6th grade essays

Mar 24, 2021

Essays in 6th Grade: A Basic Format that Elevates the Standard 5-Paragraph Structure

6th grade is such a funny year. Funny haha and funny weird. Student writing levels are all over the map. You will have students coming to you writing on a very elementary level, still needing loads of help with grammar and paragraph formation. Then, you will have students ready to write critique pieces and analyses. How do you navigate this? Read to find out more!

Give Them a Format...to Start

I've learned that 6th graders still need format . They still need structure. They still need checklists. As much as I loathe limiting them in this way, I think it is very reassuring to them. That's not to say you can't tweak for the strong writers, but I do still feel they need it.

For my students in particular, I like to let them dabble in looser formats of non-fiction writing in other ways. They do book reviews , a debate , podcasting , etc. They are offered choices in reading responses to non-fiction reading and analysis, too. My classes actually write digital eBooks, too. But on the whole, they are expected to write two essays with a very similar format twice a year.

Bye-Bye 5-Paragraph Essay

Alright, so this is kind of not totally true. My students do end up writing 5 paragraphs, but that typical structure we all commonly know, I navigate away from. I think it's a fine format, but as they get into middle school they are expected to compare a LOT more and not focus on one specific topic . They are expected to follow through on a thread, a claim, a theme, an idea and how it is shown in various sources. And this is super new for them, analyzing various sources on the same concept. They really need a structure for this.

So, the typical essay, before they get to me, goes like this, and it is a good precursor:

Introduction that states your thesis and 3 major reasons to support your claim.

Conclusion that looks a whole lot like the introduction.

This format does not allow analysis of multiple sources and if you throw in other sources, it gets messy. Instead, I gear my students to focus on each source separately, then comparing them all.

The Format that Works (Research and Literary Analysis)

First of all, it's important to know what essays I actually do with my kiddos. I do a research unit. This changes almost every year, but typically they choose some kind of topic, I group them based on their topic choice. First, they do research (non-fiction skills) using a book, article, and video. They then use those sources to write an essay on a claim they make based on their topic. Later, they make eBooks in groups based on their topic.

The other essay I do is Literary Analysis . This follows a dystopian unit . They read a dystopian book in book clubs. Then, I have them choose from a short list of short stories that are dystopian. Lastly, we watch the movie The Truman Show . (This year I had them watch "The Scarecrow" on YouTube since we were hybrid due to the pandemic). They then determine a theme that is true for all three sources and write an essay based on that theme.

This essay format works for both of these essays. So here it goes!

Introductory and Conclusion Statements

In a traditional essay, students have to write a hook, their claim/thesis, and essentially ANOTHER three sentences that state what their essays will be about. In my opinion, all of this is completely unnecessary. How many times do you read introductions in books? Okay, real avid readers do, but in reality many people don't. So for these, I tell my students to get right to the point .

Here's what should be in their introductory and conclusion statements:

A statement that introduces the topic. (This is a hook of some kind. I sometimes tell them to start it with "in our world..." or "in our lives..." and something that relates to their topic. Or just starting it with their topic and explaining what it is.)

The claim/thesis.

A statement that references there are differences and similarities in the sources. (For example: "[Title of sources] support this claim in different and similar ways." That's it.)

This all ends up being 2-3 sentences.

Topic Sentences

I have my students start their essay prep with topic sentences. This helps them get a sense of where their essays will go.

The big thing to understand here is how the paragraphs are set up .

Body #1 : Focus on source #1 and how it shows claim/thesis.

Body #2 : Focus on source #2 and how it shows claim/thesis.

Body #3 : Focus on source #3 and how it shows claim/thesis.

Body #4 : Focus on how ALL SOURCES show the claim/thesis in the same way.

So they start with creating topic sentences for those paragraphs. Each topic sentence is set up like this. The last topic sentence would start with "all sources..." instead of "source title".:

Body Paragraph Format

In the picture you see below, I have specific colors for specific aspects of body paragraphs. ALL body paragraphs follow this format in that exact sequence/order. I will be completely honest, I don't give them a ton of wiggle room since this is pretty new to them. However, my stronger writers dabble in mixing evidence stems and elaboration stems around.

Their paragraph starts with the topic sentence they already prepared. From there, the next sentence begins with an evidence stem . Here are a few examples of evidence stems:

According to the text,

The author states,

In [title],

Right after the evidence stem, in the same sentence, they add their text detail to support their topic sentence. I encourage them to quote exactly from the text for most text details. They can paraphrase, too, but should really try to get exact lines.

In regards to quoting, I also mention to them not to quote plop . I made this up. I plan on making a product for this at some point. A quote plop is bad . It's when students take a line from the text and just plop it in their essay. I show them how to break up the quote from the text with their own words.

So, a first sentence may look like this: According to the text [evidence stem, highlighted green] , when Luke was hiding due to being a third child, "they took the woods away" , [text detail with context, a.k.a. not just plopping the quote in the sentence, highlighted yellow].

Directly after that sentence should be an elaboration stem with an elaboration explaining how the text detail shows their claim/thesis. Students highlight this entire sentence in blue and their claim within it dark blue. Here are some elaboration stems:

This proves [claim] because...

This shows [claim] because ...

After that they do the same process two more times; two more text details with elaborations. Lastly they do a closing sentence .

Comparison Paragraph: This is set up almost exactly the same, except the focus is on how ALL the sources show the claim in the same way. They then provide a NEW text detail from each source to prove how the claim is being shown similarly in each.

Once all their body paragraphs are written, I have them go review their introductory and conclusion statements, put everything into a final draft and leave the highlights in the essay . This helps them visualize all the components and helps me grade!

For revision, the focus is on not quote plopping, being sure their details support their thesis, changing up the wording of claims/theses, and rearranging for strong writers.

Bottom Line

While this is very limiting for some, it is super helpful for struggling writers. Having that checklist and having the highlights helps students visualize what they need to compare sources in an essay format.

I'd say it'd be great to introduce this in 6th and by 8th, they can certainly make these more interpretive, creative, and unique.

You can find a lot more detail about this in the product below . What you see here is only a taste. This contains a full sample essay, checklists, tips, and more. You can also edit it to meet your needs.

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In This Section

6th grade writing samples, writing in sixth grade.

Sixth Grade Literary Analysis Prompt

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 1

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 2

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 3

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 4

Sixth Grade Argumentative Essay Prompt

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 1

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 2

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 3

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 4

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 1

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 2

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 3

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 4

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 1

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 2

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 3

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 4

50 Engaging 6th Grade Writing Prompts for Thoughtful Essays

Sixth grade marks a big transition in students’ lives. They’re no longer little kids, but they’re not quite teens either–that’s what middle school is all about. To help your students bridge this transition with ease, it’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to practice their writing skills since they’ll be doing a lot of writing in high school and beyond.

Narrative Writing Prompts

Narrative writing revolves around telling a story with a plot that has rising action, a climax, and a resolution. These narrative writing prompts will give your 6th-grade students plenty to think about–and write about.

Story Starters

1. I had the biggest fight with my best friend yesterday. It all started when…

3. I’ll never forget the time when I was lost in the city. It was…

5. My family went on the craziest road trip last summer. We started out by…

Personal Narrative Prompts

Personal narratives are all about giving students the opportunity to tell their own stories in descriptive ways. Here are writing prompts to get them started.

8. Think about your future self–where do you see yourself in 1 year? Write about it.

Reflective Writing Prompts

Reflective writing is a lot like journaling–it gives students the opportunity to process their thoughts and feelings on a given topic. These reflective writing prompts/journal prompts will encourage thoughtful reflection in your students while giving them some fun.

12. Take a walk in nature and describe what you see. What emotions does it evoke in you?

14. Make a list of all the emotions you experience throughout the day.

Journal prompts are usually effective because they make you think about a certain topic in a different, more introspective way, and so students should be encouraged to approach these writing prompts with open minds and hearts.

Informational Writing Prompts

Informational writing is an essential skill for middle-schoolers, especially as they head into high school and college, where they’ll be expected to write long-form essays rather than fiction. These informational writing prompts will give your students plenty of practice with this type of writing.

Expository Prompts

18. Discuss a problem in a movie you enjoy. What was the outcome of the situation?

Research Prompts

Next, research writing prompts will help students practice their research skills by investigating a given topic and finding credible sources to support their claims. These research writing prompts will allow your students to conduct investigative research and write about what they’ve found in detail.

22. What animals are on the verge of extinction?

23. What’s the history of your favorite sport, and how did it develop?

25. Explore your dream career. What skills would you need to succeed in it?

This may be a good time to introduce your students they could use to reference their information and give credit where it’s due. Inform them that not all sources are created equal, and brainstorm some tips for evaluating the credibility of a website.

