essay topic for pre intermediate

30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students

When learning a new language like English, developing writing skills is essential. Many beginner ESL students find it difficult to write essays, especially if they have to come up with the essay topic themselves.

List Of ESL Writing Topics

Here is a list of ESL writing topics and writing prompts your students can write about.

Tips For Teaching ESL Writing

Error correction.

Although it is necessary to highlight and correct students’ errors, it can be quite demotivating for a student to only hear all the things they got wrong.

After correcting errors, give students an opportunity to re-write their essays and correct their mistakes. Once students have completed their final draft, be sure to let them know what you liked about their essay, and you can even share this praise with other students, teachers, and even the student’s parents.

Ask About Students’ Interests

A great way to encourage this is to ask about things students are interested in and then tailor the writing topic to them.

Provide Enough Writing Prompts

To help students write longer essays, be sure to give them enough writing prompts to cover the different aspects they should cover in their writing.

Structure The Essay

To help ESL students become better at writing in English, teach them a particular structure you would like them to follow when writing their essays.

Thanks for reading. I hope you found some useful ESL writing topics and writing prompts you can use in your next writing class. 

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40 ESL Essay Writing Topics + Prompts

By VIPKid  |  April 20, 2018

Ready to start teaching English online?

Writing ESL essay writing is hard for most students and many will struggle at first before learning to write well.

However, writing skills are a crucial part of learning a new language . 

In this piece, we’ll share some ESL writing prompts and ESL essay topics for five different kinds of essays. They should help your students develop their grammar and vocabulary skills  while teaching them how to write coherently.

(While they work for all kinds of students, we’ve found these topics are especially handy for  teaching English to kids .) 

Writing practice should never be boring! When you’re done this article, check out the 10 most engaging writing activities here .

Descriptive ESL Writing Topics

• Describe your favorite place in as much detail as possible.
• Describe your favorite fictional character in as much detail as possible.
• Describe a famous person – e.g. a singer or athlete – that you admire. Focus on both their appearance and personality traits.
• Describe a family member or your best friend  as detailed as possible. Discuss how they look and their personality.  
• Choose a  hobby or favorite activity  and describe why and how you do it. 
• Describe your most memorable holiday or vacation spot in as much detail as possible.
• Describe a photo or work of art in as much detail as possible.
• Pick your favorite food . Describe what you taste, smell, and sense while eating or drinking it. 

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Explanatory ESL Essay Topics

• Give directions for getting from one point to another . For example, how to get from your home to your school. Describe the landmarks someone might see along the way.
• Explain how to cook your favorite meal . Provide a recipe and the step-by-step instructions.
• Explain your favorite computer game . What should a player do to win? What are some playing tips?
• Explain what you would do if your friends show up at your house unexpectedly . Say how you would entertain them. 
• Explain how to make a bed . This task is seemingly simple but allows you to write about everyday habits you might never think through in detail. 
• Explain how to make a paper airplane . Again, this task has many precise, technical details that that should be included in the essay. 
• Explain how to brush your teeth . Try to make your essay about a seemingly mundane task more interesting. 
• Explain how to pack a suitcase when going on a holiday. List out all the objects and pieces of clothing you would bring. 

ESL Essays Topics to Practice Verb Tenses

• Talk about a time in the past when you had to make a difficult decision . Explain what you did and why.
• Describe your dream place to live . Why would you want to live there? What would you do?
• Write about three specific goals  you want to achieve this year. Explain how you are going to achieve them.
• Write about something you regret having done . Point out what could have happened if you had not made that decision.
• Describe the world 100 years from now . Describe how people live, and new inventions and also the things that will not change.
• Talk about your earliest memory . What happened? How well do you remember the events?
• Write a short essay about how you prepared for class . Now “translate” that essay into future tense. In other words, the essay should say how you plan to prepare for class.  

Argumentative ESL Essay Topics

• Are smartphones good or bad? Give some arguments to support your position.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of public schools and private schools ?
• What is your favorite book or movie ? Convince others, through your essay, to read or watch it. 
• Is it the case that the more people that have cars, the better? What are some advantages and disadvantages of public transit ? 
• Should money be spent on space exploration ? Give arguments to support your opinion.
• You’re the mayor of your town or city. Explain in an essay your recent decision to ban smoking . Then, from another person’s perspective, write a letter to the mayor protesting this new law. 
• Reading books vs. watching movies . Which do you prefer and why?
• What are the pros and cons of e-readers compared to paper books?

Hypothetical ESL Essay Topics

• What would you do if you were late for an important class?
• What would you do if your car got a flat tire on the highway?
• If you had the power to change one thing about your past, what would it be?
• If you had the power to alter  one major historical event , what would it be?
• If you could take any superhero’s powers , who would be your choice?
• How would you feel if, one day, you woke up 300 years in the past ?
• What would you do if you won the lottery ? Would your life change day-to-day?

Some General ESL Essay Tips

When checking ESL essays, pay attention to the following key points:

• Grammar. The ESL essay should be grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary. The more new vocabulary the essay contains, the more points it will get.
• Text flow. The text of the essay should flow logically and naturally. Pay attention to the use of connecting words and phrases. These include first of all , secondly , moreover , in addition , besides , finally , on the one hand, on the other hand , and as a result .
• Sticking to the topic. Some essay writers tend to deviate from ESL essay topics. However, a perfect ESL essay should stay as close to the point as possible.

A good essay typically has the following parts:

• An introduction . Here, the author gives some general information about the topic or lays out their argument. An effective intro entices readers to read further. 
• The body . In an argumentative essay, the body could be 2 to 3 paragraphs. Each should introduce their arguments and support them with examples. In other types of essays, the content may vary. For example, the body may include descriptions, explanations, or personal stories.
• Conclusion . The author should logically conclude or summarize their thoughts and arguments.

How Do You Teach Writing?

It doesn’t matter if you teach English online or if you’re a classroom teacher, we want to know about your  teaching styles.  Do you use writing prompts,  games and activities, or something else entirely?

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20 English Essay Topics/Questions | B2 First (FCE)

The language of an English essay should be formal . Also, make sure that you justify all your ideas and that you use appropriate connectors to link your sentences and paragraphs .

How to write B2 First (FCE) essay?

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B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example Topics / Questions

Below is a sample list of academic essay writing topics/tasks for B2-level (intermediate) students. You can use them to practice writing English essays or to prepare for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 1 | First (FCE)

You have watched a documentary about young children in poor areas who leave school to work. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Teenagers are dropping out of school to find a job. How can we help them to continue their education?

Write about:

• family problems
• financial difficulties
• …………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 2 | First (FCE)

In your social studies course, you have watched a documentary on the potential effects of too much pollution on the air quality of city centres. Your professor has assigned you an essay to write.

Keeping the air quality in city centres at healthy levels for their residents is a concern for many places. How can we solve the problem of pollution in city centres?

• automobiles
• ………………  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 3 | First (FCE)

In your education class, you have listened to a lecture on the importance of teaching foreign languages in school. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Learning a foreign language helps students develop a set of important skills. Why should foreign languages be taught in schools?

• new cultures
•  employment
• …………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 4 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the problem of widespread starvation in many parts of Africa. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In many parts of Africa, people are dying of starvation and lack of freshwater. Can these problems be solved?

• lack of organised farming
• …….. …….. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 5 | First (FCE)

You have watched a video on a non-profit organisation working to stop the use of animals for testing medicines used by human beings. Now, your professor has asked you to write an essay.

Testing on animals is a standard in scientific research. What is the best way to deal with this problem?

• animals suffer
• outdated form of research
• …… ……..  (your own idea)

Get Your (FCE) Essay Checked!

B2 - essay topic / question 6 | first (fce).

You have listened to a radio programme about deforestation, the cutting down of trees in many wild areas around the world. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Many forests around the world are being destroyed for agricultural, commercial, or housing use without allowing time for the forests to regenerate themselves. What can be done to improve the situation?

• what contributes to the greenhouse effect
• ………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 7 | First (FCE)

In your English class, you have been talking about endangered species, animals or plants that will likely become extinct. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Around the world, many wildlife species are in danger of extinction. How can we protect endangered animals?

• hunting wild animals
• ………..  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 8 | First (FCE)

You have watched a Youtube video about the problem of computer game addiction in children. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

More and more young people spend most of their time playing computer games. How can we help children to overcome this addiction?

• bad grades at school
• no social life
• ………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 9 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the impact of smoking on people’s health. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Smoking is responsible for many health problems throughout the world. Do you think it should be made illegal?

• lung cancer
•  passive smoking
• ……………… (your own idea)

FCE, CAE, CPE

More than practice tests, b2 - essay topic / question 10 | first (fce).

In your English class, you have been talking about the problem of obesity in young people. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In Europe and the USA a lot of young people have an obesity problem. What can be done to solve this problem?

• (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 11 | First (FCE)

Has technology made a positive contribution to sport today?

