middle school special education writing prompts

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300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

February 15, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

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. 

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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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50 creative writing prompts for middle school students.

• September 11, 2023
• 11 min read

Table of Contents:

Why creative writing matters, prompts to explore personal experiences, prompts for imagining fantastic worlds, prompts for exploring emotions, prompts to unleash adventure, prompts for humor and laughter, writing prompts for middle school mystery and suspense section, prompts to reflect on the future, prompts for historical time travel, writing prompts for middle school to target sci-fi and futuristic fantasies, writing prompts for middle school to dive into nature, writing prompts for middle school for alternate realities, are these prompts suitable for both classroom and individual use, creative writing.

Press The Play Button On The Audio To Listen Complete Article!

Middle school is a time of exploration, growth, and boundless imagination. It’s a phase where young minds are eager to express themselves, and what better way to channel this energy than through creative writing? This article explores 50 creative writing prompts for middle school students to worlds of wonder, emotion, and adventure. These prompts stimulate their creativity, boost their writing skills, and encourage them to think beyond the ordinary.

Creative writing holds a significance that extends far beyond the confines of a classroom. It is a form of expression that acts like a mirror reflecting human emotions, similar to what is explored in What are the three main purposes for writing? . It is a powerful medium through which individuals can express their innermost thoughts, emotions, and ideas, allowing them to connect with themselves and the world around them on a deeper level. This art form empowers individuals to unleash their imagination and paint vivid landscapes of words, enabling them to communicate in ways that traditional language often falls short of. For middle school students, creative writing is a journey of exploration and growth, much like the journey described in How to write a good story: A complete process . As they engage with a diverse array of writing prompts for middle school, they embark on a path that enriches their vocabulary, refines their grasp of grammar, and teaches them the invaluable skill of structuring their thoughts coherently and effectively. Through crafting narratives and weaving intricate tales, students learn the art of storytelling, a skill crucial in literature and various aspects of life. Whether it’s penning down a compelling essay, delivering a persuasive speech, or even drafting a well-structured email, the ability to organize ideas compellingly is a trait that serves students well throughout their academic and professional journey. However, the benefits of creative writing go well beyond linguistic and organizational services like book writing services . This form of expression acts as a mirror that reflects the complexities of human emotions. As students immerse themselves in crafting characters, settings, and plotlines, they inherently develop a deep sense of empathy. By stepping into the shoes of diverse characters and exploring the world from various perspectives, students cultivate an understanding of different viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences. This broadens their worldview and nurtures their ability to relate to and connect with people from all walks of life.

• Discovering a Hidden Door

Imagine stumbling upon a mysterious door in your school that no one else has noticed. Where does it lead, and what adventures await on the other side?

• The Day I Traveled Through Time

You wake up one morning to find yourself in a different period. Describe your experiences and the challenges you face in this unfamiliar era.

• My Conversation with a Talking Animal

While wandering in the woods, you encounter an animal that can communicate with you. Write about your unexpected conversation and the wisdom the animal imparts.

• A Mysterious Message in a Bottle

You discover a message in a bottle washed up on the shore. What does the message say, and how does it change your life?

• Life on a Floating Island

Describe a world where entire civilizations exist on floating islands in the sky. What are the unique challenges and wonders of this airborne realm?

• Journey to the Center of a Candy Planet

You embark on a journey to the core of a planet made entirely of candy. Detail your adventures as you traverse the sugary landscapes.

• The Robot’s Secret Rebellion

In a futuristic city, robots have secretly started rebelling against their human creators. Explore the events leading up to this uprising and the consequences that follow.

• When Magic Came to the Modern World

Magic suddenly becomes real in the present day. How does society change, and how do you adapt to this new magical reality?

• The Joy of Finding a Lost Toy

Revisit a childhood memory of losing a cherished toy and the overwhelming happiness of eventually finding it.

• A Moment of Overcoming Fear

Write about when you faced a fear head-on and emerged stronger and braver on the other side.

• The Bittersweet Farewell

Explore the emotions surrounding a farewell to a close friend moving away. How do you cope with the mixture of joy and sadness?

• An Unexpected Act of Kindness

Describe an instance where a stranger’s small act of kindness profoundly impacts your life and perspective.

• Quest for the Enchanted Crown

Embark on a quest to retrieve a stolen enchanted crown from a treacherous dragon’s lair. Chronicle your epic adventure and the challenges you must overcome.

• Lost in a Haunted Forest

You find yourself lost in a mysterious and haunted forest. Describe your eerie surroundings and the spine-chilling encounters you experience.

• Exploring an Abandoned Space Station

Write about your exploration of a deserted space station, uncovering its secrets and unraveling the mysteries of its past.

• Time-Traveling to Historical Events

Where and when would you go if you could time-travel to any historical event? Describe your experiences and the impact they have on your perspective.

• The Day I Turned into a Vegetable

Imagine waking up one day to find yourself transformed into a vegetable. How do you communicate, and what hilarious misadventures ensue?

• Conversations Between My Pets

Write a humorous dialogue between your pets discussing their daily lives, adventures, and their peculiar perspectives on the world.

• When My Room Became a Miniature Zoo

Describe a scenario where your room suddenly becomes a mini-zoo filled with various animals. How do you manage this unexpected turn of events?

• The Misadventures of Super Socks

Create a quirky superhero story where a pair of socks gains extraordinary powers and embarks on comical crime-fighting escapades.

• The Puzzle of the Whispering Walls

Detail a suspenseful investigation into the strange phenomenon of walls that whisper cryptic messages, leading to an unexpected revelation.

• Footprints in the Forbidden Attic

You discover mysterious footprints leading to the forbidden attic in your house. Write about your daring exploration and the secrets you uncover.

• The Disappearance of the Midnight Carnival

Describe the mysterious disappearance of a beloved carnival that only operates at midnight. What clues do you follow to solve the enigma?

• The Secret Diary of a Famous Explorer

You stumble upon the secret diary of a renowned explorer. Unveil the adventures chronicled within its pages and the hidden truths it holds.

• A Glimpse into Life as an Adult

Imagine yourself as an adult and write about a day in your future life. How have your goals, priorities, and perspectives evolved?

• Inventing a Revolutionary Gadget

Design a revolutionary gadget that changes the world. Describe its features, benefits, and the impact it has on society.

• My First Day on Another Planet

Transport yourself to an alien planet and narrate your experiences on the first day of your interstellar adventure.

• The World After Solving Pollution

Describe a world where pollution has been successfully eliminated. How does this achievement reshape the environment, society, and daily life?

• Prompts for Exploring Friendship

Write about a strong and unbreakable bond between two friends. What challenges have they overcome together, and how has their friendship evolved?

• Adventures of the Dynamic Duo

Create a story about a dynamic duo who embark on thrilling adventures together. What makes their partnership special, and how do they complement each other?

• A Magical Friend from a Book

Imagine a character from a book coming to life and becoming your friend. Describe your magical friendship and the escapades you share.

• Messages in a Bottle Between Pen Pals

Two pen pals communicate through messages sent in bottles across a vast ocean. Write about their unique form of friendship and the stories they share.

