writing assignments for 6th graders

Elementary Assessments

51 Great Sixth Grade Writing Prompts That Move Pens

Your sixth graders are guaranteed to have plenty of ideas to write about using these engaging sixth grade writing prompts.

Not only do these writing prompts for sixth graders prevent writer’s block, but they also help students reflect on personal experiences, sharpen writing skills, instill a love for writing, and encourage students to express their thoughts well.

So pencil into your lesson plan this week a few of these high-interest sixth grade writing prompts.

Sixth Grade Writing Prompts

1. Describe the hardest thing you have ever learned to do.

2. Write about a typical day from the perspective of a cell phone.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being in the sixth grade?

4. Give detailed instructions for how to download an app onto a cell phone.

5. Describe the best present you ever received.

6. Write about something that we can do to benefit the environment.

7. Would you rather live in the city or the country for the rest of your life? Explain.

8. Explain how to make a perfect score on a math test.

9. Write a letter to yourself at thirty years old.

10. Compose a story using these words: locker, box, secret, key

11. Write about a time you got really angry.

12. Describe how to win your favorite online game.

13. You get to have dinner with Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, and Christopher Columbus. What questions would you ask them and why?

14. Write 10 words related to the human body. Then compose a poem with the words.

15. Do smartphones make people smarter? Explain.

16. How do you multiply two or three-digit numbers? Explain the steps for solving.

17. Write about your first-ever day of school.

18. Draft a new chapter for your favorite book or a new scene for your favorite movie.

19. What do you like best and least about responding to sixth grade writing prompts?

20. Write about the challenges and adventures of being a sixth grader.

Related Content: 101 High-Interest Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

21. If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

22. Design a bumper sticker that represents sixth grade.

23.  Describe a time you felt guilty.

24. What are the three best things about being a sixth grader?

25. Describe the plot of your favorite book to someone who has never read it without giving away any spoilers.

26. Should schools let students listen to music while doing their work? Explain.

27. Describe your life with no electricity.

28. What are the benefits of using text features when reading non-fiction books?

29. Describe your dream career.

30.  Write a letter to someone in another state explaining something special about where you live.

31. Describe the color green to a person who is blind.

32. Tell the characteristics of your favorite relative.

33. Write a letter to sixth graders encouraging them to volunteer at the local park this weekend collecting trash.

34. What are the similarities and differences between this grade level and the last?

35. The phrase between a rock and a hard place refers to making a decision where both outcomes are difficult. Write about a time you were stuck between a rock and a hard place.

36. Share a memory of your favorite vacation.

37. Explain to a 100-year-old person the steps for sending a text message.

38. Write an instructional manual for middle schoolers teaching how to play your favorite board game.

39. What steps are required in order to brush one’s teeth?

40. When surfing the TV, how do you finally decide on what to watch? What thinking goes on in your mind to help you decide?

41. Explain how to pass the most difficult level of your favorite video game.

42. Draft a biographical summary of your school.

43. Do you think sixth grade writing prompts should be included on standardized tests? Why or why not?

44. Compare and contrast yourself to a sibling or friend.

45. Brainstorm a few issues that your school faces. Now choose one, and write about the process you would take to solve the problem.

46. The headline of your local newspaper reads, “Food Fight at Local Diner Leads to Minor Injury! “. Write the story.

47. Write about a friend who you have become closer with over the past year.

48. Write about your favorite season of the year. Explain why it is your favorite.

49. Retell an experience you had with a natural disaster.

50. Write about a time that you put forth maximum effort in order to achieve a goal.

51. How did you acquire your academic strengths, and what measures can you take to improve your weaknesses?

Final Thoughts: Sixth Grade Writing Prompts

Now you have an assortment of sixth grade writing prompts that will motivate students to write from their hearts and with purpose.

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Home > English Language Arts Worksheets > 6th Grade Writing

At the 6th grade level, we are encouraging students to use evidence to back up any argument that you are trying to propose. Students will start analyzing text and be able to infer about the text and understand central themes. Students will begin to understand how to write using the correct point of view for their intended audience. This is designed to help engage readers more. We encourage students to use figurative language and bright language to open up a new world to their readers. At this point students are ready to write for a wide range of audiences and purposes. We often find that writing for purpose is highly motivating for students at this level. At the education crossroads in 6th grade, your students are ready to tackle more in depth writing assignments. Before they say good bye to grade school, get students hammering away in the classroom and at home to enhance creative writing skills. How about this for a dive deep into the imagination of a 6th grader: "Write a letter to your younger self, telling yourself what you wished you had known then." You will be amazed how far your kids have progressed as writers by downloading the lessons from this series.

