essay prompt 3rd grade

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Thanksgiving Worksheet Bundle for Last-Minute Activities 🦃

50 Creative 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

Taking the leap from the primary level to the intermediate grades.

Third grade is a huge transitional year in elementary school. Third grade writers have learned foundational concepts and skills and have had time to practice. Now they are developing more complex skills as they dig deeper, learn to make connections, and analyze the topics they write about. Here are 50 third grade writing prompts to help your students master and refine their writing skills.

If you’d like even more upper elementary writing prompts, we publish new ones twice a week on our kid-friendly site: the Daily Classroom Hub . Make sure to bookmark the link!

(Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the prompts available!)

1. Tell about a special event in your life.

2. What are you best at?

3. What do you want to learn more about?

4. I could never live without______.

5. If you could go anyplace in the world, where would you go and why?

6. Interview one of your parents or grandparents and ask them to tell you a story from their childhood. Share their story here.

7. Describe one of your favorite book characters. Tell three things about their personality.

8. Do you think third graders should have to do chores at home? Why or why not?

9. What is something you would change about school if you could?

10. Tell about a time you helped somebody.

11. Tell about a time somebody helped you.

12. Tell about a memorable “first” in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc.

13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

16. What is the difference between being polite and rude? Give three examples.

17. What is the most important rule in the classroom?

18. What are the three most important qualities you look for in a friend?

19. Do you think kids should be assigned homework? Why or why not?

20. Nature gives us many beautiful things—plants, animals, water, weather, stars and planets, etc. What is one of your favorite things in nature and why?

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

24. Tell about one of your family’s unique traditions.

25. If you could have a pet, what would you choose? How would you take care of it?

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

27. Tell about a person that inspires you and why.

28. Name five things you are thankful for and why you are thankful for them.

29. What are ways you can be a good citizen?

30. When you and a friend disagree, how do you work it out?

31. What do you think the world will be like in one hundred years?

32. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?

33. What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Why?

35. In your opinion, which animal makes the best pet? Give three reasons for your answer.

36. If someone gave you $100, how would you spend it?

37. Should third graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

38. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you participate in?

39. Write about your “getting ready for school” routine.

40. Write about your “getting ready for bed” routine.

41. If you could travel through time like Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, where would you go?

42. In your opinion, what does a perfect weekend look like?

43. Write about the last time you felt really angry. What happened and how did it all work out?

44. Pretend there was a special zoo where animals could talk. Which animal would you talk to and what are three questions you would ask?

45. What is your favorite thing with wheels? Why?

46. Tell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears from the point of view of Baby Bear.

47. What do you think would grow if you planted a magic bean?

48. Which would you rather be able to do—fly or read people’s minds? Why?

49. Tell about an adult in your life that you admire.

50. If you were traveling for a week and could only bring a backpack, what would you pack?

Get My Third Grade Writing Prompts

Love these third grade writing prompts? Make sure to check out our third grade jokes to start the day !

You Might Also Like

115 Exciting 4th Grade Writing Prompts for 2024 (Free Slides!)

Journal writing, essay topics, story starters, and much more! Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

100 True or False Questions for Kids [With Answers]

12 Best Strategies for Teaching English Grammar to Kids

11 Best Coloring Apps for Kids [Android & iOS]

12 Best Reading Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Classroom

15 Fun Summer Bulletin Board Ideas for 2024

100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids: Journal Prompts

• Journal Writing Prompts
• Funny Writing Prompts
• Narrative Essay Writing Prompts
• Fiction Writing Prompts
• Poetry Writing Prompts 
• Informative Essay Writing Prompts
• Opinion Writing Prompts
• Animal Writing Prompts
• Descriptive Writing Prompts
• Emotion Writing Prompts

The power of stories is immense. It not only unlocks the imagination but also improves creativity and vocabulary. For kids as young as third graders , writing prompts can be beneficial to kick-start their writing spree. It is a great way to build various genres of writing skills in kids- from narrative and informative to poetic and funny.

Stick to this blog to track down century options of 3rd grade writing prompts for kids .

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun ., you see real learning outcomes ..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Here are more educational resources to get your third grader learning!

6 Reasons To Give Your 3rd Graders a Writing Prompt?

When it comes to keeping your students busy with something beneficial, writing prompts are a wonderful tool. Here are a few major ways in which 3rd grade journal prompts can help children.

• Allows children to think around creatively
• Enhances a sense of expression
• Eliminates the dread of writing
• Improves story-telling
• Boosts self-confidence in children
• Refines grammar, spelling, and handwriting with practice

While they get busy writing the best out of their imagination, you can enjoy a sip of hot coffee (a bonus, you know!).