• An Interview with a Renaissance Artist

Travel back in time to interview a famous Renaissance artist. Explore their inspirations, struggles, and the impact of their art on the world.

• Surviving the Titanic Disaster

Imagine being a passenger on the Titanic and surviving the tragic sinking. Chronicle your experiences and the lessons you learn from the ordeal.

• Ancient Egypt: Through the Eyes of a Pharaoh

Experience life as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Describe the grandeur of your rule, interactions with subjects, and leadership challenges.

• Encountering Dinosaurs in Prehistoric Times

Describe an adventurous journey to prehistoric times, where you encounter dinosaurs and experience the wonders and dangers of the ancient world.

• When Robots Ruled the World

Envision a world where robots have taken over as rulers. Detail the consequences of this robotic regime and the struggles of human resistance.

• Galactic Explorers on a New Frontier

Join a group of galactic explorers as they venture into uncharted space territories. Describe their discoveries, encounters, and the mysteries they unravel.

• The Day I Met an Alien from Mars

Write about the day you encounter a friendly alien from Mars. How do you communicate, and what do you learn from each other?

• Earth 3000: A Utopian Dream or Dystopian Reality?

Transport yourself to the year 3000 and describe the state of the Earth. Is it a romantic paradise or a dystopian nightmare? What led to this outcome?

• Conversations with Forest Creatures

Imagine having conversations with animals in a magical forest. Write about the wisdom they share and the adventures you embark on together.

• My Adventure in the Enchanted Rainforest

Describe your thrilling adventure through an enchanted rainforest with mystical creatures and hidden secrets.

• The Underwater Discovery: Mermaid’s Tale

You discover a hidden underwater world inhabited by mermaids. Chronicle your underwater journey and the interactions you have with these mythical beings.

• Exploring a World Inside a Dewdrop

Write about a micro-adventure inside a dewdrop, where you encounter miniature worlds and experience nature from a new perspective.

• Stepping into a Mirror Universe

Describe an experience where you step into an alternate reality through a mirror. How is this world different from yours, and what challenges do you face?

• The Butterfly Effect: Changing a Single Moment

Explore the butterfly effect concept by narrating a story where changing a single moment in the past has a cascading impact on the present and future.

• My Life as a Fictional Character

Imagine living the life of a fictional character from your favorite book. Describe your experiences as you navigate their world and story.

• When Dreams Became Our Reality

Write about a world where dreams have the power to shape reality. How do people use their dreams to create their lives, and what challenges arise?

• The Ethereal Library

Imagine a mystical library that holds books containing the stories of every possible life you could have lived. Write about a person who stumbles upon this library and can read the book of their alternate life stories.

• The Reality Architect

In a future society, some specialized architects design alternate realities for individuals seeking escape from their own lives. Write about a reality architect and their journey to create the perfect alternate world for a client.

• The Convergence Point

Describe a world where all alternate realities converge at a single point in time. People from different realities can meet and interact for a brief period. Write about the challenges and opportunities that arise during this unique convergence.

The suitability of writing prompts for middle school for classroom and individual use depends on their content and complexity. Prompts encouraging critical thinking, creative expression, and thoughtful discussion can work well in both settings. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Ensure that the prompts are clear and easily understandable by individuals and a group of students. Avoid overly complex language or concepts that might be confusing.
• Writing prompts for middle school allow various interpretations, and responses can engage individual learners and groups. This flexibility encourages students to express their unique perspectives.
• Choose interesting and relevant writing prompts for middle school to the target audience, whether in a classroom full of students or individuals working independently. Engaging prompts are more likely to spark enthusiasm and thoughtful responses.
• Prompts that invite discussion and debate can lead to rich and meaningful conversations for classroom use. These prompts should be open-ended and encourage diverse viewpoints.

Middle school is critical for nurturing creativity, similar to the journey detailed in How to launch a book: The ultimate guide for authors , young students’ creativity, and honing writing skills. These 50 creative writing prompts for middle school offer many opportunities to explore diverse themes, emotions, and scenarios while refining their writing abilities. Whether they’re crafting tales of time travel, exploring futuristic realms, or delving into the mysteries of the past, these prompts will ignite the imagination and open new avenues of self-expression for budding writers.

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Special Needs for SPECIAL KIDS

Writing prompts for kids with pictures.

• September 3, 2018
• Differentiation , Teaching Tips

Do you use writing prompts with your kids?  Can your students write their own story?  Can your students even read?  Most of my students could do neither, but every single one could write their own story using a writing prompt with pictures.  You can even download a free one to try at the end of this post.

I have noticed an increased emphasis on writing prompts for all students.  We are asking kids to not only write more, but we are expecting them to write at a higher level than before.  Although I imagine this is a challenge for even the regular education teacher,  what do you do if you teach students who do not have that same ability?

How do use writing prompts for students who cannot read

Many special education teachers are faced with finding a way for students to meet the curriculum guidelines and produce some form of written content that I could b graded and demonstrate growth and comprehension.  This is often done through the use of writing prompts.  I decided to take these writing prompts other kids were using and make them accessible to students who could not write a story, or even read.  

And these writing prompts worked GREAT!!

I developed a template relating to the topic we were going to write about.  Sometimes, I just wrote it out quickly on construction paper.  Sometimes, I had a writing prompt with pictures neatly formatted and printed off.

If I was really on my game, I had all my predetermined picture choices and writing prompt ready to go and printed out.  That was my goal.  The writing prompt would look something like this:

But, let’s face it, sometimes we are just not that ahead of the game.  We use what we have.  Sometimes that was looking through magazines, and other pre-printed material I could find.  Sometimes, we used the student’s communication device to create the writing prompt.  He or she would point to a picture and I would write the answer in the empty box.

Do writing prompts for kids remind you of mad libs?

These writing prompts are very similar to the old fashioned mad libs.  There are no wrong answers.  The writing prompts are their own personal expression.

That brings me to the other very important part of using writing prompts with students who likely can not even read or talk.  Students need a chance to share their stories.   I had them “read” their finished writing prompts in whatever mode of communication they were most comfortable with.  That may have meant I recorded their story on their device, and they got to hit “play” while we listened.  For my most affected students, I recorded their writing prompt, one line at a time, on a BigMack.  They would read their story, hitting the button to advance to the next line.

So, I encourage you to try out some writing prompts with your students.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and it will lead to increased participation and communication. Be sure to click on the button below to get your free apple writing prompt!!

• Writing prompts for kids do not have to be long
• There are no wrong answers in these writing prompts
• Use what you have, writing prompts don’t need to look perfect
• Give them a chance to share their finished writing prompts

Due to my love of writing prompts for kids, I created a unit that contains 26 different writing prompts from A-Z.  You can check it out here!!

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I'M CHRISTA JOY MY MISSION IS TO GIVE PARENTS AND TEACHERS THE TOOLS THEY NEED IN ORDER TO FEEL EFFECTIVE AND CONFIDENT TEACHING EVEN THE MOST CHALLENGING OF STUDENTS.

• Writing Prompts

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 .