Procedural Prompts

26. Make a user guide for anything you use frequently (e.g., your computer, smartphone, video game console).

27. Write a set of instructions for cleaning your room.

Argument Writing Prompts

The next type of writing prompt is argument writing. Argumentative writing is a type of nonfiction writing that requires students to investigate a topic, collect evidence, and assess their findings to defend a point of view while also considering the perspectives of others.

Argumentative Essay Prompts

They’ll then need to provide satisfactory evidence from their research to support their position. Here are some prompts to get them started.

31. Should school uniforms be required in all schools?

32. Is it ever okay to break the law?

34. Is Monday through Friday the best school schedule?

Persuasive Prompts

Emotional appeals can be a powerful tool in persuasive writing. In these prompts, students will need to use their powers of persuasion and other rhetorical strategies to convince their readers to see their point of view. Here are persuasive prompts to put your students’ powers of persuasion to the test.

37. Should there be a limit on the amount of homework students can receive?

38. Persuade your parents to let you choose your own bedtime.

Poetry Prompts

Poetry prompts are a great way to get your students to write creatively. These prompts will help your students tap into their imaginations and write poems that are both beautiful and moving. Whether in free verse or strict meter, your students will be sure to impress you with their poetic prowess.

42. Create a poem in memory of a book, TV, or film character who has died.

43. Choose an onomatopoeia and use it five times in a poem.

Creative Writing Prompts

Last but not least, creative writing is all about using imagination to create a piece of writing that’s unlike anything else. This creative writing prompts will help your students tap into their imaginations and write some truly unique pieces revolving around self-expression.

46. If I could have any superpower, it would be…

47. Write about a day in the life of your favorite cartoon character.

49. Write a family story from the perspective of your pet.

50. Invent a new holiday and describe how it’s celebrated.

Dust Off Those Pencils and Get Ready to Write!

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

Emily is an active mother of two and a dedicated elementary school teacher. She believes the latest technology has made a huge impact on the quality of early learning and has worked hard to upgrade her classroom and her own children’s learning experience through technology.

Follow her on Twitter , Pinterest , and Instagram for more teaching fun!

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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35 Thought-Provoking Persuasive Writing Prompts For 6th Graders

Looking for a solid persuasive essay topic for your 6th grader?

The below post contains tons of great ideas that will get your 6th-grade students thinking, researching, debating, and writing!

I’m not talking about simple opinion writing topics – like their favorite food, favorite book, or how much money they should get for an allowance.

That is the the thing that my 3rd grade student would delight in arguing.

No, sixth graders are ready for more meaty topics that require a bit of research and thought. The more they dig into the topic and refine their point of view, the more they will sharpen their critical thinking and writing skills!

Don’t miss the free pdf printable at the bottom of this page with all of the ideas in one place!

Persuasive Writing Prompts For The 6th Grade Student

1. is a dress code ever necessary.

In this prompt, students will be asked to take a stance on whether or not they think there is ever a time to enforce a dress code. Are there times when someone should be told how to dress? Such as a school dress code or wedding? Or should people be allowed to dress in any way that expresses themselves or their personality?

2. Should recycling be mandatory instead of suggested?

Students will be asked to consider whether the government should be more aggressive about recycling. They will be working with the concepts of the benefits of recycling vs. the freedoms of people.

3. Should vending machines ban junk food?

6th grade students will be asked to argue for or against the ban of junk food in vending machines. Vending machines are often used by people who are hungry and in a hurry. The vending options are usually less than healthy. Should vending machine owners be required to provide better choices? Or should they be allowed to stock their machines as they see fit?

4. Is it okay to keep exotic animals as pets?

This persuasive topic will have students take a stance on whether or not it is a good idea to keep exotic animals as pets. They will need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of keeping exotic pets and present a strong argument for their position. Make sure the student has a good understanding of the topic and the different types and sizes of animals that some people keep as pets.

5. Should the federal government impose a tax on sugary drinks?

In this prompt, students will be asked to argue for or against a government tax on sugary drinks – similar to the tax on cigarettes. They will need to consider the potential benefits of such a tax. What would the tax money be spent on? Or should people be free to drink any kind of beverage they wish, no matter how healthy or unhealthy?

6. Should life skills be a greater focus for education?

In this prompt, students will be asked to take a stance on what should be taught in school. Should the schools be doubling down on the basics of reading, writing, and math since test scores have dipped? Or should schools start allotting more time for important life skills, like time management, personal finance, and cooking, which are things many young adults struggle with.

7. Should there be age limits to use social media?

Students will list specific reasons why there should or should not be age restrictions for facebook pages and other forms of social media.

8. Is it important to save endangered species?

Students will be asked argue why enndangered animals should or should not be protected. They may be quick to make up their mind, but make sure they do research and find factual reasons that support their opinions.

9. Should video games be considered a sport?

Even though video games do not require the physical activity of traditional sports, does it still require focus, skill, and grit that would make it a modern sport? Or should that title only be awarded to an activity that requires you to sweat?

10. Should there be a ban on plastic bags?

Everyone knows plastic bags are bad for the environment, but should they be banned? What would the alternative be?

11. Is it necessary to have physical books anymore?

In the age of digital everything, are paper books still necessary? College students are already buying digital books instead of expensive physical ones. What benefits would come from doing away with paper books? What drawbacks would there be for those without a computer or solid internet?

12. Is it important to teach physical education in schools?

What is the goal of physical education? Does it have a place in the academic environment of education? Should those things be taught at home or on a sports team instead of during school hours? Shouldn’t physical activity be optional? Or is PE a vital piece of knowledge for a well-rounded education?

13. Should zoos be banned?

Do zoos raise money and awareness for animal conservation…or do they imprison animals for a lifetime that should be free and in the wild?

14. Should recess be scheduled for all kids in school? Even high school students?

What are the benefits of taking an outside break with fresh air for students? Are other subjects too important to sacrifice the time? Could older students be more productive with some sunshine and fresh air during the day?

15. If a student has good grades all school year, should they still have to take standardized tests?

If a student has shown that they are learning and progressing academically, should they have to take a long standardized test? Are there other reasons to take these tests?

16. Is hunting cruel to animals?

Most people buy their meat at grocery stores these days, so is there really any reason to still hunt animals? Does harvesting animals keep humans safe? Or does it make sport of animal lives?

17. Should gas powered cars be outlawed?

Fossil fuels are wreaking havoc on the planet, so should gasoline powered vehicles become illegal? Are electric cars a better option? Do electric cars have any drawbacks?

18. Is a rewards program or discipline more effective to motivate students?

What incentivizes kids to dive into their work, when maybe they don’t want to? Is it a really strong rewards program that will motivate them to finish a difficult task? Or fear of a consequence if they don’t complete their work?

19. Should the United States require military service for men and women, like other countries do?

Many countries require their population to do some form of federal service. America has a draft registration for men, but not for women. Should both genders be required to serve our country? Would it strengthen our nation and our people to have a common experience with service? Or is it unfair to require people to pause their lives for 2 years during the prime of their youth?

20. Should healthcare be free for everybody?

Is it a human right to get healthcare for free? If the patient doesn’t pay, then who should pay for the treatment? What benefits and/or consequences could come from reshaping our healthcare system?

21. Should candy purchases be limited based on how many cavities you have?

Dental health is very serious. Should a kid’s candy be rationed based on their dental records? The more cavities, the less candy you can have – and vice versa?

22. Is it appropriate to let kids work at younger ages, like 10 or 12, if they can do the job?

Many kids today have a strong desire to work, make money, and be successful. We have child labor laws in place to protect kids, but could that be holding them back? If they can do a job, should they be allowed to be hired? Or would that be robbing a kid of their right to a carefree childhood?

23. Should foreign language be required in school or should it be one of the elective courses?

English is spoken nearly worldwide, as it is taught in many countries around the world. What benefits come from learning another language? Should students be able to choose another elective if they don’t want to learn a new language? Or should American children try harder to be multilingual?

24. Should students be allowed to use their cell phones during tests?

You cannot get away from cell phones these days. Even small children have them! They will be a readily available resource in most work places, so shouldn’t they be allowed during tests? Or are memorization and internalization of information important skills for students to learn?

25. Should plastic water bottles be banned?

Plastic water bottles are a huge problem in our environment. Should we outlaw them to help the Earth? What kind of things are one-use water bottles used for that might be important?

26. Is it more important to continue exploration of space or the ocean?

Many wonderful advancements and knowledge have come from space exploration, but we know precious little about our ocean which covers 2/3 of the planet. Should governments be investing money into finding what lies beneath the surface instead of what’s above our heads?

27. Should reading an analog clock still be taught in school?

Digital clocks are everywhere – on your phone, stove, microwave, computer, cable box. Do you really need to learn how an analog clock works anymore? Are there times that digital clocks may not be available? Or are they becoming as archaic as a sundial?

