various perspectives and ideas. Confirm the prompt’s relevance and timeliness to engage the writer and foster critical thinking skills.

Clarity and Precision

To craft a compelling essay prompt, focus on ensuring it is clear and precise, setting a strong foundation for the writing task. When creating an essay prompt, consider the following key components:

• Specific Instructions: Provide clear and specific guidelines to direct the writer’s focus.
• Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure that the prompt is straightforward and free from confusing language.
• Concise Language: Keep the prompt concise, presenting the topic or task directly and succinctly.
• Relevance: Ensure the prompt is relevant to the essay’s objective, guiding the writer towards the desired outcome.

Open-ended Questions

Writing an essay prompt with open-ended questions enhances the depth and creativity writers can explore, fostering a more engaging and thought-provoking response. When considering how to create an essay prompt with open-ended questions, it’s essential to delve into current events or philosophical questions.

To create a captivating essay prompt, start by brainstorming relevant and thought-provoking topics. Consider how these topics can be formulated into questions encouraging deep reflection and critical thinking. Incorporating current events or philosophical inquiries into the prompt allows writers to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, leading to a richer and more profound response that showcases their analytical and creative abilities.

Relevance and Timeliness

Ensuring your essay prompt is relevant and timely is essential for engaging your writers and eliciting insightful responses. To achieve this, consider the following tips:

• Stay Current: Choose topics that are currently relevant in society to make the prompt more relatable and engaging.
• Consider the Audience: Tailor the prompt to your specific audience, considering their interests and background knowledge.
• Connect to Real-World Issues: Connect the prompt to real-world events or issues to make it more meaningful and thought-provoking.
• Avoid Dated References: Steer clear of using outdated examples or references that might make the prompt feel irrelevant or disconnected from the current context.

Encouraging Critical Thinking

Encouraging critical thinking in your essay prompt is essential for stimulating deep analysis and insightful responses from your writers. To accomplish this, incorporate open-ended questions requiring students to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information. Avoid prompts that request a regurgitation of facts; challenge your writers to form their own opinions and interpretations based on the evidence provided.

Encouraging them to contemplate different perspectives and potential counterarguments can foster critical thinking. Additionally, include prompts that prompt students to reflect on the topic’s implications or propose innovative solutions to complex problems. By pushing students to think critically, you are enhancing their analytical skills and fostering a deeper engagement with the subject matter.

How to Create an Essay Prompt?

When creating an essay prompt, start by identifying your audience to tailor the prompt effectively. Choose a topic that is engaging and relevant to your audience’s interests. Formulate the prompt carefully to balance providing freedom for creativity and offering clear direction for the essay.

Identify Your Audience

Consider the specific demographic you intend to engage with to craft an essay prompt effectively. Understanding your audience is crucial in creating prompts that resonate with them. Here are four key points to help you identify your audience:

• Demographics : Analyse your target audience’s age, educational background, and interests.
• Knowledge Level : Determine your audience’s understanding of the topic to tailor the prompt accordingly.
• Goals : Consider what your audience aims to achieve by responding to the prompt.
• Engagement : Consider making the prompt engaging and relevant to your audience to elicit thoughtful responses.

Choose a Topic

Considering your target audience’s interests and knowledge level is essential when choosing a topic for creating an effective essay prompt. Tailoring the subject to something that resonates with your audience will capture their attention and make the writing process more engaging.

Think about what matters to them, what they are passionate about, or what topics they are familiar with. By selecting a relevant and exciting topic, you set the stage for a compelling essay prompt that will stimulate critical thinking and meaningful discussions. Remember, the topic you choose will shape the direction of the entire essay prompt, so take the time to pick one that will inspire thoughtful responses and showcase the depth of your audience’s understanding.

Formulate the Prompt

Crafting an engaging and thought-provoking essay prompt requires careful consideration of your audience’s interests and knowledge level. When formulating the prompt, keep these four key points in mind to ensure its effectiveness:

• Clarity: Make sure the prompt is clear and easy to understand. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• Relevance: Ensure that the prompt is relevant to the topic being discussed and aligns with the learning objectives.
• Engagement: Create a prompt that sparks curiosity and encourages critical thinking. Engaging prompts are more likely to inspire insightful responses.
• Flexibility: Provide enough room for interpretation and creativity within the prompt while offering clear guidelines for the essay’s direction.

