essay topic middle school

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List of 75 Essay Topic Ideas For Middle School Students

Middle school students have learned how to write and are only too willing to show off their writing. Writing their ideas on paper is one way they can express what they feel on the inside. As a teacher, it is your duty to encourage them by giving them essays to write. However, you may be lacking in inspiration with essay topics ideas for middle school students. You don’t have to worry about that any longer. In this article, you will be getting 75 essay topic ideas for middle school students. So, continue reading!

Essay Topic Ideas For Middle School Students

  • What Are The Benefits of Technology To Education?
  • Should School Cafeteria Serve Only Vegetables?
  • Is Fast Food Just As Safe As Homemade Food?
  • Why Should People Stop Taking Soda?
  • What Can Students Do To Improve Their Grades?
  • Why More Time Should Be Allocated To Sports In Schools
  • Discuss Your Understanding of Democracy
  • Describe The President of Your Country
  • Is It Possible For Virtual Friends To Become Real-life Friends?
  • Does Social Media Help Improve Mental Health?
  • Should Education Be Tuition-free?
  • Homeschooling vs Virtual Learning: Which One Should Stay?
  • Do Students Have Too Much Access To The Internet?
  • In What Ways Can Bullying Be Curbed?
  • Why Are Sports Part of The School Curriculum?
  • Should Students Engage In All Types of Sports?
  • Write About Your Understanding of Democracy
  • Write About Three of the World’s Most-Democratic Leaders
  • What Is Healthy Competition For Middle School Students?
  • What Punishment Is The Most Suitable For Bullies In Schools?
  • What Are The Top Three Countries You Would Like To Visit?
  • Should Children Be Taught How To Pray In Schools?
  • What Do You Think About Tattoos and Piercings?
  • How Can Parents Help Their Children To Do Better In Schoolwork?
  • Is Homework Necessary For Students?
  • Can A Middle Schooler Decide To Be A Vegan?
  • Can A Middle Schooler Learn How To Drive?
  • What Is The Most Embarrassing Thing That Has Ever Happened To You?
  • What Was The Happiest Day of Your Life?
  • What Was The Saddest Day of Your Life?
  • Discuss Your Experience At The Gym
  • Discuss The First Time You Learned How To Swim
  • Discuss The First Day You Went Hiking
  • Write About Your Experience With Your First Pet
  • How Did Getting Your Personal Computer Feel Like?
  • What Is That Smell You Will Never Forget?
  • What Incident Scared You The Most?
  • Write About Your Role Models
  • Which Celebrity Will You Like To Meet?
  • What Do You Think About Alien Invasion?
  • Describe A Typical Day In Your Life
  • Write About Your Favourite Parent
  • Write About Your Favourite Food
  • Should Middle School Students Be On Social Media?
  • What Do You Know About Cyber-bullying?
  • Write About Your Favourite Song
  • Write About Your Favourite Instrument To Play
  • Write About Your Favourite Movie
  • Write About The Day You Met Your Best Friend
  • Write About The Day You Got Sick
  • Describe Your Experience At A Bank
  • Describe Your Experience At A Zoo
  • Describe Your Experience At A Beach
  • Describe Your Experience With Your First Flight
  • Write About How To Take Care of A Pet Dog
  • Write About How To Take Care of A Pet Cat
  • Should More Teenagers Be Involved In Tech?
  • Write A Step-by-Step Method On How To Cook Your Favourite Meal
  • What Can Your School Do To Get Rid of Bullying?
  • Should Middle Schoolers Be Allowed To Talk About Politics In Schools?
  • What Do You Understand About Peer Pressure?
  • Should Middle School Students Be Stopped From Using A Cell Phone?
  • What Is The Biggest Problem Facing Middle School Students?
  • Why Are Uniforms So Important To Schools?
  • Write About A Famous Ideology You Disagree With
  • What Is The Best Thing About Middle School?
  • What Is The Worst Thing About Middle School?
  • If You Were To Be A Fantasy Animal, What Type of Animal Would That Be?
  • Write About Your Life As A Middle Schooler
  • Write A Letter To Your Role Model
  • Write About What You Think Of Racial Discrimination
  • Write About The Holiday You Love The Most
  • Write About Your Favourite Toy
  • What Would You Like To Study In College
  • Write About Friendships

How To Write A Middle School Essay

The structure for a middle school essay is simple; it consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. As a teacher, you should guide your students on how to write these. The introduction of the essay should provide an idea of what the student wants to write about and the conclusion should summarize all that the student has written. The body paragraphs should have a natural flow of the student’s ideas. While this may be easy for most students, as a teacher, you should expect that not all students will get this right. Thus, it becomes your duty to help them.

Coming up with essay topics for middle schoolers can be mentally tasking. Thankfully, with this article, there are 75 different topics to choose from!

essay topic middle school

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400 Essay topics for middle school

Middle school is a pivotal time in a student’s academic journey, where they begin to develop critical thinking skills and articulate their thoughts more coherently. Writing essays is an essential component of this developmental phase, as it not only enhances their writing abilities but also fosters creativity and intellectual growth.

Selecting engaging and thought-provoking essay topics for middle school students can make this process enjoyable and educational. In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing the right essay topics for middle school and provide a variety of suggestions that cater to different interests and academic levels.

By focusing on relevant and relatable themes, we aim to inspire young writers to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Importance of choosing the right Essay Topics for Middle School

Essay topics for middle school

Choosing the right essay topics for middle school students is crucial for several reasons, impacting both their educational development and personal growth. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate essay topics for this age group:

1. Engagement and Interest

  • Motivation to Write : When students find a topic interesting, they are more likely to engage deeply with the writing process. This enhances their enthusiasm and motivation to write, making the learning experience enjoyable.
  • Creativity and Expression : Interesting topics can spark creativity and allow students to express themselves more freely. This fosters a love for writing and encourages them to think outside the box.

2. Educational Development

  • Skill Enhancement : Well-chosen topics help students practice essential writing skills such as organization, argumentation, and clarity. They learn to structure their essays logically and present their ideas coherently.
  • Critical Thinking : Good topics challenge students to think critically and develop their reasoning abilities. They learn to analyze information, form opinions, and support their arguments with evidence.

3. Relevance and Relatability

  • Connection to Curriculum : Topics that align with the school curriculum help reinforce what students are learning in other subjects. This integrated approach can make learning more cohesive and meaningful.
  • Personal Relevance : Topics that relate to students’ lives and experiences can make the writing process more relatable and impactful. When students see the relevance of their work, they are more invested in the outcome.

4. Development of Research Skills

  • Information Gathering : Choosing topics that require some level of research helps students develop essential research skills. They learn how to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources.
  • Source Evaluation : Students learn to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources, a critical skill in the age of information overload.

5. Social and Emotional Growth

  • Self-Expression : Writing about topics that matter to them can be a form of self-expression and self-discovery for students. It allows them to explore their thoughts and feelings on various issues.
  • Empathy and Understanding : Writing on diverse topics can help students develop empathy by putting themselves in others’ shoes. It broadens their perspectives and fosters understanding of different viewpoints.

6. Preparation for Future Academic Work

  • Foundation for Higher Education : Middle school is a preparatory stage for high school and beyond. Choosing challenging and thought-provoking topics helps build a strong foundation for advanced academic writing.
  • Development of a Writing Portfolio : Good essays can form the basis of a writing portfolio, showcasing students’ skills and growth over time. This can be beneficial for future educational opportunities.

7. Encouragement of Lifelong Learning

  • Curiosity and Inquiry : Encouraging students to explore various topics can ignite a lifelong passion for learning and inquiry. They learn that writing is a powerful tool for exploration and communication.
  • Adaptability and Resilience : Tackling different types of essay topics helps students become adaptable and resilient writers. They learn to approach various subjects with confidence and skill.

Furthermore, choosing the right essay topics for middle school students is a multifaceted process that significantly impacts their academic, social, and emotional development. It helps them become better writers, thinkers, and learners, setting the stage for future success.

Essay topics for middle school

Here are 400 essay topics for middle school students, categorized by theme to provide a diverse range of options:

Personal and Reflective Essays

  • Describe a memorable event in your life.
  • What is your favorite hobby and why?
  • Write about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
  • Describe a person you admire and why.
  • What is your favorite book or movie and why?
  • Write about your dream job.
  • Describe a place that is special to you.
  • What makes you happy?
  • Write about a time you helped someone.
  • What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?

Persuasive Essays

  • Should students have homework every night?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory?
  • Is it important to learn a second language?
  • Should school start later in the morning?
  • Is it better to have year-round school?
  • Should animals be kept in zoos?
  • Is it important to recycle?
  • Should students be allowed to use smartphones in school?
  • Should there be more recess time?
  • Are video games harmful or beneficial?

Narrative Essays

  • Write about a time you got lost.
  • Describe your first day of school.
  • Write a story about a day in the future.
  • Write about an adventure you had.
  • Describe a day in the life of your favorite character.
  • Write about a surprise you planned for someone.
  • Describe a dream you had.
  • Write about a family tradition.
  • Describe a time you felt scared.
  • Write about a funny experience.

Descriptive Essays

  • Describe your favorite meal.
  • Describe your best friend.
  • Write about your favorite place to visit.
  • Describe a typical day in your life.
  • Describe your ideal vacation.
  • Write about your favorite animal.
  • Describe a rainy day.
  • Write about your favorite season.
  • Describe a beautiful landscape.
  • Write about your favorite sport.

Expository Essays

  • Explain how to make your favorite recipe.
  • Explain the importance of exercise.
  • Describe the process of photosynthesis.
  • Explain the benefits of reading.
  • Describe how to stay safe online.
  • Explain the water cycle.
  • Describe how to manage time effectively.
  • Explain the importance of sleep.
  • Describe the life cycle of a butterfly.
  • Explain how to plant a garden.

Compare and Contrast Essays

  • Compare two of your favorite books.
  • Contrast your life now with your life five years ago.
  • Compare two seasons.
  • Contrast living in a city versus living in the countryside.
  • Compare two of your favorite holidays.
  • Contrast two of your favorite sports.
  • Compare two characters from a book.
  • Contrast online learning and classroom learning.
  • Compare your two favorite meals.
  • Contrast two different cultures.

Argumentative Essays

  • Should students be required to participate in sports?
  • Is it better to read books or watch movies?
  • Should junk food be banned from schools?
  • Is technology making us more alone?
  • Should there be a limit to screen time?
  • Are zoos ethical?
  • Should school lunches be healthier?
  • Is space exploration worth the cost?
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • Is it better to work alone or in a group?

Historical Essays

  • Write about an important event in history.
  • Describe a famous historical figure.
  • Write about the history of your hometown.
  • Describe an invention that changed the world.
  • Write about a historical event you wish you could have witnessed.
  • Describe the significance of a national holiday.
  • Write about the history of your favorite holiday.
  • Describe the history of a sport.
  • Write about a historical monument.
  • Describe the history of your school.

Science Essays

  • Explain the importance of recycling.
  • Describe a scientific experiment you conducted.
  • Write about a famous scientist.
  • Explain the process of photosynthesis.
  • Describe the solar system.
  • Write about the different states of matter.
  • Explain how a volcano erupts.
  • Describe the water cycle.
  • Write about an endangered species.
  • Explain the effects of global warming.

Social Issues Essays

  • Write about the importance of kindness.
  • Describe how to prevent bullying.
  • Write about the importance of community service.
  • Explain how to be a good friend.
  • Describe the effects of peer pressure.
  • Write about the importance of diversity.
  • Explain the effects of social media.
  • Describe how to handle stress.
  • Write about the importance of honesty.
  • Explain how to deal with disappointment.

Creative Writing Essays

  • Write a story about a magical world.
  • Describe an invention you would create.
  • Write a poem about nature.
  • Create a story about an adventure in space.
  • Write a diary entry from the perspective of your pet.
  • Describe a day in the life of a superhero.
  • Write a story set in the future.
  • Create a mystery story.
  • Write a story about finding a hidden treasure.
  • Describe a world where animals can talk.

Current Events Essays

  • Write about a recent news event.
  • Describe the impact of a recent natural disaster.
  • Write about the importance of voting.
  • Explain the significance of a current social movement.
  • Describe the impact of a new technological innovation.
  • Write about a recent scientific discovery.
  • Explain the importance of environmental conservation.
  • Describe the impact of a recent political event.
  • Write about the effects of a new law or policy.
  • Explain the significance of a current global issue.

Biographical Essays

  • Write about your hero.
  • Describe the life of a famous author.
  • Write about a famous athlete.
  • Describe the life of a historical figure.
  • Write about a famous artist.
  • Describe the life of a family member you admire.
  • Write about a famous musician.
  • Describe the life of a scientist.
  • Write about a famous explorer.
  • Describe the life of a political leader.

How-To Essays

  • Explain how to play your favorite game.
  • Describe how to make a craft.
  • Explain how to prepare for a test.
  • Describe how to take care of a pet.
  • Explain how to stay organized.
  • Describe how to build a model.
  • Explain how to cook a simple meal.
  • Describe how to create a budget.
  • Explain how to start a club.
  • Describe how to make a new friend.

Opinion Essays

  • Write about your favorite book and why others should read it.
  • Describe the best way to spend a weekend.
  • Write about your favorite subject in school.
  • Describe the best way to solve a problem.
  • Write about your favorite sport and why you like it.
  • Describe the best vacation you’ve ever had.
  • Write about the best gift you’ve ever received.
  • Describe your favorite family tradition.
  • Describe the best meal you’ve ever had.

Environmental Essays

  • Write about the importance of conserving water.
  • Describe the effects of pollution.
  • Write about the importance of protecting wildlife.
  • Explain how to reduce waste.
  • Describe the benefits of using renewable energy.
  • Write about the importance of planting trees.
  • Describe the impact of climate change.
  • Write about the importance of recycling.
  • Explain how to protect the environment.
  • Describe the effects of deforestation.

