Writing Prompts: Persuasive & Expository

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Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts  

Prompt 1

Writing Situation

In many households where there are teenagers, there are often arguments over cell phones. 

Directions for Writing

Think about the importance of having a cell phone. Now write to persuade your parents to buy you a cell phone or to allow you to keep the cell phone you already have. 

Prompt 2

Writing Situation

Your favorite store at the mall is going to close down forever. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about why it is your favorite store. Now write to persuade the store to stay in business. 

Prompt 3

Writing Situation

In some schools students wear uniforms. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about what is involved when students are required to wear uniforms to school. Now write to persuade your principal to agree with your view on whether school uniforms should be required. 

Prompt 4

Writing Situation

Teen drivers have a lot more fun than most older drivers do. Teens also have a lot more accidents. Now, some states are limiting how and when teenagers can drive to help keep the roads safer. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about teenagers behind the steering wheel. Now write to persuade your state's officials to agree with your view on teenage driving. 

Prompt 5

Writing Situation

Many experts believe that fast-food restaurants are contributing to teen's obesity. They point to high-calorie meals that can be quickly ordered and consumed. They say that these restaurants deliberately target teens in their advertising. Many even offer prizes and toys. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about fast-food restaurants and their impact on teens. Now write to persuade those experts to agree with your view on teenage obesity and fast food restaurants. 

Expository Essay Writing Prompts 

Prompt 1

Writing Situation

Everyone has a favorite holiday. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about which is your favorite holiday and why. Now write to explain which holiday is your favorite. 

Prompt 2

Writing Situation

Throughout history many important things have been made or invented. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin to write, think about an invention that has been important to people. Now, write an essay to explain why this one invention has been important. 

Prompt 3

Writing Situation

Each year millions of tourists visit the state of Florida. 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin writing, think about why Florida is a good place for vacations. Now write to explain the reasons Florida is a popular place for vacations. 

Prompt 4

Writing Situation

Look at this quotation: "Good things are not cheap, and cheap things are not good." 

Directions for Writing

Before you begin to write, think about the meaning of this quotation. Now write to explain how this quotation may apply to an experience of yours or the experience of someone you know. 

Prompt 5

Writing Situation

A pet peeve is a particular source of annoyance or irritation. Every person seems to have one. 

Directions for Writing

Think about a pet peeve you have. Now write to explain your pet peeve and why it is a source of annoyance or irritation. ​