Balance Freedom and Direction

When creating an essay prompt, balancing freedom for interpretation and clear direction is essential for fostering creativity and focus in responses. Too much freedom can lead to vague or off-topic submissions, while too much direction may stifle originality.

To strike this balance effectively, consider offering a broad topic or theme that allows for various perspectives but also includes specific guidelines or questions to steer the discussion in a particular direction. Doing so encourages writers to think critically within a defined framework while enabling them to express their unique insights and ideas. This approach challenges writers to explore diverse angles and guarantees coherence and relevance in their essays.

Test Your Prompt

To guarantee the effectiveness of your essay prompt, test its ability to guide responses while allowing for varied interpretations. Here are four ways to test your prompt:

• Peer Review: Have a peer read the prompt and explain what they understand it to mean. This can help you identify any ambiguities or lack of clarity.
• Sample Responses: Provide the prompt to a few individuals and review their responses. Do the answers align with what you were expecting based on the prompt?
• Time Limit: Set a time limit for responding to the prompt. This can simulate exam conditions and help you assess if the prompt allows for adequate exploration within a limited timeframe.
• Revision: After testing, revise the prompt to ensure it elicits the desired responses.

Using the AI Essay Prompt Generator

Using the AI Essay Prompt Generator, you can quickly generate thought-provoking essay topics tailored to your needs. This tool can save you time and provide fresh ideas for your writing assignments. Follow the simple steps to efficiently utilize the AI Essay Prompt Generator for your academic tasks.

What is the AI Essay Prompt Generator?

An essay prompt generator is an AI-powered tool designed to help users generate specific, tailored prompts for writing essays. This tool can be handy for students, educators, and writers seeking inspiration or a clear direction for their writing projects. This can be especially helpful for overcoming the initial hurdle of beginning an essay, ensuring you have a solid foundation to develop your arguments or narrative. Whether for academic purposes, teaching, or personal improvement, this tool bridges initial ideas and detailed written expression. Here’s an overview of how it works and what you can expect when using one:

How an Essay Prompt Generator Works

Input Phase : You input various details such as the topic or subject area you want to explore, the type of essay you need to write (argumentative, descriptive, expository, etc.), and the target audience for the essay (e.g., high school students, college professors, general readers).

Analysis and Processing : Utilising sophisticated algorithms and natural language processing (NLP), the AI analyzes these inputs to understand the requirements and context needed for the prompt. It considers the essay type to structure the prompt appropriately, focusing on the key elements that characterize each essay type.

Prompt Generation : Based on your inputs, the generator crafts a concise and specific prompt that outlines the scope and focus of the essay. The prompt includes a straightforward question or statement to address, providing a structured starting point for your writing.

Benefits of Using the AI Essay Prompt Generator

If you often find yourself stuck at the beginning of your writing process, unsure of where to start, an AI Essay Prompt Generator can be a game changer. This innovative tool isn’t just about providing random topics; it tailors prompts to help spark creativity, increase productivity, and improve the quality of your essays. Integrating the AI Essay Prompt Generator into your daily writing practice will ease the stress of starting new essays and enhance your overall writing abilities and intellectual agility. Let’s break down the core advantages of integrating this tool into your writing routine:

Stimulates Creativity: Sometimes, you need a nudge in the right direction. The AI Essay Prompt Generator offers just that by suggesting a variety of topics and questions that you might not have considered. This can open new avenues of thought and exploration, making your writing process more dynamic and inventive.

Saves Time: One of the most significant hurdles in writing is figuring out what to write about. The AI tool reduces the time you spend brainstorming ideas by generating focused and relevant essay prompts. This allows you to dive straight into the writing, making the most of your time and effort.

Enhances Learning: With prompts often designed to challenge your thinking and push you to explore new perspectives, the AI tool does more than assist with writing. It encourages learning and deep understanding of subjects by compelling you to engage with topics outside your comfort zone.

Improves Writing Skills: Regular practice is vital to improving any skill, and writing is no exception. The AI Essay Prompt Generator helps by providing steady prompts and encouraging consistent writing practice. This routine not only refines your writing style but also enhances your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively.