• The use of technology to improve performance
• The use of technology in refereeing decisions

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 12 | First (FCE)

It is better to work at home than in an office. Do you agree?

• Contact with people
• Working hours

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 13 | First (FCE)

Life is harder for young people now than in the past. Do you agree?

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 14 | First (FCE)

Is it better to go shopping in small local businesses or large out-of-town shopping centres?

• Where things are cheaper
• Where service is better

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 15 | First (FCE)

Is it better to spend a summer holiday in the countryside or on the coast?

• Leisure options

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 16 | First (FCE)

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:

Do you agree that community service works better than fines?

• effort and time
• lesson learned
• ………………(your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 17 | First (FCE)

Is it true that we help the environment when we plant a tree?

• clear the air
•  ………….( your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 18 | First (FCE)

Nowadays children are suffering from obesity, that was once considered to be meant for adults only. What are its causes and what solutions can be offered?

• busy lifestyle

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 19 | First (FCE)

Is it better to be the oldest or the youngest in a family?

• role of older sibling

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 20 | First (FCE)

Modern lifestyles can seriously endanger our health.

Do you agree?

• physical activity
• …….. (your own choice)

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Download (PDF)

Download B2 First (FCE) Essay: Topics (PDF)

Practice Tests Online

B2 first (fce) essay: assessement criteria.

Your essay will be assessed according to these four criteria:

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50+ ESL Writing Prompts

Prompts are excellent for countering the dreaded blank page during writing exercises, which many ESL students find not only intimidating but also immobilizing. After all, they’re working in a second language that might not even share the same writing system as their own.

Let’s have a look at more than 50 different writing prompts and how you can use them to give students a boost in the right direction. The guide also includes top resources to find more great writing prompts.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Process Writing

Process writing is a good place to start with your beginner students.

Simple process writing can be nothing more than a numbered list of steps written in the simple present with imperative grammar.

You can also use these prompts for intermediate and advanced students by asking them to write full paragraphs using smooth transitions.

Process Writing Prompts

• What’s your favorite food from your home country? How do you make it?
• How did you travel from your home country to the U.S.?
• What’s the best way to study for an exam?
• How does a person learn to read? What are the necessary steps?
• What’s something you’re good at? How did you learn to do it?
• How do you get ready every morning? Discuss each step of your morning routine.
• How does a person get a job? What steps must they take?
• How do you get a driver’s license? What steps must you follow?
• How does an acorn grow into a tree? What are the stages of its life?
• What are the stages of the water cycle?

How to set your students up for success

When brainstorming ideas, ask your students to list the steps of how they came up with the content to write about. If you want to challenge intermediate and advanced students, have them write paragraphs describing the brainstorming process rather than writing a numbered list.

For certain topics, students may need time for additional research, like when writing about science.

Also, be aware of any vocabulary that may be specific to the process students are describing. For example, if they’re describing a food from their home country, students may need to define a particular ingredient (e.g. kimchi, herbs de provence ) that may not have a good English equivalent.

Opinion Writing

Opinions are everywhere. From social media posts to commentary on news programs, we’re constantly exposed to other opinions and ideas. For this reason, it’s important for students to be able to both express their own opinions and evaluate the opinions of others.

And what better way to express one’s opinions than with a written argument? Here are some prompts to help your students vocalize their opinions.

Opinion Writing Prompts

• Should people under the age of 21 be allowed to drink alcohol? Please explain.
• Should college students be allowed to choose their own courses or study from a set list of required courses? Please explain.
• Is it better for young adults to live at home with their parents or to live on their own? Please explain.
• Should your country require young adults to serve in the military? Why or why not?
• Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics? Why or why not?
• Should people be allowed to smoke in restaurants? Please explain your opinion.
• Should parents be allowed to arrange marriages for their children? Why or why not?
• Should students be required to take physical education? Why or why not?
• Should teenagers be allowed to make decisions about their sexual health without the consent of their parents? Please explain your opinion.
• Should students be required to clean their schools? Please explain.

Before starting the assignment, review modal verbs with your class . Explain to your students that the verb, “should,” is a signal word for opinion writing and is commonly used when expressing one’s thoughts, opinions and ideas.

Graphic organizers are a great way to help students think through what they believe about a given topic and get those thoughts in the right order for writing. Curriculum developer, Scholastic, has some great organizers you can print and give to your students to help them gather their thoughts before they write.

Good opinion writing takes both sides of an argument into consideration. While students should devote the majority of their essay to supporting the facts they agree with, they also need to dedicate a section to addressing the opposition’s argument and explaining why it’s wrong. This is called the rebuttal and should come just before the conclusion in an opinion piece.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing tells a story.

It has a beginning, a middle and an end, and aims to engross the reader and make them feel as if they’re experiencing the story firsthand. Moreover, narrative writing covers a sequence of events, telling the reader how these events relate to one another.

Narrative Writing Prompts

• Think about a time in your life when you were disappointed. What caused this, and how did you get over it?
• Did you have a pet as a child? If so, tell the story of how you got it.
• Who’s your hero? What did they do to gain your respect and admiration?
• What was an important event in your childhood? Write about what happened and how it has affected you.
• Tell about a time you were embarrassed.
• How did you meet your significant other? Tell the story of that first meeting. (For younger students, you can ask the question, “How did your parents meet each other?”)
• When did you first think about traveling overseas to study English?
• What would the perfect day look like? Discuss how you would spend it from when you woke until you went to sleep. (Note: Your students need to use the conditional form for this narrative. Take time to review it with them before assigning this prompt.)
• Describe the life of a dollar bill, from when it comes off the printing press until it retires.
• Describe the life of someone famous in your culture. Where did they come from? How did they become famous?

Absolutely essential for narrative writing, transitions ensure the sequence of events flows smoothly. Before beginning the writing exercise, take a few minutes to review transition words and phrases with your students. You can even  give them a copy of this list  to help them get started.

Another important part of narrative writing is action words. Great for boosting the imagination, action words help the reader visualize the story while reading. Encourage your students to add extra color to their stories by having them brainstorm a list of action words at the beginning of the lesson.

Lastly, make sure that your students use proper verb tenses throughout their writing. Regardless of whether the story is being told in past or present tense, students must learn to keep the verb tense is consistent throughout the story without switching from past to present, or vice versa, unless talking about two different points in time.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is all about writing the details, and mixing them in with sensory words and literary devices . While there’s definitely a stylistic component to descriptive writing, anyone with a good-sized vocabulary and a little bit of practice can write a vivid story.

Descriptive Writing Prompts

• Go to a coffee shop or restaurant and watch the people. Describe what you see.
• Write a travel brochure for your favorite vacation spot. Describe in detail why others should visit this location.
• Describe a classroom in your home country. How’s it different from our classroom?
• Think about a time you were scared. Describe where you were and what frightened you.
• Think of a scene in your favorite movie. Describe what happened without referencing characters in the movie.
• What’s something that is very valuable to you? Describe that object.
• Close your eyes. Tune in to what you can hear, smell and feel. Now open your eyes and write about what you observed.
• (First, have your students close their eyes, then play them a clip from a movie scene)  What did you picture as you listened to the scene?
• Describe your favorite Halloween candy, making note of how it tastes and smells.
• Describe your dream car.

The best way to help your students master descriptive writing is to get them accustomed to using sensory words —the words that describe how something looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes.

If your students are describing a person, have them start at their head and move down to their feet, or vice versa. If they’re describing a room, have them start at the door and work their way around the room clockwise. That way, their descriptions are organized and structured, making it easier for the reader to form a clear picture of the imagery in their mind as they read.

Creative Writing

Everyone loves a good story, but not all people feel confident writing one of their own.

With a solid setting, character and conflict, anyone can come up with a gripping and exciting story—even your students.

Here are some writing prompts to get your students expressing themselves with stories.

Creative Writing Prompts

• A young boy sees what appears to be a UFO land outside his home late one Tuesday night. What happens next?
• Use the following scene for inspiration: The boat rocks as each towering wave tosses it into the air and then lets it plunge. You hang over the edge of the boat waiting for the current wave of nausea to pass. Suddenly you hear at least a dozen sets of boots running along the deck…
• The year is 1880, and a young girl whose bonnet hangs down her back from its strings sighs in relief. She’s in a ghost town. How did she get there? Tell the story of her past.
• This morning is just like any other school morning, except one thing: No one else is at school. The doors are opened and unlocked, but you’re completely alone. Write the story of what happened.
• Start a story with the following phrase: It was the worst mistake he’d ever made.
• Use the following scene for inspiration: She’d never seen an animal like this before, but it seems to be friendly. Just then a news alert comes over the radio…
• Start a story with the following phrase: He could see eyes in the shadows.
• Use the following scene as inspiration: They said I was free to leave, but sitting in a helicopter with the city beneath me, where could I really go?
• Choose a favorite character from a book or movie. Then put this character in a setting from a different movie or book—for example, Harry Potter finds himself on the Millennium Falcon with Chewbacca. Then, tell the story of what happens next.
• Have each person in class write down a setting, one character and one object on three separate slips of paper. Collect each category separately, shuffle them and redistribute the papers to your students. Each person must write a story incorporating the setting, character and object they received.