These writing worksheets were created specifically for 6th grade students that are putting a great deal of effort into their written expressive language. Students will find some deep thinking prompts and situations that they must assess and adjust to. Many teachers tell us that students find this work engaging and enjoyable. It is all about keeping them motivated and actively thinking at the 6th grade level. Reach deep into the vivid imaginations of your students by presenting creative writing lessons from the task of a simple writing prompt.

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Printable 6th grade writing worksheets, click the buttons to print each worksheet and answer key., how's life.

Imagine you are an elderly person looking back on your life. Write about how your life turned out. What did you do? What are you most proud of?

8 Quick Prompts

Do you think it is a good idea for teachers to specialize in one subject, or do you think that you should always only have one teacher per grade, even as your get older?

What Did You Learn?

What is one thing you have learned this year about how you do and don't want to treat other people? Explain.

Important Values

What are the values most important to your family? How do you know? How does your family exhibit these values in daily life?

Parents Advice

What advice have you been given by parents or other adults about how to choose your career when you grow up? How do you feel about that advice?

What Do You Wish You Knew?

Write a letter to your younger self, telling yourself what you wish you had known then.

Healthy Diet

What do you think makes up a healthy diet? Do you eat a healthy diet? Why or why not?

The Most Dangerous Animal

What do you think is the most dangerous animal on earth? Why do you think that? How is it dangerous? What do you think would happen if you encountered one?

Playing Sports

Do you think that every student should be required to participate in a sport? Why or why not?

New Student

Imagine your favorite fictional character was a new student in your school. What do you think might happen?

What's Important?

What do you think if the most important school subject? Why?

Staying In Town

When you grow up, do you want to stay in this town or move somewhere else? Explain.

A Quality Teacher

What quality do you most appreciate in a teacher? Why?

Eight More Prompts

Have you ever been told by an adult that it is bad to do something, and then seen that same adult doing it? How did that make you feel? What did you do?

What is the most disappointing thing that someone that you care about has done? Why were you disappointed? What happened?

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115 Entertaining 6th Grade Writing Prompts

Whether you're writing for school or pleasure, these prompts give you something fun to write about.

• DESCRIPTION 100 Entertaining 6th Grade Writing Prompts
• SOURCE pixdeluxe / iStock / Getty Images Plus
• PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

Sixth-grade writing prompts don't have to be dull and unimaginative. Upper elementary students and young middle schoolers can write more deeply than they could last year. Here are 100 opportunities for sixth graders to express themselves through writing, all aligned to the Common Core writing standards .

Narrative Writing Prompts

Whether you're writing about a true event or a magical adventure, narrative writing involves telling a story. Narrative writing typically includes a plot structure that progresses through the story's beginning, middle, and end. Reflective writing is a type of narrative writing that focuses on the writer's ability to reflect rather than tell a story.

Story Starters

Want to write a story but don't know where to start? Check out a list of story writing topics for grade 6 students.

• The most surprising thing I found in the old house was...
• When we found the genie's lamp, we decided to...
• My best friend and I were in the worst fight ever. It all started when...
• My dream vacation to ______ was ruined when...
• I had never seen a dragon before that day in the forest.
• As the world's first 12-year-old doctor, I have to share my discovery.
• My first trip on a hot air balloon did NOT go as planned. First...
• Rosa looked down at her food, which looked as gross as...
• I had the biggest surprise of my life when my cat...
• Sara had never planned on being on another planet. Luckily, she had a...

Make sure you include the essential elements of story writing after you choose a prompt. You can also explore more creative writing prompts for middle school.

Personal Narrative Prompts

Personal narratives tell true stories in descriptive ways. Help sixth graders choose the best way to express themselves with these prompt ideas.

• Think about the best day of your life. What made it so great?
• Who is the oldest person you know?
• Describe a friend situation that changed over only one day.
• Write about how it feels when you're alone.
• Describe your favorite vacation.
• Has a book, movie, or album ever changed your life?
• Think about your future self. Write about a day in your life, one year from today.
• Tell a family story from your perspective.
• Describe a memory you have of extreme weather.
• Think about a time you had to work hard to learn something.

Planning another autobiographical assignment? Check out more tips on personal narratives before starting the next lesson.