Reduces Writer’s Block: This common issue stops many writers. An AI Essay Prompt Generator helps overcome this by offering fresh, engaging topics that reignite your passion for writing whenever you hit a wall.

Adapts to Different Learning Levels: Whether a high school student or a postgraduate researcher, the AI tool adjusts the complexity of its prompts based on your needs and academic level. This customization ensures that you are always challenged just enough to grow but not so much that you feel overwhelmed.

Provides Structured Learning: The AI tool often includes topics and potential structure for your essays, such as suggested sections and critical points to cover. This can help novice writers learn how to organize their thoughts, and experienced writers to refine their structuring skills.

Steps to Use the AI Essay Prompt Generator

Using an essay prompt generator can streamline the process of starting an essay by providing a clear and tailored writing directive. By following these steps, the essay prompt generator helps eliminate the uncertainty of starting an essay, providing a structured and insightful starting point that aligns with your academic or personal writing needs. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or hobbyist writer, this tool can be valuable for enhancing your writing efficiency and creativity. Here are the steps you would typically follow to generate an essay prompt:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Essay Prompt Generator

Choose the Subject or Topic of the Essay

• Start by selecting the main subject or topic you wish to write about. This could be as broad as “History” or as specific as “The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Development.” The more specific your topic, the more tailored the prompt will be to your needs.

Select the Essay Type: Choose the essay you need to write. Common types include:

• Argumentative : Focused on persuading the audience regarding a particular viewpoint.
• Expository : Aimed at explaining or describing a topic in a balanced way without the writer’s opinions.
• Descriptive : Describes a person, place, or event in detailed sensory detail.
• Narrative : Tells a story or recounts an event in a structured manner. The type of essay you select will influence the nature of the prompt, ensuring it is suitable for your writing objectives.

Define the Target Audience: Identify who will be reading your essay. The target audience could range from young students to scholars, which will affect the complexity of the language and depth of content in the prompt. Knowing your audience helps tailor the prompt to ensure it effectively engages the readers.

Click on ‘Generate’: Once you’ve filled in all the necessary information, click on the “Generate” button. The generator will process your inputs and use AI algorithms to create a prompt that matches your specifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Essay Prompts

Creating effective essay prompts is an art form that can significantly influence the quality and depth of the responses it elicits. Whether you’re a teacher, a workshop facilitator, or using prompts for your writing practice, avoiding common pitfalls can help you craft prompts that inspire thoughtful, comprehensive essays. By being mindful of these common errors and focusing on clarity, relevance, and inspiration, you can create essay prompts that avoid these pitfalls and elevate the quality of the written responses they generate. Here’s what to watch out for:

Vagueness and Ambiguity: Prompts that lack specific direction can lead to confusion and unfocused responses. It’s essential to be clear about what you’re asking. Specify the type of essay you expect—persuasive, analytical, or narrative—and provide enough context to guide the writer’s thought process.

Over-complexity: While it’s beneficial to challenge writers, overly complex prompts can be daunting. If a prompt has too many components or is too intricate, it may discourage engagement. Aim for simplicity in design with a straightforward, concise question that invites deep thinking.

Closed-ended Questions: Prompts that lead to yes-or-no answers or minimal responses inhibit creativity and exploration. Open-ended questions encourage more elaborate and nuanced writing and allow the writer to explore different angles on a topic.

Ignoring the Audience: The complexity and style of your prompt should be appropriate for the writer’s age and educational level. Prompts intended for younger writers should be more direct, whereas those for more advanced writers can afford to be more abstract and require more significant inferential thinking.

Lack of Relevance: Writers engage more deeply with topics that resonate with their experiences and interests. If a prompt is too far removed from the writer’s world, it might fail to stimulate an adequate response. Include elements or themes in your prompts that are relatable and pertinent to the group you’re addressing.

Insufficient Flexibility: While maintaining focus is essential, overly restrictive prompts can stifle creativity. Ensure your prompt allows for some personal interpretation or angle, allowing writers to express their unique perspectives and insights.