100 Fun Third-Grade Writing Prompts for Kids

10 journal writing prompts.

The habit of journaling must be inculcated in kids from a young age. Wondering why? Well, it goes a long way in developing the ‘writer-like’ mindset in them. Moreover, journaling is known to be a stress reliever in teens and adults alike. Whether they make it a daily or alternate habit later, here are ten examples of 3rd grade journal topics that can be perfect for giving them a needed push.

1. What has been your favorite memory of 2nd grade ?

2. On a rainy day, would you rather be inside or outside? Why?

3. How did you meet your best friend?

4. What flavor of chips do you like the most and why?

5. Who is the favorite cousin in the family?

6. When was the last time you had your favorite dinner outside?

7. Do you have someone who makes you feel special? Who and How?

8. Which school period do you like the most and why?

9. What are you most thankful for in life and why?

10. What is your favorite cartoon character?

10 Funny Writing Prompts

This is every child’s favorite! Funny Writing prompts can help develop an expression of humor sense in young children. Moreover, it will allow the classroom to have a light moment together when each of them will read their chucklesome experiences aloud. We can already hear the giggles!

Check out these fun writing prompts for 3rd grade kids.

1. If your pencil boxes could talk to each other, what would they be?

2. What if you were an Easter egg?

3. Imagine if cows gave ‘Skittles’ instead of milk. What would the world be like?

4. What makes you laugh?

5. What was the best joke that your best friend cracked recently? How can you make it funnier?

6. What would happen if it did rain cats and dogs?

7. Imagine there’s a kangaroo in the classroom. How did it reach there, and what would the scenario be like?

8. Would you rather wear a swimming suit in a snowstorm or wear a snowsuit to the beach? Which kind of silly will you be and why?

9. Write a review of the animated movie for kids that you have seen recently.

10. Imagine you and your best friend switch families for a day. What would the day be like?

10 Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essay prompts can sow seeds for a future author of an American best-seller. One of the most favored writing prompts by teachers, 3rd grade narrative writing prompts expect students to tell a story based on their imagination or actual incidents. They could either build their story on dialogues or use descriptive writing. Let’s head to the list.

1. If your shoe could speak, what story would it tell?

2. One fine morning, you woke up with wings. Narrate the day.

3. If you are allowed to make classroom rules , which new rule would you make and why?

4. Make a story about where thunder comes from.

5. Imagine a boy who only eats oranges to survive. Narrate the story of his life.

6. Describe your last vacation. Where did you go, and what did you do?

7. What is the most interesting story that your family member has told you about?

8. You are given $200 to spread kindness around your city. How will you spend it?

9. If you could fly wherever you would want to, what places would you go and why?

10. What is one thing you do very well? Describe it in detail.

10 Fiction Writing Prompts

Here’s another set of 3rd grade writing prompts that will make the creative juices flow in the students. Fiction writing prompts are a great stimulus for young minds to develop their characters, work on a plot line and narrate a story. 

They not only allow expand their imagination in children but gives them an opportunity to enjoy the writing process. Have a look at writing ideas for 3rd grade students:

1. What story does a camera want to tell the world?

2. A princess is trapped in a castle that is guarded by a beast. Instead of waiting for her prince charming to save her, she uses the resources and tools from inside the castle to build her escape plan. What all would she use and how? Write her escape story.

3. ‘There was a knock on the door. I opened it and saw a cat sitting there and,….’. Finish the story.

4. You had a chance to take over your father’s job for a day. Write a story narrating all your day’s events.

5. ‘On a vacation to paradise, something unexpected happens.’ Continue with the story.

6. There was a butterfly in Ohio who needed to earn the colors for herself. She could only earn five colors for herself. What would she do to earn colors, and how?

7. One day, you woke up and realize that you have a magic pen next to you. Narrate the events that followed it.

8. Imagine you get to choose how you would want to live your next 50 years. What would you choose? Who will be the people with you?

9. Your balloon just blew away! Write the story from the balloon’s perspective.

10. You ate a brownie, and now you are 20 feet tall. What do you do next?

10 Poetry Writing Prompts 

With Tik Toks and Reels throwing rubbish in the name of poems for kids , now is the time to introduce young minds to the real essence of poetry. They must be taught the power of syllables, rhymes, apostrophes, punctuation, and word choice to recognize the poetry. 