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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120 Engaging Middle School Writing Prompts

Getting middle school students to write can be particularly challenging. However, if you provide your students with a fun, interesting, and engaging writing prompt, you’ll find that their creativity and enthusiasm for writing can be easily sparked.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

These creative writing prompts are cues or scenarios that inspire imaginative storytelling and personal expression. These prompts will encourage middle school students to explore new ideas, develop their narrative skills, and express themselves in unique and creative ways. Here’s a list of creative writing prompts for middle school students:

Journal Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Persuasive writing prompts for middle school students.

These persuasive writing prompts are designed to inspire middle school students to develop arguments and persuade readers about a particular viewpoint or idea. These prompts will encourage critical thinking and research skills and enable students to present and justify their opinions clearly. Here’s a list of persuasive writing prompts for middle school students:

Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Narrative writing prompts for middle school students.

These narrative writing prompts encourage middle school students to tell a story, either about themselves, someone else, or a completely fictional scenario. This type of writing helps students develop their storytelling skills, enhances their creativity, and allows them to express their thoughts and experiences in an engaging way. Here’s a list of narrative writing prompts for middle school students:

Story Starters for Middle School Students

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Tips for Teaching Persuasive Writing for Special Ed Students

• Categories : Inclusion strategies for mainstreamed classrooms
• Tags : Special ed information for teachers & parents

Modifying the Persuasive Essay

In modifying the persuasive essay for students with learning disabilities, start with having students use their reflective journals to create free-flowing ideas on possible topic areas. Teachers can narrow down topic areas to “Solving Conflicts Over the I-Pod” or “Whether to Buy the Teva Shoes or Not.” Once students have decided on a topic area, then you can teach them how to develop a thesis and scaffold the persuasive essay into doable chunks of learning that include the following:

• Title that supports the topic idea
• Supporting paragraphs that include chunks of information with cited facts and examples that transition from introduction to conclusion. There could be from 1-4 supporting paragraphs that develop the topic idea.
• Conclusion summarizes the topic idea and brings the essay full circle.

Modification the chunks of the essay components can include having students follow the sections below in creating an informative persuasive essay.

Topic Idea and Title

Introduce and explain what a persuasive is so that students have an understanding that the intent of a persuasion is to convince the reader of a point of view. Have students think about topic ideas that interest them and start with one persuasive thought such as, “ I persuaded him that ice cream is better than frozen yogurt because ice cream creates a more positive state of being after eating than frozen yogurt .” There is a certain fun factor in the thought and students with learning disabilities can have fun creating a persuasive argument with a defined topic idea and support that topic idea with a title that stands out. Modify this chunk by having students start with one topic idea and build from that point if indicated by skill level and ability.

The title for the above topic idea could be “ Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt-You be the Judge ” or “ Ice Cream - The Better Dessert Alternative .” Have students brainstorm titles in their journals individually and then have them work in groups of 3-4 to compare title ideas and support each other’s topic idea and titles. Students with learning disabilities can create one or two title ideas as compared to five-seven for their peers. The idea is to keep students focused and invested on generating the first chunk of information needed for the bigger goal of writing a persuasive essay.

Supporting Paragraphs and Conclusion

The body of the essay includes supporting paragraphs that include facts and research citations that provide relevant connection to the topic idea. In modifying this chunk of learning, the teacher can can have students write 1-2 smaller paragraphs with 1-2 facts and research citations. By keeping the paragraphs doable, students will engage in creating smaller chunks of writing and learn about the process of constructing a persuasive essay.

For example, a modified supporting paragraph for the above topic idea on ice cream could look like the following:

Ice cream is better than frozen yogurt because it fills you up quicker. It does this because the cream is heavier and sits in your stomach longer. Ice cream is also sweet and makes you happy except when it’s gone and then you’re sad.

Students are able to write in their own style and on their skill level. Incorporating technology by having students use the computer and a word.doc software program with spellcheck and a “save as” mode will allow students to come back and edit their essay draft and add the conclusion before editing the final essay.

The conclusion restates the topic idea and brings all components of the persuasive essay full circle. Students with learning disabilities can create a two sentence conclusion and be proud of a finished product that contains all components of a persuasive essay that effectively persuades.

Essay - Authentic Author Content

Home › Study Tips › Creative Writing Resources For Secondary School Students

Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

• Published February 11, 2023

Creative Writing Prompts for middle school students is a fun list to help unmotivated and uninspired students use their imagination. Do you know one of the major reasons why students struggle with their writing growth is a lack of inspiration and guidance? This can result in low creative thinking leading to lower-quality work and poor confidence.

With these creative writing prompts specifically tailored to middle school students, you’ll have a starting point for your writing. There’s nothing like a spark of inspiration to get you going! Do you need more structured guidance from Oxbridge tutors to give you a massive boost in your creative writing skills? Check out our most in-demand  creative writing summer school !

Are you ready to dive in and feel inspired by exciting writing prompt ideas? Read on!

The Best Writing Prompts for Middle School

Before getting started, you may want to delve deeper into some creative writing examples to get into the swing of things. If you’ve done that, then here are a few of the best writing prompts for middle school students that help spark creativity:

• Who’s your favourite character in a book? Try journaling from the character’s perspective.
• What topic are you passionate about? Write a persuasive essay on the topic. 
• Think about your favourite place on Planet Earth. Write a descriptive essay about it.
• Write a story that begins with the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night.”
• If you had a time machine, where you would go and what you would do.
• Recall a memorable emotion or experience. Write a poem about it. 
• Think about a current event you find interesting. Write a news article about it. 
• Who would you approach if you could ask for advice from anyone, living or dead? Write them a letter. 
• Imagine you’re an astronaut travelling through space. Write a journal entry about your experience.
• What’s one of the most memorable moments in your life? Write a personal narrative about it. 
• Write a short story about a character who overcomes a challenge or obstacle.
• What topic did you learn about recently? Write an informative essay about it.
• Write a fictional diary entry from the point of view of a historical figure.
• What specific animal do you find beautiful? Write a descriptive poem about it.
• Describe your hopes and dreams for the next five years via a letter to your future self. 
• Imagine that you are stranded on a deserted island. Write a story about your experience.
• Write a scene in a play in an unusual setting.
• What place would you like to visit? Write a descriptive paragraph about it. 
• Write a personal reflection about a significant event or experience and what you have learned from it.
• What’s your favourite animal? Write a fictional story from your fave animal’s perspective.