Cultural Essays

  • Write about a tradition from your culture.
  • Describe a festival you have attended.
  • Write about a cultural dish you enjoy.
  • Describe the significance of a cultural symbol.
  • Write about the importance of learning about other cultures.
  • Describe a cultural event you would like to attend.
  • Write about a famous cultural landmark.
  • Describe a traditional costume from your culture.
  • Write about a cultural practice you find interesting.
  • Describe the importance of cultural diversity.

Health and Wellness Essays

  • Write about the importance of eating healthy.
  • Describe the benefits of exercise.
  • Write about the importance of mental health.
  • Explain how to maintain a balanced diet.
  • Describe the effects of not getting enough sleep.
  • Write about the importance of hygiene.
  • Describe how to stay fit.
  • Explain the benefits of drinking water.
  • Write about the importance of regular check-ups.

Technology Essays

  • Write about the impact of social media.
  • Describe the benefits of technology in education.
  • Write about the importance of cybersecurity.
  • Explain how technology has changed communication.
  • Describe the effects of too much screen time.
  • Write about a technological invention you find fascinating.
  • Explain the benefits of online learning.
  • Describe how technology can help the environment.
  • Write about the future of technology.
  • Explain how to use a piece of technology.

Hobbies and Interests Essays

  • Write about your favorite hobby.
  • Describe how you got interested in your favorite sport.
  • Write about a collection you have or would like to have.
  • Explain why you enjoy a particular type of music.
  • Describe your favorite thing to do on a rainy day.
  • Write about a club or group you belong to.
  • Describe a hobby you would like to try.
  • Explain how to get started with a new hobby.
  • Write about the benefits of having a hobby.
  • Describe how you spend your free time.

Imaginative Essays

  • Write a story about finding a secret door.
  • Describe what it would be like to live in another era.
  • Write a story about a talking animal.
  • Describe what you would do with a million dollars.
  • Write a story about a trip to another planet.
  • Describe what it would be like to have a superpower.
  • Write a story about meeting a mythical creature.
  • Describe a day in the life of a pirate.
  • Write a story set in a fantasy world.
  • Describe what it would be like to live underwater.

Sports Essays

  • Describe the importance of teamwork in sports.
  • Write about a memorable game or match.
  • Explain the benefits of playing sports.
  • Describe your favorite athlete.
  • Write about the history of a sport.
  • Describe the rules of your favorite sport.
  • Write about a sports event you attended.
  • Explain how to play a sport you enjoy.
  • Describe the qualities of a good coach.

Travel Essays

  • Write about a place you would like to visit.
  • Describe your favorite travel experience.
  • Write about a road trip you’ve taken.
  • Describe a famous landmark you would like to see.
  • Write about traveling by plane, train, or car.
  • Write about a cultural experience you had while traveling.
  • Describe what you like most about traveling.
  • Write about a place you have never been but would like to go.
  • Describe how to plan a perfect trip.

Inspirational Essays

  • Write about a time you felt proud of yourself.
  • Describe a goal you have achieved.
  • Write about someone who inspires you.
  • Describe how to stay motivated.
  • Write about a lesson you learned from a mistake.
  • Describe a time you helped someone.
  • Write about a book or movie that inspired you.
  • Describe what you want to be when you grow up.
  • Write about a challenge you overcame.
  • Describe the importance of setting goals.

Holidays and Celebrations Essays

  • Write about your favorite holiday.
  • Describe how your family celebrates a holiday.
  • Write about a memorable birthday.
  • Describe a holiday tradition.
  • Write about the history of a holiday.
  • Describe your favorite holiday food.
  • Write about a holiday you would like to learn more about.
  • Describe the best gift you’ve ever given.
  • Write about how you celebrate a holiday at school.
  • Describe what makes a holiday special to you.

School Life Essays

  • Describe your favorite teacher.
  • Write about a school event you enjoyed.
  • Describe a typical school day.
  • Write about a time you felt proud of a school accomplishment.
  • Describe how to be a good student.
  • Write about your favorite school project.
  • Describe a memorable field trip.
  • Write about the importance of doing well in school.
  • Describe what you like most about your school.

Friendship Essays

  • Write about your best friend.
  • Describe the qualities of a good friend.
  • Write about a time you made a new friend.
  • Describe how to resolve a conflict with a friend.
  • Write about a fun experience you had with a friend.
  • Describe how to make new friends.
  • Write about what makes a friendship special.
  • Describe a time you helped a friend.
  • Write about a lesson you learned from a friend.
  • Describe how to be a supportive friend.

Future Essays

  • Write about what you want to be when you grow up.
  • Describe what the world might be like in 50 years.
  • Write about a future invention you would like to see.
  • Describe your plans for the future.
  • Write about how you can make the world a better place.
  • Describe what you hope to achieve in the next ten years.
  • Write about a future trip you would like to take.
  • Describe how you imagine your life in the future.
  • Write about the importance of planning for the future.
  • Describe a future technology you would like to use.

Animal Essays

  • Describe the habitat of your favorite animal.
  • Describe the life cycle of an animal.
  • Write about the role of animals in the ecosystem.
  • Write about the importance of animal conservation.
  • Describe a visit to a zoo or aquarium.
  • Write about a famous animal in history.
  • Describe the differences between wild and domestic animals.

Literature Essays

  • Write about your favorite book character.
  • Describe the setting of your favorite book.
  • Write a book review of a book you recently read.
  • Describe a lesson you learned from a book.
  • Write about your favorite genre of literature.
  • Describe the plot of your favorite book.
  • Write about the author of a book you like.
  • Describe how a book made you feel.
  • Write about a book you would like to read.
  • Describe the main conflict in a book you enjoyed.

Art and Music Essays

  • Write about your favorite artist or musician.
  • Describe your favorite piece of art.
  • Write about a memorable concert you attended.
  • Describe the process of creating a piece of art.
  • Write about your favorite song and why you like it.
  • Describe how music makes you feel.
  • Write about a famous work of art.
  • Describe the importance of art in society.
  • Write about a musical instrument you would like to learn.
  • Describe how art can influence people.

Family Essays

  • Describe a family vacation.
  • Write about a family member you admire.
  • Write about a memorable family gathering.
  • Describe the importance of family.
  • Write about a family recipe.
  • Describe a time your family worked together.
  • Write about what makes your family special.
  • Describe a family activity you enjoy.

Seasonal Essays

  • Describe a memorable winter day.
  • Write about a summer activity you enjoy.
  • Describe the changes you see in nature during fall.
  • Write about how you spend your time during spring.
  • Describe a seasonal tradition.
  • Write about the differences between two seasons.
  • Describe what you like most about winter.
  • Write about your favorite summer memory.
  • Describe how the weather affects your mood.

Food Essays

  • Write about your favorite meal.
  • Describe how to make your favorite dessert.
  • Write about a memorable meal you had.
  • Describe your favorite restaurant.
  • Write about a traditional dish from your culture.
  • Write about a food you would like to try.
  • Describe how to prepare a healthy snack.
  • Describe a cooking experience you had.

Educational Essays

  • Write about the importance of education.
  • Describe how to be a successful student.
  • Write about your favorite subject and why you like it.
  • Describe the benefits of learning a second language.
  • Write about the importance of reading.
  • Describe how technology can enhance learning.
  • Write about a memorable learning experience.
  • Describe how to study effectively.
  • Write about the role of teachers in your life.
  • Describe the importance of doing homework.

Community Essays

  • Describe a community event you attended.
  • Write about a way you can help your community.
  • Describe your favorite place in your community.
  • Write about a community project you participated in.
  • Describe the role of community leaders.
  • Write about the importance of volunteering.
  • Describe a change you would like to see in your community.
  • Write about a community organization you admire.
  • Describe how to be a good neighbor.

Innovative Essays

  • Write about an invention you would like to create.
  • Describe how a particular invention has changed the world.
  • Write about a future technology you are excited about.
  • Describe how innovation can solve a problem.
  • Write about the impact of a recent technological advancement.
  • Describe how an invention works.
  • Write about a famous inventor.
  • Describe a scientific breakthrough.
  • Write about the importance of creativity in innovation.
  • Describe how technology can improve education.

Holiday and Festive Essays

  • Write about your favorite holiday tradition.
  • Describe a festive celebration you enjoy.
  • Write about the significance of a holiday.
  • Write about a holiday memory.
  • Describe the customs of a holiday in another culture.
  • Write about how you prepare for a holiday.
  • Describe the decorations you use for a holiday.
  • Describe the foods you eat during a holiday.

Civic Essays

  • Describe the role of a good citizen.
  • Write about the importance of following laws.
  • Describe how to be an active member of your community.
  • Describe the role of government in society.
  • Write about a civic leader you admire.
  • Describe how you can make a difference in your community.
  • Write about the importance of respecting others.
  • Describe how to be a responsible citizen.

Miscellaneous Essays

  • Write about a time you learned something new.
  • Describe a goal you have set for yourself.
  • Write about a memorable experience with your family.
  • Describe your favorite way to relax.
  • Write about a time you did something you were afraid to do.
  • Describe a memorable experience at a park.
  • Write about a book that changed your perspective.
  • Describe your favorite way to spend a rainy day.
  • Write about a time you achieved something you thought you couldn’t.
  • Describe your ideal weekend.

These topics are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and writing skills , encouraging middle school students to explore their thoughts, experiences, and creativity through writing.

Selecting the right essay topics for middle school students is vital for fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. These topics not only engage and motivate students but also help them develop critical thinking, writing skills, and creativity.

By providing a diverse range of topics across various categories, educators can ensure that students find subjects that resonate with their interests and experiences, making the writing process both educational and enjoyable. With well-chosen essay topics, middle school students are better prepared for future academic challenges and personal development.

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94 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School: Protocols, Health, Politics, And More

January 4, 2024 //  by  Brittany Ray

Middle schoolers are always ready for a feisty debate and to argue their points! This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of fun choices to explore! Take a look and see which topics are sure to spark some interest in your classroom!

School Rules and Policies

1. should cell phones be allowed at school.

essay topic middle school

2. Should gym class (physical education) be a requirement?

essay topic middle school

3. Explain why or why not: Should students have homework on weekends?

essay topic middle school

4. Should the school day be extended in exchange for a long weekend?

essay topic middle school

5. Do you feel the government should dictate what you get for school lunch?

essay topic middle school

6. Do you believe brick-and-mortar schools are still necessary for today’s post-pandemic society?

essay topic middle school

7. Is the student-per-class limit too high?

essay topic middle school

8. Should high school students be required to take a civics exam before graduation?

essay topic middle school

9. Should school security be improved?

essay topic middle school

10. Should students be allowed to use smartwatches during examinations?

essay topic middle school

11. Should there be a limit to the amount of homework a school can assign to students?

essay topic middle school

12. Is the traditional grading system effective, or does it need an overhaul?

essay topic middle school

13. Should schools offer more extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests?

essay topic middle school

14. Do schools place too much emphasis on sports and athletes at the expense of academic pursuits?

essay topic middle school

15. Explain your stance as to whether schools should or should not require students to wear uniforms.

essay topic middle school

16. Do you believe that school field trips are beneficial or merely recreational?

essay topic middle school

17. Should students be required to learn a second language starting in middle school?

essay topic middle school

18. Should the government have the ability to ban certain books in the classroom?

essay topic middle school

19. Should school cafeterias serve exclusively vegetarian meals to promote health?

essay topic middle school

20. Should schools have mandatory classes on financial literacy?

essay topic middle school

21. Should schools have strict policies against cyberbullying?

essay topic middle school

22. Should schools have mandatory mental health classes and counseling sessions?

essay topic middle school

23. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

essay topic middle school

24. Should schools have mindfulness and meditation sessions as part of the daily routine?

essay topic middle school

25. Should schools emphasize more on teaching critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing things?

essay topic middle school

26. Should there be more emphasis on vocational training in middle school?

essay topic middle school

27. Should students be taught the dangers of misinformation and “fake news” as part of their curriculum?

essay topic middle school

28. Should schools introduce mandatory community service as part of the curriculum?

essay topic middle school

29. Should schools allow students to bring their pets to school?

essay topic middle school

30. Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activities?

essay topic middle school

31. Should education about global warming and environmental conservation be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

essay topic middle school

32. Should schools introduce more practical skills courses like basic cooking, sewing, or home repair?

essay topic middle school

33. Do school dress codes infringe on personal expression?

essay topic middle school

34. Should middle school students be allowed to bring and use laptops in class?

essay topic middle school

35. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling for some students?

essay topic middle school

36. Is learning to write in cursive still a necessary skill in the digital age?

essay topic middle school

37. Should school libraries invest in more digital resources or in physical books?

essay topic middle school

38. Should students be taught about controversial historical figures objectively or with a critical lens?

essay topic middle school

39. Should students have a more significant say in the creation of school rules and policies?

essay topic middle school

40. Do schools focus too much on college preparation at the expense of life skills?

essay topic middle school

41. Should parents be held more accountable for their children’s misbehavior at school?

essay topic middle school

42. Are parent-teacher conferences still effective or have they become outdated?

essay topic middle school

43. Should middle schools have later start times to accommodate adolescent sleep patterns?

essay topic middle school

College Admission and Tuition 

44. should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship.

essay topic middle school

45. Should a college degree earned through online education have the same worth as a degree earned at a brick-and-mortar university?

essay topic middle school

46. Do you feel art courses should be a required part of earning a college degree?

essay topic middle school

47. Should college admission criteria be less stringent?

essay topic middle school

48. Should college athletes be paid?

essay topic middle school

49. Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?

essay topic middle school

50. Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?

essay topic middle school

Health and Wellbeing

51. do parents put too much pressure on their children to excel academically.

essay topic middle school

52. Should cigarettes be illegal?

essay topic middle school

53. Should employers have the right to require a Covid-19 vaccine?

essay topic middle school

54. Is milk beneficial to a person’s health?

essay topic middle school

55. Are hot dogs bad for you?

essay topic middle school

56. Do you agree or disagree that parents should be held responsible for childhood obesity?

essay topic middle school

57. Should the FDA allow GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in our food?

essay topic middle school

58. Does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do a good job of regulating the production of food?

essay topic middle school

59. Should junk food advertisements be banned during children’s TV shows?

essay topic middle school

60. Should students be allowed to take “mental health days” off from school?

essay topic middle school

Government, Politics, and Civic Responsibilities

61. do you think electronic voting machines make the election procedure fair or unfair.

