Name ______Ms. Cooper – Grade 8 Writing Prompts
Persuasive writing prompts
Throughout the year, you will be writing a number of persuasive essays. We will complete the steps of the writing process, including writing a rough draft, editing, and writing a final draft. Although you may choose your own topic as long as it is approved, some possible topics appear below.
1. Should parents allow young teenagers to stay up as late as they want, or should parents still enforce a specific bedtime? What are your thoughts and feelings about this issue? What might you think and feel if you were a parent?
2. Your friend has the opportunity to spend his/her summer as a volunteer, cleaning parks and streets with other people your age. Alternatively, he/she can make money babysitting every day for two young children. What should your friend do? Persuade him or her.
3. In the form of a letter to any member(s) of your community, persuade the reader(s) how you feel about the following debate. Imagine that several sixteen-year-olds you know are working for less than the legal minimum wage. They are afraid to ask their employers for more money. In your letter, tell what is happening, how you feel about it, and what your reader(s) can do to change the situation.
4. As a student in today’s world, you have many interests and face many challenges. What subject would you like to see added to the school curriculum? Write a letter to the school board, proposing the addition of the new course. Explain exactly why you think the new subject should be taught and who would benefit from learning it.
5. Most of us have all of our senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Think about the role each of these senses plays in your life. Which of these would be most difficult to live without? Explain to your reader(s).
6. Think about the inventions that have affected our lives. Select one invention and explain why this invention has been good or bad for society.
7. Students in Pennsylvania and around the country are being encouraged to recycle, renew, and reuse. Persuade reader(s) your age why they should care about the environment or recycling.
8. From appliances, to computers, to entertainment, to communication – technological innovations have affected everyone. Identify one advancement in technology that you could not live without and explain why, persuading your reader(s) it is invaluable.
9. Technology is replacing many jobs today. Identify a job that should not be replaced by technology, persuading your reader(s) why a person is needed to perform the job.
10. Time magazine is seeking nominations for “the most influential person of the 20th century”. Write to persuade the nominating committee that the individual you chose is the best candidate, including this person’s contributions and accomplishments.
11. A foundation has offered to give $10,000.00 grants for community projects or charities. You have decided to apply for one of these grants. Persuade the foundation that your project or charity is worthy of selection.
12. Your school is considering extending the school year to year-round education with longer vacations (for winter break, spring break, etc.). Persuade the school board that the school year should or should not be changed.
13. NASA will select a student to accompany astronauts on their next space flight. Persuade NASA that either you or someone you know would be the best choice.
14. Violence appears on many television programs, in movies, and in video games. Some people believe that this violence contributes to teenagers being violent. Persuade reader(s) that this violence does or does not affect teens. Your audience may be adults or other teens.
15. The principal has asked students to identify the best and worst school rules. Decide on a specific rule that should be added to or deleted from our current Code of Conduct or student handbook. Persuade the principal to add or delete this rule.
16. With advancements in technology, some students may have the choice to complete high school via the internet. Persuade reader(s) that education must be in school buildings and classrooms, taught by teachers and with student interaction, or that the internet should be the classroom of the future.
17. You are applying for a summer job. Persuade a potential employer that you are the best candidate for the position, highlighting your strengths and accomplishments.
18. Some people believe that sports are an important part of school life. Others think that there is too much emphasis placed on sports. Persuade reader(s) of your view.
Length: 5 paragraphs (minimum 5 complete sentences per paragraph)
Rubric:will be discussed in class and attached to final draft