28. Is learning proper handwriting or fast typing more important in today’s world?

Many have stopped learning cursive handwriting, so should schools also stop focusing so much on print handwriting? Should kids be spending that time learning how to type on a keyboard instead?

29. Should the voting age be lowered so elementary school students can vote?

Kids today are developing opinions and beliefs at younger ages and want to be heard. Should we lower the voting age so that children can make more of a difference? Or are most children not quite ready to handle the responsibility of voting?

30. Should AI be allowed in writing school papers if calculators are allowed in math?

Many teachers are concerned about how to tell the difference between an AI-written essay and one written by a student. Should that be a concern? If math allows calculators, can’t English classes allow help from another form of artificial intelligence? What drawback could come from not expecting kids to write their own essays?

31. Are cell phones good or bad for your health?

Cell phones are common around the world now, but are they good for us? How do they benefit our health? How might they hurt our overall health?

32. Should bees become a protected species?

Many scientists have expressed concern about the dwindling number of bees. Should these important pollinators become a protected species like the bald eagle? Or is it unreasonable to expect a person not to kill a bee that is buzzing around them?

33. Is it ever appropriate to ban a book?

Many heated discussions have come up recently about banning books. Is there ever a time that certain books should be kept from kids – like an R rating on a movie? Or should kids be allowed to read whatever they are interested in? Should offensive content be censored or should it be learned from?

34. Should community service be required for kids, middle schoolers and up?

What good could come of requiring community service from children? Or should people only serve because they genuinely want to help their community?

35. Is reading or math more important in today’s world?

Which is a more crucial skill to master? Should kids be focused on reading at the highest levels? Or should they be focused on learning the language of math at the highest levels?

Click Here To Download A One Page PDF Printable Of All The Argumentative Essay Topics

The above text link will take you to a new window where you can download and print the topics today. No email required! Terms of Use : Homeschool, classroom, co-op, and personal use only.

These essay topics will go along with any persuasive writing unit in your writing curriculum ! Let your student go through the list and find the one that really gets them excited.

If you’re looking for more fun writing prompts, be sure to check out the picture writing prompts below. There are 40 images with corresponding text that will get your kid excited to write!

< Writing Prompts

6th grade writing prompts.

Welcome to our 6th grade writing prompts! Sixth grade brings more opportunity for learning, growing, and maturity. It’s important to ignite a love of writing through a variety of writing opportunities and topics that are both relevant and thought-provoking. Use the categories of “Adventure,” “Video Games,” “Music,” “Patience,” “Self-Awareness,” and “Personal Narrative” to embrace the magic of writing. Writers are encouraged to plan and review their work. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s background and needs. Check out our printable lined paper too – free to download and over 100 different themes!

6 th Grade Writing Prompts

Category 1: Adventure

Whether it’s a mysterious journey, a scientific discovery, or the voyage to find a lost cat, let these creative writing prompts take you further into adventure. Writers can use these prompts to imagine encounters with adversaries, kings, cats, and more.

Identify an adventure or quest of interest for you and your classmates. Create a list of items that everyone will need to bring in order to survive the journey.
Illustrate a dangerous scene from an adventure. Explain, in a detailed caption, what is happening in the picture and invite the reader to finish the adventure story.
Write a poem about the spirit, or feeling, of adventure.
Write a story about a group of friends who go on an adventure to help solve a mystery. They face a mild adversary, a local police officer, who doesn’t want their help.
Write a story about a science student who discovers a meteor will hit the earth in three days!
Write from the perspective of a teen living in Ancient Egypt who is tasked with returning one of the King’s favorite cats, Locust. Create several journal entries about the teen’s quest to track down the cat.

Category 2: Video Games

Video gaming, be it on consoles, computers, or cell phones, is an important part of many people’s everyday lives. These games demand strategic thinking, creative planning, and skill. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories about video games, create infographics, write poetry, research, and more!

Create an infographic that explains the history of video games. Which games were most popular in the arcades of the 1970s and 1980s?
Design a comic strip featuring a character who becomes addicted to a video game. How do they balance their passion for the game with their life responsibilities?
Design and illustrate your favorite video game setup. Explain what you’d need in the space where you play your video games and why each component is essential.
Research a famous video game developer and write an article about them. How did their career/ journey into video game development begin? To what degree were they successful and how did they face challenges?
Write a poem about a talented gamer who becomes sponsored (paid to play video games professionally).
Write a story about a character who is transported into their favorite video game. Explain if/ how they are able to make it to the next level and through what methods they can emerge victorious.

Category 3: Music

Music is an important part of many people’s everyday lives; many of us enjoy listening to music all day long and we owe much thanks to those who produce our favorite tunes and beats. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories, write poems, conduct research, and even write social media posts related to the world of music.

Create a comic strip featuring a band that plays different, and sometimes unique and unusual instruments. What kind of music do they play? In what regions and with which audiences are they most popular?
Design an infographic that explains the history of a particular genre of music. Who are some significant artists that have contributed to this genre? Where can people find more information and listen to this style of music?
Research a famous musician and write an article about their career. What is their legacy (what impact did they have on the music industry)?
Write a poem about your favorite song. What does the song make you think and feel?
Write a social media post that promotes a new album from your favorite artist. What do you like about the album, and why should your followers listen to it?
Write a story about a character who hears music that no one else can hear. How does this affect their life? Describe the music by likening it to certain genres, artists, or songs.

Category 4: Patience

As we mature, we negotiate with our ability to practice patience. While childhood drives our impulses to want everything immediately, young adulthood ushers us into the need to slow down and exercise patience. This can be challenging! Let these creative writing prompts inspire reflections on patience.

Create an infographic that explains different strategies for practicing patience. What are some tips for calming and refocusing?
Illustrate and write a children’s book about patience. Include a character who learns the value of patience.
Reflect on a time when your patience was tested. Write about this time in a short story.
Research a famous inventor, scientist, or athlete who had to exercise patience as they navigated their own failures. What did they learn? Did they give up? How did they keep their momentum and passion from completely dwindling?
Write a social media post that promotes the importance of resisting impulsive actions and thoughts.
Write a story about a character who struggles to be patient as they attempt to achieve their goal. Include the character’s experience as they learn to master their impulses.

Category 5: Self-Awareness

As we age, our sense of self-awareness becomes more acute. We sometimes feel insecure as we come to understand our unique attributes and identities. Let these creative writing prompts inspire personal reflections on self-awareness.

Create a bold and eye-catching infographic that explains at least 3-4 ways to increase self-awareness. What are some strategies for better understanding your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? Be sure that your infographic is easy to read and proofread.
Design a comic strip featuring a character who struggles with insecurity and self-doubt. Where do their doubts come from? How do they learn to dispel (quiet; challenge) their own doubts?
Research a leader whose self-awareness allowed them to become successful. You may want to review interviews where the person reflects on their leadership style or identity.
Write a poem about the importance of self-acceptance. The poem can be personal or focus on a character who learns about self-admiration.
Write a social media post that promotes the value of self-reflection. Include helpful resources for viewers.
Write a story about a character who learns an important lesson about themselves. What do they discover? How does this knowledge change or help them?

Category 6: Personal Narrative Writing Prompts

As we grow older, we reflect more often about our past and present. Let these creative writing prompts inspire empathy and reflections about fears, triumphs, instinct, and role models.

Imagine that you could trade places with someone for a day. Write about who you would choose and what you believe a day in their life would be like.
Now that you’re older, your role models may have changed. Write a comparative essay about who you used to look up to, or once admired, and how/if your role model has changed and why.
Research one career or job you hope to someday have. Explain why you feel you’d be a good candidate for this field and also what challenges, related to the work, you might face.
Write about a day you would choose to relive over and over again.
Write about a time when you overcame a fear or challenge.
Write an article about the importance of trusting your gut-instinct (intuition). Why is this important? What are the consequences of rejecting your instincts?

6th Grade Writing Prompts: Unlocking Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: March 27, 2023 - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

6th Grade Writing Prompts are a valuable tool for educators and parents alike, allowing young students to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through creative writing exercises. These prompts can cover various topics, from personal experiences and emotions to thought-provoking scenarios and ethical dilemmas. The aim is to encourage students to think critically and express themselves effectively while developing their writing skills.

At this crucial stage of development, providing a supportive and engaging environment for students to practice and improve their writing abilities is vital. Numerous resources offer a wealth of compelling writing prompts specifically designed for 6th graders. The prompts you’ll find below in this article can inspire students to ponder real-world issues, reflect on their personal experiences, and imagine creative solutions to hypothetical situations.

The Importance of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts play a crucial role in developing the writing skills of 6th-grade students. They provide a starting point for students to begin expressing their thoughts and ideas, helping them overcome the common challenge of “writer’s block.” As students engage with various writing prompts, they learn to think critically, express their opinions, and dive into imaginative storytelling.