Poetry Writing Prompts can give good practice to 3rd graders to improve their phrasing ideas and, ultimately, the poetry sense! Whether it’s a limerick or haiku, here’s the suggestion list that you shouldn’t miss.

1. ‘Whenever I sing a silly song,

Whenever I daydream for too long..’ Continue the poem.

2. ‘Within the wrapping paper brown,

the smallest gift I’ve found. Write a poem to talk about the gift.

3. ‘Dear Friend,’. Write a short poem for your best friend.

4. Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no longer than 25 words.

5. Imagine you came from another planet, lost on Earth, and longing for home. Write short poetry to express yourself.

6. ‘Look at the stars and name them all….’ Continue an interesting poem.

7. ‘Through the trees, I go…’ Write a few lines of a Haiku poem.

8. Write a poem about your grandparents.

9. ‘It was quite a big day for me.’ Write a limerick using this line.

10. ‘I met a funny little woman,

As I walked along one day…’ Write a silly poem using this starter.

10 Informative Essay Writing Prompts

A highly beneficial writing exercise for all ages, informative writing prompts are about informing the reader without persuading or making an opinion to it. For 3rd graders, these essays could be a powerful tool to enable them to write from what they already know. It advances their memorization, learning, and reflective ability in them.

Check out the ideas that can be used as writing topics for 3rd graders.

1. Write a process to build a birdhouse in your backyard.

2. If you could meet any famous person in the world, who would it be and what conversion would you have with them?

3. Why is it important to preserve the environment around us? How can you help with it?

4. Do you have a pet? If yes, how do you take care of it?

5. Describe what all do you see on your way to school.

6. How do you prepare for a test? Share some tips with your friends.

7. Write the importance of a healthy diet in our lives. How can we make our diet healthier?

8. Describe life in the coldest cities of the world. Would you live in such places?

9. Doctors, Firefighters, Policemen, Delivery boys, etc., are all heroes. Write about their selfless contribution to our lives.

10. Why do leaves change color during autumn?

10 Opinion Writing Prompts

We all have opinions, and so do the little ones! Teaching young kids to form an opinion can be rewarding for their future goals and personality development. 

It is important to familiarize them with understanding their mind and heart and strike a balance between the two. Opinion writing prompts for 3rd graders can be instrumental in getting them moving in that direction.

To ease the writing process, you can teach the kids about the OREO framework.

O – Opinions

E – Examples

O – Opinion (restated in a concluding note)

Let’s dive into some interesting topics for 3rd grade writing prompts.

1. Do you think teachers should give homework to students?

2. What are some important rules that must be followed in life?

3. How to become a kind human being?

4. What do you do when you are angry? Write some ways to calm yourself down.

5. How to make yourself happy when you are sad? Write from your experience.

6. What is the best restaurant in your city, and why?

7. Should 10-year-olds have their mobile phone? Why or why not?

8. Why should children not eat chocolates very frequently? How should they practice control?

9. Should everyone wear school uniforms in school? Why or why not?

10. If there could only be one season throughout the year, which one would you choose and why?

10 Animal Writing Prompts

If animals bring so much joy to us just by existing, how joyful it’d be to write about them? There are so many reasons to ask children to write about animals. It can be a wonderful way to enhance their creativity, fascination, attention to detail, and of course, writing skills. 

Here’s a list of animal writing prompts for 3rd graders.

1. Which animal would you like to meet and why?

2. Would you rather have a rabbit or a penguin as a pet? Why?

3. If you had a chance to become one farm animal, which one would it be and why?

4. If I were a turtle, I would…

5. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing your favorite animal getting ready for school. What would the scenario be like?

6. Write how the world would be if humans could talk to animals.

7. You can choose either an animal or a human as your best friend. Which one would you pick and why?

8. If you could choose a different name for ‘Cow,’ what would it be? Why?

9. What I know about chickens is that….

10. A fish took a solo trip to London. Narrate the story.

10 Descriptive Writing Prompts

What do you do when you want your students to go into the tiniest details while writing? Try Descriptive writing prompts for 3rd graders. Whether they write a story or a personal experience, ignite the spark of description with these writing prompts.

1. What is your favorite math game ? Why do you like it? Also, write the steps to play.

2. Imagine you are traveling on a ship in the ocean. What does your ship look like? And, why would you like the best about your ship? Describe your journey.

3. Describe your favorite activity in the mall.

4. Which is better, winter or summer? Support your take with reasons.

5. Share a memorable experience at the park. What made it so memorable? Would you like to relive it?

6. Describe a beautiful scene from nature.

7. Alice gets to visit Wonderland in the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Describe all that you can think about Wonderland- the location, the environment, the colors, the people, etc.