Creative Story Ideas: 34 Story Starters and Prompts for Middle Schoolers

• A magical pen that brings drawings to life
• A group of friends find a hidden treasure map.
• A world where animals can talk
• A robot who develops human emotions
• A strange creature is discovered in the depths of the ocean.
• A character who can see into the future
• A young detective solves a series of mysterious crimes.
• Teenage superhero navigates the challenges of middle school while saving the world.
• A group of middle school students stumble upon a secret government experiment.
• The magical kingdom is hidden in a scary forest.
• A vengeful ghost haunts the basketball court at a small school.
• Time-travel adventure to the Wild West 100 years ago. 
• Friends have to save their town from a massive alien invasion.
• A character who learns to communicate with animals to save them from illegal hunters.
• A future world where AI technology controls everything.
• A distraught character who can control time and tries to change their past.
• Four teenagers go on a survival camping trip that turns into a nightmare.
• The magical creature must find a way back home against the efforts of evil humans who want to use its powers for their own purposes.
• A young girl discovers she was born 500 years ago.
• An orphan wakes up with no memory of who they are until they accidentally stumble upon an oddly familiar house.
• Students accidentally open a portal to another dimension and try to find their way back home fast because their final exam is a week away.
• A terrifying monster lives beneath the city streets. So why did it start terrorising the city all of a sudden?
• A gamer gets stuck in a video game. How can said gamer get out? Do they even want to?
• A middle school student starts having foreboding dreams that come true. What is the universe trying to warn them?
• Students attend a school for monster-slaying magic. So what monsters are they fighting against?
• A group of kids discover a secret underground society they must fight to save modern civilisation.
• An old man saves his town from a natural disaster in 13 minutes. 
• The dragon wakes up from a century-long slumber. Only to discover it’s the only one left.
• The robot becomes self-aware and must navigate human emotions.
• A young inventor creates a machine that can read minds for a sinister purpose.
• A magical place where everyone has a special ability gets tangled up in a civil war.
• Supernatural mystery in an old, abandoned mansion that can save the world from a looming threat.
• A haunted amusement park contains secrets that can solve a criminal case.
• A young scientist creates a potion that can make people fly.
• An evil character can control the elements. How will the average human hero stop them?

Writing Prompts for Stories That Start with Dialogue for Middle Schoolers

• “I can’t believe you did that,” John says to his best friend. Write a story about what John’s best friend did. 
• “I wish I could go back in time and change everything,” laments Jane. Write a story about Jane’s regrets. What would she do differently if given a chance?
• “I found something bizarre in the backyard,” said Tom to his sister. Write a story about what Tom found. How did the discovery change their lives? 
• “I can’t do this anymore!” screamed Sarah to her parents. What is Sarah complaining about? How did her parents react?
• “I’m going to run away,” whispers Michael to his classmates. Why does Michael plan on running away? What happens when he does?
• “I knew you were hiding something,” said Jack to his friend. Write a story about Jack’s discovery and how it affects their friendship.
• Blake cries to her family, “I’m not who you think I am!” 
• Write a story about how Alex stands up for himself against a bully. Starting with this line: “I’m not going to take it anymore,” 
• “I think we might be lost,” whimpers Lucy to her friends. Where are Lucy and her friends? Why did they get lost in the first place?
• Ryan is grappling with a massive decision. Begin the story with “I think this is a sign.”
• The principal walks through the hallway, saying to Teacher Clare, “Help your students cope with the recent tragedy that plagued our halls.” What happened?

General Creative Writing Ideas for Middle School Students

Here is a list of prompts to get those creative juices flowing:

• Talk about a time you were so happy you wish the moment would last forever.
• You went to art class with a blind friend. How would you describe the painting to them? Use descriptive words.
• If you could go on your dream vacation today, what would it be like?
• Make a list of the most thought-provoking questions you can come up with.
• You’re about to meet your favourite celebrity. What interview questions would you ask them?
• If you could choose what happens next in your life until death, what will your story look like?
• Imagine how your favourite pet was created and use procedural writing to describe the process.
• If you were to insert yourself in a book you read, how would you change the story?

Want more fun writing prompts ? Check these out! Write a/an:

• Short story about reluctant writers whose writing changes the world.
• Acrostic poem about friendship or love.
• Science fiction story about a futuristic world where your favourite toy is a legendary weapon with fearsome power.
• Letter that will help inspire your past self when you were in a difficult part in your life.
• Personal narrative about a memorable event from your childhood.
• Descriptive paragraph about a person you admire.
• Write a horror science fiction story about a world where technology is advanced beyond our current understanding.
• Background story for your least favourite side character.
• List of the benefits of writing. Use persuasive writing
• Instructional essay on how to make a magical portal.
• Mystery story where the main character finds the missing heirloom of an ancient noble family.
• Story about a boy who became a millionaire because of a video game idea.
• Personal letter to a historical figure, asking questions or seeking advice.
• Descriptive poem about a specific season or weather.
• Story about time travel and the consequences of changing the past.
• Fun story about a cross-country road trip you would like to take.
• Story about a character who is an outsider and how they find a sense of belonging.
• Terrifying story about a person haunted by a past event and how they come to terms with it.
• Heroic story about a character who journeys to discover their true identity.
• Persuasive letter to a public figure expressing your thoughts on a current issue

Journaling Prompts for Middle School Writing

Here are journal prompts for middle school kids:

• Describe your hometown.
• What’s your favourite season, and why?
• What are your greatest fears? Do you want to overcome them? Why or why not?
• Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favourite food and why you like it.
• What’s the meaning of your life? Use reflective writing.
• What’s your favourite food and what does it remind you of?
• If you won the lottery today, what would you buy?
• Do you have a pet dog? How do you feel about your furry friend?
• Choose one event in your life you wish didn’t happen. Why?
• What’s your dream dinner party?
• Would you rather become a normal person or a superhero? Why?
• Who would you call first when you’re in a dangerous situation?
• When was the time you felt most peaceful? Describe what was happening.
• Do you enjoy story writing? Why or why not?
• What are your top 3 greatest accomplishments so far?
• If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
• What’s the most embarrassing experience you’ve had?
• If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? Why?
• What’s your dream job? Why?
• Describe your ideal friend.
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
• Write about a time you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.
• What’s the most beautiful movie science you’ve seen? Describe it.
• If you could invent any item, what features would it have? And what is its purpose?

If you feel like challenging yourself then check out our high school creative writing prompts .

There you have it – a fun list of favourite writing prompts for middle schoolers to enjoy. What are your favourite ideas to write so far? And,

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24 of the Best Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Get those creative juices flowing.

In middle school, the use of writing prompts are a wondrous thing. Those simple sentences propel students into unleashing their creativity, understanding their core values and rethinking some of their past actions. They’re still coming of age so their responses can be emotional and insightful—for you and the student. Writing prompts are one of the most effective ways to develop confident writers who enjoy the process . We rounded up 24 of the best writing prompts for middle school students who are still finding their writing voice!

1. Uncover their hidden strengths

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Let them take the reins

Attach an image (photo, magazine, etc.) to a notebook page and write about it.

3. Have them daydream about the not-so-distant future

Imagine a future in which we each have a personalized robot servant. What would yours be like? Describe what it would do and the features it would have.

4. Allow their creativity and core values to intersect

Create a brand new holiday with its own traditions, rituals, foods, and activities.

5. Let them map out their long term goals and life plans

Make your bucket list for the next five years, the next ten years, and for life.

6. Put their family life at the front of their minds.

Think about hospitality in your family. What’s it like to have guests in your house? Do you prefer to have friends to your house or to go to a friend’s house?

7. Have them think about traits that are important to possess in today’s world

Write about someone who has no enemies. Is it even possible?

8. In a world of a “fake news”—where do they stand?

Can honesty honestly be bad? Write about someone, fact or fiction, who gets in trouble for being too truthful.