By offering a diverse range of topics, such as prompts that focus on procedural writing, students are exposed to different genres and styles of writing. This variety expands their writing horizons and helps them become well-rounded, versatile writers.

Introducing writing prompts at the 6th-grade level also enhances students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities. They learn to use evidence, logic, and reasoning to support their viewpoints and persuade readers. Additionally, writing prompts allow students to explore their creativity and foster a sense of self-discovery.

Lastly, engaging with writing prompts helps 6th graders develop crucial communication skills that serve as a foundation for future academic success and life experiences. Writing prompts encourage active participation in the learning process, promote self-expression, and cultivate a lifelong love for writing.

25 6th Grade Writing Prompts

Imagine you’ve discovered a hidden door in your home that leads to a secret room. Describe the room and what you find inside.
Write a story about a day when everyone’s dreams come true. How does this change the world?
If you could switch lives with any historical figure for a day, who would you choose and why? Describe your day in their shoes.
Imagine you have a time machine that can only be used once. Where and when would you go, and what would you do?
Write a letter to your future self ten years from now. What advice would you give, and what questions would you ask?
Create a new holiday and explain its celebration, including unique traditions or activities.
Write an opinion essay on whether or not students should be required to wear uniforms in school. Provide reasons to support your argument.
Imagine you can communicate with animals. What would you talk about, and which animal would you be most excited to speak with?
Write a short story where the main character finds a mysterious map that leads to a hidden treasure.
You’ve been chosen to represent Earth in an intergalactic council. What would you share about our planet and its inhabitants?
Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against using technology in the classroom.
Create a new superhero and describe their powers, backstory, and how they use their abilities for good.
Imagine you are the president for a day. What would be your top priorities, and how would you address them?
Write a story that starts with the sentence: “It was a dark and stormy night…”
Create a fictional island and describe its geography, culture, and inhabitants. What makes this island unique?
If you could invent a new gadget or tool to make life easier, what would it be, and how would it work?
Write a personal narrative about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
Imagine you could create a new class or elective for your school. What would the class be about, and why would students benefit from it?
Write a descriptive essay about your favorite place to visit. Use vivid sensory details to make the reader feel like they are with you.
You wake up one day to find you’ve gained the ability to read minds. How do you use this power, and what challenges or moral dilemmas do you face?
Create a fictional holiday and write a short story about a family celebrating it for the first time.
Write a persuasive essay about the importance of conserving natural resources and the steps that should be taken to protect our environment.
Imagine you are a detective solving a mysterious crime. Write a story that details your investigation and how you uncover the truth.
If you could converse with any famous author, who would it be, and what would you ask them?
Write a personal narrative about a memorable experience with a friend and what it taught you about friendship.

Understanding the 6th Grade Writing Curriculum

The transition from elementary to middle school.

As students enter 6th grade, they transition from elementary to middle school. This brings new challenges and expectations in their writing skills. They will be expected to write more complex content and use more sophisticated vocabulary. This includes writing for extended periods, such as long-term research or expressive pieces that may take a week, and writing for shorter durations in one sitting.

Emphasis on narrative writing

In 6th grade writing curriculum, there is a strong emphasis placed on narrative writing. This requires students to develop their storytelling abilities and write in a manner that engages the reader. They will focus on creating a clear narrative structure, developing characters, setting, and plot, and using vivid descriptive language to engage their audience.

Introduction to essay writing and personal narratives

Another vital part of the 6th grade writing curriculum is the introduction to essay writing and personal narratives. Students will learn how to effectively organize their thoughts and ideas coherently and logically. They will gain experience writing various essay types, such as persuasive, informative, and argumentative. Personal narratives will also play a key role, encouraging students to write about personal experiences and emotions and helping them build their voice and style as writers.

Role of reading comprehension and vocabulary development

Reading comprehension and vocabulary development are crucial in the 6th grade writing curriculum. Students must be able to understand complex texts, as this will inform their writing. Students will be exposed to new words and phrases to improve their vocabulary through reading assignments and class discussions. Building a strong vocabulary allows students to express their ideas more accurately and clearly, ultimately leading to more effective writing.

Types of 6th Grade Writing Prompts

Narrative prompts.

Narrative prompts encourage students to tell a story, real or imagined. These prompts can range from personal experiences to creating stories based on given scenarios. For example, a narrative prompt could be “Describe the hardest thing you have ever learned to do.”

Short Story Ideas

Short story ideas are prompts that invite students to create a fictional story with characters, settings, and a plot. These writing activities push students to develop their writing skills, storytelling abilities, and creativity. An example of a short story idea might be to “Write a story about a magical forest.”

Personal Narratives

Personal narrative prompts ask students to write about their own experiences or thoughts. These types of prompts encourage reflection, introspection, and the exploration of personal feelings. A personal narrative prompt might be “Write about a time you overcame a fear.”

Story Starters

Story starters are prompts that provide the beginning of a story, challenging students to continue and develop the narrative. They help spark students’ imaginations and encourage them to think creatively. For example, “In a world where animals could talk, a young girl made a surprising discovery…”

Descriptive Prompts

Descriptive writing prompts ask students to describe a specific object, place, or situation in detail, using vivid language and sensory details. This type of prompt helps students practice their creative writing and observation skills. An example of a descriptive prompt could be “Describe your dream vacation destination.”

Persuasive Prompts

Persuasive writing prompts require students to convince the reader of a particular opinion or point of view. Students practice building strong arguments, using evidence and facts, and addressing opposing viewpoints. An example of a persuasive prompt might be “Convince your readers why cell phones should or should not be allowed in school.”

Expository Prompts

Expository writing prompts ask students to explain, evaluate or analyze a topic, providing information and facts to support their position. This style of writing promotes critical thinking and research skills. A sample expository prompt might be “Explain the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources.”

Creative Writing Prompts

Encourage your students to express their emotions and creativity through poetry. Here are some poetry prompts to inspire them:

Write a poem about the changing seasons.
Describe your favorite place using vivid imagery and sensory details.
Compose a haiku about an everyday object.
Create a poem from the perspective of an animal.

Imaginative Stories

Imagination is a powerful tool for developing writers. Provide these creative story prompts to spark their ideas:

Write a story about a school where magic is real.
Imagine you are a time-traveling scientist. Describe your adventures.
Develop a story that revolves around a mysterious key.
Create a tale where the main character’s best friend is a talking animal.

Scriptwriting

Scriptwriting can build dialogue and narrative skills. Suggest these engaging scriptwriting prompts for your students:

Write a short script about two friends with a deep secret.
Develop a scene featuring an unexpected encounter.
Create a script that mixes elements of reality and fantasy.
Compose a dialogue-rich scene set in a public place.

Using these creative writing prompt categories, 6th grade students can develop their writing abilities while letting their imagination soar.

Essay Writing Prompts

In this section, we explore a variety of essay writing prompts for 6th-grade students. These prompts are categorized under opinion essays, informative essays, and persuasive essays.

Opinion Essays

Opinion essays allow students to express their thoughts on a specific subject. Here are some prompts for 6th graders:

What is your favorite hobby, and why?
Which is better, traditional books or e-books? Explain your choice.
What’s the best (or worst) birthday you’ve ever had?
What is your greatest aspiration? Or, your darkest fear?

Informative Essays

Informative essays help students develop research and presentation skills. They should provide factual information about a topic. Here are some informative essay prompts:

Describe your favorite short story in your own words.
Write about the life cycle of a butterfly.
Explain the process of photosynthesis in plants.
Describe the history and importance of a famous landmark.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays help students to develop their argumentative skills. They should present clear reasons and evidence to support their opinion. Here are some persuasive essay prompts:

Should school uniforms be mandatory? Why or why not?
Is it essential to learn a foreign language? Explain your view.
Do video games have a positive or negative impact on children?
Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school? Provide reasons for your opinion.

Subject-Specific Prompts

Integrating subject-specific writing prompts can help students connect their writing skills to various subjects. This section will explore writing prompts for Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, and Life Skills.

Language Arts

Language Arts writing prompts encourage students to analyze literature, express their thoughts, and improve their vocabulary. Examples include:

Write a character analysis of the protagonist in your favorite book.
Create a poem describing a historical event.
Compose a short story inspired by a well-known myth.

Science writing prompts assist students in describing experiments, explaining scientific concepts, and making real-world connections. Examples include:

Describe the steps of the water cycle and its importance to Earth.
Explain the theory of evolution and provide examples of natural selection.
Write about the role of technology in reducing the environmental impact of humans.

Social Studies

Social Studies writing prompts help students to explore historical events, cultural perspectives, and global issues. Examples include:

Write an essay comparing the government systems of two countries.
Discuss the significance of a famous historical figure’s actions.
Analyze the impact of a specific geographical feature on human settlement.