8. What is a perfect day for you? Include the weather, your clothes, your friends, what you eat, and your activities.

9. Write a description of a trip to the zoo.

10. Who is your favorite teacher, and why? Describe him/her.

10 Emotion Writing Prompts

School is not limited to books and assignments. It’s also about preparing students to reflect on their feelings and being able to jot them down. Guess what? Emotion prompts can be the right choice here as well! They inspire creativity in kids and aid them in connecting with their feelings and emotions. Few third-grade emotion prompts that you shouldn’t miss.

1. My biggest dream is…

2. My favorite thing about myself…

3. What do you do when you make a mistake? How do you feel?

4. When was the last time you helped someone? What was it about?

5. Write about the happiest day of your life.

6. If you could have any special talent, what would it be and why?

7. What five things do you love about your family?

8. I feel sad when…

9. Imagine your friend is feeling scared. What would you do to calm him/her down?

10. Write a list of 10 things you are grateful for.

Now that you know 100 writing prompts for 3rd grade, there’s nothing that can stop your students shape into brilliant writers. However, a little something that we would like you to know- make writing as much fun as possible for these young minds. Look at a few tips which will help you chart out easy ways to teach writing to 3rd graders.

5 Steps To Help 3rd Graders With Writing

Step 1: sentence-formation.

If students struggle with understanding and forming sentences, they must be taught sentences as a single complete thought. Reading sentences aloud with necessary pauses will bring more clarity to them about the nature of a sentence. Let the children practice in small groups to make the instructions more effective.

 Step 2: Paragraph Writing

The next step will be to familiarize the children with writing small paragraphs. Don’t go throwing the list of 3rd grade writing prompts in one go. Instead, focus on strengthening the core concepts of writing. Introduce children to the parts of a paragraph-head, body, and conclusion.

Step 3: The ‘Sandwich’ Rule

It is a great way to simplify the writing process for third-graders. Teach the children that writing a paragraph is similar to making a sandwich. 

It begins with a piece of bread, i.e., the topic sentence, followed by adding some ingredients in the middle, i.e., the transition sentences, and finally, fishing it with another piece of bread, i.e., the concluding sentences. 

The rule can also be practiced in small groups to enjoy the maximum benefits.

Step 4: Additional Cues

Besides creative writing prompts for 3rd graders, emphasis must be made on using words like ‘because,’ ‘since,’ ‘for example,’ ‘another,’ ‘also,’ etc., to make meaningful connections while writing. Set 30 minutes initially for most pieces. Once they have had enough practice, you can reduce the time accordingly.

Step 5: Technical Cues

In the age of digitization, you cannot fathom eliminating the aid of digital tools to help children write. Teachers must pick something fun and let the students research about them on the internet. Noting down the point will help them build a story or idea smoothly.

Get, Set, Writing!

Writing prompts are not the end but the beginning of a brilliant writing spree for your students. Nonetheless, encouragement and support from your side are imperative to build their confidence. We hope the class will enjoy these 3rd grade writing prompts as much as we enjoyed curating them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should i motivate my child to write at home.

Before introducing them to prompts, the most important way you can help your child with writing is to give them a journal, a storybook, a pencil, and an eraser. Keep a separate basket for their stationary supplies so that they can instantly grab them whenever they are in the mood to write.

What can be the first set of prompts that I should begin with?

Children are most closely knit to their parents. Giving them writing prompts to recount a happy family vacation or their favorite family members can be an ideal beginning. Moreover, in the classroom, teachers can use prompts related to their best friend, learning environment, and favorite school activity.

How many writing prompts can I use in one go?

Depends on the length of the class period. However, it is recommended to use one prompt in each class to preserve the class’s interest. Otherwise, children often feel burnout and pressure from having too many topics to write on in a single class.

11 Best Transition Activities for Preschoolers

15 Fun Letter E Activities & Crafts for Kids

17 Creative Art Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten

Most Popular

76 Best Report Card Comments Samples for Teachers

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Back-to-School Learning Boost!

Turn play into progress., jumpstart learning now.

Explore 4,000+ games and 450+ lesson plans designed to make this school year the best one yet!

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

Elementary Assessments

51 Awesome Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade Students

Examine third graders’ preferences and beliefs using these high-interest opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade students.

These third grade opinion writing prompts promote critical thinking, highlight how students feel regarding certain topics, plus encourage learners to develop writing skills.