For a story to be successful, it needs three important elements: setting, character and conflict .

Take a few moments to talk about each of these elements with your students before they begin the activity. Have them think about these elements and how they’ll be presented in their own stories by asking the following questions:

• Where will the story take place?
• Who’s the main character of the story?
• What conflict will that person face?
• How will they overcome what is stopping them?

Once they can answer these essential questions, they’re ready to begin writing.

If you’re teaching beginner or intermediate students, separate the language from the story elements by having them write a story they already know. They can write a story of their favorite movie, rather than come up with a plot of their own.

Also, if your students are struggling to come up with their own stories, use comic books for inspiration . Writing comics is also a great way to give students writing practice without requiring imagination to go along with it.

Resources for Finding More Inspiring ESL Writing Prompts

Writer’s Digest

The  Writer’s Digest  website and magazine is full of tips and tricks for writing, interviews with authors, and insight into what it’s like to be in the writing business. The prompts section contains mostly fiction and creative writing prompts, and is updated every week with a new prompt.

Reddit is a huge community of people who love to share things they find around the Internet, and have conversations. The Writing Prompts section has some really creative ideas, and you can even see what other people have written in the comments.

Tumblr is a great place to find ideas. It’s a place where people can blog about whatever they want, but it’s more visual than most other blogs. (That means it focuses more on pictures.) The “Writing Prompts” Tumblr uses pictures to share prompts, both creative and nonfiction. There’s even one prompt for a song!

Lindsay Ann Learning

The prompts on this website are meant for school children, but they are excellent writing starters for any age. The page focuses on journal writing, so these prompts are mostly for nonfiction writing.

Language Is a Virus

The Writing Prompts Generator on this site has a huge number of ideas for fiction and nonfiction writing, which you can see one at a time. This website also has some fun  word games  to get you thinking and being creative.

This website has over 300 prompts for you to try. Just reading through the prompts will give you some new words to learn! Most of these prompts are for creative writing, but there are a small number of nonfiction thoughts in there too.

Writing Forward

This list of creative writing prompts has 25 story starters. Just pick a first sentence and see where the story takes you! There are also some questions and ideas to explore. When you’re done here, head over to the  Grammar section  for some tips from the pros.

Writing Prompts by 21×20 Media

Want to get your prompts in a phone-friendly format? Try the Writing Prompts app from 21×20 Media. It’s not free, but at just $1.99 you get hundreds of prompts organized by type. Look through pictures, place and character ideas, and much, much more.

Wrighting Words

You’ll find almost 500 creative writing prompts on Wrighting Words. The long list has everything from interesting story starters to fun with vocabulary words. There are even some titles and dialogue ideas. You’re sure to find something to inspire you here.

Pinterest has many great collections of writing ideas and exercises. You can really browse the entire website for ideas and inspiration. For some more focused writing, check out the Writing Picture Prompts board linked to above, which has nearly 400 picture prompts meant to inspire you.

Think Written

How about a prompt for each day of the year? Think Written has that. The list here focuses on words and themes, so you can write fiction or nonfiction—it’s up to you. For a real challenge, try following the list, doing one prompt every day. How far down the list can you make it?

Visual Prompts

If you prefer to see your prompts and not just read them, you will love the Visual Prompts website. Each prompt is written over a picture that can help you imagine what you’re writing about. There’s also a nice mix of creative and nonfiction prompts here.

The Write Prompts

The Write Prompts has almost 2,000 prompts, but you might find the word prompts the most useful. Each prompt comes with a list of vocabulary words that you have to use in your story. Can you string the words along and make an interesting story or essay?

Seventh Sanctum

The Seventh Sanctum is a collection of writing generators—websites that create prompts for you. There is a nearly  infinite  (never-ending) number of possible prompts! You can also try any of the other generators, like the  setting  (place) one , or the one that asks creative  “What if…?” questions . There is so much to play with here!

Buzzfeed is mostly known for its funny picture articles , but this article has an excellent list of prompts for all kinds of writing. These prompts can be used in a school, but they can also be used by adults. Some of these will get you feeling creative, and some will make you think. Have fun with both!

The Journal

The Journal is another website for nonfiction and blog writing ideas. There is even more here too—get ideas for writing your opinions about topics, your memoirs (writings about yourself), and free-writing, which is when you don’t stop writing for 10 or 15 minutes.

Education World

Education World is a website for teachers, so these prompts are meant for the classroom. This means that they will make you think, and each prompt has a helpful tip box with some ideas for what you can write on the topic.

These are just some of the ways to get your students thinking about how to fill the page with their thoughts and ideas. A list of writing prompts and a helpful teacher can go a long way in preventing writers’ block and helping students look at every empty page as an opportunity to express themselves.

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22 Engaging ESL Essay Topics You Can Use to Improve Your Writing Skills

Text Version:

The only way to get better at anything is to do it—over and over again. In addition to practicing your English conversational skills, you should also practice your writing skills on a regular basis.

Here are twenty-two potential essay topics to get you started, but don’t be afraid to branch out and come up with your own topics, as well.

Descriptive topics

• Describe your favorite place in as much detail as possible.
• What do you do outside of school and work? Describe any hobbies you have, sports you participate in, or other activities you regularly enjoy.
• If you could invite five people to a dinner party, who would they be? What is each guest like?
• Describe your favorite fictional character in as much detail as possible.
• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Describe it and explain why you’d choose it.

Instructions

• Give directions for getting from one point to another. Explain what landmarks someone might see along the way.
• Explain how to entertain guests who unexpectedly arrive at your home.

Verb tense practice

• What’s one thing you could never live without and why?
• Describe your ideal town or city, why you would want to live there, and what you would do there.
• Write about a time in the past when you had to make a difficult decision, and explain what you did.
• Talk about five specific goals you want to accomplish this year, and explain how you are going to accomplish them.
• Imagine you’re babysitting a child who breaks the kitchen table. Explain to the child how they could have avoided doing this if they had behaved differently.

Practical vocabulary practice

• Write a review of a new restaurant (either fictional or real) in your area.
• Describe the best party or large-scale event you’ve ever attended.
• If you could get one gift for everyone in your family, regardless of the cost, what would you get them and why?
• Choose a form of transportation (such as cars, trains, boats, planes, or subways) and explain how it has changed people’s lives.
• Write a pitch for a new blockbuster movie. Explain what will happen in the movie and why it will draw crowds to the theater.

Persuasive writing practice

• Do you think our society is too dependent on technology like smartphones? Why or why not?
• Imagine that a big new department store is being built in your hometown. Do you support this development or not?
• Do you think it’s better for students to have a long summer break or be in a year-round school system with more breaks throughout the year? Explain your position.
• Should employers set aside time during the day for their employees to exercise? What might be some of the advantages or disadvantages of this?
• What is your favorite book or movie, and why should people read or watch it?

What are some great ESL essay topics you've encountered? Let us know in the comments.

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Comments on this post (6 comments)

Eliakim balle says....

Here’s a topic:

write about what your ideal weekend would look like if you could do anything you want.

On April 01, 2019

Ndate Thabo says...

¨Write about when u took the risk to do the right thing.¨ Good prompt . . and something to live by.

El sari says...

Interesting question Jessica …according to me to find someone to teach you and guide you better than trying thanks by your own ..

On March 11, 2016

Jessica Bordelon says...

What is the best way to learn: by experiencing something on your own, or from someone explaining it to you? What brings the most happiness: buying things or having experiences?

On March 03, 2016

Bindi kanyal says...

Niceee…..

On December 08, 2015

dayo says...

Write about when u took the risk to do the right thing

On December 05, 2014

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Interesting Writing Prompts For ESL Students

10 August 2021 Guest posts

Just like speaking, reading, and listening, writing is an essential element of learning a language. That’s why it’s so important that ESL students pay special attention to their writing skills while teachers assess their progress.

Unarguably, the best way to learn and improve these very writing skills is through practice. The more a student practices writing, the better their skills will get. Consequently, teachers need to provide their students with opportunities to practice their writing – and this can be done with the help of interesting writing prompts.

Why Should You Use Writing Prompts?

Why exactly do you need to use writing prompts? In fact, do you need them at all? As mentioned earlier, writing can be improved through practice . If you decide to write about whatever comes to your mind, you can technically improve your writing. However, you will see better results if you write with more intention.

Using writing prompts poses a challenge to the students as these prompts make them think in a particular direction and try to phrase their thoughts in relation to the topic at hand. By choosing more and more complicated writing prompts every time, you (or your student, if you are a teacher) will gradually improve their writing skills.

Descriptive Writing Prompts

Instead of only using writing prompts of one type, it’s worth trying out a variety of writing prompts. Experts from the top rated research paper writing services explain, “Variety in the writing prompts you choose will help you develop different writing subskills. You should be able to describe as much as you should be able to argue your point.”