Math writing prompts challenge students to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts and describe the logic behind problem-solving. Examples include:

Explain how to solve a given math problem using the order of operations.
Describe a real-world scenario where fractions are used and explain how to solve it.
Discuss the role of geometry in architecture and provide examples.

Life Skills

Life Skills writing prompts encourage students to reflect on their personal experiences, goals, and values. Examples include:

Write a letter to your future self, discussing the lessons you’ve learned and the goals you hope to accomplish.
Discuss the importance of effective communication in relationships and provide examples.
Explain the steps to achieving a specific personal goal and the challenges you may encounter.

Framework for Developing Prompts

When developing 6th grade writing prompts, balancing challenging and engaging topics is crucial. This allows students to explore new concepts while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. The framework presented in this section offers a few guiding principles for crafting effective prompts for this age group.

First, consider the interests and experiences of 6th grade students. Choosing topics related to their lives and what they care about will increase their motivation to write. For example, you might create prompts about the school, friendships, hobbies, or current events.

Next, design prompts that encourage a variety of writing genres, such as narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive. This helps students develop skills in different writing styles and formats. For example, a narrative prompt might ask students to tell a story about a memorable experience, while an expository prompt might ask them to explain how a particular invention works.

Ensure to include prompts requiring students to practice critical thinking and problem-solving. These prompts often involve solving a given situation, analyzing a topic, or comparing and contrasting ideas. This helps 6th graders develop analytical and evaluative skills essential for academic and personal success.

Lastly, incorporate opportunities for reflection and self-expression. Reflective prompts allow students to examine their feelings, beliefs, and ideas. For example, ask students to consider how they would handle a specific dilemma or what they appreciate most about their family or friends.

Following these guiding principles, you can create a diverse collection of 6th-grade writing prompts that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Techniques to Engage Students

Creating meaningful and engaging writing prompts for sixth-grade students involves considering their interests, skills, and development stage. Several techniques can help achieve this.

First, one can use creative prompts to encourage students to think outside the box and express their unique perspectives. Some examples of creative writing prompts for sixth graders include writing a poem about feeling outraged or imagining a day from a cell phone’s perspective.

Next, incorporating argumentative and persuasive prompts can help students learn to articulate their opinions and support them with strong evidence. This is particularly useful in developing research and critical-thinking skills. Examples include writing a persuasive essay on a current issue or debating the merits of a controversial book or movie.

Another effective technique involves using real-world connections in prompts to make them more relevant and applicable to students’ lives. For instance, ask students to write about their first hospital experience or discuss how technology has impacted their daily routines.

Lastly, integrating different writing styles like narrative, expository, and descriptive prompts will allow students to experiment with various writing techniques and improve their writing skills. Examples include composing a personal narrative about overcoming a challenge, writing an expository essay on a historical event, or crafting a descriptive piece about a favorite place or object.

Assessing and Providing Feedback

One of the key aspects of 6th Grade Writing Prompts is the assessment and provision of constructive feedback to students. Assessing their writing skills helps teachers identify strengths and weaknesses and guide future instruction tailored to student needs.

When evaluating student writing, it’s essential to consider various aspects, such as content, organization, word choice, sentence structure, and grammar. Providing specific and actionable feedback allows students to improve their skills and better understand writing concepts.

A helpful approach for grading and feedback is to use rubrics. Rubrics offer a structured way to outline the expectations for a writing assignment and help students understand the evaluation criteria. There are different types of rubrics, such as analytic, holistic, grid, numeric, and hybrid, which can be customized to suit a variety of writing prompts.

Another strategy for providing effective feedback is ensuring students know the learning objectives and quality expectations for their writing assignments. Explicitly discussing the writing goals and criteria helps students focus their efforts and self-assess their progress.

Lastly, integrating student-teacher conferences or peer review sessions can benefit the feedback process. These sessions allow for dialogue, clarification, and additional insights from different perspectives.

The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

5 creative writing prompts for 6th grade.

Prompt: When you become disappointed, what do you do to manage your emotions?

2. Flying Superpower

3. letter to future self.

Tell students that they will be writing a letter to themselves to read when they are older. You can either pick an age/milestone (graduating from college, getting their first job, having children, etc.), or allow students to pick. Ask students to think about what they believe would be important to know at that juncture in their life and include it in their letter.

4. No Internet for a Month

This could be a fun one to do with middle schoolers who are so dependent on technology and the internet. Before students begin writing, get them to brainstorm a list of all the ways their lives are dependent on the internet.

5. Genie in a Bottle

This is another great creative writing prompt for sixth graders. They’ll have fun thinking about a talent they would like and what they would like to do with that talent.

4 Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

I like this writing prompt for introducing students to argumentative writing. The topic of pets is something all students are familiar with, even if they don’t personally own a pet.

You can also use this topic to introduce students to providence factual reasons, versus opinions, to support their answers. For example, if students want to say that a cat is the best pet, a factual reason can’t be that cats are cute. However, they could say something like cats are the best pet because they do not have to be taken outside to go to the bathroom on a cold or rainy day.

2. Teaching Math in School

3. screen time limits.

However, once they start thinking about reasons to limit screen time and examine evidence showing the impact of too much screen time on children, they may change their mind.

4. Conserving Energy

Prompt: What is the most important thing all households should be doing to conserve energy?

However, for this writing prompt, students must decide which one thing is the most important and provide evidence to support their opinion.

Writing Standards for 6th Grade

Sixth grade is a critical year for students in regards to writing and other subject matters. They are transitioning from elementary school to the upper grades and will need the right supports to help them master the grade-level standards.

Writing Process

Students should receive instruction and practice on each stage of the writing process. They should independently implement each of the stages when producing their own written work.

The stages of the writing process that sixth graders are expected to know and use include:

Writing Purposes

Writing evaluation, conventions, research and inquiry.

Research and inquiry is another important standard for sixth graders to show proficiency with. By the end of the year, students should be able to:

Advantages of Writing Prompts at the Lessons

Got to sub in 6th grade today, the predictions were coming fast and furious for today’s writing prompt. Got to love engaged students! pic.twitter.com/nBfzMxxP0T — Nick Jurrens (@NickJurrens) February 20, 2021

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

6th Grade Writing

For sixth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, sixth graders will be asked to: begin to effectively use evidence, reason, arguments, sources and language to support a written text, demonstrate command of formal style, improve reader comprehension of written texts by employing techniques like graphics, multimedia, and formatting, employ facts, definitions, quotations, details, and other information to develop written topics, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work.

Haiku: Write Your Own!

This worksheet features the Japanese poetry style haiku.

Write Rhyming Couplets

Time for some poetic rhyming couplets!

Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.

Back to School Diamante Poem

Teach your students a fun way to write diamante poems using our new back to school worksheet.

Bio Poem: My Mother

A fun Mother’s Day bio poem activity for your students!

Bio Poem: Pilgrim

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. This printable Thanksgiving Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about Pilgrims.

Bio Poem: Someone You Know

Students will write a bio poem about someone they know using the format set in this worksheet.

Christmas Tree Bio Poem

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. Sometimes writing a bio pem can be tricky! This printable Christmas Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about a Christmas tree.

Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Diamante Poem: Antonyms

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Identify the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence in a paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it. Students underline the topic sentence in each activity.

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How to Write a Sixth-Grade Essay

How to Write a Fifth-Grade Essay

Completing an essay for a sixth-grade writing assignment can be accomplished within only a few hours of your time. The five-paragraph format is commonly used in sixth grade. This format contains the introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. By writing an essay correctly during sixth grade, you will be preparing for more in-depth writing in years to come, as you continue your education through high school and even college.

Write an introductory paragraph for your essay, which will include a thesis statement and three to five sentences that support it. A thesis statement will describe the basic point that you are trying to get across in your paper. The remaining sentences should act as an outline for the rest of your paper.

Write out the next three paragraphs, which are the body of the essay paper. Make your strongest claim to support your thesis statement in the first body paragraph. The second should be the next strongest, and the third should be the final part of your argument. Be sure to use strong verbs in the supportive sentences to reinforce the thesis statement, for this is one of the capabilities you will be expected to exhibit in your sixth-grade writing development. Keeping a consistent voice within the body paragraphs, as well as the rest of the essay, is also another ability that sixth-grade teachers are going to be looking for when grading. Correct transitions between the paragraphs will also show your writing skills to your teacher as well. These paragraphs should also be three to five sentences each.

Finish your sixth-grade essay by writing the final paragraph, which is its conclusion. Summarize the statements made in the body paragraphs to reiterate the thesis statement made in the first one. Persuade the reader to see your view on the topic, based on the points made throughout the piece, and indicate that the essay is reaching its succession by making a closing statement.