Reflective Writing Prompts

Keeping a journal or writing reflectively is a great way for young students to keep track of progress. Use these prompts to get started.

• Track the weather for a week. What day was the most comfortable?
• Sit outside in nature and describe what you see. What feeling does it give you?
• Make a list of your daily goals. Reflect on which one was easiest to accomplish.
• Track the foods you eat during the day. How did you feel after each meal?
• Write down all the emotions you feel during the day.
• Reflect on a friendship. What makes it special?
• Write down a list of your favorite things about yourself.
• List your sports or extracurricular activities. What have you learned from each?
• Think of three things you have learned in school this year.
• What is your favorite physical activity? What do you enjoy about it?

Learn more about the benefits of emotional journal writing or using reflective writing in the classroom. You can also find more journal writing exercises for enthusiastic diarists.

Informational Writing Prompts

When you want to get the point across clearly, informational writing is a great way to explore a nonfiction topic. Add some research to strengthen your writing and try your hand at technical writing to explain a procedure.

Expository Prompts

Expository writing compares and contrasts, investigates causes and effects, and poses solutions to problems. It also describes the who, what, where, when, and why of an event.

• Write an extended definition essay on one of your vocabulary words.
• Find an interesting story in your local newspaper and describe it in your own words.
• Pretend a friend hasn't seen your favorite TV show. What is it about?
• Compare and contrast two of your friends.
• Describe your school year so far. What have been the most important events?
• Choose a problem at your school. What's the best solution?
• What was the cause of a recent argument you had? What was the effect?
• Compare and contrast two of your favorite sports or activities.
• Discuss a conflict in a movie you like. How was it resolved?
• Write a definition essay about the concept of empathy.

Expository writing skills are important outside the essay structure, too. Take informational writing to the next level with an informative speech .

Research Prompts

Research is the process of answering a question with credible sources. If you're having trouble picking a topic, use these prompts to get started.

• Why was your school built?
• How long can fish live out of water?
• What endangered animals are close to extinction?
• Research your dream career. What do you need to do to achieve it?
• What is the history of your favorite sport?
• Research an important invention in the last 50 years.
• When and why was your country founded?
• What does smoking do to your lungs?
• What are civil rights? Who has fought for them?
• Why do sharks hunt other fish?

Explore writing tips for writing APA-style research papers , or read about topics that are not the best options for research writing .

Procedural Prompts

It may not seem like procedural writing is as fun as fiction writing. However, the right prompts can even make writing user manuals entertaining.

• Explain how to send a friendly text message.
• Teach a reader how to play your favorite board or card game.
• Write about the steps needed to tie a shoe.
• Create a user manual for something you use a lot (e.g., hair straightener or cell phone).
• Describe how you get home after school.
• Tell a younger reader how to do homework without wasting time.
• How do you get to the library from your classroom?
• How do you choose what to watch on a streaming service?
• Explain how to pass a difficult level in a video game.
• Write about the steps you follow to listen to your favorite music.

Want more procedural writing practice? Check out the characteristics of procedural writing or examples of technical writing .

Argument Writing Prompts

Arguments don't always mean that you need to get angry. Argumentative essays pose both sides of a situation in a formal writing format. Persuasive writing uses rhetorical devices to convince the reader to take the writer's side in an argument.

Argumentative Essay Prompts

Whether you feel passionate about a topic or are curious to learn both sides, argumentative essays are a great way to develop writing skills. Select any of these prompts to start the discussion today.

• Should kids have homework?
• Is your city a good place to live?
• Is it important to learn math?
• Should school start later?
• What's the best way to eat an ice cream cone?
• Should skateboarding be allowed in private parking lots?
• Is Monday through Friday the best school schedule?
• Does pizza make a good breakfast?
• Are hamsters fun pets?
• Should students be allowed to go anywhere they want on the Internet?

A strong essay requires a strong structure. Before you start the first draft, be sure to include an argumentative essay outline .

Persuasive Prompts

Get your readers on your side with emotional appeals and other rhetorical devices. Here are some prompts for you to start making your case.

• What's the best show on television?
• Who should be the next president of the United States?
• Is composting a good idea for your school?
• Why would you make a great school principal?
• What's the best season?
• Who is the best character in a book you've read?
• Is college important?
• What's the best job to have?
• Who is the greatest football/basketball/baseball/soccer player of all time?