Hence, here are some descriptive writing prompts to start from:

• Describe your favorite place using as many details as possible. This can be anything from your childhood hideout to your writing desk to your family’s summer home.
• Pick and describe your favorite food. Focus on such characteristics as its taste, smell, look, and so on.
• Choose and describe your favorite activity, hobby, or passion. It could be anything from reading to swimming to going on picnics with friends.
• Write about your favorite fictional character or famous person. Describe their appearance, personality, accomplishments, and so on.
• Describe your most memorable holiday. It could be one you went on with friends or family or even alone.

Explanatory Writing Prompts

Another type of writing prompts you should try out are explanatory ones. While descriptive prompts only ask you to describe something, explanatory prompts urge you to go into more detail with your descriptions. Here are some explanatory prompts to try:

• Pick your favorite meal or food and explain how to make it by laying everything out in the form of step-by-step instructions.
• Think about your hometown, choose your favorite places around it, and give directions on how to get to each place.
• Explain how your favorite computer game works. Talk about the concept, the characters, the plot, the locations, the music, the functionality, and so on.
• Choose some kind of skill you have and explain how someone could learn to do it. For example, if you know how to create paper planes, explain how to do them.

Argumentative Writing Prompts

Experts from the best writing services reviews sites put it this way, “Descriptive and explanatory prompts ask you to be somewhat indifferent and take more of an objective stance on different topics. Argumentative prompts, on the other hand, ask you to take a subjective point of view and support your opinion with valid points.”

Here are some argumentative prompts to use:

• Choose your favorite book, movie, show, etc. and try to convince others to check it out by writing about it.
• Consider space exploration. Should money be spent on it? Write about your opinion on the matter and use relevant arguments to support it.
• What’s better: reading books or watching movies? Write about your opinion on the matter and use relevant arguments to support it.
• Should more people use public transport instead of cars or should more people get their own cars? Write about your opinion on the matter and use relevant arguments to support it.

Hypothetical Writing Prompts

Last but not least, there is one more type of prompts you will find useful – hypothetical. These prompts ask you to consider a particular situation and explore it through writing. Here are some hypothetical prompts to practice your writing:

• If you could change one thing about your own past, what would that thing be?
• If you could have any superpower, what would this superpower be and what would you do with it?
• If you could travel back in time, to which point in time would you travel and what would you do then?
• If you could meet any dead person, what would you do?
• If you one day won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
• If you had the power to solve one world issue (e.g. hunger, global warming), what would this be and how would the world change once the issue is solved?

Final Thoughts

All in all, writing prompts for ESL students are somewhat different from those native speakers get for practicing their writing skills. This is because ESL students are usually older when they study the same topics that native speakers study at a younger age.

That being said, by using the topics listed in this article, you will be able to provide ESL students with the most interesting writing prompts. Or, if you are a student, you will be able to practice your writing skills either on your own or with the guidance of your teacher. ESLstarter offers a wide variety of TEFL jobs so see where you can go with TEFL and put those skills into practice!

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200 Simple Essay Topics for Intermediate Writers

Are you searching for simple essay topics to write about? See our list and discover simple subjects to spark creativity and develop writing skills.

Simple essay topic ideas are concise and clear but require critical thinking and investigation. Writers can use simple essay topic prompts to help generate ideas and get into the flow state of writing. By using writing prompts, you can begin writing and practice your essay skills easily without also needing to come up with a topic. If you’re interested in essay writing topics, check our guide with argumentative essays .

Simple Narrative Essay Topics

Simple descriptive essay topics, simple persuasive essay topics, simple argumentative essay topics, simple expository essay topics, simple informative essay topics, simple compare and contrast essay topics, simple cause and effect essay topics, simple college (application) essay topics.

Narrative essays encourage writers to be creative in telling a story. These stories are usually from personal experience and are often delivered in a way that elicits intense emotions for the writer and reader.

• The day I realized the importance of self-care.

Describe the circumstances that led to this realization and how you have incorporated self-care into your life.

• The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a certain career .

Describe the moment you knew what you wanted to do and what steps you took to achieve your goal.

• A time when I had to stand up for what was right.

Recount the situation and why you decided to stick to what you believed in, as well as the impact it had.

• A time when I learned a new skill.

Narrate why you wanted to learn the skill and describe how you learned it. Add how it has been helpful in your life.

• The instance I realized the importance of gratitude.

Walk the reader through the events that lead up to your realization and narrate the things that happened and went through your mind. Add how you have incorporated gratitude into your life.

• That time I tried to overcome my fear of heights.

Discuss your fear of heights and how it affected your life. Then, describe the times you’ve tried to overcome it and whether you succeeded or not. 

• A time when I helped someone in need.

Describe a time when you helped someone in need, and explain the situation. Tell the reader how you helped in detail and include how the person reacted.

• A time when I realized I was wrong.

For instance, you can recount your realization after an argument and then discuss your feelings following the event.

• A day in a life of…

Write a narrative essay about a day of someone or something interesting, like a doctor, musician, or maybe a pet.

• The best decision I’ve ever made.

Think of your many decisions and pick one that you think had the most positive impact on your life.

• A childhood memory I wish I could forget.

Narrate the childhood memory as you remember it and explain why you would rather not have it.

• An experience where technology has failed you.

Narrate a technology failure that you don’t want to happen again, such as the projector showing something else while you’re presenting in class, etc.

• The time I became a hero.

Retell the events of that instance and why you decided to become a hero. 

• The time I was a coward.

Contrary to the previous prompt, narrate a time when you refused to step up and explain your reason why.

• My most hurtful rejection.

Recount the events of that time and explain why it’s the most upsetting rejection for you.

• A life or death experience.

Narrate how the event took place and how it impacted your life.

• A time when I rebelled.

Recount your adventures when you were in a rebellious space and why you chose to act against the norm.

•  A made-up encounter with someone famous.

Tell your readers who you met, how you met them, and why you wanted to meet them.

• A moment when I felt proud of myself.

Talk about the event and describe the accomplishment, including why it was important to you.

• A time when I learned the importance of teamwork.

Think back to a time when working together helped the group achieve something, give details of the situation, the role you played in the team, and the lessons you learned.

• My first public speaking experience.

Give details of when and why it happened. Talk about what was running through your head and what you were feeling at the time.

• The worst news of my life.

Delve into what the news was and how it impacted your life.

• The one thing I can’t live without.

Identify the most special thing to you and explain why you hold it dear.

• My moral beliefs.

Pick the top moral beliefs you have and discuss and share how you use them to guide your life.

• A look at my nutrition.

Discuss the kind of food you eat regularly and narrate how you pick your foods. Look at your typical diet from a nutritional point of view and discuss your findings and thoughts.

• How I love myself.

Guide your readers to love themselves by sharing your journey on how you appreciate yourself through the years. You might also be wondering what is a synthesis essay ?

Descriptive essay topics aim to take the readers on a vivid journey through detailed descriptions of a person, event, or process. It’s a type of essay writing where the writer should show a comprehensive picture of the experience through words by appealing to the five senses.

• A day when everything went wrong.

Think of a day when everything you planned went down the drain. Remember to write in chronological order so the events that took place make sense for the readers.

• The legendary Napoleon Bonaparte.

Describe Napoleon’s achievements and reasons for going to war. 

• The top 10 most beautiful locations on Earth.

You can base your essay on a location show you watched on TV and describe the sites and what makes them exceptional.

•  A folk dance.

Detail the dancers’ costumes, the dance steps, and the atmosphere of the performance so the readers can imagine it as if they are watching the dance themselves.

• A family recipe.

Describe how the recipe is done and pay attention to the ingredients, the way of cooking, and the presentation of the food.

• How I imagine the Big Bang Theory.

Describe the Big Bang Theory and its specific details as if you witnessed this tremendous explosion.

• What is it like to be a Hollywood celebrity?

Present details on how an A-list celebrity lives by illustrating what their house, cars, and social circle look like.

• A day in the shoes of an Emergency Room doctor.

Explain how a doctor operates as an emergency responder. You can pull inspiration from medical dramas or interviews with real doctors.

• What it would be like to be the president of my country.

Imagine what it will be like if you are the leader of your country. Give specifics on material things, such as what your office looks like, or focus on describing your relationship with your constituents.

• A day with a just-married couple.

Describe how newlyweds act a day after they exchange vows. Describe their blushing faces, loud giggles, etc.

• A cozy, winter evening.

Point out what makes you cozy, whether it’s the lit fireplace, the piping hot cocoa, or the warm embrace of a lover.

• A pirate at sea.

Describe the life of a pirate, such as how they survive, plunder, and spend time at sea.

• The life of a pilot.

Describe what a pilot feels when entrusted to fly a plane. Describe the pilot’s expected actions, feelings, and thoughts.

• Going through the Drake Passage.

Detail your adventure through one of the roughest voyages by describing the currents, wind, and other factors that make the Drake Passage journey treacherous.