Revise a draft of the essay to evaluate the word choices, substituting with vocabulary you have learned during your spelling exercises, before making a final copy that will be turned in to your teacher.
Comparing and editing drafts before writing the official version is a commonly taught part of the sixth-grade curriculum and will help make for a better final essay overall.
Sixth-grade students will also have to actively partake in peer reviews, so have another student read your drafts to ensure the essay has a natural flow. Another perspective may bring certain things to your attention that you may not notice on your own.

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Based in Florida, Robert Ceville has been writing electronics-based articles since 2009. He has experience as a professional electronic instrument technician and writes primarily online, focusing on topics in electronics, sound design and herbal alternatives to modern medicine. He is pursuing an Associate of Science in information technology from Florida State College of Jacksonville.

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Printable 6th Grade Writing Worksheets

6th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: June 16, 2024

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6th grader's writing under Common Core standards

This year, your sixth grader should learn to use precise language, the right pronouns, and high-quality sources for research. Public presentations are also a nerve-wracking but important skill highlighted this year. Read on to learn the key sixth grade writing skills your child should learn this year.

Introducing argument writing

Developmentally, sixth graders are entering a rebellious phase. Luckily, all this attitude has an academic outlet: argument writing . Your tween will write persuasive essays that promote their bold opinions with organized logic, backed by evidence from carefully researched, respectable sources. ( Wikipedia , The Onion , and National Enquirer won’t qualify, but Wikipedia does often link to sources at the bottom of their entries that may be acceptable.)

Your 11- or 12-year-old will also write formal essays that explain complicated topics with precise information. They’ll start with intriguing introductions, and then present their research in a clear, organized way. They will use quotes, facts, definitions, compare-and-contrast statements, cause-and-effect statements, graphics (e.g., charts, graphs), subject-specific vocabulary, and multimedia. It will all be formatted (e.g., using headings, subheadings, and bullet points), to make their points clear. They’ll end with concluding paragraphs that recap their main points.

“ To put it another way, Mommy, there is compelling evidence that I need another scoop of ice cream. ” This grown-up language sounds amusingly hoity-toity in squeaky voices, but don’t laugh when your child attempts it in daily conversation. Indeed, it is good practice for their writing.

Incredibly, what happened next was..

Storytelling is a fun part of sixth grade writing. This year, kids practice narrative writing in fiction and nonfiction papers. They learn effective ways to select their narrator, characters, setting, dialogue, descriptions, and conclusion. They work to make plot sequences seem natural. To really make their stories sing, kids should use specific details, precise language, and transition vocabulary (think: After nightfall or When she awoke ) that guides readers from one setting or plot point to another. Don’t be surprised if your shy bookworm starts writing a trilogy.

If at first you don’t succeed

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Ernest Hemingway rewrote the last page of one of his novels 39 times. Rewriting and editing both teach kids discipline and determination. They are required to plan before they write, and then plan some more as their draft develops. They’re encouraged to outline before they start writing. They draft and redraft. They will revise certain parts and maybe restructure their entire paper. Then they will edit, possibly rewrite, and re-edit. At every turn, they’re encouraged to try new approaches. This isn’t obsessive redundancy; it helps students practice thinking about what they’re really, truly trying to say and then use their writing skills to convey their thoughts clearly and exactly.

Command of the keyboard

Writing nowadays often means typing . Sixth graders accelerate their hand-eye coordination as they evolve from hunt-and-peck slowness to rat-tat-tat-tat-tatting at a furious pace. The goal is for sixth graders to be able to sit and type three pages in a single sitting. Additionally, kids are taught online interaction and collaboration (e.g., emailing their work to each other, sharing Google docs, and adding suggestions and comments to each other’s work).

My research reveals…

Sixth graders get writing assignments that require research. To answer questions like What famous historical character do you admire? What’s your favorite invention? What endangered species do you worry about the most? , your young detective will read thick reference books and print periodicals at the library and digital data online (yes, often via Google). Students learn to evaluate the credibility of sources . Is National Lampoon as legitimate as Encyclopedia Britannica ? No. Using evidence, they compile information to write reports. They’ll learn to paraphrase what they’ve read, synthesize new thoughts, and use quotations to share information without plagiarizing.

Novel approach

Is Harry Potter more emotionally conflicted than Katniss Everdeen? Sixth graders sharpen their critical thinking skills by doing literary analysis. They’ll analyze poems, stories, historical novels, and nonfiction books. Kids learn to compare and contrast topics and themes. They’ll do this, for example, by discussing the consequences of prejudice in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and in Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad or by explaining how nature directs the plots of The Secret Garden and The Island of the Blue Dolphin . In nonfiction, sixth graders learn to divide an author’s statements into facts supported by evidence versus opinions. For example, was the Great Houdini truly “the world’s greatest magician” or is this an opinion? After all, David Copperfield walked through the Great Wall of China.

Pronouns: not just me-me-me all the time

Grammar isn’t easy, especially for 11- and 12-year-olds. Pronoun usage can be particularly tough. Kids learn about proper pronoun case . What’s that? Subjective case refers to pronouns used as subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). Objective case indicates pronouns used as objects (me, you, him, her, it, us, they). Possessive case conveys ownership (my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, our, ours, their, theirs). Using pronouns incorrectly can leave the writer (or speaker) looking unintelligent. For example, Us and her carried apples over to yous big barn is neither proper nor pretty.

Mistakes in pronoun person are common among this age group. To correct this, your child needs to loyally stick with the “person” they started with. No switching from first person (I or me) to second person (you), or vice-versa: When I go to school, you should have your homework done, or When you go to school, a person should have his homework done . (Hint, that second example goes from second person to third person.) Both switches are incorrect and can create confusion.

Pronoun number is also crucial. If the subject indicates a plural quantity, the related possessive pronoun needs the identical number. Here’s an example of this common error: All of the school girls took her umbrella. (It should be their umbrellas) . Vague pronouns are also a no-no. Take the sentence: Alice put a vase with a red rose on the desk, and sold it. What was sold: the vase, the rose, or the desk? We don’t know because it, used here, is too vague.

Sentences, spelling, punctuation

Sixth grade writing raises the bar when it comes to sentence structure. Kids are expected to vary their sentences by alternating the length and structure to keep their writing interesting.

When it comes to spelling, many sixth graders know that spelling rules in English are finicky and have many exceptions. Kids learn to spell odd English words correctly, with silent letters ( island, crumb ) and bizarre combo consonants ( cough, pheasant ). As such, spelling is best learned through practice and, eventually, by memorizing. If your child gets frustrated spelling words like climb or plumbing , let them know that Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and a committee of concerned citizens tried to simplify English spelling more than a century ago — sadly, to no avail.

Finally, as their writing becomes more advanced, sixth graders tend to use commas, parentheses, and dashes to set apart phrases and clauses. You can help by reviewing these sentences and making sure the punctuation is placed correctly.

It’s all about presentations

In sixth grade, kids will read their writing aloud to classmates. As they read, they’ll be expected to make eye contact, pronounce their words clearly, and speak loudly enough to be heard by the entire class. They’ll share their arguments, research papers, projects, and literary efforts, which will often be accompanied by visual displays, music, audio, charts, and slides. Your child may be nervous before these presentations, but hopefully your child will be empowered by the experience.

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Grade 6 Writing

Discover grade 6 writing standards.

Sixth-grade writing is all about demonstrating complexity in original work. Learners at this grade level are expected to continue developing their English language arts skills to better articulate their thoughts effectively and showcase the writing skills they’ve acquired during their time in elementary school. In Grade 6, you child should write stronger arguments, more engaging stories, and present factual information with ease.

Similar to the lower grade levels, your child will continue to develop a strong understanding of the relationship between reading and writing, as they will now have to start analyzing information to determine the main points of a text in order to inform their writing.

Grade 6 Writing Goals:

I can write clear arguments and provide evidence to support my claims
I can maintain a formal or informal tone throughout my writing
I can write strong conclusions and story endings
I can use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and paragraphs
I can research and include facts in my reports
I can use dialogue and vary the pace in my narratives
I can use technology to produce and publish my writing
I can clearly write in different styles and text types
I can write with stamina for a sustained period of time

Grade 6 students will predominantly focus on three key writing approaches:

Opinion Writing

Informative writing, narrative writing.

The advice below will set up your child for sixth-grade writing success!

Argument and opinion writing are very important writing skills, as they allow learners to effectively voice their opinion and share different perspectives on the same piece. Once they master these skills, they’ll be able to state a clear point of view and support it with reason and evidence.

Arguments should be written in a formal style. Understanding the difference between formal and informal writing, and when each should be used is a skill children will learn in sixth grade.

Being able to use linking words is an important skill your child should have at this grade level. These words are the glue that stick claims and reasons, sentences and paragraphs, together. By sixth grade, children are expected to use a variety of linking words effectively when writing arguments.