Failure to Inspire Critical Thinking: The best prompts ask for a response and challenge the writer to think critically about a topic. Ensure your prompt encourages writers to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, not just recount facts.

Tips for Refining Your Essay Prompts

Crafting the perfect essay prompt is crucial in unlocking insightful and well-structured responses. If you’ve experienced the frustration of receiving underwhelming essays, it might be time to refine your prompts. By implementing these tips, you can craft essay prompts that challenge and engage writers and facilitate insightful, comprehensive, and focused essays. This approach enhances the quality of responses and makes the evaluation process more effective and enjoyable for both writers and readers. Here are actionable tips that can transform your prompts from good to great, ensuring they are both engaging and effective in eliciting the responses you desire:

Clarify Your Objectives: Start by defining your goal with the prompt. Are you testing knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, or assessing writing style? Clear objectives will guide how you frame your questions, helping you focus on eliciting the right response.

Be Specific: A common mistake is leaving prompts too open-ended, which can confuse writers about the expected direction. Specify the scope of the essay by stating clearly what should be discussed. This can involve setting limits on the topics or delineating the aspects to be covered.

Balance Flexibility with Guidance: While specificity is important, too much rigidity can stifle creativity. Provide a framework but allow enough flexibility for personal interpretation and creativity. This balance helps foster originality and engagement.

Incorporate Stimulating Elements: Use elements that provoke thought or curiosity. This could be a controversial statement, a compelling question, or an unusual scenario. Such elements encourage writers to think deeply and engage fully with the topic.

Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid complex vocabulary or overly technical terms unless necessary. Clear and straightforward language makes your prompt more accessible and reduces misunderstandings.

Test Your Prompts: Before finalizing a prompt, test it. You could run it by a colleague or use it in a small group setting. Feedback will help you see if the prompt is too broad, too narrow, or just right.

Offer Examples: Sometimes, especially with younger or less experienced writers, providing examples of potential thesis statements or key arguments can help clarify your expectations. This guidance can be beneficial in avoiding overly broad or off-topic essays.

Encourage Engagement with Current Affairs: If relevant, tie your prompt to current events or recent research. This connection can make the prompt more exciting and relevant, increasing engagement.

Revise Based on Performance: Review how well they met your expectations after receiving essays. If many responses missed the mark, consider refining the prompt. Continuous improvement will lead to better and more consistent results over time.

Provide a Rubric or Criteria for Success: Giving writers a clear understanding of how their essays will be evaluated can guide their writing process. This transparency helps writers focus on what matters most in their responses.

Similar AI Generators

Essaygenerator.co is your one-stop solution for all your essay writing needs. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, structuring your arguments, refining your writing style, or catching errors, our essay writers provide valuable assistance. Get access to writing prompts, feedback, tips, and resources that make writing essays easier than ever before. Let us simplify academic writing for you!

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Click the "Generate Prompt(s)" button above to get prompts.

About the Writing Prompt Generator

The writing prompt generator is a creative tool designed to spark inspiration and overcome writer's block by offering an array of unique and thought-provoking prompts. It functions by blending various themes, genres, and scenarios, allowing users to explore diverse narrative possibilities—from fantastical adventures to heartfelt personal reflections.

Whether you're a seasoned author seeking new ideas or a novice looking for guidance on where to start, this generator presents an engaging way to ignite your imagination. With its user-friendly interface and tailored suggestions, it encourages writers of all levels to dive into their creativity and discover fresh narratives just waiting to be written.

How to Use the Writing Prompt Generator

Creating random writing prompts is easy with our tool. Just select the options you want above and then click "Generate Prompt(s)" to create unique and creative writing prompts.

Story Starters

Below are 20 story starters that you can use if you get stuck.