• The first time I discovered the internet.

Describe how it worked when you got a hold of it and include your thoughts during that first encounter.

• The pyramids of Egypt.

Present a detailed account of how they look in real life versus how they looked in photographs. Make it, so your readers feel like they’re in Egypt with you.

• The magic of Disneyland.

Describe what makes Disneyland a popular destination for children and adults. You can also include if the hype around Disneyland is worth it. 

• My favorite bookshop.

Describe what the bookshop looks like and why it’s your top pick. It can be because of the chill vibe, the cozy atmosphere, or the availability of many titles in the shop.

• An experience at a 5-star restaurant.

Take your readers to the top-rated restaurant and describe what’s in the place. Talk about the ambiance, the food, and the service.

• Mi Yue: The First Empress Dowager of China.

Describe the woman who became the first leader of China by becoming empress dowager and focus on her character and way of thinking. Write your essay as if you’re a close confidant of Mi Yue.

• Why New York is my favorite city.

Describe New York’s climate, population, and opportunities.

• My favorite band and their music.

Think of who you consider the best band and describe their music style, the member’s personalities, and their artistic involvement in creating music.

• Christmas traditions worldwide.

Investigate what people do during this holiday and describe each. Focus on the ones that are unusual compared to the American celebrations.

• Seven qualities of a great roommate.

Describe the perfect roommate who you want to share your place with.

• My first date.

Describe the details of the day, where you went, and how you and your date acted.

Persuasive writing applies analysis and research to make a case for the writer’s opinion on a topic. Essay writing topics that fall under this category aim to change the readers’ opinion.

• Cell phones are bad for you.

Present research on the negative effects of prolonged use of cell phones. 

• Teachers should prioritize their students’ mental health.

Use your essay to urge teachers to be more aware of their student’s well-being and discuss school-related factors that lead to poor mental health, such as neverending assignments on top of other coursework demands.

• Children should not have social media accounts.

Present social networking sites’ harmful effects on children’s perceptions, such as unrealistic beauty standards, and support your claims with research and studies.

• Euthanasia should be illegal.

Explain your position by discussing ethics and morality surrounding the subject.

• Procrastination is good for you.

Explain the benefits of healthy procrastination and why people can’t avoid procrastination.

• Healthy eating should be taught in school

Discuss the benefits of eating a balanced diet, and how learning this from a young age can be helpful for life.

• Exotic plants should not be inside your home.

Convince your readers by listing the dangers of unknown plant species. Add cases where exotic plants harmed their owners.

• Humans are intrinsically good.

Cite sources to prove that humans are inherently good and just became terrible because of the way they were brought up or the negative experiences they suffered. 

• Parents should not be strict with their kids.

Present the negative impacts of being overprotective parents, such as the child being socially inept and having low self-esteem.

• Today’s celebrities are bad role models.

For instance, discuss the adverse effects of celebrities lying on their social media pages claiming they only post natural pics that aren’t edited. 

• Everyone should learn to play an instrument.

Encourage your readers to start their musical journey by expounding on the benefits of knowing how to play a musical instrument.

• Animal testing is necessary.

Work around the premise that animal testing leads to a better understanding of the human body and effective medications.

• Zoos should be abolished.

Talk about the reality that zoos keep animals away from their natural habitats for human appreciation.

• School breaks should be extended.

Persuade the readers that students deserve longer summer vacations by citing the positive impacts of the break on their well-being. 

• Winter is the best season.

Convince your audience that winter stands out among the rest for you. It can be because of fresh mornings, the holidays, etc.

• Smoking is bad for you.

Explain why an individual should avoid starting to smoke and convince a smoker to stop by presenting the adverse impacts of smoking on health.

• The internet should be free for all.

Highlight the importance of the internet and how it’s integrated into daily life. For instance, government offices require online registrations, and having free internet makes transactions easier and faster.

• Homework should be banned.

List the benefits of keeping schoolwork at school. Discuss how crucial children’s school-life balance is so they can function optimally and excel in their academics.

• Kids should have pocket money.

Add the benefits of letting children handle money at a young age. This includes teaching kids to budget and be financially literate.

• Physical education classes should not be required.

Highlight the usual problems of the subject, such as having too many students in one class, limited funding, etc.

• Every class should have a class pet.

Point out how having a class pet teaches children of responsibility and values by caring for another living being.

• You should grow your own food.

List the benefits of planting your own food, such as having fewer expenses and being healthier.

• It’s bad to have too much money.

Talk about the bad behavior people develop once they get their hands on a huge sum of cash.

• Bullies’ parents should be penalized.

Relate the subject to bad parenting, and penalizing parents can push them to educate their children to be better members of society.

• Pets should be allowed in school.

Some students find comfort in having their furry friends with them. Include any research on how being with their pets help students destress and learn better.

• Teachers deserve more pay.

Discuss the responsibilities of teachers and point out how mismatched their salaries are for their daily obligations.

Argumentative essay topics require research and analysis to present more information on the essay subject. These interesting essay topics investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, and showcase your stance. 

• Does reality TV depict real life?

Include how scripted reality shows are to get audience engagement, but also mention that they are the closest to reality compared to dramas, etc.

• Do video games make children violent?

Add research supporting or debunking the claim, plus tips to assist parents in guiding their kids to separate games from real life.

• Do boys and girls face the same societal pressure?

Weigh society’s expectations of children based on their gender.

• Are schools currently handling bullying cases effectively?

Present the standard guidelines schools follow and point out the parts that work and don’t. Add your recommendation on how these flaws can be resolved.

• Do celebrities deserve more pay than the average person?

Present your evidence-based arguments on why there is a huge gap between TV personalities and office workers.

• Is capitalism ethical?

While some explain capitalism is inherently unethical, explain why it’s the dominant political and economic system in most Western countries.

• Should parents monitor their kids’ internet history?

Include reasons parents do this and offer tips on how to better connect with their children.

• Is climate change real?

Present factual evidence explaining this phenomenon, such as the greenhouse effect and its effects on the Earth.

• Should children have strict screen time?

Support your stance on the matter by linking to professionals’ opinions. Include any recommendations from qualified individuals and add the benefits of limited screen time on children’s development.

• Should the government do more to stop ‘”fake news”?

List the drastic impacts of spreading fake information online and how the government should handle these unverified particulars from supposed news outlets.

• Should the consequences of cyberbullying be more severe?

Offer cases where students feel powerless against their online bullies and the repercussions these offenders got, if any.

• Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

Argue whether healthcare should be infested with businesses looking for the most profits. Then, suggest changes to make healthcare more accessible for everyone. 

• Should cigarettes be illegal?

It’s common knowledge that smoking cigarettes have adverse effects on the body, so explain why it’s not entirely banned. Ensure to add relevant research or professional answers.

• Do celebrities deserve to have the same privacy as common people?

Argue whether they do or if they forfeited the right to privacy when they choose to step into the spotlight. 

• Should schools require uniforms?

Consider whether school uniforms are necessary for the education system.

• Should people be allowed to keep wild animals as pets?

Submit examples where humans successfully domesticated a wild animal but also mention instances when wild animals retaliated against their human carer, such as in the case of  Travis the Chimp .

•  Should misbehaving students be expelled?

Discuss if students who misbehave should be expelled or not. Think about helping the kid rather than expelling them, and the pros and cons of this approach.

• Do chats and text messages deteriorate in-person communication skills?

Dive into how limiting communication to texts harms a person’s interpersonal skills. 

• Should AI for art be banned?

Include how AIs hurt artists’ livelihood, including how the new technology hijacks awards that should be reserved for humans. Provide compromise for AI users, such as creating a different category for AI works.

• Should video games be considered a sport?

Present both sides of the argument on whether video games should have a spot next to chess or basketball. Take your side and defend it by considering the players’ skills, training, and strategies. 

• Is graffiti art?

Define what falls under graffiti and mull over its overlap with the definition of art. Include how graffiti’s reputation in the art community has changed.

• Do we still need libraries?

Since most books can be accessed online today, the expense of libraries is now becoming an issue. To support your argument, highlight the other benefits of libraries, such as providing a safe place for students, etc.

• Should classrooms have surveillance cameras installed?

Add the benefits of having a camera to monitor students’ and teachers’ behaviors, but also include the possible abuse of power that comes with it.

Expository writing informs, describes, or explains a subject matter. Expository essay topics also include clarifying a point of view, belief, or process.

• The importance of time management.

Talk about the importance of managing time effectively and add tips to develop the readers’ time management skills.

• The rise of veganism.

Describe the trend of veganism and discuss its growing popularity, including reasons why people choose to adopt this lifestyle.

• The role of music in our lives.

Point out the benefits music offers and explore the different ways it can influence our moods and emotions.

• The importance of self-care.

Delve into why taking care of oneself physically and mentally is critical. Then provide examples of different self-care practices that people can engage in.

• The history of the Olympic Games.

Trace the history of the Olympic Games from ancient Greece to the present day, highlighting key events and changes that have occurred over time.