essay topic middle school

62. Explain whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated.

essay topic middle school

63. Should the government have more say in what is or is not “fake news”?

essay topic middle school

64. Should a felon have the right to vote?

essay topic middle school

65. Should all political offices have term limits?

essay topic middle school

66. Should the voting age be lowered?

essay topic middle school

67. The moral stain of the slavery of African American people in early American History is undoubtedly present. Do you feel the government promotes hate or love with the way it currently speaks about racism?

essay topic middle school

68. Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

essay topic middle school

69. Should the government have more strict gun control policies?

essay topic middle school

70. With the separation of church and state, should churches be exempt from paying taxes?

essay topic middle school

71. Do you feel undocumented immigrants should be granted all the same rights as naturalized citizens?

essay topic middle school

72. Have Native American communities been given proper reparations for the United States’ long history of seizing land?

essay topic middle school

73. Do you think that the government should do more to fight against human trafficking?

essay topic middle school

Environmental and Moral Issues

74. is climate change something we can truly make a difference with.

essay topic middle school

75. If protecting the environment is of utmost importance, should bottled water be banned?

essay topic middle school

76. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity?

essay topic middle school

77. Explain your stance on whether wind farms are a good or bad idea.

essay topic middle school

78. Do “participation trophies” diminish the value of real achievement?

essay topic middle school

79. Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?

essay topic middle school

80. Explain whether or not animal testing should be outlawed.

essay topic middle school

81. Should the death penalty exist?

essay topic middle school

82. Should an individual be able to keep wild animals as pets if they have the means to care for them?

essay topic middle school

83. Do curfews for teenagers prevent them from getting in trouble or infringe on personal freedom?

essay topic middle school

84. Is scientific research on cloning DNA ethical?

essay topic middle school

85. Is daylight saving something the U.S. should keep, or should it be abolished?

essay topic middle school

86. Should schools ban single-use plastics?

essay topic middle school

Digital and Media

87. do children currently have too much screen time, and is it harmful.

essay topic middle school

88. Do you believe that the media and/or social media negatively impact body image among teens?

essay topic middle school

89. Do social media platforms need stricter age verification processes?

essay topic middle school

90. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts for monitoring purposes?

essay topic middle school

91. Should parents limit the time their children spend on video games?

essay topic middle school

92. Should violent video games be banned in the United States?

essay topic middle school

93. Do violent cartoons and animations impact a child’s behavior negatively?

essay topic middle school

94. Do video games have educational potential or are they merely distractions?

essay topic middle school

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EveryWriter

A New Community of Writers

300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

February 15, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Here are 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students, when looking to engage middle school students in daily writing, it can be difficult to come up with enough creative yet educationally meaningful prompts to fill the school year. That’s why I was thrilled to uncover an incredible list of over 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students. With about 180 school days, this mega list of prompts could last nearly two school years without repeating! As a middle school teacher striving to make writing fun while also pushing my students to think deeper, stretch their perspectives, and grow their skills, I appreciate prompts tuned specifically to 11-14 year olds on topics that resonate with their developmental stage and experiences.

The list has prompts spanning popular middle school genres and themes ranging from relationships with friends, family, teachers, and community; to personal growth around emotions, hardships, ethics, and decision making; to navigating their changing identity and society around them. Examples that caught my eye include: “How can peers positively stand up to bullying?” and “What leadership lesson challenged you?” Imagine how students will light up responding to prompts that speak their language and tap into what they care about! With 300 on deck, I can target different skills and rotate in new prompts easily. This treasury of writing ideas unlocks an exciting year ahead!

These prompts are organized in the following categories:

On Relationships

On technology, on emotions.

  • Issues in Schools
  • Entertainment
  • On Hero/Role Models
  • Write about what being a good friend means to you.
  • Describe your best friend and what makes your relationship special.
  • Write about a time a friend disappointed you. What happened and how did you handle it?
  • What is the best advice about friendship you have ever received? Who gave you the advice?
  • Describe a time you and your friend had an argument. How did you resolve it? What did you learn?
  • What qualities do you look for in choosing friends? Explain why those qualities are important.
  • What is your favorite memory with your best friend? What happened that makes it so memorable?
  • Should friends always agree with each other? Explain your opinion using an example from your life.
  • Write about a person who has been a mentor for you. How have they impacted your life?
  • Describe how you balance time between family and friends. Give examples.
  • Do you find making new friends easy or hard? Discuss a time you made a new friend.
  • Explain three qualities that make someone a good family member. Provide examples from your experiences.
  • Describe your relationship with your siblings or extended family members. Use examples.
  • Should family always come before friends? Discuss why or why not using examples from your experiences.
  • Write about a family tradition or ritual you have. Why is it meaningful to you?
  • How can families best support teenagers? What is something you wish your family understood better?
  • Have you ever had a teacher that was an important mentor for you? If yes, describe how they supported you.
  • Describe an adult aside from your family who has been a positive influence on you. Explain how they have helped you.
  • Do teachers have lasting impacts on students? Describe one of your teachers who inspired you.
  • Write about a figure you admire but do not personally know, like a celebrity, author, or athlete. Explain why you admire them.
  • Describe a disagreement you witnessed between two people. How did each handle it? Who handled it better in your view?
  • Think of someone you had a disagreement with in the past. Looking back, how could you have handled it better?
  • Why is it important to admit when you are wrong? Describe a situation when you had to admit you were wrong. What was it like?
  • Write about a time you compromised with someone who had an opposing view from yours. How did you find common ground? What did you learn?
  • Do you find it easy or difficult to get along with people different from you? Explain using examples.
  • How can people move past stereotypes? Share a time when you or someone else overcame a stereotype.
  • Describe a situation where jealousy impacted a friendship or relationship. What damage did it cause? What did you learn?
  • Why is trust so essential in relationships? Describe the building or breaking of trust in one of your relationships.
  • What have you learned from both good and bad relationships? How have those lessons shaped how you interact with people?
  • How do you define respect? Write about a time when respect was present or absent from a relationship.
  • Describe a time when words were very hurtful or healing in a relationship. What impact did this have on you?
  • Think about a relationship that is difficult. How could you act to improve it?
  • Write about a stranger who did a kind deed for you or someone else. How did this small act of kindness make a difference?
  • Should people give second chances? Share a story from your own life on second chances.
  • For what reasons do conflicts happen between family or friends? Share a personal story.
  • How can people prevent or resolve conflicts between each other? Share a time when conflict was prevented or resolved positively.
  • Think about a relationship that recently improved. What specifically changed for the better? What can be learned?
  • What does it mean to truly listen to someone? Why is listening skills important in relationships? Give an example.
  • Choose one word to describe each member of your family and explain why you chose those words.
  • What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do and what do you enjoy most? Explain.
  • If you had the chance to give advice to a good friend right now, what would it be and why?
  • What goals can people set to become better friends or family members? What’s one goal you have set for yourself?
  • Who do you turn to when you have problems? Why have you chosen to talk to this person/people?
  • Should we forgive friends or family who lie to us? Share your thoughts and experiences with forgiveness.
  • Is it ever okay to keep secrets from friends or family? Explain why or why not.
  • What does “being responsible” with friendships and family relationships mean to you? Give examples.
  • Do you think rules should be different for friends than family? Explain your thoughts with examples.
  • Describe a time you felt support from your friends or family during a difficult situation.
  • For you, what is the difference between a close friend and an acquaintance? Give examples from your life.
  • Explain why friendships and family relationships should be valued and prioritized. Use personal examples.
  • Describe your extended family like grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. How often do you see them? What do you enjoy about those relationships?
  • What traditions or rituals does your family have? Why are they meaningful?
  • Has a relative ever given you great advice? What was it and why was it helpful?
  • How can families best support pre-teens and teenagers? What do you wish your parents understood better?
  • What qualities make someone a good brother or sister? Do you think you have those qualities? Explain.
  • Describe your mom, dad, or another caregiver’s personality. What are 3 great qualities they have?
  • If you had magical abilities, what problem would you solve for a family member? Why?
  • What does “unconditional love” mean to you? Describe how your family shows love.
  • Should parents be friends with their kids? Explain your view using examples and reasons.
  • How should parents handle teens who break rules or make poor choices? Discuss their responsibilities.
  • Describe one of your favorite memories with your family. What happened that makes it extra special?
  • For what reasons do conflicts happen in families? Share a story from your own family.
  • How can families prevent or resolve conflicts positively? Share a time your family resolved a conflict well.
  • If you could add a new family rule, what would it be and why? Would others agree it’s needed? Explain.
  • What does being a good listener mean in your family? Provide a time when good listening skills were helpful at home.
  • Describe one issue your parents had to compromise on while raising you and your siblings. Explain their perspectives.
  • What is one clue that a family member needs extra support? Describe a time you or someone else needed support.
  • How can trust be built, lost, or repaired in families? Provide a personal example.
  • What does “respect” require inside families? Describe how your family shows respect or could improve.
  • Share an example of how your family cooperates and supports one another. Why is this important?
  • How can families balance personal interests with responsibilities to the family unit or household? Give examples.
  • Have religious or spiritual beliefs impacted your family positively? Explain how.
  • What does “forgiveness” require in families? Describe someone forgiving or being forgiven. What was the outcome?
  • Is venting anger appropriately important in families? Share an example from your household.
  • What is one problem you think many families struggle with? Explain ideas for how to address this issue.
  • What is a rule that has helped create order or safety in your home? Why was it needed?
  • How do parents model good behavior for their children without realizing it? Give examples you’ve observed.
  • Write about an annoyance or frustration you have experienced with a parent, guardian, or sibling. How have you worked through this issue?
  • Explain why keeping promises and commitments to family matters. Provide a related example.
  • What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do that brings you together?
  • Should families pray or perform spiritual rituals together? Explain why this can be meaningful or not needed.
  • Is getting advice from elders important? Share an example of getting advice from your parents or grandparents.
  • How can parents and kids better understand each other’s perspectives? Explain with a personal example.
  • Describe one house rule you did not understand as a younger kid. Now that you are older, does it make more sense? Explain.
  • How should parents educate kids about racism or discrimination? Discuss using personal examples or observations.
  • Do you make friends easily outside your family? Explain how your family gives you confidence or holds you back socially.
  • What quality about your parents inspires you to be like them? Explain using examples.
  • What is one thing you wish you and your siblings would stop fighting about? Why does this issue cause problems? What could improve it?
  • Describe one thing you argue about a lot with your sibling(s) and one thing you get along well doing together. Compare the two relationship dynamics.
  • Explain one of your family’s funny little habits or traditions outsiders would find interesting or strange. Where did it originate?
  • For what reasons are family relationships often complicated? Share an example from personal experience.
  • If a new kid was joining your family as an adopted sibling, what advice would you give him or her about fitting into your established household?
  • Should parents give kids advice about friendship or let them learn those skills independently? Discuss, backing your view with reasoning.
  • Describe an ethical dilemma or complex problem your family faced together. How did working through it strengthen relationships? What did family members learn about each other?
  • How can parents and kids respect each other’s privacy? Discuss setting boundaries while still providing guidance.
  • How might experiencing hard times like illness, grief, job loss, etc. bring a family closer together? Describe a difficulty that ultimately strengthened bonds between your family members rather than weakening them.
  • Even in difficult or complex family relationships, what makes the bond stronger than conflict? Explain why you think family ties still endure.
  • Even if family relationships are challenging or imperfect, why work to understand versus give up on each other? Provide evidence that trying leads in a positive direction.
  • When do you think parents should stop influencing adult children’s choices? Explain where the line should be drawn and why.
  • What have you learned from your parents’ strengths and weaknesses? How will you carry these lessons into your future as an adult?
  • What is your favorite app or website? Describe what you like about it.
  • Explain 3 responsible ways you use the internet and social media.
  • Should there be laws about how people your age use the internet? Why or why not?
  • Describe when it’s okay or not okay to share information or photos online.
  • Write about a time technology like GPS maps or the internet really helped you or someone you know.
  • Explain why spending too much time on devices can be unhealthy. Provide evidence.
  • Describe problems or distractions technology like cell phones can cause at school. Should policies be made to address this issue?
  • How is communicating online and via text different from talking face-to-face? Include pros and cons of each.
  • Stories are spreading about technology like virtual reality. Describe what you think virtual reality will be like someday based on current information.
  • Do you think technology brings people together more than it isolates them? Use reasons and evidence to back your opinion.
  • How does the internet make researching for school easier and harder at the same time? Explain with examples from experience.
  • Write about a time technology failed to work properly. What problems did it cause? What was the backup plan to address needs?
  • How have smart phones impacted how youth and adults spend leisure time? Explain pros and cons.
  • Describe an app that helps make people’s lives easier somehow. Explain its standout features.
  • What are ways social media connects people positively? Also discuss risks and how to use social media responsibly.
  • Should everyone have access to affordable home internet? Explain pros and cons of internet access becoming an essential utility provided via programs for low income families.
  • Discuss an innovative medical technology that improves healthcare. How exactly does it help doctors treat patients better?
  • Would receiving instruction through technology at home some days help students learn? Explain the possibilities and challenges you envision.
  • How have delivery drones and self-driving vehicles started changing the way people transport items? Describe what future possibilities exist to revolutionize transportation.
  • Explain how smartphones both waste and make the best use of people’s time. Provide evidence.
  • How do various communication methods impact trust and relationships between people both positively and negatively? Cite examples.
  • Should schools invest in providing laptops or tablets to each student for learning? Explain reasoning using pros and cons.
  • How does advancing technology like electric cars, solar power, etc. positively and negatively impact the environment now and in the foreseeable future?
  • How have smartphones changed people’s behaviors for better or worse? Provide evidence from real world observations.
  • Should youth be on social media? At what age is appropriate? Cite reasons.
  • How does the online world impact body image perceptions? Discuss using observations or evidence. Provide solutions.
  • Explain pros and cons you see regarding video games’ impacts on things like kids’ brains, creativity, social skills, and values.
  • Discuss positive and concerning impacts highly advanced robotics may have on jobs, the economy, how people treat each other in relationships, self-worth and identity when more labor becomes automated.
  • How can the internet and connected technology increase existing inequities? Offer ideas to responsibly address this concern.
  • Explain why developing future technology sustainably matters. Provide examples like electric car batteries, solar panels, etc.
  • Should tech CEOs or companies do more about issues like device addiction? What exactly should change?
  • How does immediate access to so much information impact how people view issues? Explain how quality versus quantity of data impacts judgments made. Cite real world examples like politics, news stories, etc.
  • Discuss ways technology harms or helps entertainment quality and enjoyment like movies, shows, music, etc. Compare changes you see over time as innovation progresses.
  • How does the internet impact the spread of truth versus lies? Describe how credibility should be evaluated.
  • What existing technology truly excites you? Explain what you find interesting and innovative about it.
  • Share what harm has occurred when people use technology irresponsibly. Also discuss fixes to address concerns you see being neglected.
  • Should schools better educate students about using technology safely and wisely? Explain importance.
  • Discuss technology’s influence during an election. Consider media, voter engagement, political messaging, etc. Are changes mostly beneficial or concerning in your view? Explain.
  • Explain why websites and apps should value user privacy and security. What should companies transparently share and responsibly protect?
  • Has social media made peers kinder or less sensitive to each other? Explain your observations and solutions.
  • How does always on the go device access impact family relationships? Provide positives and hints for avoiding pitfalls.
  • How does being constantly plugged in emotionally impact people over time based on your observations?
  • Discuss an existing technology that worries you. Explain problems it fuels. What regulations could responsibly and ethically decrease harm?
  • How does social media impact mental health? Support your perspectives with observations, credible research sources, and possible solutions.
  • Share why empathy remains important even as technology progresses. Provide real world evidence supporting your claim.
  • Discuss how smartphones both hurt and help people fully live “in the moment.” Use personal examples and suggestions.
  • Explain effective tactics for determining if online content and interactions are credible versus manipulative or false. Cite real world examples like clickbait ads. What tips do you recommend?
  • Describe pros and cons of computers grading students’ writing versus teacher feedback. Which approach is better in your opinion? Support perspectives with reasoning.
  • How does always on technology impact people’s sense of wonder, curiosity to learn new things the old fashioned way, and ability to have insight? Provide observations.
  • What existing or emerging technology do you believe is getting too little or too much hype? Explain reasoning using evidence and examples.
  • Describe a time when you felt really proud. Why did this accomplishment make you feel that way?
  • When was the last time you felt grateful? What happened that made you appreciate something or someone?
  • Write about a situation where your emotions felt out of control. How did you eventually handle them?
  • What calms you down when feeling nervous or worried? Explain step-by-step what helps you.
  • What does courage feel like to you? Describe a situation where facing your fears made you braver.
  • Share about a hardship or failure after which you felt resilience. What gave you strength during the tough time?
  • Describe a memory where curiosity led to a fun adventure, interesting discovery, or new understanding.
  • What sparks your sense of joy or happiness most? Paint a picture with words sharing what that feels like.
  • How can friends show kindness to classmates who feel left out or lonely at school?
  • What should someone do when social media interactions stir up feelings like anger or envy? Explain smart strategies.
  • How might words impact someone’s self-worth without the speaker realizing it? Provide examples.
  • How can overcoming a challenge build grit to handle future tough situations emotionally? Recall a time this happened for you or someone else.
  • What values guide your life choices? Where did those become important to you?
  • How can students show more empathy and compassion at school? Provide examples.
  • How do responsibilities like chores influence attitudes and maturity levels? Explain using personal experience.
  • What action should people take if they witness bullying? Offer solutions.
  • Should students notify an adult if a peer’s joke goes too far emotionally? Explain why or why not.
  • How do colors impact someone’s mood? Describe colors that tend to make you feel peaceful, energized, cheerful, etc. and why.
  • What makes someone feel understood? Describe mindsets and behaviors that convey acceptance of others’ feelings.
  • Is letting anger out always required? Why or why not? Offer healthy strategies for processing anger.
  • Which is more important – self-confidence or self-awareness? Support your choice with sound reasoning.
  • How can students respect differences in learning abilities, cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, etc.? Provide positive examples.
  • Describe mindsets kids should avoid like blaming others for disappointments vs. taking responsibility for choices.
  • What advice would you offer someone who feels marginalized for being different like nationality, disability, etc?
  • Is perfectionism about looks and grades harmful? Explain problems and smarter mindsets to feel good enough.
  • How can families show members they matter through simple gestures like greeting questions, eye contact, etc?
  • Should people give second chances? Share why this does or does not make sense in certain relationships or situations.
  • When has a pet’s companionship lifted your spirits? Paint an upbeat picture sharing that memory.
  • Recount a time laughter healed hurt feelings between family or friends. What humor techniques restore connection?
  • Coach someone from your own past on building self-esteem despite mean kid behavior. Offer concrete empowering strategies.
  • How can students incorporate more emotional intelligence on social media? Consider acts of exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
  • Provide examples of tone and body language that convey trust and acceptance of someone venting feelings. Offer additional tips.
  • Share how music enriches your life emotionally. Pick a song that impacts your mood and explain why.
  • Should people give compliments just to be nice? Explain pros and cons of this using personal examples.
  • How can focusing on gratitude, blessings, self-care, etc. safeguard mental health when undergoing stress? Discuss research-backed techniques.
  • Recount a time you put yourself in someone else’s shoes during a tense interaction. How did trying to understand them positively transform empathy?
  • Coach a shy student on making a tough social situation better through small acts of kindness. Provide uplifting guidance.
  • Suggest healthy emotional habits students should build to handle future challenges like first jobs, college, adulthood, etc.
  • How can recess sports and games nurture social skills like teamwork, good sportsmanship, managing disappointment after losses, etc.? Use examples.
  • Should students speak up about wrong assumptions peers make regarding diverse groups? Politely clarify truth to dispel stereotypes. Use examples.
  • Pick an emotion like awe, angst, delight, despair, wrath, bliss, etc. and paint a vivid personal picture where you felt that way.
  • How can social media interactions demonstrate more emotional intelligence? Consider exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
  • When is it acceptable to hide feelings to spare someone pain versus speak truth with compassion? Explain where lines should be drawn.
  • How can focusing on society’s past moral progress fuel present optimism? Discuss using civil rights victories, democracy wins, etc.
  • Recount a time swallowing pride strengthened a valuable relationship. What wisdom did you gain?
  • How do fair leaders appeal to citizens’ highest ideals rather than stoke dark emotions like blame, fear, etc.? Share real examples like Lincoln.
  • Paint an inspirational picture of society lifting up youth wired to live meaningfully versus seek fleeting thrills. What specifically makes their lives shine?
  • How can rules promote ethical, wise digital community behavior versus thoughtless harm? Consider implementing guidelines for more supportive interactions.
  • Paint an inspirational picture of people uniting across political divides to solve real problems jeopardizing emotional and physical health like addiction, poverty, human trafficking, etc.
  • Recount a time you transformed hurt into helpfulness or comfort for someone else grappling with hardship. What emotional tools and insights can uplift both giver and receiver?