So whether you’re preparing for state testing or just want to assess students’ writing growth, schedule into your writer’s workshop plans this week a few of these opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade.

Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade Students

1. In your opinion, what does it mean to be a great friend?

2. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being in your current grade level and why?

3. Would you rather be an adult or a baby? Explain.

4. Should homework be required for learners who are making good grades? Why or why not?

5. Should birthday parties be held during school hours? Why or why not?

6. Do you think it’s a good idea for children to have cell phones at school? Why or why not?

7. If you see someone being bullied, should you step in and help? Why or why not?

8. What is your opinion about schools extending the amount of playtime at recess?

9. Which subject is the most exciting to learn? Why do you think so?

10. What is the most unique animal in the world that you can think of? What makes it so interesting?

11. Would a snake or a hamster make the better pet? Why?

12. Does homework, in your opinion, really impact how much a child learns? Explain.

13. Do you feel that students should be encouraged to brush their teeth right after lunch? Why?

14. Convince your mom to let you have dessert after dinner tonight.

15. Should candy or gum be allowed in the classroom? Why or why not?

Related Content:

7 Opinion Writing Graphic Organizers

16. If you had a choice to relax in the mountains or on a beach, which would you choose and why?

17. Imagine that you are an employee at your school (e.g. teacher, custodian, counselor, principal. cafeteria worker, aide, secretary, nurse). Which one of these jobs would you prefer to have? Why?

18. Should the class have a classroom pet? If so, what kind of pet should you have? Why?

19. Is it better to have siblings or be an only child? Explain.

20. In your opinion, should every child learn to play a musical instrument? Why or why not?

21. Should all students be required to stand and state the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

22. Where is the best place to have a third grader’s birthday party? Why?

23. Do you feel that remote learning should be an option for third graders who work better independently? What are the pros and cons of virtual learning?

24. Should third graders be required to learn a second language? Why or why not?

25. In your opinion, are cartoons just for kids, or do adults enjoy them just as much? Explain your thinking.

26. What, in your opinion, are the best foods to eat when sick?

27. Do you think it is better to have a lot of money and be sick all the time or be perfectly healthy but broke?

28. In your opinion, should third graders be allowed to write with a pen in math?

29. What, in your opinion, makes cafeteria food so appetizing or disgusting?

30. Do you prefer to wear a school uniform every day instead of your normal wear? Why or why not?

31. In your opinion, how do school uniforms benefit learning?

32. What theme park in your city or country do you think every 3rd grader should visit at least once? Why do you recommend it?

33. Do you believe that it is better to be too hot or too cold? Explain your thinking.

34. What do you think it means to be a good friend?

35. Do you prefer the celebrations of Halloween or Easter? Share your opinion.

36. Explain why every third grader should have a classroom helper job.

37. In your opinion, what is the best travel destination for kids your age? What makes this place so great?

38. Do you feel that recess should be extended so that kids get more exercise? Why or why not?

39. How has your opinion changed about something compared to one year ago?

40. What is your favorite food? Have you ever tried a new type of food and then changed your opinion? Explain.

41. What, in your opinion, is the best pet for someone who is allergic to fur?

42. Would you rather live in a cave or on a mountain? Why?

43. Should third graders be limited in the amount of time they spend playing video games? Why or why not?

44. What do you believe is the reason why many students don’t reach their academic goals each year?

45. Do you prefer tetherball or hide-and-seek as an outdoor game? Why?

46. What types of careers are good for people that are shy? Why do you think these are good choices?

47. Is it better to walk to school, ride the bus, or get driven there by a parent? Why?

48. Do you think it is a good idea to apologize to someone you have hurt? Why or why not?

49. In your opinion, should we always forgive others who have hurt us? Why or why not?

50. From your point of view, should junk food be sold at school at any time? Why or why not?

51. How does responding to opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade improve writing skills?

Final Thoughts: Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Now you have a quality collection of opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade that encourages students to move their pens/pencils.

Download lined paper to use with opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade .

60 Awesome Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Are you searching for a fun and effective way to engage your 3rd grade students in opinion writing? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 60 opinion writing prompts specifically designed for 3rd graders. T hese prompts will not only encourage your students to express their own opinions but also help them develop their critical thinking and persuasive writing skills.

From topics like “Should students have homework?” to “Who is the greatest superhero of all time?” these opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade cover a wide range of subjects that are sure to get your third graders’ creative juices flowing.