9. Reinforce the importance books have in their lives

Remember a favorite book from your childhood. Write a scene that includes you and an old copy of that book you find somewhere.

10. Explore the weight that words hold between two people

William Shakespeare wrote that: “Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood.” Write your thoughts about conversation, or make up dialogue between two characters who are meeting each other for the first time in an unexpected place.

11. Have them evaluate where they’ve been and where they want to be

You have a chance to go back and completely re-do an event in your life. What is it, and how to you change it? What is the outcome? This can be a real or fictional event.

12. Let pop culture intersect with their school life

You get to guest star on a TV show. What show is it? What happens in this particular episode?

13. Put them in an unusual, highly unlikely situation

Write a poem entitled “Hitchhiking on a Saturday Afternoon.”

14. Let them dive deep into the influence they want to have with their friends

Persuade a friend to give up drugs.

15. Take one line, watch a million different possibilities unfold

“Did she actually just say that?” Write a scene that includes this line.

16. Stretch their brain and pun power

Create a menu from a fictitious restaurant. Make sure the restaurant has a theme, such as Classic Books, and the food should all be given appropriate names (e.g., “Mockingbird Pie”).

17. Find out how they connect with their community

List the most attractive things about your current hometown. Now list the most unattractive things.

18. Take on the ultimate “what-if” scenario . . . one everyone secretly dreams of . . .

What would you do if you woke up one morning to find yourself invisible?

19. Unleash good vibes

Write a list of at least 50 things that make you feel good.

20. Have them question everything

Begin a list of questions that you’d like to have answered. They may be about the future or the past.

21. Take on their passions

22. make some music.

Make a soundtrack for your life so far. List songs that describe you or different times of your life. (Make the actual soundtrack on Spotify, etc. too!)

23. Dig into their integrity

Did you ever stick up for someone?

24. Ask a simple question that may provoke surprising answers

What is it like to go shopping with your mother or another person in your family?

What do you think are the best writing prompts for middle school students? We’d love to add to this list. Please share in the comments.

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Middle School Prompts

Description | Exposition | Narration | Opinion | Persuasion | All

Free printables for how to create a paragraph, free tutorials on proofreading or in-text citations, current events, asking what they would read to a dog {and other important opinions}, story writing,  and much more—you’ll find it all here.

Looking for engaging prompts for your teens? You’ll find those here. >>

Interested in writing prompts for the whole family? Could you use an assortment of prompts bundled together for certain topics or for varying grade levels? Free tutorials and printables included. Find them all here. >>

Thanks for visiting the Middle School Prompts page. If you have a prompt you would like to submit, please contact Sharon Watson .

Fall-themed Writing Prompts

Posted by Sharon Watson on Jul 20, 2024 in High School Prompts , High School Tutorial , Literature , Middle School Prompts , Middle School Tutorial , Sharon's Blog , teaching aids , tutorial , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Fall-themed Writing Prompts

SHARON’S BLOG

10 Fall-themed Writing Prompts

Colorful leaves. Pumpkins. Football. Cooler weather. Raking. Apple pie. Candles. What are signs of autumn to you?

Students are more likely to write if the topics are related to something that is going on at the moment, so let’s cash in on the season by using these fall-themed writing prompts. Some of the prompts you’ll find below are simply fun prompts; others are tutorials complete with printables.

While they are enjoying these ten seasonal prompts, you are giving them practice in opinion writing, description, figurative language, poetry, and more. Shhh! It’s our secret!

These prompts {and tutorials} are appropriate for grades 5 – 12.

Ready? Fun awaits . . . (more…)

Memorial Day Writing Prompt

Posted by Sharon Watson on May 8, 2024 in Middle School Prompts , Sharon's Blog , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Memorial Day Writing Prompt

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS

The United States celebrates Memorial Day, a day to remember the men and women in the armed services who have given their lives for our country.

The late General Colin Powell wrote of the granite Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D. C., “At no other battle monument are people so moved, stenciling names and leaving gifts like combat boots, uniforms, sonograms, even a (more…)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted by Sharon Watson on May 1, 2024 in High School Prompts , Middle School Prompts , Sharon's Blog , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to you. You are so special and are doing such important work!

To honor you, I’m making available to you a free lesson from our grammar eBook Let’s Eat Fifi . There are 23 lessons in the eBook, and this is lesson 3; it’s on commas and compound sentences. The lesson includes a colorful infographic and ANSWERS. You can download it here . For free!

In addition to the free download, I’ve included four mother-related writing prompts for your students. These are appropriate for grades 5 – 12.

True story: The lily at the top of this page is from my daughter. She gave it to me for Mother’s Day about 11 years ago, and it blooms every August. In fact, it’s now an annual tradition to take my granddaughters’ pictures next to it. 

(more…)

Writing Prompt: A Mother’s Heart

Posted by Sharon Watson on Apr 27, 2024 in High School Prompts , Middle School Prompts , Sharon's Blog , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Writing Prompt: A Mother’s Heart

SHARON’S BLOG What does your mother mean to you?

It might be difficult to put that into words, but this writing prompt will help you with that.

No sentences necessary and you even get to be creative with color!

You can write about another significant woman in your life as well.

Ready to bless your mom? (more…)

3 Types of Poems for Poetry Month

Posted by Sharon Watson on Apr 11, 2024 in High School Prompts , High School Tutorial , Literature , Middle School Prompts , Middle School Tutorial , Sharon's Blog , teaching aids , tutorial , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on 3 Types of Poems for Poetry Month

Would you like to give your students some practice in writing poetry?

With these guided prompts, your students do not have to “sit down and write a poem” but will surprise you by creating something fun and maybe even memorable. Here goes . . . (more…)

Signs of Spring

Posted by Sharon Watson on Jan 30, 2024 in Middle School Prompts , Sharon's Blog , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Signs of Spring

People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby (former Major League baseball player)

A sure sign of spring is baseball.

No, sure signs of spring are crocuses and violets popping up. And don’t forget spring peepers and sighting the first robin.

Or how about that first (more…)

Brrr! Writing Prompts for Winter

Posted by Sharon Watson on Jan 29, 2024 in High School Prompts , Middle School Prompts , Sharon's Blog , Writing Prompts | Comments Off on Brrr! Writing Prompts for Winter

SHARON’S BLOG Snow-softened landscape. Frozen lakes. Sledding. Hot chocolate.

Blizzards. Ice-slick streets. Cancellations.

Winter—it’s all in there. Here are a few prompts about winter that your students will enjoy, giving them a chance to write their opinions, a short story, a TV script, and more.

Just right for your 5th – 12th graders.

Looking for something?

Middle school prompts

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The Pathway 2 Success

Solutions for Social Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning

Social Emotional Learning Journal Prompts for Middle School

August 22, 2023 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Social-emotional journaling is the process of responding in writing to SEL-focused prompts and questions. In many ways, SEL and journal writing are activities that go together seamlessly, especially for middle school learners. A journal provides a safe and consistent place for students to share about SEL topics that are important to them. Journaling can also fit a wide range of ages and abilities; questions and response strategies can be modified to meet the needs of the individual learner. For example, some students might write a full page response to share about kindness, while other learners might draw a diagram or picture to show what they know.