Issues in School 

  • Describe a challenging project and how you completed it successfully.
  • Explain why cheating on schoolwork is unethical. Have you dealt with a cheater? Discuss honestly.
  • Share about a teacher who inspired you to work hard. Traits? Qualities? Teaching style? How were they excellent?
  • Tell how you improved at something that was difficult at first like sports, music, math, etc. Hard work pays off!
  • Pick an ethical dilemma at school and explore solutions. Consider rights, rules, safety, fairness.
  • Discuss pros and cons of letter grades verses pass/fail evaluation systems. Which promotes actual learning?
  • Describe obstacles when group projects frustrate and solutions teachers could try instead.
  • How do pressures like getting into college impact student priorities? Reflect on whether the tradeoffs are worth it.
  • Discuss technology’s impact on school both positively and concerningly. Consider distraction, behavior, values, etc. Share ideas.
  • How can teachers and students unite when controversial real-world issues arise in class conversations? Explore respectful solutions.
  • What should teachers say and allow regarding politics, religion, activism etc.? Explain appropriate policies and ethical reasoning.
  • How can school sports best prevent injury? Consider health risks of head trauma, ACL tears, etc. Offer student perspective on rule changes, gear requirements, rest guidelines etc. needed to protect players.
  • Describe an ethical way you used tech for schoolwork versus a rule you’d add to curb misconduct. Consider cheating potential, theft, privacy invasions, harmful uses, etc. and consequences.
  • Discuss public school funding debates. Consider formulas, competing priorities, misperceptions, pros/cons of programs cut or supplemented by parent fundraising. Should policies shift? Why/why not?
  • How should schools handle mental health crises? Consider stress, anxiety, depression, trauma’s impacts. Discuss counseling, staff training needs etc. Destigmatize struggles!
  • How might school safety improve? Consider emergency protocols, building modifications, security roles, technology aids. Balance protection with warm environments.
  • What extracurricular activities matter most to you? Explore their life lessons like teamwork, resilience, commitment. Fund programs empowering students.
  • Discuss controversies around school uniforms and dress codes. Consider disciplinary fairness, cost factors, Pros? Cons? Alternatives?
  • How can students improve school spirit? Consider event turnout, community service participation etc. Share fun ideas!
  • Describe a great teacher. Traits? Qualities? Teaching Style? Why were they excellent? How did they inspire students?
  • Share a time good writing instruction made ah-ha connections for you. What teaching approach finally demystified skills? How does this help adults see school positively?
  • Discuss positive side effects when youth pitch service projects. Consider impacts on agency, purpose, skill-building.
  • How can peers positively stand up to bullying? Consider strategies matching context like severity, ages, power imbalances, supervision etc. Apply compassion.
  • What career discovery approach best serves students? Consider guest talks, job shadows, project relevance etc. How can exploration pair with current coursework?
  • Should cash incentivize good grades? Consider pros, cons and alternative motivations.
  • How might better nutrition improve school performance? Consider food quality, budget disconnects, health ripple effects.
  • What advice would you give struggling peers? Consider perspectives affecting motivation like learning differences, attention challenges, skill gaps, emotional blocks. Share supportive guidance.
  • What leadership lesson challenged you? Consider group projects, captain positions, committee roles. How can educators further grow student leadership?
  • Should middle schoolers use social media? Explain appropriate usage, privacy, ethics. Explore impacts face-to-face versus online communication, identity-building.
  • How do sports build character and community? Consider award/recognition systems also encouraging nonsport interests.
  • Share a time good teaching eased subject struggles. Consider learning style pairings, tutoring, visuals etc. What finally made content click? How can teachers apply such insights schoolwide?
  • How can students practice self-advocacy asking for help? Consider communication method pros/cons. Normalize speaking up!
  • How should schools handle grief support? Consider student perspectives on memorials, counseling, handlings of loss. What sensitivity helps healing?
  • Should cellphones be allowed in schools? Consider classroom complexities. How to responsibly integrate usage?
  • What career skills should schools teach? Consider financial literacy, interview tactics, job applications, workplace ethics alongside math, literature etc. Blend knowledge fields.
  • What homework policies best serve students and family lives? Consider hour limits, vacation blackout periods. How can schools support balance?
  • Should middle schoolers have recess? Consider mental health benefits balancing packed academic schedules.
  • How can dress codes embrace personal style without straying from professionalism? Consider flexibility for religious diversity.
  • What grading system most accurately reflects learning? Consider test reliance, extra credit, participation, skill gains versus deficits.
  • How young should career advising begin? Consider early goal-setting, age views of self/interests. What roles can teachers play?
  • Should community service become a graduation requirement? Consider purpose, logistics.
  • How can better school-parent communication occur? Consider platforms, frequency, accessibility etc. Building partnerships around the whole child matters!
  • Should teachers incorporate art forms into standard subjects? Consider benefits of music, visual art etc. blending into math, literature, science etc. Explore cross-disciplinary learning pros.
  • Pick a controversial real-world issue arising in class study. Outline respectful discussion ground rules enabling equitable idea sharing. Consider rule modification by grade.
  • Should schools screen students for mental health needs? Consider care connectors, warning signs role in prevention. Destigmatize support.
  • Should schools provide career counseling? If so, what issues should be addressed and what topics avoided? Consider student feelings discussing economic challenges.
  • Describe an imaginative teacher capturing learning in creative ways you enjoyed. What did their innovations teach in terms of thinking differently?
  • Should students evaluate teacher performance? Consider aspects like tone, control, care shown. Explore survey goals – accountability, improvement insights etc. Discuss complex power dynamics sensitively.
  • Is starting school days later better for health and learning? Consider research on adolescent sleep needs.
  • How can team and individual activities coexist in gym class Cooperatively rotating through stations enabling choices might help those loving and loathing competition. Discuss solutions valuing all skill preferences.