• The benefits of using a bike.

Pin down the advantages one can get when preferring riding a bike over other modes of transportation. 

• The benefits of travel.

Talk about why we should travel, including exposure to different cultures, personal growth, and new experiences. Mention examples of different types of travel that an individual or group should try.

• The role of art in society.

Examine the importance of art in society and how it can reflect and influence cultural values and beliefs.

• The effects of social isolation.

In relation to the 2020 pandemic, dive into the impacts of social isolation on mental health and consider strategies for coping with loneliness and deteriorated communication skills.

• The effects of sleep deprivation.

Connect sleep deprivation to physical and mental health issues. You can also add ways how can improve their sleep schedule.

• The importance of financial literacy.

Discuss the importance of knowing how to manage money and offer tips for developing better financial management skills.

• The role of sports in society.

Explain why sports are a constant in communities and cite which sports usually influence social values and bring people together.

• The impact of social justice movements.

Define social justice movements and their importance in societal changes. Add any progress that has been made through these movements and add the challenges that remain.

• The importance of going to school.

Determine the benefits of staying in school and how it helps the student in the future.

• The impact of globalization on culture.

Describe how globalization has impacted culture worldwide, including both positive and negative effects.

• The benefits of a healthy diet.

Describe what we can gain from a healthy diet and provide the reader with ways to incorporate healthy foods into meals. 

• The history of capital punishment.

Talk about how the death penalty started and the cases that led to its abolishment in some states in the US.

• The reason why students drop out of college.

Identify the common reasons why students stop attending classes, such as pressure to achieve high grades, poor mental health, and social challenges.

• The reason you can eat too much candy.

Present the harmful effects of too much sugar in the body.

• Why I believe my dad is a hero.

Explain your point of view and mention your father’s special characteristics that you think are worthy of calling him a hero.

• Why kids should learn math.

Mention the benefits of learning math early on and how math meshes with every aspect of human life.

• Why World War I happened.

Identify the events that sparked the first World War.

• Why rules are important.

Present why rules are made and how they keep the peace or organize things. 

• The history of the English language.

Talk about the invasions that affected the language’s creation and how it became how we know it today.

• Why I enjoy swimming.

Explain the process you follow when swimming and share why you relax through swimming.

• Why I believe in destiny.

Incorporate your religion or just your individual faith, like karma, etc., to explain why destiny makes sense to you.

Informative essay topics are factual and are delivered to add to the readers’ knowledge. In writing informative essay topics, it’s best to let the audience discover the information as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

• Global changes brought on by the 2020 pandemic.

Talk about the noticeable changes the world adapted to continue living despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This may include more online work and virtual classes. 

• How to use social media responsibly.

Offer tips on how one can navigate toxic social networking sites and filter social media posts

• How to do CPR.

Teach your readers how to respond properly to an emergency. Only get your information from a credible source.

• How to make a budget.

Present an easy way to budget finances.

• How to stop a bad habit.

Recommend common but effective ways to kick a bad habit out of one’s life. 

• How to wrap a gift.

Create a step-by-step process that’s easy to follow.

• Women and their role in the workplace over the years.

Offer significant information and key changes women enjoyed throughout history involving their workplace responsibilities. 

• How Victorian women dressed.

Talk about an interesting stage in fashion and explain how women in the 19th century choose what to wear. 

• Explain how the American judicial system works.

Be careful not to go into too much detail. Explain the process in the simplest way possible.

• Explain the life cycle of a butterfly.

Add the wonders of nature and other interesting facts about the butterfly and its metamorphosis.

• The reason leaves change color in autumn.

Share this interesting process with the readers with the least scientific terms possible. For instance, instead of saying “chlorophyll,” you can refer to it as the “pigment that makes plants green.”

• The life of Michael Jackson.

Go through the key moments of the life of someone famous to get your reader’s attention and deliver facts.

• The process of making a movie.

Explain how movies come to life. It’s best to choose one movie and focus on its production.

• How to cook a traditional recipe.

Guide the readers by creating a step-by-step process of making the meal. Choose something you’re familiar with because it’s a part of your culture.

• What is noise pollution?

Determine the sources of noise pollution, like loud music, horns, etc., and why they are considered such.

• How were the pyramids in Egypt made?

Help the readers understand how the pyramids became a great symbol for Egypt and explain the process enslaved people followed to make them sturdy and mighty.

• How to prepare for a campsite.

Add the benefits of being in nature and tips camp-goers should keep in mind.

• How to tie a necktie.

Go over the steps an individual should follow when dealing with a necktie. These steps should be described in the simplest way possible.

• How fashion evolved throughout history.

Consider the elements that affected people’s choice of fashion during different time periods.

• How to plan a party.

Guide your readers on how they can successfully have a party. Offer checklist party organizers should know.

• Describe an element in the periodic table.

If you’re a fan of science, pick your element and explain its makeup and common uses.

• The character development of Prince Zuko in  The Legend of Aang .

If you have a series you’re fond of, write an essay on your favorite character and how the showrunners demonstrated his growth.

• The process of making a song.

Go to your favorite band’s online account, and they may have videos detailing their music process.

Compare and contrast essay topics can be about two or more subjects and their similarities and differences. Good essay topics under this category point out the distinctions and resemblances of the subjects.

• National Parks and Zoos.

Explain the difference between the two and which is better for the animals regarding their safety and quality of life.

• Summer Vacation: Stay in or Get out?

Include the pros and cons of each and point out if they have anything in common.

• Netflix or YouTube?

Discuss which one has more value for its users.

• Books or Tablets?

Consider the situations a user might prefer one over the other.

• Private Schools vs. Public Schools.

Discuss the different aspects of private schools and public schools. This can include the expenses, and quality of learning.

• Letter Grades or Number Grades.

After pointing out the similarities between the two grading systems, choose one and explain why it’s better for you. For example, number grades should be recommended because it shows the exact percentage of the student’s class standing.

• Rescue or Buy a Pet?

Weigh which is better with respect to various factors such as the adopter’s wants and capacity for caring for a rescue. 

• Coke or Pepsi?

Here’s a fun one – compare and contrast the taste of these two similar soft drinks and share why one is more popular.

• First day vs. Last Day of School.

Go through each day’s events and compare and contrast your thoughts and feelings during each time. Add any realizations and changes you went through.

• Parents and Grandparents.

Point out the same things your parents and grandparents do, then dive into their distinct behaviors, and moral beliefs. 

• Anxiety and Depression.

Most people often use these terms interchangeably. In your essay, clearly state the definitions of the two and point out where they overlap.

• Owning a Car vs. Using Public Transport

Add the pros and cons of each and the best time to use one over the other.

• iPhone vs. Android

Join the hot debate on this discourse. Be careful to get insights from both parties and verify your sources.

• Basketball vs. Volleyball

Succinctly explain the rules of each game and then discuss what makes these two sports popular.

• Vegetarian vs. Vegan

Many mistakes these two terms as having the same meaning, so start your essay by identifying what sets them apart. Then, delve into their similarities and distinctions in a more detailed manner.

• Gen X and Gen Z

Explore the beliefs the two generations support or despise, then tackle their main differences.

• Equality vs. Equity

Another pair of confusing terms that’s a great topic for a compare-and-contrast essay.

• Phone calls vs. Texting

Include the situations where one fits better than the other.

• Online shopping vs. Brick and mortar stores

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping and shopping in-store. Such as being able to try on clothes in stores, and the convenience of ordering clothes online at home.

Cause and effect essay topics put the thesis statement in the introduction, focusing on the relationships between conditions and their consequences. It can also discuss the events between the causes and effects.

• Social media and productivity.

Analyze how time spent on social networking sites, such as LinkedIn , can positively impact a person’s job efficiency.

• Cell phones and sleep.

Discuss how cell phones disrupt a person’s sleep cycle.

• Texting and driving.

Include cases where drivers were punished.

• America’s independence.

Retell history and briefly narrate US’ liberation from the UK. Ensure to relay the events that instigated the US’s call for freedom.

• Social media and adolescent development.

Criticize the negative results of unrealistic standards that social media sells to naive teenagers.

• Privilege and financial success.

Use this essay to discuss nepotism and how the kids of rich people will be financially successful despite not having to work.

• Peer pressure and decision-making.

Impressionable children are easily influenced by their peers. Include ways children can resist negative peer pressure in your essay.

• Youth sports and kid’s development.

Point out how kids’ development is affected by these sports events. These impacts can be good or bad.

• The attack of Pearl Harbor.

Look back on history and recount the causes that led to the bombing.

• Childhood trauma and development.

Research how childhood trauma manifests in an adult’s life.

• Stress and work performance.

You can talk about the stress of work and how it can negatively impact performance.

• Fast food and obesity rates.

Analyze how fast food consumption contributes to obesity and offer ways to encourage healthier eating habits.

• COVID-19 and mental health.

Discuss how the 2020 pandemic affected most people’s mental health. 

• Poverty and education.