Most importantly, SEL journaling integrates critical social skills that young adults need with their academic time. In today’s busy classroom, this is always important, given that there is often limited time to fit everything in.

Getting started with SEL journaling is an easy process! Plan a daily (or weekly) SEL journal writing time, plan SEL-focused questions, and assign them. It helps to discuss the questions and share responses after writing to allow for shared learning and student discourse.

Social Emotional Learning Journal Prompts

• What are your biggest strengths? Think about what a friend might say about you.
• What are some of your biggest academic challenges? What strategies do you use to work through those challenges?
• What does honesty mean to you? Explain why is it an important quality to have.
• Be proud of yourself! What is something you have done well recently? How did it make you feel?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
• Respond to the quote: “Self-control is really just showing your future self-compassion.” What does this mean to you?
• Perseverance is working towards a goal even when challenges are in the way. Why is this an important skill for you now and in the future?
• Respond to the quote: “Always be kind. You never know what someone else is going through.” What does this mean to you?
• What are skills you need to use when working well with others? List them out. Then, choose your top three skills.
• Being responsible means doing what is expected of you. What are some jobs and activities that are expected of you? How do you show you are responsible?

Use a SEL Journal

Use a full social emotional learning journal to build SEL skills throughout the entire year. From strengths and growth mindset to empathy and responsibility, this journal has over 150 SEL-focused prompts to build meaningful social emotional skills for your learners.

More Important SEL Journal Writing Tips

Use an actual journal or notebook. It helps to keep journal pages all together. This provides a record of skills students are learning in one place.

Allow share time. Shared learning is good for everyone. It helps kids build confidence as they share a piece about what they wrote. Group discussion about writing prompts can also build meaningful relationships in the room.

It’s okay for kids to pass on sharing. Some topics can feel personal to kids and teens. Be comfortable letting kids pass on sharing answers to SEL topics with the class.

Integrate interests into prompts. Consider adding student interests right into your prompts. If your students love basketball, you might ask how to have good sportsmanship skills when we play. This can be a great way to relationship-build and make the learning more personalized.

Be flexible! Journal writing activities don’t always have to be writing in paragraph form. Allow kids and teens to think outside-of-the-box with writing by creating bullet lists or even labeling a drawing to show what they know.

Continue to integrate SEL skills. After journal writing time, try to integrate those same skills into what you are currently teaching in the classroom. For example, if your target journal question was focused on including others, bring this up when students are leaving to head to lunch. If your question was about teamwork, highlight those same skills and ideas when students are about to work with their math group.

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Reading Strategy Prompts

This page has reading strategy prompts to use as you teach each strategy. By using these prompts, you are promoting ACTIVE reading.

Please also check out my reading strategy objectives and comprehension strategies pages.

Check out this GREAT link, too:

Comprehension Questions for Leveled Texts

Reading Strategy Prompts for Fiction

• What does the title mean?
• What is happening in the part you are reading now?
• Tell me about a strategy you used and how it helped you understand what was happening or how it helped you understand a word.
• Would you recommend this book? To whom? Why?
• What scene or image has stuck in your brain? Why is that scene significant?
• What genre is this? How do you know?
• Do you think this story could happen? Explain.
• Which character is most like you? Why? (Use traits.)
• Which character do you like the least? Why? (Use traits.)
• How does the character change in the story?
• How is this book like others you have read?
• Would you enjoy living in the time/setting of the story? Explain.
• Is humor used in the story? Describe.
• Where did you feel sad, worried, frightened, surprised, or envious in the story?
• What part is your favorite? Why?
• Did you find any interesting, well-chosen words? What were they?
• Tell the student to preselect a passage to read aloud that gives evidence of predicting, inferring, visualizing, making connections, determining importance, descriptive language, or a key focus of recent instruction for the next meeting,

Reading Strategy Prompts for Nonfiction

• Tell me 2 facts you learned about the topic.
• What is the most memorable idea you learned?
• Describe the author’s writing style.
• What questions do you now have?
• What would you change about the book? Why?
• How would you find more information on the same topic?
• Tell me some important words in the text and what they mean.
• What is your interest in this topic?
• What are the ways the information is presented?
• What parts were hard to understand?
• Find an example of a fact in the book. Find an example of an opinion.
• If you were to write a follow-up to this book, what part of this book would you like to research more in-depth?
• Tell me what the different text features show you.
• What section did you want to read first?
• Are there any professions related to this topic? How might the information in this book be helpful to people in those professions?
• Biographies:  What were the major struggles the individual faced? What character traits do you admire most about this person?
• Tell the student to preselect a passage to read aloud for the next meeting that gives evidence of predicting, inferring, visualizing, making connections, determining importance, descriptive language, or a key focus of recent instruction.

Reading Strategy Prompts by Reading Strategy

Concepts about print ~ for prek-beginning grade 1.

• Where do you start reading?
• Put your finger on the first word.
• Which way are you going?
• Can you find the title?

One-To-One Matching/Early Reading Behaviors 

• Point to the words and read.
• Do the words match?
• Were there the right amount words on the line to match what you said?
• Can you find _______? (Say a known or new word.)

Predicting/Previewing Prompts

• What made you come up with that prediction?
• How have your ideas changed?
• What evidence either confirmed your prediction or made you change your prediction?
• What do you think might happen next?
• What information from the text did you use to predict?
• Can you make your predictions more specific?
• I like the way you used specific details for evidence.

Detecting & Correcting Errors / Monitoring for Understanding Prompts

• Something wasn’t quite right. Can you find your error?
• What do you know that might help?
• I noticed you looked at the picture to help you read that word. Good job!
• You looked carefully at the word while you pointed to be sure your voice matched! Good for you!
• How did you know that word was_____?
• I liked how you solved that word!
• I noticed you stopped for a moment. Were you thinking about the story when you fixed that part?
• For a word read incorrectly ~ It might be that… If you look again and think, could it be anything else?
• Try that again and think about what would make sense.
• You said ______. What’s wrong? Did that make sense?
• How could the pictures help you?
• When ______ didn’t sound right, you went back to fix it. Good for you!
• That looks like the word, but does that make sense?
• Why did you stop?
• What information do you remember?
• Did the passage make sense?
• Did a word or phrase stump you?
• Reread that and see if you remember more.
• Look for a character’s name, a specific place, etc., to find what to reread.
• Have you previewed the chapter?
• What do you already know about this topic, author, or genre?
• You checked that your reading made sense.
• You read the material aloud as if you understood it.
• You checked several ways to make sure you had the right word.
• When ______ didn’t sound right, you went back to fix it.
• You reread that part to check that word. Did it work?
• I noticed you were thinking about the story as you were reading. Good thinking!
• Show me where you fixed that problem.
• How did you figure it out? What did you notice?
• Why did you do that?
• You said ______. Then you said ______. Why?
• How did you know what the word was?