entertainment 

  • What is your favorite movie and why?
  • What is your favorite song and why does it make you happy?
  • Who is your favorite singer or musical artist? Describe their music.
  • What is your favorite TV show? Describe the characters and plot.
  • If you could star in any TV show or movie, what would you choose? Why?
  • What is the funniest video you’ve seen? Describe what happens in it.
  • What is your favorite book? Describe the main character and plot.
  • Who is your favorite author? What do you like about the stories they write?
  • Describe your perfect day watching movies or TV shows. What would you watch all day?
  • What is your favorite smartphone or tablet app for having fun? How do you use it?
  • If you could attend any concert, who would you see perform live? Why?
  • Describe the most entertaining YouTube video you’ve seen lately.
  • What entertainer or celebrity would you most like to meet? What would you talk about?
  • Describe a time when you laughed really hard at something funny. What happened?
  • What is the funniest joke you’ve heard? Why did you find it so funny?
  • Pick three famous people you’d invite to a dinner party. Why did you choose them? What would you talk about?
  • Describe a time when you performed in front of an audience. How did it make you feel?
  • What games or activities entertain your family when you’re all together? Why do you enjoy them?
  • Imagine you could enter any fictional world from a book, TV show or movie. What would you choose and why?
  • What local attractions or amusement parks have you visited for fun day trips? Describe what you did there.
  • What teachers at your school make learning the most fun? Describe their teaching styles.
  • Describe your ideal birthday party for entertainment. What would you do? Who would you invite?
  • What is the best school play, concert or other performance you’ve seen? Describe it.
  • What do you like doing on weekends for fun?
  • What entertainer or celebrity do you think has the best job? Why?
  • Describe your favorite hobby. How did you get started doing it? What do you like about it?
  • What is your favorite holiday? What entertainment traditions does your family have for it?
  • What outdoor activities entertain you? Describe one.
  • If you opened your own entertainment business for kids your age, what would you offer?
  • When you want to relax and destress, what TV shows, music or other things do you turn to? Why are they relaxing?
  • How do reality talent competitions like American Idol or America’s Got Talent entertain you? Do you want to someday audition for one?
  • Describe your perfect entertaining day off from school. What fun would you have?
  • What were the best fireworks you ever saw? Describe the display.
  • Write a short, imaginary dialogue between you and your favorite entertainer or fictional character. What do you talk about?
  • What is the funniest joke you know by heart? Why can you remember this one?
  • Describe an entertaining family tradition or celebration your family enjoys. What happens each time? What do you like about it?
  • What is your favorite live event you’ve attended, like a concert, play, or sporting event? Describe it. What entertained you?
  • Have you ever entered a talent show or performed for an audience? Describe your act and the performance. How did you feel?
  • Pick three famous historical figures you’d invite to dinner and describe why you chose them and what you might talk about.
  • What is the most beautiful place that you have visited that made you happy? Describe what you saw and did there.
  • What music always makes you smile and dance? Why does it have that effect on you?
  • Watching movies at home or going to the movie theater – which do you prefer and why? Describe your perfect movie experience.
  • What were your favorite school subjects as a younger kid? What made learning fun then?
  • Have you ever met someone famous? Who was it? Describe the experience.
  • If you had the power to become a fictional character for just one day, who would you be and why? Describe some things you would do as that character.
  • You can have superpowers for just one whole day. What powers would you choose and how would you use them for entertainment or to help yourself and other people?
  • You just won front row concert tickets to see your favorite band perform live. Who is the band and how excited are you as you take your seat? Describe the incredible night.
  • Describe your dream vacation – where would you go, who would you take, and what fun things would you make sure to do when you get there? Make your planning committee happy!
  • What outdoor summer hobbies and activities do you most look forward to each year? Describe your favorites in vivid sensory detail so the reader feels like they are there with you.
  • What do you find entertaining that most other people probably don’t? Describe or demonstrate it and try to convince readers to give it a try!

On Hero/role Model 

  • Who is your personal hero? Describe why you admire this person.
  • What qualities make someone a hero? Describe your idea of a hero.
  • Who in your family do you look up to the most? Explain why.
  • Describe a fictional character that you consider a hero. What do you admire about them?
  • If you could spend a day with any hero (real or fictional), who would you choose and why? Describe what you would do together.
  • Have you ever met someone you consider a hero? Tell about your experience.
  • What does being a role model mean to you? Describe someone who is a good role model.
  • Who is a positive role model in your community? What makes them a good role model?
  • Describe a time when you helped someone. Do you think that made you a role model or hero to them?
  • If you had a special power, how would you use it to be a hero in your town? Describe the ways you would help people.
  • What central traits do all heroes share? Explain some key qualities heroes have.
  • Explain why teachers can be everyday heroes. What makes a teacher a hero to students?
  • Describe a fictional superhero origin story for yourself. How did you get your powers and decide to become a hero?
  • Whose poster would you hang on your wall: a sports star, entertainer, historic leader, inventor, or someone else? Explain why you admire this person as a role model.
  • Who do you think is a hero in your family’s history? Write about one of your ancestors who inspires you.
  • When have you felt like a hero? Describe a time you helped someone in an important way.
  • What song best describes the qualities of a hero? Explain your choice.
  • What is the most heroic career , in your opinion? Describe why.
  • Have you read about an inspirational figure who overcame difficulties? Write about why their life story is heroic.
  • What fictional place would you want to live where you could train to become a hero? Describe your training.
  • Which of your friends shows heroic qualities? Share why you think they are hero material.
  • Describe a way you would like to help animals and become their hero.
  • What career would you like to have one day where you could be a hero? Explain the ways you could help people in that career.
  • Tell about a time you stood up for someone. Do you think that took strength or heroism?
  • Describe a character in book who is a good role model for teens. Explain why.
  • Who is your hero in sports? Why do you find them inspirational?
  • Have you ever written a story featuring yourself as the hero? Share some details.
  • What is the most courageous thing you have ever done? Why did it require courage?
  • Describe a way you would protect others from bullies if you could.
  • Explain why nurses, doctors and other medical professionals are everyday heroes.
  • Who is a “hometown hero” where you live and why are they admired?
  • What animal is your favorite hero from a movie? Explain why.
  • What is more important for being viewed as a hero – talent or good character? Discuss why you think so.
  • Describe someone at your school who you think behaves like a hero to others.
  • Tell about a time you exercised wisdom in a difficult situation. Does that make you feel heroic?
  • Design a new superhero. Describe their costume, superpowers, vehicle, mission and who they protect.
  • Parents often tell kids – “Be careful climbing too high or you might get hurt!” Do you think a hero would be careful or bold? Discuss why.
  • What 3 traits best describe a hero? Explain your choices.
  • How can ordinary people become heroes? Give some examples of ways everyday people have been heroic.
  • Pick two fictional mentors you have read about and would want to learn life lessons from about being a hero. Explain your choices.
  • Should people think of themselves as heroes or is it best to be humble? Discuss this idea.
  • What inspires you to want to make a positive difference in the world? How does this relate to being a hero?
  • How are teachers and students heroes for each other? Describe their heroism.
  • Tell about a historical hero who inspires you. Why do you look up to them?
  • How can music and movies motivate people to be heroes? Give examples of inspirational songs and films.
  • What will be the next great challenge that tomorrow’s heroes need to tackle and overcome? Speculate what that challenge might realistically be.
  • How can young people reveal their “inner hero” more? What would help them develop heroism?
  • How do images of heroes vary across different cultures? How might your idea of a hero change if you lived in another country?
  • Do you think there will ever be a time period that doesn’t need any heroes? Explain why you think so.
  • Imagine yourself at age 60 looking back – what do you hope young people say about your life that might inspire them or make them see you as a hero?

With over 300 thoughtful writing prompts for middle school students, the possibilities for sparking student engagement are endless. I’m energized imagining how students will dive into these age-appropriate topics and questions that resonate with their experiences and invite them to explore identity, relationships, responsibility, and more.

Whether it’s debating policies around technology in schools or opening up about a time they felt marginalized for being different, students will surely find prompts on this comprehensive list that interest them while also pushing their perspectives and building key literacy skills. Teachers can easily integrate these into warm-ups, journal entries, discussion springboards, and more activities.

Best of all, using so many prompts over a school year prevents repetition and boredom while allowing teachers to customize difficulty, vary formats to meet different learning styles, and scaffold writing skill development. With around 180 school days, weaving these 300 gems in daily exposes students to less redundant ideas so they sharpen a greater diversity of skills through unique responses rather than formulaic approaches. I foresee this prompting richer writing and deeper engagement that unlocks students’ potential. I can’t wait to incorporate these into my lesson planning and unit development this summer to start the year strong and set my young writers up for ongoing success! We have many more writing prompts on our site if you found these useful. 

Related Posts:

100 what-if scenarios writing prompts for students

About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.  

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry.   Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

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Argument Writing Topics for Students

20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

What is an argument essay.

An argument essay uses logic and reasoning to defend a position or point of view. In an argument essay, research, evidence, and examples are used to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. A strong argument essay also acknowledges the opposing viewpoint. This is known as the counterargument. Ultimately, the counterargument is disputed with evidence in an attempt to convince the reader to support the writer’s  initial claim. 

Argument Writing vs. Opinion Writing

It’s easy to confuse opinion writing and argument writing. Both types of writing require students to take a stand and support it with reasons and evidence. To keep things straight, think of opinion writing as the stepping stone to argument writing.  Most states require students make the switch from opinion writing to argument writing in 5th or 6th grade.

-Opinion writing builds the foundational skill set for argument writing. Opinion writing requires students to take a stand and support their choice with clear and relevant reasons. The purpose of opinion writing is to share a point of view. 

-Argument writing takes the same process a step further. Argument writing requires students to make a claim and support it with research, evidence, and logic. The purpose of argument writing is to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. 

Argument Essay Topics

Should playing video games be considered a sport? Is online school better than in-person school? Should graffiti be considered art? Should college be free? Do we still need libraries? Is physical education important? Is homework necessary? Should cellphones be allowed in school? Which branch of government is the most important?
Should pets be allowed on airplanes? Should internet access be free? Should the Pledge of Allegiance be optional? Are dogs better than cats? Is math the most important school subject? Should the school day be shorter? Are Macs better than PCs? Is social media harmful for kids? Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms? Should all people be vegetarians? Should plastic bottles be banned?

Questions to Consider When Picking an Argument Essay Topic:

  • Do you feel strongly about the topic?
  • Does the topic have opposing viewpoints? 
  • Do you have solid reasons to support your argument? 
  • Can you find valid evidence to support your reasons? 

Argumentative Writing Unit for Grades 5-8

Click here to see the step-by-step process for writing argumentative essay. Examples and tips for students are included!

Introduce argumentative writing to all levels of learners with this comprehensive unit! Everything you need to differentiate and scaffold instruction is included with this printable and digital argument writing lesson! Use this bundle of step-by-step materials to guide students through every paragraph and element of argument writing. Make it easy for all students to plan, draft, and revise their essays.

Argument Essay Graphic Organizer for Introduction

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25 Expository essay topics for Middle School by Category

expository-essay-topics-middle-school-crunchgrade

Expository Essays explain a particular topic in a detailed, logical and straightforward manner. These types of essays are completely informative. They do not include any references or any opinion of the writer. The tone of an expository essay is kept neutral. Hence, while writing an expository essay you will be expected to illustrate, define, explain or clarify the topic in a way that the readers can easily understand it completely. You may provide arguments, conduct an investigation or evaluate things in order to provide a clear explanation to your readers.

Essay writing is an art. It is an essential skill to have which is why you’re going to require essay topics for Grade 7 , 8, 9, and 10. You may have to do a lot of creative writing in middle school . Writing is a must-have school and these activities in school prepare you for it.

Types of Expository Essays

  • Descriptive Essay – describes a place, thing or an experience
  • Problem-Solution Essay – presents a problem and its solution
  • Cause-Effect Essay – finds the cause of something and its impact
  • Comparison Essay – compares and contrasts two things
  • Process Essay – explains a process

How to Choose a Topic for your Expository Essay?

The most difficult and important aspect of essay writing is choosing the ‘right topic’. Many times students choose a difficult topic for which they need to conduct a lot of research which however makes essay writing difficult. Here are 4 quick tips on picking up the right topic –

  • Understand the purpose of writing the essay
  • Brainstorm some ideas and hence make an informed choice
  • Always conduct background research on the topic that you choose to understand its scope
  • Start with an outline first! Do not start writing straight away.

Expository Essay Samples

To help you get a better idea of what an expository essay is, consider the samples given below –

Topic: How Students can spend Their Leisure Time

Students have got a lot to handle! From attending classes to completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities, the small amount of leisure time that remains for them should be utilized in the best way possible. Students must choose their activities wisely as the way they spend their leisure time can reflect upon their physical and mental well-being.

Sports and Exercises

With most activities being sedentary nowadays, students should find some time to indulge in any kind of sports activity or a workout routine of their choice. Studies have shown that continuous sitting can lead to adverse effects on the health of students. Hence exercise and sports are good choices for students.

Developing Hobbies

Gardening, reading, writing, drawing, painting, or even cooking, there are numerous hobbies to choose from. Students should find some time for pursuing their hobbies, exploring new ones and enhancing their skills as a part of their leisure activity. No one knows when your hobby becomes your passion and hence gives a pathway to your success!

Time to Relax!

It is essential for us to learn to quiet our minds in this busy world. Hence students should develop a habit to relax and practice mindfulness every day. They can pick up any activity for this like meditation, yoga, listening to music, or even sitting with their family and friends. It is crucial for students to stay calm and find time, particularly for them for their mental and spiritual well-being.

These activities can help students take control of their lives. Picking up an activity that does not involve intellect, that is unlike school activities, can help students find a balance in their life. They can relax, play, grow and discover their true potential only through proper utilization of their leisure time.

Expository Essay Topics

Got a gist of how to write an expository essay? Let us have a look at some easy yet interesting expository essays that you can use –

Descriptive Essay

1. Describe your School 2. Describe your Pet 3. How Diversity can affect a Classroom? 4. Why do we Celebrate Christmas? 5. When you saw Snow for the first time

Problem-Solution Essay

1. Many students do not watch the news. How can this be a matter of concern for them? Are there any solutions to this issue? 2. Animal Abuse and Its Solutions 3. Global Warming and Its Solutions 4. What is Deforestation? Why is it a serious issue? How can this issue be solved? 5. How can we make our Community a Better Place?

Cause-Effect Essay

1. How air Pollution is affecting our Health? 2. Bullying in Schools – Causes and Effects 3. Peer Pressure and its Effects 4. Effects of Using Social Media 5. How Poverty affects urban and rural areas

Comparison Essay

1. Compare your two favourite sportspersons 2. Compare your current house to your dream home 3. Compare your two favourite TV shows 4. Watches – then and now! 5. Compare a place you visited recently with your city

Process Essay

1. How to Make Friends 2. How to Study 3. How to Take Care of your Dog 4. How to Fix a Table Fan 5. How to Write a Diary Entry

Got some inspiration to start with your own essay? So why delay? Start wiring your essay today itself. We hope that these topics would have given you a fair idea of what topic you can choose for your expository essay. Happy Writing!