Get beyond the essay format. Newspaper editorials or school election speeches are great ways to hone a persuasive voice.

Poetry Prompts

Poetry is a beautiful way to express yourself. Whether sixth-graders prefer writing in free verse or iambic meter , they'll enjoy these creative poetry prompts.

• Write a haiku about how you feel today.
• Create a shape poem about your favorite sport or activity.
• Choose an example of onomatopoeia and use it five times in a poem.
• Think of a metaphor for this school year and write a poem about it.
• Write a poem about friendship in which every line includes a rhyme for "friend."
• Create an ode to a book, TV, or movie character who has died.
• Look through a magazine and create a found poem with interesting words.
• Write a rap song about your favorite food.
• Choose a historical figure and write a poem about an event from their point of view.
• Write a descriptive poem about the way something annoying sounds.

Combine narrative writing and poetry with examples of narrative poems . Young writers may also benefit from additional tips on writing poems .

Just for Fun Writing Prompts

Whether you're journaling or just noodling around at home, these fun writing prompts for sixth graders will get your creative flow started.

• Today was the best day because...
• A typical day in my life looks like...
• If my pet could talk, (s)he would tell you...
• I never really understood _____________ until I...
• If I woke up as an adult today, I would...
• You just won your dream vacation in a contest. Where would you go, and what would you do?
• The most interesting person I ever met was ________________ because...
• If you could spend the day with anyone, who would it be, and what would the day be like?
• If I could tell my 8-year-old self anything, I would want them to know...
• If you woke up in the middle of your favorite book, TV show, or movie, what would happen?
• If you could have anyone in the world as your sibling, who would you choose, and how would your life be different?
• Write a commercial for your favorite thing.
• If an alien knocked on your front door, what would you tell them to help them understand life on Earth?
• What would your life be like if it snowed all the time?
• If you could do magic, what would you do?

More Creative Writing Tips

Looking for more inspiration? Check out 100 more creative writing prompts for middle school . Or, you can try some flash fiction if you're pressed for time. As you make your way through those creative writing exercises, think about how you might include these important words for some real impact!

50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

• February 22, 2024

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Table of contents, personal narratives:, creative stories:, opinion pieces:, descriptive essays, expository essays, book reviews, research projects, journal entries:, exclusive 6th grade writing prompts , 6th-grade writing prompts , creative writing topics for grade 6 , 6th grade writing prompts with reading passages , recommendations.

For sixth graders, imagination can be the key to creative expression. It’s a strong weapon. With specialized 6th Grade Writing Prompts, you can have an insight into the distinctive thoughts of these young authors and inspire a wide range of creative and inventive ideas.

As a student, every prompt offers you the chance to use narrative to explore new aspects of yourself, from ones that take them to far galaxies to those that delve deeply into your feelings and experiences.

In this article, we will take you through 50 exclusive 6th grade writing prompts that are printable for free. Carefully read through!

• Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts
• 6th-grade Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Topics for Grade 6
• 6th Grade Writing Prompts with Reading Passages

What Should a 6th Grader Write about?

A sixth grader’s writing can cover a wide range of subjects, contingent upon their experiences, interests, and the particular assignment or goal of the writing work. Some possibilities for topics a sixth grader could write about are as follows:

Students are encouraged to explore their own experiences and share them with others through the use of personal narratives.

They can relive with vivid detail special occasions, like the time they overcame their fear of heights by scaling a mountain, obstacles they’ve overcome, like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, or memorable times spent with loved ones, like a touching holiday celebration or an adventure that strengthened their bond with siblings.

Students acquire insight into their own lives and ideals by thinking back on these experiences and expressing them in writing, in addition to honing their storytelling abilities.

Students can express their imagination and ingenuity via creative stories. Authors can showcase their storytelling skills by creating inventive stories with captivating characters, compelling narratives, and unique settings.

Students are free to let their imaginations run wild, whether they go on an exhilarating journey through a magical kingdom, solve a mystery in a chilling haunted mansion, or explore the depths of space in a futuristic starship.

They hone their narrative abilities, create gripping stories, and bring their imaginative ideas to life on paper via the process of storytelling.

Students can express their opinions on a variety of subjects that are important to them through opinion pieces. Students can use persuasive writing to communicate their ideas, advocate for their beliefs, and express their perspectives on a variety of topics, from pop cultural phenomena to environmental issues to school laws.