Concentrate on how poverty affects access to education. Present potential solutions to address this education gap.

• Social media and plastic surgery.

Tackle how social media hype plastic surgery and how it distorts reality for young individuals like middle school and high school students.

• Technology and privacy.

Explore how technology twisted our sense of privacy and add any solutions to protect our security better. 

• Sleep deprivation and academic performance.

Sleep habits are critical to performing well in class. Guide your readers on how to have better sleep habits.

• Plastic pollution and oceans.

Raise awareness of the continuous pollution of the ocean and add any organized effort to combat it.

• Religion and society.

Identify the significant effects of religious groups on how society works.

• Substance abuse and the youth.

Pinpoint the specific causes of this crucial social issue, like chaotic home life or trauma, and provide ways to mitigate these causes.

• Homeschooling and child development.

Expose how homeschooling impacts kids’ growth compared to if they are enrolled in the classroom.

• Business and global warming.

Recognize the major business’ contribution to the planet warming up.

College essays let incoming college students introduce themselves to their university. In these applications, the writers must demonstrate their intellectual skills and explain why they want to be a part of the institution.

• A meaningful experience that changed my outlook on life.

Reflect on an experience that significantly impacted your worldview or perspective. Describe the event, how it made you feel, and how it altered your outlook on life.

• A moment of personal triumph.

Think about when you overcame a challenge or accomplished something you were proud of. Explain why this experience was meaningful to you and how it shaped your character or outlook. 

• My biggest fear and how I overcame it.

Talk about what you fear the most and how you pushed yourself to face it.

• A difficult decision I had to make.

Describe the decision, how you weighed the pros and cons, and what you ultimately decided.

• Why I believe in diversity in higher education.

Showcase your beliefs on important matters and add how your diverse background can contribute to the university.

• A time when I demonstrated my leadership skills.

These roles can be in your previous school, community organizations, etc.

• Why education is critical to reaching my personal and career goals.

Share these goals and write about how a college education will help you achieve them. Add any skills or knowledge you want to gain at the university.

• Overcoming my greatest obstacle.

Discuss how you tackled adversity by working to overcome an obstacle. This could be a disability, challenging home circumstances, grief, experiencing discrimination, or even moving city.

• Challenging a belief.

Focus your essay on a time when you challenged someone’s beliefs that you perceived as harmful to society. Discuss your stance on the issue and how you highlighted these concerns in your argument.

• My personal growth journey.

Use this prompt to highlight an achievement that furthered your personal growth. This could be a small moment of realization that changed your perspective or something greater that shook your world.

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60 Interesting Writing Prompts For The ESL Classroom

December 15, 2022 //  by  Christina Swiontek

Writing prompts are a great way for ESL learners to explore writing and practice their writing skills. English language learners will greatly benefit from responding to writing prompts. They can learn basic language skills and express themselves through descriptive, narrative, creative, opinion, and journal-based writing. By using these engaging writing assignments, beginner and intermediate learners can look forward to becoming strong writers. Help your young ones become more confident writers with the help of these fun prompts! 

Descriptive Writing Prompts 

For these descriptive writing prompts, guide students to be as specific as possible. It may be helpful to provide them with a list of adjectives and have a classroom discussion about how they can be used to describe various scenarios. Encourage writers to be creative and have fun with their writing topics. 

• Do you remember your first pet? What were they like?
• What is your happiest amusement park memory?
• Share your favorite meal in detail. 
• What does a perfect day include? What is the weather like? 
• What do you like to do on a rainy day? Share your ideas. 
• Have you ever been to the zoo? What did you see and hear? 
• Use your senses to describe an open area of grass and trees.
• Describe a sunset to someone who cannot see it.
• Share information about something that brings you joy.
• Imagine you are taking a trip to the grocery store. Share your experience.

Learn more: Teacher’s Notepad

Opinion Writing Prompts

An important aspect of opinion writing practice is for the writer to state their opinion and provide facts that support it. Opinion writing exercises can also be referred to as persuasive writing; in which the writer’s goal is to have the reader agree with their opinion. A tip for writers is to select a topic they are passionate about and provide enough supporting details. 

• Have you ever read through a book that has been made into a motion picture? Which do you prefer?
• Do you like to spend time inside or explore the big city? Share reasons to support your answer.
• What do you feel is the best invention? What would life be like without it? 
• Share details about a fun trip with your best friend. 
• Write and describe what it would be like if you didn’t have homework. 
• Do you think every sporting event should have a winner? Why or why not? 
• Is it better to vacation in the mountains or on the beach? Why is it better? 
• Share your thoughts about your favorite sport and why it interests you. 
• Think about your favorite book. What makes it your favorite?

Learn more: ThoughtCo

Narrative Writing Prompts

Narrative writing prompts are an effective way for students to improve their writing and creativity skills. It also motivates children and makes them excited to write. ESL writing topics such as these are a great way to spark creativity and imagination. 

• Think about what may happen if you took a picture of your friend in front of a volcano. 
• Imagine you had three wishes that could be granted, but you cannot use them for yourself. What would you wish for? Explain your reasoning. 
• What do you think would happen if you were to plan the luckiest day of your life? 
• If you had the option of bringing home a zoo animal, how would you spend your time together?
• Include the following words in a funny story: grapes, elephant, book, and airplane. 
• Write a short story from the viewpoint of an ant. What are the pros and cons of being so tiny?
• Can you imagine having the opportunity to meet your favorite book character? Who would you choose and why?
• What would your school day be like if there was no electricity? 
• Imagine you are a pirate, and you just took off on a voyage. What are you searching for? 
• Finish this story: The pirates set sail on their ship in search of . . .
• If you could be a teacher for the day, what decisions would you make and why?

Learn more: Vibrant Teaching

Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing has many benefits for all children, including foreign English language learners. It helps improve communication skills, memory, and knowledge. Creative writing also stimulates higher-level thinking and self-expression.  

• If you could have a pet elephant, what would you do with it? 
• If you could spend the day in animal form, which animal would you be? 
• Oh no! You look up on the roof and you see your cat is stuck. What can you do to help?
• Share your adventures in detail if you were to own a pair of magical shoes.
• If you could have dinner with your favorite character, what would you ask them?
• If you could spend a day on a time machine, what would you do?
• Imagine you are taking your dog on a trip through the forest. What do you see?
• What is fun about playing in the rain?
• Think about playing hide and seek. Where is your favorite place to hide?
• If you could be a part of the circus for a day, what would be your special talent? 

Learn more: Squibler

Essay Writing Prompts

Essay writing prompts help students learn the fundamentals of writing. The following essay topics aim to strengthen reading comprehension and develop context and structure. Both ESL students and native English speakers can benefit from essay writing practice. 

• Share your favorite class subject and why.
• Explain the reason why it is good to share with friends.
• Share your favorite sport and why it is so special.
• What would it be like to be a superhero?
• What is your favorite game? How would you describe the goal of the game to someone who has never played it?
• Think about the tools you use in the classroom. Which one is most useful?
• What makes your best friend unique?
• Think about your least favorite subject. What would make you like it more? 
• What is your favorite thing to do over the weekend?
• Is there a story you could read over and over? Share why you enjoy it.

Learn more: Splash Learn

Journal Writing Prompts

Journal writing is an awesome way for children to practice writing. While writing in a journal, students can focus less on quality writing and mechanics and more on self-expression and the meaning behind their writing. Children may want to find a sacred writing space where they can avoid distractions and focus easily.

• What makes your school community unique?
• What does it mean to be kind?
• What should you do if you can’t get along with a classmate?
• What qualities are important in a friend?
• If you could invent something to solve a problem, what would it be?
• Did you ever break something by accident? How did you fix it?
• What is your favorite game to play in, and out of the classroom?
• Think about an imaginary friend. What are they like?
• Look in the mirror and write about what you see.
• What is your favorite playground equipment? Why? 

Learn more: YourDictionary

Topics for Writing

The following  Topics for Writing  are just a small sample from the  game ,  Roll Play , by  Dymon Publications .

Hypothetical

What would you do if you were late for an important appointment?

What would you do if someone accused you of a crime you didn’t commit?

What would you do if you got lost in an unfamiliar city?

What would you do if you left something in a locked building?

What would you do if your best friend stole something from you?

What would you do if you didn’t have enough money to pay your bills?

What would you do if your children were caught shoplifting?

What would you do if your car got a flat tire on the freeway?

If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?

If you could change one major historical event, what would it be?