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150 Writing Prompts For Middle School (+Free Printable)

Make writing fun and easy, with these 150 writing prompts for middle school students. 

The more you write, the better you become at writing. But the problem is not all middle schoolers enjoy writing. There’s always something better to do, playing video games , watching YouTube videos , hanging with friends , lazing about the house – Why bother writing, right? The trick is to understand that even the smallest piece of writing can make a huge difference in a student’s attitude towards writing. 

If you unload too many lengthy assignments, such as writing 1,000 words on topic X or 3,000 about something, something – Writing can seem like a long, boring chore for some students. But if you break it down, and mix it up a bit, then your students have a real chance of actually liking writing for fun. Think of creating small writing tasks that take no longer than around 10 or 15 minutes to complete. As students complete these small tasks with ease, their confidence will grow, eventually turning them into avid young writers.

To help inspire and motivate young writers, we have created this list of 150 quick and easy writing prompts for Middle School students. Keep reading for a free printable writing pack for middle schoolers as well! Here is a quick generator that will generate a random middle school prompt for you:

For more fun writing ideas, check out this list of over 300 writing prompt for kids .

150 Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

This list of prompts is great for whenever your middle-schooler is bored and needs some quick ideas to write about:

  • Make a list of at least three different opening lines for this story idea: A space knight living in outer space wants to fight a real fire-breathing dragon.
  • Complete this sentence in at least three different ways: When I’m bored, I like to…
  • Draw a picture of your dream house, and describe some of the coolest features it has.
  • Make a top ten list of the scariest animals in the animal kingdom. You could even write down one scary fact about each animal.
  • Write an acrostic poem using the letters that spell z-o-m-b-i-e.
  • Describe the scariest monster that you can think of. You could even draw a picture of it.
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: My goal for the next month is to…
  • Make a top ten list of your favourite foods of all time. You could even write down one reason for why each food is your favourite.
  • Create your own A-Z book or list of monsters. For A is for Abominable Snowman, B is for Bogeyman and so on.
  • Research and write down five facts about an endangered species of your choice. Examples of endangered species include the blue whale, giant pandas, snow leopards and tigers.
  •  Create a postcard for your local town or city. What picture would you draw on the front? And what message could you include on the back?
  • Write an acrostic poem using the letters that spell out your own first name. This poem could be about yourself. 
  • Make a top ten list of your favourite movies of all time.
  • Make a top ten list of your favourite songs of all time.
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways. When I grow up I want to…
  • Which is your favourite season, Winter , Spring , Summer or Autumn? Write a haiku poem about your favourite season.
  • Create a party invite for a dinner party at your house. Think about the party theme, entertainment, food and dress code.
  • Write down a recipe that uses eggs as one of the ingredients.
  • Write a how-to guide on how to take care of a kitten or puppy.
  • What do you enjoy doing on the weekends? Start by making a list of activities that you do on the weekend. Then you can pick one to write about in more detail.
  • Using a photograph (or one of these picture writing prompts ), write a short caption or description to go alongside it. 
  • Imagine you are the owner of a new restaurant. Create a menu of the dishes you will serve at this restaurant. 
  • What has been the best part of your day so far? And what has been the worst part of the day?
  • Imagine that you have a time machine. What year would you travel to and why?
  • If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
  • If you could keep one dinosaur as a pet, which dinosaur would you pick and why?
  • Write down everything you remember from a recent nightmare that you had. 
  • What is your favourite country in the whole wide world? List at least five fun facts about this country.
  • Make a list of at least 3 different story ideas about aliens.
  • Create a character description of the world’s most evil supervillains.
  • What is your greatest achievement to date? What are you most proud of and why?
  • Write an action-packed scene that contains the following: A car chase, a lucky pair of socks and a talking parrot.
  • What advice would you give to someone who is being bullied? You could make a list of at least three pieces of advice that you might give.
  • Imagine you are stuck on a desert island. Write a diary entry of your first day on the island.
  • Imagine you are a pirate sailing the seven seas. Talk about the scariest thing you faced while out at sea.
  • You just discovered a new planet . Can you describe this new planet in detail? What would you call it? Does any life exist on the planet? What type of climate does it have?
  • Would you rather have a magical unicorn as a pet or a fire-breathing dragon?
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: One day I was walking through the forest and discovered…
  • Write a letter to your friend about a favourite memory you have of them. You can use the following starter as inspiration: Remember that time…
  • Make a list of book title ideas for a story about a girl who can go invisible whenever she wants.
  • A talking cat is fast asleep, then suddenly someone wakes it up. Write down a short script between the cat, and the person arguing. 
  • What is the nicest thing that anyone has done for you recently?
  • Make a list of 10 online safety tips to help you stay safe online.
  • Can you think of at least 5 ways to prevent climate change in your daily life?
  • Make a list of your top ten favourite books of all time.
  • Think about a movie that you’ve seen recently. What did you enjoy most about this movie, and what did you dislike about it?
  • You are just about to take a bite of an apple. And then suddenly the apple starts screaming. What do you do next?
  • Describe a magical forest in great detail. What makes this forest so magical?
  • Write a super scary scene, using the following starter: As I walked into the haunted house…
  • What is your greatest fear? Is it possible to ever overcome this fear? If so, how would you do it?
  • Make a list of at least five things you like about yourself. And then make a list of five things that you would change about yourself.
  • What would the perfect day look like for you? How would it start? What activities would you do? And how does it end?
  • You are standing in the playground when you hear two of your classmates making fun of your best friend. What do you do next?
  • A young boy yells at his pet eagle to fly away into the wild. The eagle does not respond. Write down this scene between the two characters in great detail. 
  • Describe a pencil in the greatest detail possible.
  • Create your own superhero character. What are their strengths and superpowers? What about their weaknesses? Also, think of a cool superhero name for them!
  • What is your dream job? What skills and traits do you need to do this job well?
  • Imagine that you have had the worst day ever. Write down what happened to make it so bad.
  • What is your favourite colour? Now write a short rhyming poem about this colour.
  • If you had three wishes, what would you wish for and why? Wishing for extra wishes is not allowed.
  • Write an action-packed scene of a lion chasing a zebra in the wild from the perspective of the lion. 
  • Imagine you own a video gaming company. Your task is to come up with a new video game idea. Explain this new video game idea in detail.
  • What would you do if you were given $1 million dollars? 
  • What is your favourite hobby or interest? Can you provide at least five tips for beginners who might be interested in starting this hobby?
  • Make a top ten list of your favourite celebrities or YouTube stars.
  • Write the opening paragraph of a fairytale about a zombie prince who has returned from the dead.
  • Write an alternative ending to a fairytale that you are familiar with. For example, you could write a sad ending for Cinderella or a cliff-hanger style ending for Jack and the Beanstalk.
  • Write down a conversation in a script format between two people waiting for the bus at a bus stop.
  • Would you rather get abducted by aliens, or discover a magical portal to another realm in your bedroom? Explain your answer.
  • Write a shape poem about your favourite food in the shape of this food.
  • If you had to prepare for a zombie invasion, which three items would you pack in your bag, and why?
  • Describe the most beautiful garden in the world in detail. What type of flowers would it have? Would it have any garden furniture?
  • You receive a strange parcel in the middle of the night. You open the parcel to discover… Write down at least one paragraph of what you discover in the parcel.
  • Use the word, ‘Stampede’ in at least three different sentences.
  • Complete the following metaphor in at least three different ways: Your smile is like…
  • Describe the city of the future. What would the buildings look like? How will people travel? What kind of homes will people live in?
  • What is Marie Curie (the physicist) famous for? Research and write down five facts about her research and studies. 
  • You have just been made leader of the Kingdom of Kinloralm. As the leader, what rules would you set for the kingdom? Make a list of at least 10 rules that you will enforce. 
  • A witch has cast a spell on you. Every night at midnight, you turn into a werewolf. Describe this transformation in great detail. What does it feel like when you are transforming? How does your skin change? What about your teeth and fingernails?
  • Using the following starter , write at least one paragraph: When I look outside the window…
  • After a deep sleep, you wake up to find yourself locked inside a cage. No one else is around. What do you do next?
  • You keep on having the same nightmare every night. In your nightmare, you are running as fast as you can, and then you suddenly fall. When you turn around you see… Write at least one paragraph about what you see. 
  • Write down at least 10 interview questions that you can ask your favourite celebrity. If you have time, you can even write down the potential answers to these questions from the perspective of the celebrity.
  • Write a how-to guide on how to grow tomatoes at home.
  • Make a list of at least five tips for keeping your bedroom clean.
  • Would you rather drive the fastest car on Earth for one hour or own a custom-made bicycle? Explain your choice.
  • Write a limerick poem about an old snail. 
  • Find something in your room that begins with the letter, ‘R’, and write a paragraph describing this object in detail.
  • Research the history of how the first mobile phone was invented. Create a timeline of mobile phone inventions from the very first mobile to the current time. 
  • If you were the headteacher of your school, what changes would you make and why? Try to list and describe at least three changes. 
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of having access to the internet? Try to think of at least five benefits and five drawbacks.
  • Write about the best day of your life so far. Then write about the worst day of your life so far.
  • Imagine that you are an agony aunt for a newspaper. A reader has written to you with the following problem: Dear Agony Aunt, I have no friends at school. And my classmates are always making fun of me… What advice would you give this reader?
  • Imagine that you are a salesperson. Your task is to sell a new chocolate bar to customers. Write down a sales pitch that was selling this chocolate bar. What features would you highlight? What are the benefits of this chocolate bar?
  • Can you complete the following sentence in three different ways: When I feel upset, I …
  • What is the most difficult part about being in middle school? What is the best part of middle school?
  • Imagine that your best friend has just revealed a huge secret. How would you react? Write down a script of the conversation between you and your best friend.
  • Have you learned any new skills recently? How did you learn these?
  • Imagine you are sitting at a dinner party with a group of strangers. Describe the atmosphere in great detail. Who are you sitting next to? What sort of conversations are the other guests having? What food is being served?
  • Five years from now, where will you be? Will you be the same person? How would you have changed?
  • Write about your plans for the weekend.
  • Describe a day in the life of being a goldfish in a fishbowl at a pet shop.
  • While at the seaside, a message in a bottle washes up onto the shore. You open the bottle and read the message. The message reads: Help Me! I’m stranded on an island! What do you do next?
  • A mother and her son are baking some muffins in the kitchen. Write down a conversation that they might have while they bake together.
  • Make a list of indoor activities you can do when it’s raining outside. Try to think of at least ten activities.
  • Write down a diary entry from the perspective of an alien secretly living undercover on Earth. 
  • Write at least three different opening lines for the following story idea: A king needs to keep his kingdom safe from the ravenous trolls that come out at night.
  • Imagine you are a secret agent cat, write about your most recent mission.
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: If I could change the world, I would…
  • If you could program a robot, what tasks would you program it to do, and why?
  • Imagine you are the owner of a toy shop. Your task is to hire some toy makers. Write a job description for a toymaker. Think about the skills and traits required to become a toymaker. 
  • You are the owner of a zoo. Suddenly you hear people screaming as the lions are accidentally released. What do you do next?
  • Your future self comes from the future to warn you about something. Write a conversation that you would have with your future self. 
  • If you had a choice to become a superhero or a supervillain, which one would you be and why?
  • Can you think of at least three things that no one knows about you? Why have you kept these things a secret?
  • During a science experiment, you mix up the wrong chemicals. The liquid turns blue and jumps out of the glass container. It then slides into your backpack. What do you do next?
  • Write down at least five things that you are grateful for in your life right now.
  • You notice some strange footprints in your backyard leading to your shed. You follow these footprints and discover…
  • When was the last time someone upset you or hurt your feelings? How did they hurt your feelings? Do you remember what was said?
  • You walk inside a magic shop. You see all sorts of weird and fun things. Describe the inside of the shop in as much detail as possible. 
  • Write at least three different opening lines for the following story idea: A young werewolf wants to be a human again.
  • Make a list of three different story ideas about dragons.
  • Write from the perspective of a kite flying high in the sky. Think about what you feel, see and hear.
  • Write about your favourite subject at school. Why do you like this subject?
  • Write a haiku poem about the full moon.
  • Imagine you are the manager of a TV channel. Make a list of at least three new TV show ideas you can air on Saturday evening.
  • You find a baby alien in your basement. What do you do next?
  • Think of at least three newspaper headlines for the following article idea: The new mayor of your town/city is planning on creating more homes.
  • Imagine that your pet dog has gone missing. Create a missing poster to find your dog. Remember to describe any important details relating to the dog in your power.
  • Write an advertisement for the brand new mixer 3000. It mixes all the best music tracks with sounds to create the ultimate track.
  • Write down three sentences. One of something interesting that happened to you today. Another of something positive that happened. And finally another sentence of something negative. 
  • Write down four different character descriptions. Each character must have a different background story or history when growing up.
  • Imagine you had a terrible experience at a restaurant. Write a complaint letter to the restaurant manager, outlining the problems you had. 
  • Imagine your family is planning to go on a cruise. As you drive to the boat, a person walks up to your car window, holds up a flyer, and demands that they do what they were told. What is your family’s reply?
  • As you’re making your way home, you pass by a group of people. It turns out the person who was walking next to them is a ghost. What do you do next?
  • Your best friend has had a terrible year. You need to plan the best birthday party ever for them. Make a list of items that you will need for the party. 
  • Using the 5 W’s and 1 H technique, outline the following newspaper article idea: A new breed of wolves was discovered nearby. The 5 W’s include: What, Where, When, Who and why. The one H is How.
  • Write a positive self-talk poem, using the following starter: I am…
  • Take a recent picture that you have drawn at home or during art class. Using this picture, can you think of at least three ideas for stories from it?
  • How can you prevent bullying in your school? Make a list of at least five different ways to prevent bullying.
  • Write a list of at least 10 interview questions that you can ask your favourite teacher at school. If you want, you can actually ask these questions and write down the responses your teacher gives.
  • Describe a day in the life of being a mouse that lives in your school.
  • What qualities to look for in a friend? Make a list of at least 3 qualities. Also, think about what qualities you try to avoid. 
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: When I wake up in the morning, I feel…
  • Do you ever wish you could do more to help people? Make a list of at least five ways you can help a friend who is going through a tough time.
  • When was the last time you felt angry? How did you deal with this anger? Do you think it is okay to be angry all the time?
  • Write down at least three predictions for the future. These predictions can be personal or about the world. You can use the following starter: In 10 years time…
  • Do you enjoy writing? If yes, then what kind of things do you enjoy writing about. Explain your answer.
  • Think about the last book you read. Which scene in the book stood out to you the most? Why did it stand out for you?
  • Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: The biggest question on my mind right now is…

What did you think of this list of quick and easy writing prompts for Middle School students? Did you find this list useful or difficult to use? Let us know in the comments below!