Students gain the ability to effectively express their thoughts, provide evidence to back up their claims, engage in critical thinking, and debate—whether they are advocating for tighter environmental rules, defending their favorite book or movie, or suggesting changes to school procedures.

Descriptive essays require students to use language to conjure up vivid images in the readers’ minds and arouse their senses. They can paint a detailed picture of a location they have been to, such a busy city street, a calm beach at dusk, or a comfortable lodge in the woods.

As an alternative, individuals can use rich descriptions and striking pictures to delve into the sensory nuances of a beloved memory, a favorite dish, or an interesting object. Students who practice descriptive writing are better able to arouse readers’ emotions, appeal to their senses, and produce immersive writing.

Expository essays educate students how to present facts and provide a clear, structured explanation of difficult subjects.

They can delve into a variety of topics, including historical events, cultural customs, how-to manuals, and scientific ideas.

Whether they’re breaking down a cultural ritual, exploring the history of ancient civilizations, or explaining how photosynthesis works, students learn how to effectively research, analyze, and present information. This helps them improve their writing, research, and critical thinking abilities.

Through the skillful use of language and images, poetry provides students with a unique means of expression, enabling them to explore themes such as nature, emotions, friendship, and identity. They can play around with various poetry forms, including limericks, sonnets, haikus, or free verse, and investigate the lyrical and rhythmic aspects of language.

Students learn how to use words to express emotions, generate images, and build meaning in their poetry, whether they’re writing a whimsical limerick, a heartfelt sonnet, or a haiku that captures the majesty of a sunset.

By giving students a platform to express their ideas and opinions about books they’ve read, book reviews support the growth of their analytical and critical thinking abilities.

They can assess the book’s advantages and disadvantages, character and topic analysis, and storyline summary.

Students gain the ability to engage with literature thoughtfully, express their opinions clearly, and participate in literary discussions and debates—whether they are analyzing a classic work of literature, suggesting a favorite novel to their peers, or delving into the themes of a recent bestseller.

Research projects allow students to explore interesting subjects in-depth, gather data, and present their results in an orderly and systematic manner. They can delve into a variety of topics, such as social issues, cultural customs, historical events, and scientific occurrences.

Whether they’re looking into the origins of climate change, studying the past of ancient civilizations, or examining how social media affects society, students gain important research skills from these projects.

These skills include how to collect data from trustworthy sources, assess the validity of the data, and effectively and persuasively present their findings.

Keeping a journal gives students a private place to consider their feelings, ideas, experiences, and observations. Journaling allows them to keep track of their daily activities, examine their feelings and responses to situations, and think back on their development and education.

Regular journaling helps kids develop self-awareness, introspection, and mindfulness. This can be done by having them write down their ideas before going to bed, reflect on their experiences after a difficult day, or capture moments of inspiration and insight.

Read ALSO:  107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

• Write a tale about a time-traveling excursion to a significant historical occasion.
• Describe a world in which all people’s dreams come true.
• Which historical figure, and why, would you want to meet if you could?
• Ten years from now, write a letter to yourself.
• Consider being able to teleport to any location on Earth. Which place would you visit first?
• Describe a superhero’s typical day in the life of a neighborhood resident.
• If you could communicate with animals, how would you respond?
• Write a story about a magical item that, although granting desires, has drawbacks.
• Describe a future society in which all aspects of existence are governed by technology.
• What superpower, if any, would you choose to have, and how would you use it?
• Write a tale about a bunch of pals figuring out a mystery in their community.
• Describe an unruly world. How would that feel?
• What exactly does being a good friend entail? Write about an instance where you showed friendship.
• Which disciplines would you include in your own curriculum, if you could create one?
• Write a letter expressing your admiration for the writing of your favorite author.
• Tell about a moment when you had to make a tough choice and how you came to an answer.
• Consider being able to travel to any fictitious place from a book. To what place would you go?
• Write about a moment when, despite the difficulty, you stood up for what you believed in.
• What would you alter, and why, if you could, in the world?
• Write a tale that takes place in a bleak future when humanity is about to perish.
• Write about a day in the life of your favorite movie or book character.
• For you, what does success mean? Write about a moment when you felt accomplished.
• Consider being able to speak with extraterrestrials on a different world. How would you respond?
• Write a letter expressing your admiration for your role model.
• Describe a society in which mind reading is a common skill.
• What new technology, and how might it help civilization, if you could create it?
• Write about a failure you’ve had and the lessons you took away from it.
• Describe a civilization that is utopian and in balance with the natural world.
• What would you change if you could travel back in time to alter one particular historical event?
• Write a tale about a party of adventurers finding a lost culture.
• Describe a world in which magic exists but is kept out of the public eye.
• What does being brave really mean? Write about a brave moment in your life.
• Which historical period—past or future—would you like to live in, and why?