Here are a few for you to practice with your children:

consequently, as a result, therefore, henceforth, moreover,
furthermore, similarly, additionally, equally, likewise,
nevertheless, even so, regardless, in contrast, despite, finally, immediately

When a child has crafted their argument by clearly stating their position, giving reasons, adding supporting details, and using linking words, they need to write a concluding statement. A concluding statement should wrap up the argument. It could summarize the main points from their argument, or rephrase their position, and it should end on a positive note.

Practice Tip

You can encourage your child to work on understanding the differences between formal and informal language by comparing two different texts and discussing their similarities and differences.

When writing informative texts, there are a variety of different strategies that children can use depending on the topic and purpose. Using definitions and cause/effect are examples of these.

Here are some top tips on how to plan an informative piece of writing:

Identify the main topic of the piece.
Create a list or discuss important points to mention.
Organize the points discussed by order of importance.
Offer a factual and neutral point of view - offering statistics if needed. Topics should be developed with facts, definitions, details, and quotations.
Be precise and clear on the points made. Use a variety of linking words to clarify the relationship between ideas and to help transition between sentences and paragraphs.

Informative writing pieces should be closed with a concluding section that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader thinking about the topic. This conclusion should offer recommendations on further reading for the audience, or leave the reader with questions relating to the future of the topic.

Work on informative writing by asking your child to write a weekly grocery shopping list, asking them to name all of the essential items which are used on a regular basis. Looking for more? Our reading & writing program for kids offers lots of lessons on how to incorporate factual information into a piece of informative writing!

Informative writing lesson series on Nightzookeeper.com.

Technique, description, and a well-sequenced plot are all expected features of sixth grade level narratives. When working on narrative writing, some aspects to focus on include a clear focus on the topic, good descriptions of characters , settings and other imagery relevant to the narrative. Narratives may also include techniques such as dialogue.

These narrative techniques are very useful, as they allow the plot to move forward and help to develop well-rounded characters.

Young writers should utilize figurative language (including similes, metaphors, and personification) and a wide vocabulary to include precise words and phrases in their short stories. Narrative writing relies heavily on providing a high level of detail with the aim to allow the reader to clearly visualize the actions, characters and settings present in the story. For example, adverbials of time and place are linking words we often use to sequence paragraphs. They show shifts in time and place that help readers follow the sequence of a narrative.

Concluding a piece of narrative writing may sometimes be challenging, as there are many techniques to choose from. We really encourage writers to try out different endings to their narrative pieces, including cliffhangers, unexpected plot twists or a classic happy ending!

The narrative lesson series on our program is a great way to help your young writer to explore narrative techniques such as pacing, description, and dialogue to move the plot forward and develop characters and events.

Narrative lesson series on Nightzookeeper.com.

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper is a language arts program created to support sixth grade students as they prepare for middle school. Our gamified approach to teaching writing puts an educational twist on video games to help students to stay focused, engaged and entertained as they learn!

Our program hosts a wealth of award-winning sixth-grade writing content, including challenges, writing assignments, interactive lesson series, creative writing prompts, printable resources, and much more!

With the regular feedback provided by our tutors to children, our program helps learners to develop good habits in regards to drafting and redrafting their writing.

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Common Core State Standards Initiative

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 6

Standards in this strand:, text types and purposes:, production and distribution of writing:, research to build and present knowledge:, range of writing:.

Key Design Consideration
Students Who are College and Career Ready in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, & Language
How to Read the Standards
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Language
Introduction for K-5
Kindergarten
Introduction for 6-12
Grade 11-12
Introduction
Language Progressive Skills
Measuring Text Complexity: Three Factors
Range of Text Types for K-5
Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Range of Student Reading K-5
Staying on Topic Within a Grade & Across Grades
Range of Text Types for 6-12
Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Range of Student Reading 6-12
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The Guide to 6th Grade: Reading and Writing

Review reading and writing curricula for 6th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..

In their first year of middle school, 6th graders embark on a new journey in their schooling, and with that comes new challenges and changes. In many ways, 6th grade is a year of significant transition for students as they use the skills they have previously learned and apply them to more complex and independent learning in deeper and more rigorous ways.

While collaboration may still be an important part of the curriculum, students are often required to produce more extensive independent work, specifically in writing. This calls for greater independence and organizational skills, and it may certainly require some adjustment and practice in the beginning of the school year.

Read on to find out what to expect this year! You can shop all sixth grade books and activities at The Scholastic Store .

Sixth Grade Reading

The ultimate goal of the 6th grade reading curriculum is for students to read increasingly complex texts over the course of the year, preparing them for high school, college, and careers beyond. Students read a variety of texts and different genres, including fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction.

There is a specific emphasis on and increase in the reading of nonfiction texts in order to prepare students to read, write, and research across subjects. As students read more complex texts, analyzing and understanding them in deeper ways, they strengthen their knowledge of all subjects.

In order to build reading skills, your 6th grader :

Uses evidence from the text in order to summarize the plot, make inferences about and analyze the text, and determine the central theme or themes in a text.
Understands and explains the point of view in a text; understands the significance of certain words and passages in a text.
Understands and relays the main thesis or claims of a non-fiction text and its supporting evidence.
Reads and compares different texts and genres that address the same topics.
Uses a variety of media and formats, including video and audio, to further enhance understanding of a topic or text.
Participates in class-wide and group discussions expressing the ideas and skills learned.
Practices a variety of vocabulary skills, including using the context in which a word is found to determine the meaning of words, recognizing roots of words, and using digital and physical reference materials (dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries).
Gains an understanding of and the ability to explain figurative language in a text.

6th Grade Writing

In middle school, 6th graders are encouraged to push themselves further in their writing and write with increased complexity in terms of length, subject matter, vocabulary, and general writing techniques. At the same time, 6th graders practice and refine many of the skills previously taught to them while enhancing them with the new skills and techniques they learn.

In order to build writing skills, your 6th grader :

Writes using more complex vocabulary and about more complex content.
Writes over extended periods of time, such as when writing long-term research or expressive pieces that may take a week.
Writes for short amounts of times, such as in one sitting.
Writes a variety of genres for a variety of audiences.
Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources.
Include an introduction, a conclusion, and transitions.
Integrate other forms of media and formats, such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate.
Descriptive detail of characters, settings, and experiences.
A clear structure, with a logical order and flow, thought-out word choice, and a conclusion.
Plans, revises, and edits writing, with guidance from teachers and peers.
Writes pieces that display the reading skills achieved, including analysis of text, making comparisons and claims, and developing arguments using specific evidence.
Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and type a minimum of three pages in one sitting.

Shop the best resources for sixth grade below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store .

Explore other grade guides:

Kindergarten
First Grade
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Fifth Grade
Seventh Grade
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Year 6. Model Text. Informal letter. The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

22 August 2024

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An informal letter as Edek, explaining what has happened to him. can be used after Chapter 13.

Enhance English lessons with this comprehensive informal letter for Year 6 students in England. Specifically designed to complement your teaching of the adventure story The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier.

The package includes a model text exemplifying an informal letter, a differentiated success criteria presented (up to three levels) to cater to varying abilities, and a ‘fix it’ activity sheet focusing on spelling, punctuation, and grammar appropriate for Year 6 learners. The ‘fix it’ text can also be used to help generate pupils’ ideas for their independent write, along with the model text.

Upon acquiring the resource, the following activities can be implemented:

Reading and Discussion: Initiate a class or group discussion about the features of the text using the provided model text. Encourage students to share their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the writing.
Reviewing Success Criteria: Present the differentiated success criteria to students and task them with assessing the model text accordingly. Students can use colour coding, underlining, or ticking off to indicate the inclusion of all necessary features.
Magpie map. Two pages full of expanded noun phrases, smiles, metaphors, adjectives and 6 sense words associated with the writing task to aid children with their ideas and increase their vocabulary.
Error Correction Exercise: Engage students in a correction activity focusing on identifying and rectifying spelling, punctuation, and verb tense errors in the text.
Writing Task: Encourage students to craft their own text inspired by the model and self/peer assess their work using the provided success criteria.

If you find this resource beneficial, kindly leave a review and email [email protected] with your username and the reviewed resource to claim another resource of equivalent value for free.