Printable Writing Pack for Middle Schoolers

Thank you for reading this post! You can download the free PDF writing prompts for Middle School students pack here .

Writing Prompts For Middle School

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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65+ Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Middle school students can improve their writing and critical thinking skills by writing persuasive essays. This list of  persuasive essay topics will help them choose a topic that they are passionate about and that will help them make a strong argument.

Middle school is a crucial time in a student’s life, where they start to develop their critical thinking and writing skills. Writing persuasive essays can be a great way for middle school students to improve these skills while also learning how to make a strong argument. However, choosing the right topic can be a challenge, especially for students who are just starting to learn about persuasive writing. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 65+ persuasive essay topics for middle school students. These topics are designed to spark their interest and curiosity while also allowing them to make a strong argument.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School students

Table of Contents

List of Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School Students

  • Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
  • Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
  • Should students be allowed to choose their own classes?
  • Should schools have a longer summer break?
  • Should schools offer more extracurricular activities?
  • Should schools have a later start time?
  • Should students be required to take physical education classes?
  • Should schools ban junk food?
  • Should schools teach students about financial literacy?
  • Should schools offer more vocational training programs?
  • Should students be allowed to use calculators during math class?
  • Should schools have mandatory drug testing?
  • Should schools offer more mental health resources?
  • Should schools have a mandatory community service requirement?
  • Should students be required to take a foreign language ?
  • Should schools ban single-use plastics?
  • Should schools teach students about climate change ?
  • Should students be allowed to have pets in school?
  • Should schools offer more field trips?
  • Should students be required to wear helmets while riding bikes?
  • Should schools offer more technology classes?
  • Should schools have a dress code?
  • Should students be allowed to use social media during school hours?
  • Should schools have a longer school day?
  • Should students be required to take a life skills class?
  • Should schools have more security measures?
  • Should schools teach students about healthy eating habits?
  • Should students be allowed to have a part-time job while in school?
  • Should schools have more art programs?
  • Should schools have more music programs?
  • Should schools have a later end time?
  • Should schools have more foreign exchange programs?
  • Should schools have more community service opportunities?
  • Should schools have more recycling programs?
  • Should schools have more renewable energy sources?
  • Should schools have more vegetarian and vegan options in the cafeteria?
  • Should schools have more sports teams?
  • Should schools have a mandatory home economics class?
  • Should schools teach students about mental health?
  • Should schools have more dance programs?
  • Should students be required to take a public speaking class?
  • Should schools have more drama programs?
  • Should schools have more debate teams?
  • Should schools have more writing clubs?
  • Should schools have more science fairs?
  • Should schools have more math clubs?
  • Should schools have more book clubs?
  • Should schools have more community service clubs?
  • Should schools have more cooking classes?
  • Should schools have more robotics classes?
  • Should students be required to take a financial literacy class?
  • Should schools have more field day events?
  • Should schools have more gardening programs?
  • Why should schools have dress codes?
  • Should school buses have seat belts?
  • Should middle school students be allowed to carry cell phones?
  • Why is breakfast important and should schools provide free breakfast for all students?
  • Should students have to wear uniforms to school?
  • Should physical education be mandatory in middle school?
  • Why is sleep important and should middle school students have later start times?
  • Should schools ban junk food and provide healthier lunch options?
  • Why is art education important and should it be mandatory in middle school?
  • Should middle school students be allowed to have jobs?
  • Should schools have therapy dogs to help students with stress and anxiety?
  • Why is it important to learn a second language and should it be mandatory in middle school?
  • Should schools have stricter policies on bullying?
  • Why is it important to have diverse literature in schools?
  • Should schools have gender-neutral bathrooms?
  • Should middle school students be allowed to use social media in school?
  • Why is it important to have music education in schools?

Middle school can be a challenging time for students as they navigate new social and academic responsibilities. Writing persuasive essays can help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to effectively communicate their opinions and ideas. By selecting a persuasive essay topic that is relevant and engaging, middle school students can not only improve their writing abilities, but also explore important issues and develop a better understanding of the world around them. These persuasive essay topics for middle school students offer a range of options for students to choose from and spark their creativity and critical thinking.

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Persuasive essay examples & writing tips.

essay topic middle school

75 Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School

At some points in middle school, schoolchildren will be made to write essays to prove points and convince their readers. These essays, called persuasive essays, help the students become decisive and to stand by their choices. They also help build the charisma and morale needed to convince other people of their choices.

An example of such is the persuasive essay rubric middle school students are made or encouraged to write.

Persuasive Essay Prompts Middle School Students Will Find Helpful

Choosing the right persuasive essay topic is as important as writing a good essay. This is because right from the topic you choose, you must be able to convince your readers to pick up your essay and read till the end. This article provides 75 persuasive essay topics for middle school students or persuasive essay ideas for middle school students.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School

Below is a compilation of topics for persuasive essay rubric middle school and other middle school students can choose from:

  • Teenagers should be allowed to vote
  • Saving the Earth should be everybody’s business
  • Sign languages should be taught in all schools
  • Students should be allowed to pick their teachers
  • Students should be taught valuable manners in schools
  • The Child Right Act should be included in every school’s curriculum
  • Schools should not impose wearing uniforms on their students
  • Students should be made to wear uniforms
  • Adults should pay more attention to their children’s overall welfare
  • Pop culture has a negative effect on young people
  • Pop culture has a positive effect on young people
  • Students should be allowed to take personalised classes
  • Self defence classes should be mandatory for students
  • Middle school students should be taught how to defend themselves
  • Schools need to encourage their students to spend more time reading
  • Adults should take time to monitor their children’s progress in schools
  • Important values should be taught at home
  • No child should be forced to grow up
  • Parents must be ready to take responsibility for their children
  • Parents should learn to make investments for their children’s futures
  • Parents should teach their children good spending habits
  • Children should be taught to save money
  • Children under the age of 18 should not be made to work
  • Parents have to pay special attention to their children to make sure they are not being bullied
  • Schools need to take stricter measures against students that bully others
  • No child is too old to learn about avoiding strangers
  • People should be taught the best way to interact with special needs children
  • Both bullies and their parents should be made to face punishments
  • Students should be allowed to bring their pets to schools
  • Students should be taught relevant subjects in schools
  • Every child should be taught to speak at least one foreign language
  • Video games should be regarded as part of school curricular activities
  • Middle school students should be allowed to have cell phones
  • Students who bully others should be expelled
  • Holidays should be spent with loved ones
  • People should do more to help homeless people
  • Sharing is an important value to have
  • Body shaming is a form of bullying
  • Sex education should be compulsory
  • Cooking classes should be mandatory for students
  • Students should be taught ways to ensure their security
  • Children under the age of 18 should not be allowed to be babysitters
  • Students should be taught healthy lifestyles both at home and in schools
  • Parents should take out time to get to know their children better
  • Good communication skills should be taught in schools
  • Teenagers should be allowed to make political decisions
  • The government is hiding the truth about aliens
  • Children should be given free education
  • Every child should be allowed to take time off from school
  • Every school should teach their students proper etiquette
  • Ever child needs to know their home address and parents’ phone numbers
  • Junior school students should be made to take regular spelling tests
  • Pop quizzes should be encouraged
  • Students should be encouraged to form study groups
  • Schools need to implement proper hygiene practices
  • Parents should make sure their children practice proper hygiene
  • Schools need to make students involved in their future
  • Every child should learn a skill
  • Every child should know the basic rules of environmental protection
  • Schools should give students proper counseling
  • Student’s health should be taken seriously
  • Students should be taught good dietary practices
  • Sports keep students away from crimes
  • Schools need to allow indigenous attires
  • Having too much money can be bad
  • Rich people need to help poor people
  • The government needs to do more
  • Lockers are unnecessary
  • Every child should have a proper lunch
  • All teachers should be nice
  • Every child should have a reading corner
  • Children should be allowed to pick meals
  • Every child needs a home
  • Stability is important in a child’s life
  • Creativity should be encouraged

All these topics are good enough for you to write a convincing essay about, so pick whichever you feel comfortable with.

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by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.  

28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in  Pedagogy

Expository Writing Prompts Middle School

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

  • Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
  • Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
  • Write an essay describing a rainy night.
  • Write an essay describing your first pet.
  • Write an essay describing your first memory.
  • It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
  • Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
  • Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
  • You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
  • Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
  • Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • Tell how you wash your hair.
  • Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

  • Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
  • Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
  • Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
  • Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

  • Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
  • Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

  • Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
  • Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
  • Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
  • Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

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Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

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the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

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125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

essay topic middle school

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

  • Controversial Debate Topics
  • It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
  • Homework should be banned.
  • Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
  • We should punish students for using curse words.
  • Year-round school is better for students.

Year-round school is better for students.- middle school debate topics

  • Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
  • All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
  • Junk food should be banned in schools.
  • All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
  • Single-gender schools are better for students.
  • Math is the most important school subject.
  • Letter grades should be abolished.
  • Teachers should be replaced by computers.
  • Students should be graded on their handwriting.
  • Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
  • Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
  • Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
  • Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
  • Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
  • Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

Schools should give middle school students more recess time.- middle school debate topics

  • The school day should be shorter.
  • Schools should eliminate dress codes.
  • College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
  • Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
  • Book smarts are better than street smarts.
  • All people should have free internet access.
  • Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
  • Reality television depicts real life.
  • The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

  • Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
  • Macs are better than PCs.
  • Androids are better than iPhones.
  • Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
  • Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
  • Social media does more harm than good.
  • Video games are better than board games.
  • Reading books is better than watching TV.
  • All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
  • Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
  • Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
  • Playing video games makes you smarter.

Playing video games makes you smarter.- middle school debate topics

  • Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
  • Paper books are better than e-books.
  • Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
  • Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
  • Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
  • People have a responsibility to help one another out.
  • No one should ever tell a lie.
  • Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
  • We should lower the voting age to 12.
  • Every member of a family should have daily chores.
  • All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
  • All people should be vegetarians.

All people should be vegetarians.

  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • All Americans should be required to vote.
  • Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
  • Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
  • Giving is better than receiving.
  • Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
  • Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
  • Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
  • We should not keep animals in zoos.
  • All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
  • Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
  • Happiness is more important than success.
  • The driving age should be lowered to 14.

The driving age should be lowered to 14.- middle school debate topics

  • We should completely ban plastic bottles.
  • Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
  • If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
  • It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
  • All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
  • Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
  • It’s important to spend money exploring space.
  • All families should have a pet.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • Summer is better than winter.
  • Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
  • Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
  • Clowns are more scary than funny.
  • Every home should have a robot.
  • There is intelligent life on other planets.

There is intelligent life on other planets.

  • The egg came before the chicken.
  • Pop music is better than classical music.
  • Xbox is better than PlayStation.
  • Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
  • Football is better than soccer.
  • Everyone should make their bed every day.
  • It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
  • Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
  • Pluto should still be considered a planet.
  • Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
  • Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
  • Fruit counts as dessert.
  • People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
  • Fiction is better than nonfiction.

Fiction is better than non-fiction.

  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
  • Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

  • We should abolish the death penalty.
  • Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
  • It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
  • Segregation still exist in the United States.
  • Religion does more harm than good.
  • We will never achieve world peace.
  • We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

We shouldn't allow young children to play contact sports like football.

  • Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
  • Beauty pageants are sexist.
  • Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
  • It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
  • Some stereotypes are accurate.
  • People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
  • War is sometimes necessary.
  • There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
  • Security is more important than freedom.
  • We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
  • Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
  • Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

  • Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
  • All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
  • We should ban testing on animals.
  • We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
  • Human cloning should be legal.
  • Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

Looking for debate topics for middle school and junior high students? This roundup ranges from lighthearted to serious, ideal for any class.

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80 Impactful Research Topics for High School Students

Photo of Rebekah Pierce

By Rebekah Pierce

Educational writer and former teacher

3 minute read

Choosing the right research topic can be the secret ingredient to making your high school student paper not only impressive but also fun to write. Let's face it - no one wants to slog through a boring topic that has been done a million times before. 

A good research topic is like the foundation of a strong building. It sets the stage for everything else - not to mention that it helps you develop critical thinking and analytical skills that you’ll need as you move into college and beyond. 

Here are some of the best research paper ideas (and some tips to help you get started with writing about these fun research topics for high school projects).

How to Choose the Right Research Paper Topic

Begin by identifying what interests you most. What do you want to learn more about? These don’t necessarily have to be controversial topics. Just think about what might be a good research topic for your interests.

Once you have a few ideas for a good topic, start the research process to hunt down resources and relevant literature. Aim for the best research paper topics that will allow for a comparative study, such as analyzing different perspectives on a social issue or contrasting historical events. 

Make sure your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. Finding the right balance is incredibly important if you want to produce a focused and impactful paper.

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

How to Get Started with Your Research Paper Writing

First up, do a thorough literature review to gather existing research and insights relevant to your topic. This may even inspire new angles for you to explore!

Organize your findings and outline the structure of your paper to keep things clear, tight, and tidy. Write an abstract to break down your intentions.

As you write a research paper , critically analyze the information and present your arguments coherently, allowing your voice to shine through (objectively) while incorporating scholarly evidence. In the introduction , grab the reader with an enticing bit of information, like a hook, quote, or stat.

Edit, edit, and edit some more - then, get ready to publish!

Need some inspiration to get the creative juices flowing? Keep reading to discover the best research topics for high school students.