Read ALSO:  140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

• A Magical Land : Describe a world where magic is real and part of everyday life.
• Time Travel Adventure : Write a story about traveling back in time to a significant historical event.
• Superhero Origins : Create the origin story of a new superhero, including their powers and motivations.
• Mystery Mansion : Describe a spooky mansion and the mysteries hidden within its walls.
• Animal Kingdom : Imagine a world where animals can talk and interact with humans.
• Dream Vacation : Describe your ideal vacation destination and what you would do there.
• Invent a New Planet : Design a planet with unique geography, inhabitants, and customs.
• Lost in the Wilderness : Write about being lost in the wilderness and the adventures that follow.
• Sports Star : Imagine becoming a professional athlete in your favorite sport. Describe your journey to success.
• School of Magic : Enroll in a school for wizards and witches. Describe your experiences learning spells and potions.
• Alien Encounter : Describe an encounter with an alien species and the impact it has on Earth.
• Underwater Adventure : Dive deep into the ocean and explore an underwater world full of wonders and dangers.
• Robot Revolution : Write about a future where robots have become sentient and demand equal rights.
• Time Capsule : Imagine burying a time capsule with items representing your life. What would you include and why?
• A Day in the Life of a Celebrity : Describe a day in the life of a famous celebrity of your choice.
• The Quest for a Magical Artifact : Write a story about a quest to find a powerful magical artifact and the challenges faced along the way.
• Haunted House : Explore a haunted house and uncover its dark secrets.
• Space Exploration : Describe a journey to explore a distant planet in search of new life forms.
• Future Career : Imagine your future career and what a typical day in that profession would be like.
• Invisible Friend : Write about having an invisible friend and the adventures you have together.

Read ALSO:  50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• Prompt : Imagine you are one of the characters in the passage below. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings about the events that unfolded.

Reading Passage : “The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. As Sarah packed her bag, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of dread. She knew she had to face her bully on the bus ride home.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not schools should implement a dress code policy like the one described.

Reading Passage : “As students entered the school gates, they were greeted by the sight of their peers dressed in a rainbow of colors and styles. Some wore jeans and T-shirts, while others donned skirts and blazers. There was no uniform requirement, allowing students to express their individuality through their clothing choices.”

• Prompt : Use the information from the passage to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your opinion on the issue discussed.

Reading Passage : “The town council is considering banning plastic bags in an effort to reduce pollution and protect the environment. Many residents are divided on the issue, with some arguing that it would inconvenience shoppers and hurt businesses, while others believe it is a necessary step towards a greener future.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a narrative describing a day in the life of the protagonist, using details from the passage to inspire your story.

Reading Passage : “Jake woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. As he stretched and yawned, he glanced at the clock and realized he was running late for school. He quickly dressed, grabbed his backpack, and raced out the door, eager to start the day.”

• Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a summary of the main arguments presented by each side of the debate.

Reading Passage : “The school cafeteria is considering replacing unhealthy snacks with nutritious options. Proponents of the change argue that it will improve student health and academic performance, while opponents worry about increased costs and decreased student satisfaction.”

• Prompt : Use the passage below as inspiration to write a descriptive essay about your favorite outdoor activity.

Reading Passage : “As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Sarah and her friends gathered around the campfire. They roasted marshmallows, told stories, and gazed up at the starry sky, feeling at peace in the great outdoors.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a compare and contrast essay discussing the similarities and differences between the two characters.

Reading Passage : “Emily was outgoing and adventurous, always eager to try new things and meet new people. In contrast, her sister Olivia was shy and reserved, preferring to spend her time lost in books or exploring nature alone.”

• Prompt : Using the information provided in the passage, write a persuasive speech arguing for or against the proposed changes.

Reading Passage : “The city council is considering implementing a curfew for teenagers in an effort to reduce crime and keep young people safe. Supporters believe it will decrease juvenile delinquency, while opponents argue it will unfairly restrict the freedoms of law-abiding teenagers.”

• Prompt : Write a narrative inspired by the passage below, imagining yourself as the protagonist navigating the challenges described.