Problem-Solving New Words

• Is there another word that might work here?
• Look at the beginning. . .ending.
• What do you know that might help you?
• That was almost right. Try that again.
• What good reader strategy could you try here?
• Are there any little words in this word? (chunks)
• What parts (chunks) of the word do you know?
• Reread and get your mouth ready to say the word.
• What is another word that might fit/make sense here?
• Look at the root word/prefix/suffix.
• Read ahead to figure out the meaning of the word.

Expanding Meaning ~ (Quick generic prompts.)

BEFORE READING

• Nonfiction: what 3 questions do you think will be answered?
• Based on the title and pictures, what predictions can you make?

DURING READING

• Has your prediction changed? How/Why?
• What questions do you have?
• Tell me what the nonfiction text features mean.
• How are the pictures helping you?
• What does the story remind you of?
• What is the main idea of the story?
• Can you recall some specific details?
• Tell me about what you are reading.

AFTER READING

• Retell the story.
• Fiction: What did the author teach you?
• Nonfiction: What was the most important thing that you learned?
• What was the most important event, and why?
• What was your favorite part, and why?
• What connections did you make?
• Was your prediction confirmed?
• What reading strategies did you use?

Fluency Prompts

• Put the words together so it sounds like talking.
• Did that sound like the way we talk?
• Make your voice go down when you see the period.
• Make your voice go up when you see the question mark.
• Take a short breath when you see the comma.
• Show feelings/emotions when you see the exclamation point. Use emphasis.
• Make it sound like the characters are talking.

Making Connections Prompts

• How does the story make you feel?
• Have you ever had similar experiences?
• Does the book remind you of another book, or does a character remind you of someone in your life?
• How are the characters, setting, and problems connected to your life or other stories you’ve read?
• What does the story make you wonder about?
• What surprised you?
• How are you like one of the characters?
• How is the family similar to your family?
• Have you read another book by this author?
• What does this remind you of?
• I liked the way you connected your life to the story.

Visualizing Prompts

• Based on the illustrations, what is this book about?
• What do you notice from the illustrations?
• What did you visualize or picture?
• Did you get a clearer picture in your mind?
• What do the illustrations reveal about the setting/time period?
• Tell me what you saw when you read this part.
• How did the character walk? Dress? What do they look like?
• Can you find parts in the story that help you see what a place or character is like?
• What story details helped you create a mental image?
• Where did you have trouble making mental pictures?
• How would the effect of the illustrations change if the illustrator used black and white instead?
• What impact does the choice of color have on you?
• What details do you find intriguing?

Questioning Prompts

• Where did you find the answer to that question?
• Were all your questions answered in the text, or do you still have unanswered questions?
• How will you get the answers?
• What do you already know that might help you?
• What will happen next?
• How will the character solve their problem?
• What have you learned that will help you understand a character? Decision? Conflict?
• What did you learn from the picture? Diagram? Chart?
• Did you read the caption?
• I liked how you raised a question and then read on to explore the answer.
• Can you show me a part of the text where you had a question?
• Can you show me a part where you were confused? What was confusing about it?

Reading Strategy Prompts 

Inferring prompts.

• What is the author’s message?
• What is the story really about?
• Do you think the title is appropriate for the story?
• What does the story mean to you?
• Why did the author write the story?
• When the character said, “__________,” what is meant?
• What did you learn from the character’s words on this page?
• What do the character’s inner thoughts show you about them?
• Can you infer what the character might do based on this event?
• Think of 3 decisions a character made and explain what the decisions taught you about the character.
• What specific adjectives or phrases describe the character’s behavior?
• How are these characters alike? Different?
• What effect resulted from that event? Decision? Conflict?
• What is the big idea of the story?
• Can you show me a place in the text where you found yourself inferring?
• What predictions are you inferring?

Summarizing/ Synthesizing /Evaluating Prompts

• Does your summary include only the main ideas and important parts?
• Tell me about what you’ve read.
• What is the main idea?
• Can you provide some details?
• Did that make sense?
• Are you retelling or summarizing?
• Choose 2 or 3 key events to summarize.
• Explain the main events in your own words.
• What is the purpose of the chapter?
• What can you find in the text to help you set a purpose?
• Can you separate the facts from the conclusions you made in your summary?
• Give several effects of the event.
• Can you show how these 2 written summaries are alike and different?
• How do you feel about what you just read?
• Do you agree or disagree with it?
• Are you learning what you wanted to know?
• How good a job has the author done?
• What do you think about the author’s style?
• Can you show me a place in the story where your thinking changed? How did your thinking change?
• Do you have new ideas or information?

Distinguishing Important Information

• What is the story or piece mostly about?
• Can you tell me about some of the important ideas that struck you?
• Are there any important themes that you noticed?
• What is the most important thing to remember about this story/topic?

What is a strategy? A strategy is a tool stored in memory that can help one comprehend.

Grades 3 and Up ~ Independent Reading Journal ~ What Good Readers Do!

Preview Text: Previewing the text gives us a rough idea of what the text is about. Read the title, author, back cover, and inside book jacket. Flip through and look at pictures, length, and text setup. Skim, scan. What do you already know about this topic, author, or genre? Is this an appropriate book for your reading level? Set a reading purpose.

• My initial impression is. . . 
• My reason for reading this is. . . 

Predicting/Inferring: Predicting/Inferring makes our reading interesting! We can figure out what is coming next!

• My “before reading” prediction is:
• Text clues I used about (character’s mood, season, year, setting. . .) made me infer:
• My background knowledge helped me understand. . .
• My prediction was confirmed or changed when. . .

Connections: Connections keep us interested in our reading! We think about ourselves and what we already know.

• Text to Self:
• Text to Text:
• Text to World:
• I know the feeling. . .
• If I were. . .
• I’m not sure why. . .

Visualizing: Visualizing helps us make a movie in our minds, making the text more interesting and memorable. Sketching out a confusing part is also helpful for comprehension.

• Here is a sketch from page ___:  

Questioning: Questioning helps us remember what we read. It is fun to make questions for our friends to answer, and we read more carefully to develop the best questions!

• I wonder. . .
• Before Reading Questions:
• During Reading Questions:
• After Reading Questions:
• I began to think of it.
• I don’t understand. . .

Are my questions “thick” or literal, and can answers be found in the book? Be sure to think of “thick” questions ~ the big ideas in the book! What is the theme? What is the lesson?

Detecting & Correcting Errors /Monitoring For Understanding: Monitoring is what we do to figure out tricky words or ideas to make sense of our reading. We use context clues to figure out the meanings of difficult words. We look for chunks in words to help sound out unfamiliar words. When the reading no longer makes sense, we slowly reread, slowly.

• I was confused on page ___:
• A word I didn’t know was:
• So, to fix up my confusion, I…   

Summarizing/Synthesizing/Evaluating: Summarizing helps us track what is read. Synthesizing helps us consider what we will take away from the reading; good readers reflect on and share what is read. Finally, evaluating has us judge the text.

• The main idea of the chapter is:
• The main events (in order) are:
• Listen to my retelling of the entire chapter.
• The theme or lesson is:
• I would tell a friend this important item from the reading:
• My overall reaction to the text is:
• I noticed. . .
• My opinion of the text and author’s style is:
• I agree/disagree with the characters’ actions:
• I love the way. . .
• I can’t believe. . .
• I realized. . .
• I was surprised. . .
• I think. . .