Technology Research Paper Topics

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept from sci-fi movies. What are the ethical considerations? 

Cybersecurity Threats and Measures in the Digital Age: With the rise of digital technology, cybersecurity is more important than ever. 

The Future of Renewable Energy Technologies: Solar panels, wind turbines, and electric cars are just the beginning. 

Impact of Social Media on Youth Behavior: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate the lives of teenagers - for better or worse.

The Role of Technology in Modern Education : How are digital tools and online platforms enhancing learning experiences? 

Health and Medicine Topics

The Effects of Diet and Nutrition on Mental Health: What we eat doesn't just affect our physical health.

Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment: Explore the latest advances in cancer research.

The Impact of Vaccines on Public Health: Are vaccines safe? What does the future hold?

Mental Health Issues Among Teenagers: For these psychology research paper topics for high schoolers, explore the many factors leading to an increased incidence of mental health issues in teens, from academics to Snapchat and everything in between.

The Role of Genetics in Personalized Medicine: Take a closer look at how genetic studies are being used to create personalized, in-depth treatment plans for patients.

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Environment Topics

Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Ecosystems: Climate change is affecting us all. Take a look at how melting ice caps and rising temperatures are impacting ecosystems around the world. 

Sustainable Practices in Urban Development: To minimize our environmental impact, we need to think green. But what does this mean for urban development?

The Effects of Pollution on Marine Life: How can we reduce the impact of pollution on marine life?

Renewable Energy Sources: Benefits and Challenges: Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power offer numerous benefits but also come with challenges. Explore these.

The Importance of Biodiversity Conservation: How can we incorporate strategies to protect endangered habitats?

Social Issues and Sociology Research Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships: Social media is shaking up the way we interact with others. 

The Role of Education in Reducing Inequality: Education is the number one way to reduce inequality. Explore strategies and policies that can help with this.

Gender Equality in the Workplace: Gender equality remains a significant issue in workplaces worldwide - talk about why and how to address this.

The Effects of Poverty on Community Health: Explore how poverty has far-reaching impacts on nutrition, healthcare access, and overall health and well-being.

Immigration Policies and Their Social Implications: Immigration policies are far-reaching, impacting more than just immigrant communities. 

History Argumentative Essay Topics

The Causes and Effects of World War II: Research the causes and ripple effects of the Second World War.

The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Modern Society: Ask how the Civil Rights Movement impacted racial equality today - and look at the continuing challenges.

Ancient Civilizations and Their Contributions to the Modern World: How do these ancient achievements influence us today?

The History of Space Exploration: Space exploration has captivated humanity for decades - but what’s the background?

The Evolution of Democracy Throughout History: Democracy has evolved significantly over the centuries - detail this evolution.

Science Research Topics

The Exploration of Space: Past, Present, and Future: What are the scientific and societal benefits of exploring space?

Genetic Engineering and Its Ethical Implications: Are there ethical considerations (or risks) of genetic engineering? Take a look at them. 

The Impact of Climate Change on Natural Disasters: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters. 

Advances in Renewable Energy Technology: Renewable energy technology is advancing rapidly - what innovations hold the most promise?

The Role of Science in Solving Global Problems: How can science help solve problems related to disease, poverty, and climate change? 

Literature Research Topics

The Influence of Classic Literature on Modern Writing: Ever wondered how Shakespeare still affects today's bestsellers? A research paper on how classic literature influences modern writing can uncover fascinating parallels and divergences.

Themes of Dystopia in Contemporary Literature: From "The Hunger Games" to "1984," dystopian themes have captivated readers for ages. 

The Role of Literature in Social Change: Literature has the power to inspire revolutions. Explore books like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" and how they created societal shifts.

Comparative Analysis of Major Literary Movements: Compare the themes, styles, and impacts on society of different literary movements like Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism. 

The Impact of Digital Media on Reading Habits: Is the Kindle killing books? If so, research how and why in this essay topic.

Economics Topics

The Effects of Globalization on Local Economies: Globalization is reshaping economies worldwide -explore its impacts on local businesses and job markets.

The Role of Technology in Transforming the Job Market: From AI to automation, technology is revolutionizing jobs. 

Economic Impacts of Climate Change: Climate change isn't just an environmental issue; it's an economic one too.

The Influence of Consumer Behavior on Market Trends: Ever bought something because it was trending? Study how consumer behavior shapes market trends.

The Future of Cryptocurrencies in the Global Economy: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin - what's the deal? 

Education Research Paper Topics

The Impact of Online Learning on Student Performance: Online learning is more relevant now than ever, which you’ll explore in this education research topic.

The Role of Technology in Modern Education: How are smart boards and tablets changing classrooms for public schools? How can they improve academic achievement?

Comparative Analysis of Education Systems Around the World: Why do some countries excel in education while others lag? Compare different education systems to see what works and doesn’t.

The Effects of Standardized Testing on Student Learning: Standardized tests are controversial; research their impacts on student learning and whether they accurately measure academic performance and predict academic success, particularly related to special education, elementary school, and early childhood education.

Innovations in Educational Methodologies: From flipped classrooms in elementary education to gamification for middle school, explore different teaching methods with this research question.

Arts Research Project Ideas

The Evolution of Visual Arts Through Different Periods: Study how visual arts have evolved from the Renaissance to Postmodernism.

The Influence of Digital Media on Traditional Arts: Analyze how digital media is affecting traditional arts like painting and sculpture.

The Role of Art in Cultural Preservation: Art isn’t just for aesthetics; it preserves culture too. 

Comparative Study of Art Movements: Compare movements like Impressionism and Cubism.

The Impact of Public Art on Community Identity: Murals, sculptures, and public installations - how do they shape community identity and pride? 

Athletics Topics

The Impact of Sports on Academic Performance: Do athletes perform better academically? 

The Role of Athletics in College Admissions: Sports can be a ticket to higher education. Research how athletics influence college admissions and scholarships for current college students.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Mental Health: Exercise isn’t just for the body; it’s also for the mind. Explore that in these research ideas.

The Influence of Sports on Leadership Skills

Sports teach more than physical skills. Analyze how participation in sports cultivates leadership qualities.

The Future of Technology in Sports Training: From wearable tech to virtual reality, technology is revolutionizing sports training. 

Music Research Paper Topics

The Influence of Classical Music on Modern Genres: Ever heard classical elements in pop songs? Explore how classical music influences modern genres.

The Role of Music in Cultural Identity: Music defines cultures. Study how different genres contribute to cultural identity.

The Effects of Music Therapy on Mental Health: Music heals. Research why that is.

Evolution of Music Technology: From vinyl to Spotify, music tech has come a long way. 

The Impact of Music Education on Academic Performance: Does music make you smarter? 

Government and Politics Persuasive Essay Topics

The Impact of Government Policies on Economic Growth: Government policies can make or break economies. 

Comparative Analysis of Political Systems: Democracy, autocracy, and everything in between - compare different political systems and their effectiveness.

The Role of Youth in Political Movements: Young people are powerful when it comes to historical and current political movements. 

Government Response to Climate Change: How are governments tackling climate change? 

The Influence of Lobbying on Legislation: Lobbying shapes laws. Investigate how.

Writing and Communication Topics

The Evolution of Writing Styles Over the Centuries: Writing styles have changed dramatically. Study their evolution and what influenced these changes.

The Impact of Digital Media on Writing and Communication: Digital media is reshaping communication. 

Creative Writing Techniques for Young Authors: Explore techniques and tips to enhance creative writing.

The Role of Writing in Personal Expression: Research how writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression.

The Importance of Effective Communication Skills: Study why effective communication skills are crucial in various aspects of life.

Society, Culture, and Social Science Topics

The Effects of Social Media on Cultural Norms: Social media is changing culture. Research its impacts on cultural norms and behaviors.

The Role of Tradition in Modern Society: Traditions persist in modern times. Study the role of ancient traditions in contemporary society.

Comparative Analysis of Cultural Practices Around the World: Different cultures, different practices. Compare cultural practices and their meanings worldwide.

The Influence of Media on Public Perception: Media shapes how we see the world. 

The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity: Globalization is blending cultures. Research its effects on cultural identities.

Business and Entrepreneurship Topics

The Impact of Startups on the Economy: Startups are economic powerhouses. Study their impacts on local and global economies.

The Role of Innovation in Business Success: Research how innovation influences business achievements.

Ethical Considerations in Business Practices: Investigate ethical considerations and their impacts on business practices.

The Influence of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior: Analyze the effects of digital marketing on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.

Strategies for Successful Entrepreneurship: Want to start a business? Explore strategies.

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Engaging in research with polygence's core program.

Picking the right research topic can set the tone for your entire project. It's not just about getting a good grade—it’s about developing critical thinking and enhancing your analytical skills. Your high school research paper topics can even set the stage for future academic pursuits or careers. 

Polygence’s Core Program offers a variety of resources to help you nail every aspect of your research paper. Sign up today!

By selecting an impactful research topic , you're not just writing a paper - you're developing research skills that will serve you for a lifetime. These skills can enhance your understanding of your current school curriculum and prepare you for the rigorous demands of higher education, setting a strong foundation for your academic future.

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Boosting Middle School Students’ Motivation to Read

To increase interest in reading, teachers can guide students to explore a variety of literacy approaches that support their development.

Illustration of children flying on books, showing the idea of motivating middle school students to read

In his 2009 book Readicide , Kelly Gallagher argued that some ways reading skills are taught have the potential to kill students’ love of reading. I took that to heart and want to share some ideas about making reading relevant and authentic for middle school students—strategies I use to help motivate them to want to read.

Motivation is part of reading , as is close and careful work on the mechanics of the process itself. For middle school readers and beyond, increasing interest in reading can be tricky. After all, these students have had many experiences with schooling and different approaches to reading instruction. Here are some tips for teachers who are thinking about increasing their focus on literacy this school year.

The importance of informational text (and inquiry)

By building on inquiry, teachers can shape genuine purpose for reading beyond the tropes of narrative. Possibilities exist for further literacy connections by approaching reading through an inquiry-framed viewpoint, as discussed in the book Inquiry Units for English Language Arts . If your school or school system already requires a grade-level research project of any sort, the marriage with inquiry is a step waiting to happen.

Many of the complex and challenging texts that students encounter will be nonfiction, and reading in the classroom can be planned in response to that. As students get older, they’re developing and refining areas of interest, testing ideas, and picturing themselves more and more as adults. This isn’t to say that interest can always overcome significant reading needs—but it absolutely helps to be working on areas of literacy development along with texts that students find engaging. Without this ingredient of engagement, the journey becomes even more arduous. 

In terms of relevance, building a case behind a genre-focused study might be more tenuous unless the text addresses the “just right” issues that students are facing. This is work that can indeed be accomplished, but opening up access to nonfiction allows for any number of connections that mirror the kinds of texts that students will encounter for the majority of their adult lives.

Celebrate reading widely

School and evening community-wide initiatives are one way to encourage reading. It’s important for reading to be normalized as an activity for everyone. This was something that was modeled for me at home as a young person and is certainly a move that can be made as a wider initiative. Celebrating at-home literacy practices in English and across languages is a literacy must-do.

But reading across communities or even languages is not the sum total of what I have in mind here. Readers who are familiar with my research interests will likely know that I have a keen interest in connecting students to reading experiences through a variety of texts. As I continue to reflect on and connect with my teaching practices, I’m surprised to find that I am consistently traditional in certain ways.

For example, I believe that to teach reading, kids need to be reading. With so many types of texts available, part of the work is done for us as teachers. From literacy around the worlds of gaming to graphic novels and more, reading is a digital, creative, and expansive endeavor. When I begin working with students in reading or writing, mentor texts are one of the places I often go . Whether working with nonfiction or fiction, I show students that certain elements are very similar.

In a teaching routine with the text A Wish in the Dark , by Christina Soontornvat, for example, I invite students to consider what they encounter on the first page of the book. I begin with some of the questions that you also probably ask about a text: 

1. What do you notice about this world?

2. Does it sound like the world you know or a different kind of place?

3. Who are the characters? Who do you think is the protagonist, and what do they do that makes you believe so? What other perspectives might exist or details might you need?

4. What do these characters want and what seems to be in their way?

In many ways, these are questions that can be applied to texts across content areas. Much of our human story involves solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, which sometimes leads to another problem that needs to be addressed. I’m also comfortable teaching a portion of a book without teaching the entirety of the text so that students can get a taste and read more if they are intrigued.

Guiding Students to Compose Their Own Stories 

As Toni Morrison famously suggested , write the story you want to read. Stories can be sources of healing, escape, processing, and comfort. They can also be ripe places for creativity. 

While working in online spaces for reading tutoring with graduate student mentees, I’ve found that encouraging older readers who are striving to write and engage with their own story-making is a liberating and encouraging process. Composing is a frequently recurring theme in my teaching and work. Helping students write a plan of advocacy and sharing their lived experiences for healing and building community expands what reading, writing, and literacy can be about.

Students who experience significant difficulty with content will often act out. They’ll work hard to avoid the tasks that they don’t feel confident about. Who can blame them? I wouldn’t want to spend all day every day performing a task in front of my peers that I didn’t feel good about and that could be, in fact, embarrassing. 

Tending to students who are still working through fundamental reading processes can be done compassionately and artfully—and for the reader who isn’t readily engaging with any text at all, opening up composing with a variety of tools can be a step in a positive direction.

As teachers, we know that this is careful and critical work. As we begin the new school year, I hope these ideas can be ground from which more ideas germinate—maybe taking yet another step toward dealing with readicide.

COMMENTS

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    The goal of Physical Education at Moscow Middle School is to develop physically literate students who have the knowledge, skills, ... NEWS & INFORMATION: Last Update: August 2019. Welnet Log-in Quarter 1 Learning Topics: Skill Development & Physical Activities: Tennis, Speedminton, Flag Football, Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee ...

  25. Moscow Middle School Parent Support Team

    Moscow Middle School Parent Support Team, Moscow, Idaho. 683 likes · 22 talking about this. Get involved and find out what is happening at Moscow Middle School - Join the Parent Support Group!...