• The Last Goodbye: Write about a character who is saying goodbye to their home before it's demolished.
• Unexpected Inheritance: A character unexpectedly inherits an old mansion, which comes with a mysterious set of instructions.
• Lost Letter: A lost love letter surfaces 50 years late and lands in the hands of the recipient's grandchild.
• Secret Society: A character stumbles upon a secret society during their mundane job at the city archives.
• Alien Arrival: Aliens land on Earth, but their purpose is not what humans expect.
• Time Capsule: A character finds a time capsule buried by their parent, containing predictions about the future.
• The Great Heist: Write about a character planning an unusual heist in a high-tech world.
• Parallel Worlds: A scientist accidentally creates a portal to a parallel world that is slightly off from their own.
• Waking Up Elsewhere: A character wakes up in a different country, with no memory of how they got there.
• The Last of Its Kind: A character discovers they are the last person on Earth who can perform a forgotten skill.
• Undercover Assignment: A character must go undercover in a high-stakes environment, only to discover a personal connection to their assignment.
• Ghostly Guide: A ghost that only the main character can see insists on helping them solve an old mystery.
• Unexplained Phenomenon: A small town is plagued by a bizarre, unexplained phenomenon every year at the same time.
• Forbidden Zone: A character crosses into a zone that’s been off-limits for decades, only to find it untouched by time.
• Cursed Object: A character receives an artifact that grants wishes, but each wish comes with a high cost.
• The New Planet: Humanity's first colony on a new planet starts to experience inexplicable events linked to the planet itself.
• Ancient Prophecy: A character finds an ancient prophecy that seems to be about them—and it’s not good news.
• Virtual Reality Gone Wrong: A character gets trapped inside a virtual reality game, and the only way out is to win.
• Historical Mystery: A character in the modern day discovers a mystery hidden in historical documents that could change history.
• Superpower Surge: On their birthday, a character suddenly develops a superpower, and they must decide how to use it.

Writing Prompts for Kids

Below are lists of various writing prompts you can use for kids.

• Using these 6 words create a story: apple pie, alligator, train, rabbit, star, hamburger.
• Imagine what would happen if you woke up with wings one morning. How would you feel? What would you do? What would your day be like?
• What do you want to be when you grow up, and why? Tell us the story of a regular day in your life when you grow up.
• If you could have any secret superpower you wanted, which would you choose and why?
• Write a story about what would it be like to climb the highest mountain in the world.
• Tell us about your favorite animals. What do you like about them?
• If you were in charge of running the school menu, what would you serve each day?
• What is your favorite holiday? Why?
• You were turned into a frog by an evil witch! Tell us about what you would do if this happened!
• If you could be any animal you wanted, which would you choose and why?

Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

• Tell me about the time that someone did something kind for you. How did it make you feel?
• Imagine it is a sunny Summer day. What would you do? How would you have fun?
• Tell us about a time where you were scared. What happened? How was it solved?
• It is your birthday! You can do whatever you want and eat your favorite things! Tell me what your ideal birthday would be like.
• What is your favorite game to play?
• You can turn into any animal you want for a day. Which one do you choose and why?
• What is your favorite food and why do you like it so much?
• What is your favorite film and why? When did you watch it for the first time and how did you feel at the time?
• Tell us about your favorite book and what makes it special.
• Tell us about your best friend.

Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

• If you could only eat 1 thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
• Snow day! You don't have to go to school and you get to do whatever you want ! How would you organize your day to have as much fun as possible?
• If you could make a new school rule, what would it be and how it would change everyday life at school?
• If you were given 100 dollars, what would you use them for?
• Imagine what an average day in your life will be like when you grow up.
• When was a time where you did something kind for someone else? How did you feel?
• Which animal makes the best pet?
• Tell us about someone that you look up to. Why do you admire them?
• What was something you found difficult to do at first, but then you learned?
• Your best friend is feeling sad. What would you do to make them feel better?

Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

• Imagine a friend comes to visit you from another country. Which places in your town would you show them and why?
• If you could stop having 4 seasons and only have your favorite season forever, would you do it? Why?
• Should kids in 4th grade have social media? Why or why not?
• Describe your favorite game (or sport)to someone that has never played it before.
• If you are having a bad day, what do you do to feel better?
• Tell us about your favorite animal and why it is your favorite.
• Tell us about your role model. Why do you look up to them?
• Plan the perfect day. What would you do? What would you eat? Where would you go?
• Think about a day you will always remember. What happened, why was the day so special?
• What do you think is the most useful invention of all time? Tell us about it. Why is it so important?

Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

• Are you excited about starting middle school? How do you think your life will change?
• Tell us about the worst book you have ever read. What made it so terrible?
• Do you remember your first day ever of school? How did you feel? Did you like school or did you not?
• Imagine your school lets you organize a field trip. Where would your class go? What would you do?
• Have you ever tried food from another country? Tell us about it, and if you liked it. If you haven't, which is a foreign food you would like to try?
• Should 5th-grade students be allowed to stay at home alone for the entire day? Why?
• Do you think standardized tests are helpful or not?
• Write an essay convincing the teacher about a class pet.
• What are three lessons parents must teach their kids?
• Write an essay explaining how, in group projects, everybody gets hurt if somebody doesn't do their part.

Writing Prompts for Middle School

• If you could live inside a videogame, which would you choose and why?
• Imagine you could know one thing about your future. What would you like to find out and why?
• What do you think it is the biggest problem people your age face nowadays?
• If you could send one message to all the people of the world, what would you say?
• If you could meet any character from a videogame, a book or a movie who would you choose and why?
• Uniforms in school. Why or why not?
• Imagine inventing a new holiday. What would it be like, what would be celebrated?
• Zoos. Are you for or against? Explain the why behind your choice.
• Should young kids be allowed to have a phone? Why or why not? What about social media?
• If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be? How would it change the world?
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Discover Personalized Topics for Your US College Admissions Essay ⚡

Struggling to pinpoint a compelling topic for your college admissions essay? You're not alone. Choosing a subject that reflects your unique experiences and aspirations can be challenging. Our tool is designed to assist you in uncovering and shaping a distinctive and personal essay topic, setting you on the path to crafting a memorable and impactful admissions narrative.

What Makes a High-Quality College Essay Topic?

A great essay topic isn't just about what's trending or what seems impressive. It's about authenticity, passion, and personal insight. Here's what sets an outstanding topic apart:

Depth Over Breadth

A stellar topic isn't about cramming in multiple experiences but delving deeply into one, showcasing introspection and personal growth.

Genuineness & Authenticity

Instead of chasing grandiosity, choose a topic that's true to your experiences. Authentic narratives resonate more than exaggerated tales.

Relevance to Personal Journey

The topic should link back to your personal growth, aspirations, or values. It’s not just about the event, but its significance in your life's tapestry.

Insights & Learnings

A great topic paves the way for rich insights. What did you learn? How did it alter your perspective or future aspirations?

Evokes a Strong Emotion or Thought

Whether it inspires, challenges, or resonates, a quality topic should stir emotions or provoke thoughts in the reader.

Unique Angle or Perspective

Even if the core idea is common, a fresh perspective and the unique lens through which you present your topic can set your essay apart.

Clear Focus

A high-quality topic is specific and doesn’t try to cover everything. It has a clear narrative direction, ensuring the reader remains engaged from start to finish.

Randomized Writing Prompts

Have you ever had trouble trying to think of the next thing to write? Can't think of anything? Need a distraction from your current WIP to reset your brain? Let's randomize something for you!

Read more about this project here .

If you're looking for a writing sprint timer click here !

Would you like to try the seasonal prompt options?

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SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

On every SAT Essay, you'll have to read an argument meant to persuade a broad audience and discuss how well the author argues his or her point. The passage you'll have to read will change from test to test, but you'll always need to analyze the author's argument and write a coherent and organized essay explaining this analysis.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 14 real SAT essay prompts that the College Board has released (either in The Official SAT Study Guide or separately online) for the new SAT. This is the most comprehensive set of new SAT essay prompts online today.

At the end of this article, we'll also guide you through how to get the most out of these prompts and link to our expert resources on acing the SAT essay. I'll discuss how the SAT essay prompts are valuable not just because they give you a chance to write a practice essay, but because of what they reveal about the essay task itself.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

SAT essay prompts always keep to the same basic format. Not only is the prompt format consistent from test to test, but what you're actually asked to do (discuss how an author builds an argument) also remains the same across different test administrations.

The College Board's predictability with SAT essay helps students focus on preparing for the actual analytical task, rather than having to think up stuff on their feet. Every time, before the passage, you'll see the following:

• evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
• reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
• stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

And after the passage, you'll see this:

"Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his] audience that [whatever the author is trying to argue for]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author]'s claims, but rather explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his/their] audience."