Distinguishing Important Information :  Good readers decide what is important to remember and what is irrelevant to the overall understanding of the text.

• The story is mainly about. . .
• An important idea that struck me is . . .
• An important theme I noticed is . . .
• The most important thing to remember about this is . . .

Nonfiction Text:   Using nonfiction text features helps aid in our comprehension.

• Nonfiction text features I used are:
• I skimmed this area to review important ideas: 

Copyright 02/17/2013

Edited on 03/17/2024

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Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

By marjane satrapi, persepolis: the story of a childhood essay questions.

How would you describe Marjane's interaction with Western culture?

Though she is born and raised for much of her life in Tehran, Marjane Satrapi is as much a product of Western culture as of Middle Eastern culture. Her parents both ascribe to Western political viewpoints and are not reluctant to let their daughter indulge in Western popular culture. One of the major reasons that Marjane is sent to Europe at the novel's end is because her parents feel as though she can no longer sustain the Western style of education that her parents want for her.

Whom do you think is described as the bigger enemy in the novel -- the Shah or the Islamic regime that takes control after the Shah?

Both the Shah and the Islamic fundamentalist regime are characterized as bad rulers of the Iranian people and it is difficult to say which was worse for the Iranian people. Satrapi seems to say that each regime is one side of the same coin. The Shah was brutal to his people, imprisoning many of the political dissidents, in his attempt to maintain power and to serve Western interests. The Islamic regime used the same brutality for the same reasons in order to propagate a pure Islamic state.

Discuss the theme of matriarchy in Persepolis .

Satrapi's novel is written from a feminist perspective, and thus the matriarchal side of her family features prominently in the story. Marjane's grandmother, as represented by her strength in caring for her children and her wisdom of peace and forgiveness, is the novel's chief matriarch. The end of the novel is a poignant scene in which Marjane falls into her grandmother's bosom and is sent out into the world with the mantle of matriarch now upon her.

Do you think that Marjane's father was a "resigned" individual, as Marjane claims in the novel?

Marjane has a complex view of her father throughout the novel. In many instances, one can see how she truly looked up to her father for holding controversial political views and for risking his safety in protests to overthrow the Shah. Marjane also sees her father has having the personality of "resignation," something she calls a Persian trait. He adamantly proclaims that he will not fight against Iran in the war and Marjane is disappointed that her father is not a tortured political hero as were Siamak and Mohsen.

How does the social class of Marjane's family conflict with their political views?

Marjane's family is a member of Iran's middle class. Her father has a good job as an engineer and they are able to keep a maid for the house, drive nice cars, take vacations, and give their daughter an excellent education. This privilege would seem to conflict with their political views, however. The family maintains a long familial heritage as leftist political activists. Many of Marjane's family members were imprisoned or killed for their beliefs. This dissonance between political belief and practice is a central tension of Marjane's childhood.

Discuss the symbolism of jewels and jewelry throughout the novel.

In several scenes of the novel, jewels represent the feminine. They are precious objects of great value. However, they are also easily bought and sold, as in the case of Mali and her family. Mali's jewels are sold in order for the family to survive their great loss in the Iraqi bombings. At the same time, Mali's life is seen as devalued by the other women Tehran because she is now a refugee. The loss of value of such beautiful, rare objects is mirrored in the devaluing of female identity under the Islamic regime.

In the novel's first scene, Marjane shows a photo of her elementary school class. She, however, is cut out of the picture. Why does Satrapi begin the novel with this imagery?

Persepolis can be read as one young girl's journey to find her own identity in the war torn, repressive Middle Eastern culture in which she grows up. By beginning the novel with this scene of a school photo, Satrapi is representing the fact that her Western self (the perspective from which she writes) is only half of her identity. The other half of her identity is found in Iran, a country that literally and figuratively attempts to hide away the identities of its women. Marjane's full identity, therefore, cannot be fully understood as long as a repressive fundamentalist spirit rules the country.

Some critics of the novel have claimed that Satrapi's view of Iran is too one-sided. Why or why not do you believe this is true?

Satrapi has been criticized for writing Persepolis from a Western perspective. In these critic's estimation, Marjane is as much a product of Western culture - Western education, Western politics, Western popular culture - as she is a part of her Middle Eastern milieu. This leads Satrapi to be overly critical of all who would ascribe to conservative Islamic practice. Her viewpoint, thus, correlates all conservative Muslims with the brutality of the Iranian fundamentalist regime. This criticism can be seen as unfair, however, if one reads Satrapi's novel chiefly as a political novel and not as a commentary on religion.

What symbolism does Satrapi give to cigarettes in the novel?

For Satrapi, a cigarette is first a symbol of adulthood and the freedom and independence that comes with being able to smoke. Marjane secretly sneaks away to her basement hideout to smoke a cigarette that she had stolen from her uncle. This, she claims, is her first act of adult independence. Her Uncle Tehar's smoking habit, however, represents the fact that both smoking and adulthood come with serious problems and consequences. Tehar is emotionally torn by his decision to send his son away to Holland while he is physically torn from the damage that smoking has done to his body.

Why does Satrapi think that the Islamic regime was able to gain control of Iran after the 1979 Revolution?

Through the characters of her father and uncle, Satrapi explains that the Revolution had been the product of a vocal minority while the majority of Iranians needed some kind of symbol to guide them and lead them. This allowed the Islamic religious leaders to take control of the country. Satrapi blames this on the people's lack of education. The people have faith only in religion, not in political ideals. Satrapi's uncle believes in the novel that the religious leaders will have no interest in leading the nation, yet this proves not to be the case.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

“The Veil”: How was education affected by the new regime? Why?

Check this out below.

https://www.gradesaver.com/persepolis-the-story-of-a-childhood/study-guide/summary-introduction-the-veil-and-the-bicycle

Persepolis is a graphic novel. Why do you think Satrapi chose this genre to tell her story?

As a graphic novel, it purposefully rejects the Islamic tenet that there should be no iconic representations of the faith. It boldly denounces the brutality of the regime and calls into question the legitimacy of its rule. The book challenges the...

. Why did Marji’s family continue to hold parties despite the danger?

The Satrapis hold a party to celebrate Marjane’s aunt and the birth of her child. The parties are necessary because “without them it wouldn’t be psychologically bearable....”

Study Guide for Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood study guide contains a biography of Marjane Satrapi, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Summary
• Character List

Essays for Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi.

• Unconventional Autobiographies: Arabesques and Persepolis
• The Gray Area Dialogue: An Analysis of Western Perspective in Satrapi’s Persepolis
• Persepolis: A Bildungsroman
• Nationalism in the Questionable Legitimization of Conflict in Satrapi’s Persepolis
• Persepolis and Martyrdom

Lesson Plan for Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

• Introduction

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red square in moscow - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

The picture had been taken in Red Square, in Moscow. Alex could see the onion-shaped towers of the Kremlin behind the man.

Found in Alex Rider, Skeleton Key , authored by Anthony Horowitz .

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