Description

• Describe a famous park or recreation area in your home country.
• Describe an interesting neighbor you have had.
• Describe something you could never give away.
• Describe a place you will never forget.
• Describe a sporting event you attended recently.
• Describe a memorable birthday celebration.
• Describe a place you go for recreation or exercise.
• Describe your childhood home.
• Describe someone you respect deeply.
• Describe the nightlife in a city you are familiar with.
• Tell about a recent interview.
• Tell about a time when you lost something.
• Tell about one of your fondest childhood memories.
• Tell about a time when you lied to your parents, boss, or teacher.
• What is your opinion about cellular phones?
• What is your opinion about women in the military?
• What is your opinion about a current politician?
• What is your opinion about violence on television?
• What is your opinion about fortune telling?
• What is your opinion about the tabloids?
• What is your opinion about legalizing marijuana?
• What is your opinion about the welfare system?
• What is your opinion about cloning?
• What is your opinion about recycling?
• Tell about a time when you were treated unfairly.
• Briefly tell about a movie you saw recently.
• Tell about something you made ?from scratch.?
• Tell about a “close call” you had recently.
• Tell about something you wish had never happened.
• Tell about a time when you inadvertently caused trouble for someone else.

Instructions

• Tell how to find something on the Internet.
• Tell how to feed family members who drop by unexpectedly.
• Tell how to dump a boyfriend/girlfriend.
• Tell how to get from your house to the supermarket.
• Tell what to do in an earthquake.
• Tell how to get someone to fall in love with you.
• Tell how to make a paper airplane.
• Tell how to get a good table at a restaurant.
• Tell how to get a discount on an expensive item.
• Tell how to discipline an unruly child.

Sample Personal Essay Topics

Argumentative Essay Topics (from Glendale Community College, Arizona)

Writing Prompts/Journal Topics  from  Can Teach

TOEFL Writing Topics (from Kazuo.com)

If you have questions or comments about this page, please  contact us .

We have several free ESL writing lessons on this page, including sample essays, sentence patterns, writing assignments, and more! If you like these lessons, consider buying our ESL writing textbooks to get even more content just like this!

Beginner ESL Writing Lessons

The four units below are all taken from our book Write Right: 9 Beginner ESL Writing Lessons , available for instant download!

Sample Essay: “My Hobby” – Introductory sample essay that students can reference later when writing their own essays

Sentence Pattern: Start/stop verb+ing – Practice adding “ing” to verbs after “start/stop/quit/begin”

Grammar: Past Tense – Simple introduction to past tense verbs

Error Correction Worksheet – Correct the errors in this sample “My Hobby” essay

Assignment: “My Hobby” – Use the grammar and sentence patterns from Unit 1 to write an essay titled “My Hobby”

Sample Essay: “A Funny Story” – Introductory sample essay that students can reference later when writing their own essays

Past Tense Error Correction Worksheet – Review of past tense; rewrite the paragraph and correct the past tense errors

Indention and Quotations – Teaches students to indent new paragraphs and use quotation marks correctly

Indentions and Quotations: Error Correction Worksheet – Identify and correct the mistakes in the paragraph

ESL Writing Assignment: “A Funny Story” – Students use the grammar and sentence patterns from Unit 2 to write an essay titled “A Funny Story”

Sample Essay: “My Favorite Place” – Introductory sample essay that students can reference later when writing their own essays

Sentence Pattern: Although / Even though – Introduction to “although” and “even though”, with sample sentences and practice exercises

Sentence Pattern: not…at all – Introduction to the sentence pattern “(not)…at all”, with sample sentences and practice exercises

Error Correction Worksheet – Identify and correct the mistakes in the paragraph

ESL Writing Assignment: “My Favorite Place” – Students use the grammar and sentence patterns from Unit 3 to write an essay titled “My Favorite Place”

UNIT 4: “Letter to a Relative”

Sample Essay: “Letter to a Relative” – Introductory sample letter that students can reference later when writing their own essays

Writing Lesson: The Elements of a Letter – Introduction to the elements of a letter (greeting, body, conclusion)

Writing Lesson: Conjunctions – Introduction to the conjunctions and/but/or/so, with an explanation of how to punctuate them correctly

Error Correction: Conjunctions – Identify and correct the mistakes in the letter

ESL Writing Assignment: “Letter to a Relative” – Students use the grammar and sentence patterns from Unit 4 to write an letter to one of their relatives

Intermediate/Advanced Writing Lessons

The writing lessons and worksheets below are taken from our book Write Right: Transitions , available for instant download!

Writing a Formal Paragraph

Topic Sentences (Introduction) – Introduction to topic sentences and their function in a formal paragraph

Introduction to Similes and Metaphors – Using similes and metaphors to write interesting topic sentences

Similes and Metaphors Review – Practice describing people and things using similes and metaphors

Topic Sentences (Review) – Practice writing topic sentences

The Body of a Paragraph (Introduction) – Introduction to the body of a paragraph and the information that should be contained therein

The Body of a Paragraph (Review) – Practice thinking of information to use in the body of a paragraph

Concluding Sentences (Introduction) – Introduction to concluding sentences and their function in a paragraph

Concluding Sentences (Review) – Practice writing concluding sentences

Punctuation and Conjunctions

Sentence Fragments and Complete Sentences – Introduction to sentence fragments and a review exercise to practice identifying them

Run-on Sentences – Worksheet to practice correcting run-on sentences

Comma Splices and Conjunctions – Worksheet to practice using conjunctions correctly to fix comma splices

Commas and Conjunctions (“and”) – Explanation of how to correctly use commas with the conjunction “and”

Semi-colons – Introduction to this often baffling piece of punctuation, with a review exercise

Transitions and Connectors

Listing Things in Order – Practice listing items or events in order using words like “First”, “Next”, “After that”, “Finally”, etc.

In addition / Additionally / Moreover / Furthermore / Plus / …as well – Introduction to these commonly used transitions, with several sample sentences

In addition / Additionally / Moreover / Furthermore / Plus / …as well – Review worksheet to practice writing sentences with these transitions

However / Nevertheless / Still / Despite that / Nonetheless / Even so – Introduction to these commonly used transitions, with several sample sentences

However / Nevertheless / Still / Despite that / Nonetheless / Even so – Review worksheet to practice writing sentences with these transitions

Therefore / Consequently / As a result / Thus / For this Reason – Introduction to these commonly used transitions, with several sample sentences

Therefore / Consequently / As a result / Thus / For this Reason – Review worksheet to practice writing sentences with these transitions

Review of these Transitions and Connectors – Review worksheet to practice using all of the transition words above

More Transitions and Connectors

Although / Even though – Introduction to these commonly used transitions, with several sample sentences and review exercises

Though – Introduction to “though” and it’s various uses in a sentence

Despite / In spite of – Introduction to these commonly used transitions, with sample sentences

Despite / In spite of – Review worksheet to practice writing sentences with these words

Despite vs. Although – Explanation of how to use these similar transition words, with several sample sentences

Despite vs. Although – Review worksheet to practice using “despite” and “although” correctly

Because vs. Because of – Explanation of how to use these similar transition words correctly, with several sample sentences

Because vs. Although – Explanation of the difference between these two words, with several examples and a review exercise

Because of vs. Despite – Worksheet to practice using these transitions, which have nearly opposite meanings

Regardless of – Introduction to this commonly used transition, with several sample sentences

Regardless of / No matter – Review worksheet to practice using these transitions correctly, including an explanation of “embedded questions”.

Review of Transitions and Connectors

Transitions and Punctuation – Explanation of how to correctly punctuate transitions using commas, periods, and semi-colons. Also includes a review worksheet.

Transitions and Punctuation (2) – Students rewrite a short essay, adding punctuation around transition words as needed.

Review of Above Transitions and Connectors – Fill in the blanks with an appropriate transition word to complete the essay

Additional Review of Transitions and Connectors – Review of several transition words/phrases (For this reason / Despite the fact that / No matter / Due to / Consequently / As a result / In spite of / Regardless of / Owing to)

Additional FREE ESL Writing Worksheets, Activities, and Ideas:

Useful phrases and sentence patterns.

Instead of / Rather than – Handout explaining how to use these phrases, with sample sentences

Instead of / Rather than – Review – Worksheet to practice using “instead of” and “rather than” correctly

Instead – Worksheet reviewing different ways to use the word “instead” in a sentence

Would rather – Handout explaining how to use “would rather”, with sample sentences

Would rather – Review – Worksheet to practice using “would rather” correctly

Prefer – Worksheet to practice using “prefer” correctly

Regardless / Regardless of / No matter – Examples and practice sentences

Gradually / Eventually / Sooner or later / At some point / In the end / …end up… – Examples and practice sentences

More sentence patterns and phrases (in no particular order):

vary / varies from __ to __

that which / those who

Just because [A] doesn’t mean that [B]

If it weren’t for [A], then I never would have [B]

If I hadn’t [A] then I wouldn’t have [B]

I wish I had / I should have

Found myself

(Currently) in the process of

ESL Writing Activities

Putting pen to paper doesn’t always have to be boring. Here are some activities and game-like things to make writing a bit more enjoyable.

Interactive Stories – Students collaborate to write each others’ stories.

The Lying Game – Guess which statements are true and which statements are lies!

Idiom Worksheets – Give advice using idioms. Less a “game” than an “assignment,” though the idioms tend to make things a little more interesting.

Explain the Idiom – Try to guess what the idioms mean, and use them in a dialogue.

Writing Scenarios