Now that you know the format, let's look at the SAT essay prompts list.

14 Official SAT Essay Prompts

The College Board has released a limited number of prompts to help students prep for the essay. We've gathered them for you here, all in one place. We'll be sure to update this article as more prompts are released for practice and/or as more tests are released.

SPOILER ALERT : Since these are the only essay prompts that have been released so far, you may want to be cautious about spoiling them for yourself, particularly if you are planning on taking practice tests under real conditions . This is why I've organized the prompts by the 10 that are in the practice tests (so you can avoid them if need be), the ones that are available online as sample prompts, and the ones that are in the text of the Official SAT Study Guide (Redesigned SAT), all online for free.

Practice Test Prompts

These 10 prompts are taken from the practice tests that the College Board has released.

Practice Test 1 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry."

Practice Test 2 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust."

Practice Test 3 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology."

Practice Test 4 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved."

Practice Test 5 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning."

Practice Test 6 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece."

Practice Test 7 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open"

Practice Test 8 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA."

Practice Test 9 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks."

Practice Test 10 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours."

Special note: The prompt for Practice Test 4 also appears on the College Board's site with real sample essays written in response. If you've written a practice essay for practice test 4 and want to see what essays of different score levels look like for that particular prompt, you can go there and look at eight real student essays.

Free Online Practice

This prompt comes from the College Board website .

"Write an essay in which you explain how Dana Gioia builds an argument to persuade his audience that the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society."

This prompt comes from Khan Academy , where it is listed as an alternate essay prompt to go along with Practice Test 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students."

The Official SAT Study Guide 2020

The Official SAT Study Guide (editions published in 2015 and later available online for free) contains all 10 of the previously mentioned practice tests at the end of the book. In the section about the new SAT essay , however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze).

Sample Prompt 1:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States."

Sample Prompt 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned."

How Do You Get the Most Out of These Prompts?

Now that you have all the prompts released by the College Board, it's important to know the best way to use them. Make sure you have a good balance between quality and quantity, and don't burn through all 14 of the real prompts in a row— take the time to learn from your experiences writing the practice essays.

Step By Step Guide on How to Practice Using the Article

#1: Understand how the SAT essay is graded .

#2: Follow along as we write a high-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

#3: Plan a set of features you'll look for in the SAT essay readings and practice writing about them fluidly. This doesn't just mean identifying a technique, like asking a rhetorical question, but explaining why it is persuasive and what effect it has on the reader in the context of a particular topic. We have more information on this step in our article about 6 SAT persuasive devices you can use .

#4: Choose a prompt at random from above, or choose a topic that you think is going to be hard for you to detach from (because you'll want to write about the topic, rather than the argument) set timer to 50 minutes and write the essay. No extra time allowed!

#5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections.

#6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes

#7: If you run out of official prompts to practice with, use the official prompts as models to find examples of other articles you could write about . Start by looking for op-ed articles in online news publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, LA Times , and so on. For instance, the passage about the plastic bag ban in California (Official SAT Study Guide sample essay prompt 2, above) has a counterpoint here —you could try analyzing and writing about that article as well.

Any additional articles you use for practice on the SAT essay must match the following criteria:

• ideally 650-750 words , although it'll be difficult to find an op-ed piece that's naturally that short. Try to aim for nothing longer than 2000 words, though, or the scope of the article is likely to be wider than anything you'll encounter on the SAT.
• always argumentative/persuasive . The author (or authors) is trying to get readers to agree with a claim or idea being put forward.
• always intended for a wide audience . All the information you need to deconstruct the persuasiveness of the argument is in the passage. This means that articles with a lot of technical jargon that's not explained in the article are not realistic passage to practice with.

What's Next?

We've written a ton of helpful resources on the SAT essay. I f you're just getting started, we recommend beginning with our top SAT essay tips for a quick overview of the essay task and what you need to know.

A little more familiar with the SAT essay but still not quite sure how to write one? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to writing the SAT essay .

Looking to earn a high score? Learn what it takes to get the highest score possible on the SAT essay here .

Plus, if you want a reference linking you to all of our great articles on the SAT essay, be sure to check out our ultimate SAT essay guide .

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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