Reading Passage : “Mark stared at the blank page in front of him, feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. He had a history essay due tomorrow, but he had no idea where to begin. With a sigh, he picked up his pen and started writing, determined to conquer his writer’s block.”

• Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a response discussing your opinion on the topic and providing evidence to support your viewpoint.

Reading Passage : “The debate over homework continues to divide educators, parents, and students alike. Some argue that it reinforces learning and teaches responsibility, while others believe it causes stress and detracts from family time. What is your stance on the issue?”

Yes, these writing prompts are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for all 6th graders.

Yes, these writing prompts have been carefully crafted to align with common core standards for 6th grade writing.

It’s recommended to introduce a new prompt regularly, such as once a week, to keep your students inspired and practicing their writing skills consistently.

Engaging with a variety of creative and thought-provoking prompts can definitely help enhance your students’ writing abilities over time.

These varied subjects for sixth-grade writing assignments are sure to stimulate young writers’ creativity and critical thinking. Teachers and parents can easily include these prompts in their lesson plans or home-schooling activities because they are free to print.

Students will be able to convey their own views and perspectives while practicing a variety of writing abilities by responding to these prompts.

These writing prompts can be used as homework assignments, daily warm-ups, or creative writing exercises. They are an invaluable tool for supporting the development of young writers.

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6th Grade Writing Prompts

If your 6th grader enjoys creative writing, print this free 6th grade writing prompts PDF. With worksheet was created t0 help aspiring writers and language arts teachers. There are 20 writing prompts to get your pen moving. Some of the writing prompts are intellectually challenging, while others are fun and will inspire your imagination.

Click the image thumbnail below to download the PDF version. Alternatively, you can read online by scrolling further down the page.

6th Grade Writing Prompts List

• The year is 1700, and you are in charge of starting a colony in the New World. Name your colony, and describe how you would build it. What challenges would you face, and how would you overcome them?
• You meet a wise man at the top of a mountain, who knows all the answers. He will let you ask him one question. What do you ask?
• Humans have colonized Mars, and now you are on a space ship traveling to the new Martian settlement. Describe your thoughts about traveling to this new planet. Why are you going? What will you see? Who will you meet?
• The year is 1880, and your sailing ship has just crashed on a tropical island in the Pacific. How will you survive?
• You have just found a time machine. What happens next?
• What is the difference between hearing and listening?
• Your space ship has been sucked through a black hole and miraculously you have survived the trip to the other side. Describe what you encounter.
• If you could not longer use a cell phone for an entire year, how would you communicate with people?
• You’re a detective in the 1930s. Write a story about your first case.
• How did computers affect the world?
• Invent a new holiday. Describe what you’re celebrating and some traditions that go along with the holiday.
• Name one problem that currently exists in the world. How would you solve it?
• What is your definition of creativity? How are you creative?
• Write an autobiographical haiku.
• Write a plot summary of a story that contains three fictional characters from three separate books by three different authors.
• Write myth explaining how the world was created.
• Write a story about a superhero with a ridiculous superpower.
• You’re spending the day with the wizard Merlin. Write down some of the wise lessons he teaches you.
• The campfire grew out of control…
• Describe your life if you lived during the Middle Ages.

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35 6th Grade Writing Prompts: Experiences, Reflections, Imaginative Thinking, And Learnings

February 8, 2024 //  by  Sean Kivi

Some students start to lose interest in writing in middle school, but this is a critical period for writing and an excellent time to help them discover themselves. They want to be heard at this age, so we need engaging, and thought-provoking writing prompts to help draw their voices out in their writing. We have compiled a list of fun writing topics that will elicit emotional and meaningful pieces of writing for your middle schoolers. Have a look at these 35 sixth-grade writing prompts that are sure to help your kids develop their voices and express their opinions in their writing.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

1. How was your first hospital experience?

2. What would you do if you could not use the internet for a month?

3. What would you do if cell phones stopped working tomorrow?

4. If you could, would you go to live on an alien planet?

5. What do you value most about your family?

6. Who is the most important person in your life?

7. What would you do if you were the only person on the planet?

8. What would you do if you had unlimited money?

9. Would you ever get a tattoo? Why or why not?

10. Can you tell me a time that you wished you could trade places with another person?

11. What is your favorite childhood memory, and why?

12. How was your first year of middle school? Why?

13. Which do you value more? Time or money? Why?

14. Would you rather live a short meaningful life or a long boring life? Why?

Creative and Imaginative Thinking

15. How do you think leaves would look if they could grow on Mars? Why?

16. Why do you think there are more insects than mammals?

17. If you could build an ecosystem, what would it be like?

18. Write a poem about a time that you felt outraged.

19. How would the world function without the internet for a day?

20. If you owned a country, what would it be like?

21. Which Harry Potter house do you think best suits your personality and why?

22. Whales don’t sing as much as before because of noise from boats on the water. Write a journal response explaining how we can help the whales sing again.