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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Year 6. Model Text. The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier

5 Model Texts based on The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier An informal letter as Edek, explaining what has happened to him. can be used after Chapter 13. Character Description of Ruth. Character profile on Jan. Diary entry as Ruth. Chapter 11. Can be used after chapters 14 and 15. A setting description of The Blitz Can be used at the end of the book. A setting description of The Swiss Mountains. Each resource comes with at least one model text, a differentiated success criteria (presented up to three ways) to suit the needs of all abilities and a ‘Fix the Mistakes’ activity, focusing on spelling and punctuation and grammar and a ‘Magpie Map’ to help children generate ideas and enhance their vocabulary. This also acts as another ideas generator for children before they write their own text. Upon acquiring the resource, the following activities can be implemented: 1. Reading and Discussion: Initiate a class or group discussion about the features of the text using the provided model text. Encourage students to share their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. 2. Reviewing Success Criteria: Present the differentiated success criteria to students and task them with assessing the model text accordingly. Students can use colour coding, underlining, or ticking off to indicate the inclusion of all necessary features. 3. Magpie map. Two pages full of expanded noun phrases, smiles, metaphors, adjectives and 6 sense words associated with the writing task to aid children with their ideas and increase their vocabulary. 4. Error Correction Exercise: Engage students in a correction activity focusing on identifying and rectifying spelling, punctuation, and verb tense errors in the text. 5. Writing Task: Encourage students to craft their own text inspired by the model and self/peer assess their work using the provided success criteria. This Word-format resource is adaptable to suit your teaching requirements, offering flexibility in implementation. If you find this resource beneficial, kindly leave a review and email [email protected] with your username and the reviewed resource to claim another resource of equivalent value for free.

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Essays in 6th Grade: A Basic Format that Elevates the Standard 5-Paragraph Structure. 6th grade is such a funny year. Funny haha and funny weird. Student writing levels are all over the map. You will have students coming to you writing on a very elementary level, still needing loads of help with grammar and paragraph formation.
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Creative Writing Topics for Grade 6. 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.
Awesome 6th Grade Writing Prompts (Updated!)
121 More FREE Grade 6 Writing Resources. Take a look at this list of even more wonderful writing prompts and resources for 6th graders. 37 6th Grade Writing Prompts; 31 6th Grade Writing Ideas; 53 Reflective Writing Prompts; Until next time, write on… If you enjoyed these Writing Prompts for 6th Graders,
100 Entertaining 6th Grade Writing Prompts
Choose from 100 prompts, story starters, research topics, and poetry ideas to start the writing process in a sixth-grade classroom.
35 Thought-Provoking Persuasive Writing Prompts For 6th Graders
Find 35 thought-provoking topics for 6th graders to write persuasive essays on. These prompts cover various issues and topics that require research, analysis, and argumentation skills.
51 Great Sixth Grade Writing Prompts That Move Pens
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.
6th Grade Writing Prompts
6th Grade Writing Prompts. Category 1: Adventure. Whether it's a mysterious journey, a scientific discovery, or the voyage to find a lost cat, let these creative writing prompts take you further into adventure. Writers can use these prompts to imagine encounters with adversaries, kings, cats, and more. Identify an adventure or quest of ...
6th Grade Essay Prompts: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to write essays with 33 prompts for 6th graders. Find out the basics of essay writing, the types of prompts, and the process of writing an essay.
6th Grade Writing Prompts: Unlocking Imagination
Find 25 creative writing prompts for 6th graders to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Learn about the importance of writing prompts and the 6th grade writing curriculum.
The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade
4 Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade. Argumentative writing is another important skill for students to practice and develop. With argumentative writing, students must decide their opinion or position related to an issue and provide reasons that support their position. These reasons should be evidenced based, so research to find the ...
Common Core Worksheets
For sixth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, sixth graders will be asked to: begin to effectively use evidence, reason, arguments, sources ...
How to Write a Sixth-Grade Essay
Learn the basics of writing a five-paragraph essay for a sixth-grade assignment, including introduction, body and conclusion. Find tips on how to revise, edit and peer review your work.
31 Great 6th Grade Journal Prompts & Writing Ideas
33 Expository Writing for Students; 6th Grade Writing Worksheets and Free Printable; I'm sure you young writers will love these ideas and resources. But, if they need even more inspiration, take a look at… The Favorites List. In addition to the list of 6th-grade journal prompts above, I have this excellent and simple list of journal ideas ...
Printable 6th Grade Writing Worksheets
Browse Printable 6th Grade Writing Worksheets. Award winning educational materials designed to help kids succeed. Start for free now!
6th grade writing
Learn what your sixth grader should know and do in writing essays, stories, research papers, and more. Find out how to help your child improve their grammar, punctuation, and keyboarding skills.
Grade 6 Writing
Sixth-grade writing is all about demonstrating complexity in original work. Learners at this grade level are expected to continue developing their English language arts skills to better articulate their thoughts effectively and showcase the writing skills they've acquired during their time in elementary school. In Grade 6, you child should write stronger arguments, more engaging stories, and ...
Free 6th grade writing-essays resources
6th grade. Writing-essays. Free. Standard. All filters (3) ANIMAL RESEARCH 2: ANIMAL GROUPS: EDITABLE FLIPBOOKS BUNDLE. Teach2Tell. $24.50 $49.00. 144 Informational Text/Non-Fiction Task Card Bundle - IN CLASS and DIGITAL.
6th Grade Writing Worksheets (Free Printables)
More Free Grade 6 Writing Resources. 6th Grade Journal Prompts — Here you will find a wonderful list of 31 prompts and writing ideas for your grade 6 child.. As sixth graders enter middle school and prepare to become teenagers, many kids find themselves struggling to understand their emotions and to express their changing, unique personalities.
English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 6
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 6 here .) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.6.
The Guide to 6th Grade: Reading and Writing
The ultimate goal of the 6th grade reading curriculum is for students to read increasingly complex texts over the course of the year, preparing them for high school, college, and careers beyond. Students read a variety of texts and different genres, including fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. There is a specific emphasis on and increase ...
Year 6. Model Text. Informal letter. The Silver Sword by Ian
Students can use colour coding, underlining, or ticking off to indicate the inclusion of all necessary features. 3. Magpie map. Two pages full of expanded noun phrases, smiles, metaphors, adjectives and 6 sense words associated with the writing task to aid children with their ideas and increase their vocabulary. 4.

Essays in 6th Grade: A Basic Format that Elevates the Standard 5-Paragraph Structure

Give Them a Format...to Start

Bye-Bye 5-Paragraph Essay

The Format that Works (Research and Literary Analysis)

Introductory and Conclusion Statements

Topic Sentences

Body Paragraph Format

Bottom Line

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In This Section

50 Engaging 6th Grade Writing Prompts for Thoughtful Essays

Narrative Writing Prompts

Story Starters

Personal Narrative Prompts

Reflective Writing Prompts

Informational Writing Prompts

Expository Prompts

Research Prompts

Procedural Prompts

Argument Writing Prompts

Argumentative Essay Prompts

Persuasive Prompts

Poetry Prompts

Creative Writing Prompts

Dust Off Those Pencils and Get Ready to Write!

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

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What Should a 6th Grader Write about?

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35 Thought-Provoking Persuasive Writing Prompts For 6th Graders

Persuasive Writing Prompts For The 6th Grade Student

2. Should recycling be mandatory instead of suggested?

3. Should vending machines ban junk food?

4. Is it okay to keep exotic animals as pets?

5. Should the federal government impose a tax on sugary drinks?

6. Should life skills be a greater focus for education?

7. Should there be age limits to use social media?

8. Is it important to save endangered species?

9. Should video games be considered a sport?

10. Should there be a ban on plastic bags?

11. Is it necessary to have physical books anymore?

12. Is it important to teach physical education in schools?

13. Should zoos be banned?

14. Should recess be scheduled for all kids in school? Even high school students?

15. If a student has good grades all school year, should they still have to take standardized tests?

16. Is hunting cruel to animals?

17. Should gas powered cars be outlawed?

18. Is a rewards program or discipline more effective to motivate students?

19. Should the United States require military service for men and women, like other countries do?

20. Should healthcare be free for everybody?

21. Should candy purchases be limited based on how many cavities you have?

22. Is it appropriate to let kids work at younger ages, like 10 or 12, if they can do the job?

23. Should foreign language be required in school or should it be one of the elective courses?

24. Should students be allowed to use their cell phones during tests?

25. Should plastic water bottles be banned?

26. Is it more important to continue exploration of space or the ocean?

27. Should reading an analog clock still be taught in school?

28. Is learning proper handwriting or fast typing more important in today’s world?

29. Should the voting age be lowered so elementary school students can vote?

30. Should AI be allowed in writing school papers if calculators are allowed in math?

31. Are cell phones good or bad for your health?

32. Should bees become a protected species?

33. Is it ever appropriate to ban a book?

34. Should community service be required for kids, middle schoolers and up?

35. Is reading or math more important in today’s world?

Click Here To Download A One Page PDF Printable Of All The Argumentative Essay Topics

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6 th Grade Writing Prompts

6th Grade Writing Prompts: Unlocking Imagination

The Importance of Writing Prompts

25 6th Grade Writing Prompts

Understanding the 6th Grade Writing Curriculum

Emphasis on narrative writing

Introduction to essay writing and personal narratives

Role of reading comprehension and vocabulary development

Types of 6th Grade Writing Prompts