Having students respond to writing prompts daily or on a regular basis helps build writing stamina and improves writing skills.

One writing prompt resource I love to use is Visual Writing Prompts.  This website incorporates a quote, thought, or question with an image for students to respond with writing.  You can search the website by genre, grade, or subject.

If displaying a prompt with an image is not an option or something you prefer, here are some prompts I have used with secondary students (both middle and high school).  Modify as you see fit!

• Which class does this school not offer that you wish it had?

• Explain why this class would be beneficial to students and the school.I

• f you had three wishes, what would you wish would happen?  (No wishes for more wishes).

• What would you do if you were lost on a deserted island?

• There’s a saying, “Finders keepers.  Losers weepers.”  If you found $100,000, would you return it or do you agree with the saying?  Explain what actions you would take.

• What is your most memorable childhood memory?

• What do you do to deal with stress?  Explain how you conquer it.

• Write about a time you or someone you know overcame an obstacle.

• Who is your favorite musical artist or group? 

• What is your favorite song by this artist or group and what is special about the music?

• Should people keep it real and not wear fake hair, fingernails or get plastic surgery or it is okay to enhance yourself to look like you want to look?

• Adults claim the youth are on social media too much and are disconnected from the real world.  Do you agree or disagree?  Explain.

• Which animal is unnecessary?  If you had the power to make one animal disappear from existence, which animal would it be?

• How do you deal with betrayal?  Is it possible to fully trust someone again if he or she betrayed you?

• If you could give the entire human race a super power, what would it be and why?

• If you could meet a relative who died before you were born, who would it be?  Explain.

• Which holiday or annual celebration do you enjoy most?

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

• Describe where you would like to go for a school learning trip and what you would like to learn and/or explore.

• If you could instantly master a skill, what would it be and how would it benefit you?

• If it were possible for you to travel into the future for 24 hours, how far into the future would you go and what would you like to learn?

• What is one lesson about life you have learned from the people who raised you?

• Describe something that really drives you crazy.

• How much value do you put into your reputation? 

• What have you done to maintain or change your reputation?