23. Are scorpions spiders or insects? Why?

24. Do blobfish look the same on land as they do at the bottom of the ocean? Why or why not?

25. Do you think time is real? Why or why not?

26. Write a letter to a friend convincing them to go skydiving.

27. If you had to lose one sense, which would you choose to lose and why?

Education and Learning

28. Should we teach math in school? Why or why not?

29. Do you think college is worth it? Why or why not?

30. Interview a grandparent and report how life was different when they were growing up.

31. Interview a doctor and report their experience in the hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak.

32. Write a journal entry outlining what your response to COVID would be if you were president.

33. Can plants grow in space? Why or why not?

34. Convince me that online learning is better than learning in a classroom.

35. How can we stop an asteroid from hitting the Earth?

6th Grade Worksheets

Artificial Intelligence

All About Jobs

Social Media Prompts

Then Again, Maybe

Change Required

The Future Me

Create A Story

My Dinner Guest

Techno Whiz World

Fan Fiction Writing

The Modern World

School Rules

The Old Days

A Centenarian’s Advice

Compare And Contrast

Academic Vs. Emotional

All about these 15 worksheets.

The goal of these prompts is to help students improve their writing skills, learn how to organize their thoughts, use proper grammar and punctuation, build their vocabulary, and learn how to construct coherent arguments or narratives. They can also help students prepare for standardized tests that often require written responses to prompts. Everything here is leveled for 6th grade students including topics and wording.

How to Answer 6th Grade Writing Prompts

These are the steps you will need to take to write an awesome response to any of these worksheets:

1. Be Clear On Your Task

• Read the prompt carefully at least twice.
• Underline or highlight keywords in the prompt that indicate what you should do (for example: explain, describe, argue, compare, etc.).
• Make sure you fully understand what the prompt is asking. If necessary, rewrite the prompt in your own words.
• If you’re unsure about anything, ask your teacher or a classmate for clarification. Don’t proceed until you’re completely clear about what you need to do.

2. Brainstorming Ideas

• Set aside some time to think about the topic. Let your mind wander freely and jot down all the ideas that come to you.
• Consider different angles you can approach the topic from.
• If the prompt is open-ended, think about a topic that you’re interested in and have some knowledge about.
• Create a mind map or a list of your ideas, making sure each one is relevant to the prompt.
• Choose the best idea, or a combination of ideas, that best answers the prompt.

3. Planning and Outlining

• Develop a thesis statement or main idea based on your chosen topic. This should be one sentence that clearly states what your piece will be about.
• Plan your writing using an outline. Divide your work into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.
• In the introduction, plan to introduce your topic and thesis statement.
• In the body, plan to develop your main idea with supporting details. Each paragraph should have one main point.

4. Writing the First Draft

• Begin with the introduction. Grab your reader’s attention with an interesting statement, question, or anecdote.
• Write the body paragraphs. Use your outline as a guide. Develop each point in a separate paragraph.
• Finish with your conclusion. Summarize your main points and re-emphasize your thesis.
• Don’t worry too much about making mistakes or sounding perfect in your first draft. The important thing is to get your ideas on paper.

5. Revising Your Draft

• Review your draft. Does it answer the prompt and stick to your thesis?
• Check the organization of your work. Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
• Consider the content. Are your arguments persuasive? Are your descriptions vivid?
• Think about style and tone. Are they appropriate for the assignment?
• Make necessary changes. This might mean adding, deleting, or moving sentences or entire paragraphs.

6. Proofreading and Editing

• Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Check the format. Are you using the correct margins, line spacing, font size, and style?
• Read your work aloud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences.
• Consider having a classmate or teacher proofread your work. They might catch errors you missed.

7. Finalizing Your Work

• Make the necessary corrections identified in your proofreading.
• Re-read your work one last time to ensure it’s the best it can be.
• Congratulate yourself for completing your work! Remember, writing is a process that requires practice, so be proud of what you’ve accomplished.