Whether they’re discussing their favorite hobbies, sharing their opinions on homework, or debating the merits of technology, these prompts provide endless opportunities for your students to express themselves and engage in writing thoughtful opinion pieces.

Benefits of using opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade

Opinion writing plays a crucial role in elementary education, providing an excellent way for students to develop their voice and express unique perspectives. Engaging in opinion writing helps students think critically, form logical arguments, and support opinions with good reasons and evidence. This skill is not only essential for academic success but also for their future personal and professional endeavors.

Introducing third graders to opinion writing prompts offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Here are five key advantages:

1. Critical Thinking Skills

Opinion writing prompts encourage students to analyze and evaluate different viewpoints, helping them develop critical thinking skills as they formulate their own opinions and support them with evidence.

2. Expression of Individual Voice

By expressing their opinions on various topics, students learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings, fostering confidence in their ability to communicate effectively.

3. Persuasive Writing Abilities

Engaging with opinion writing prompts allows students to practice persuasive writing techniques, such as providing convincing arguments and appealing to their audience’s emotions, which are valuable skills for both academic and real-life situations.

4. Empathy and Understanding

Exploring different perspectives through opinion writing prompts promotes empathy and understanding among students as they consider viewpoints that may differ from their own, encouraging tolerance and respect for others’ opinions.

5. Preparation for Academic and Personal Success

Opinion writing prompts prepare third graders for future academic endeavors by honing their writing skills and teaching them to express themselves clearly and persuasively. Additionally, these prompts instill a lifelong love for writing and self-expression, fostering personal growth and success beyond the classroom.

60 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Here is an ultimate list of 60 opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade that will improve your students’ writing skills and get even your most reluctant writers excited about opinion writing! These opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade can be used as opinion essay topics for your opinion unit or can be used for creative writing in a writing center.

• Pets:  In your opinion, do you believe cats or dogs make better pets? Explain.
• Junk Food:  What is your favorite junk food, and why?
• Best Friend:  Who is your best friend, and what makes them special? Explain.
• Best Season:  What’s your favorite season, and why do you like it?
• Homework:  Do you think homework is good for kids? Explain your thoughts.
• Uniforms:  Should we wear uniforms to school or our own clothes? Share your ideas.
• Favorite Book:  Write about your favorite book and why you love it.
• Favorite Place:  Where is your favorite place to go, and why?
• Color:  Which is your favorite color, and why do you like it?
• Game:  What is your favorite game to play, and why?
• Favorite Thing:  What is your favorite thing to play with, and why?
• Best Animal:  What do you think the best animal is, and why?
• Best Superhero:  Who do you think is the best superhero, and why?
• Favorite Movie:  Write about your favorite movie and why other kids should watch it.
• Favorite Dinner:  What is your favorite dinner food, and why?
• Favorite Animal:  Share why your favorite animal is the best one in the world.
• Dream Vacation:  If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go, and what would you do there?
• Pets:  Do you think dogs make good pets? Explain why or why not.
• Favorite Holiday:  Which holiday is your favorite, and what makes it special to you?
• Ice Cream:  Which ice cream flavor is the best, and why?
• Best Place:  What’s the best place you’ve ever visited, and why did you love it?
• Best Dessert:  Express your opinion on the best dessert and why it tops your list.
• Social Studies:  What is one particular topic in social studies that is interesting to you, and why?
• Best Thing:  What is the best thing you have ever received for your birthday, and why?
• Favorite Adventure:  Describe an exciting day out you had and explain why it was so much fun.
• Dream Invention:  If you could invent anything, what would it be, and how would it make the world a better place?
• Book Review:  Write a book review of your favorite book, recommending it to others and sharing what you loved about it.
• Best School Subject:  Which school subject do you enjoy the most, and why is it your favorite?
• Space Travel:  What is your opinion on the idea of space travel becoming more common in the future? Explain.
• Protecting the Environment:  Why is it important to take care of our environment, and what can kids do to help?
• The Power of Friendship:  What qualities make someone a good friend in your eyes?
• Weekend:  In your opinion, what’s a great way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon?
• Fictional Adventure:  If you could step into a storybook, which story would you choose and why?
• Learning New Skills:  Share a skill you’d love to learn, like playing a musical instrument or a sport, and explain why you’re interested in it.
• Homework Assignment:  Do you think having a homework assignment every night is a good practice for elementary students? Explain why or why not.
• School Year:  Do you think the school year should be shorter or longer than it currently is? Explain.
• Helping Others:  Why is it important to help people in need, and what are some ways you can make a positive difference in your community?
• School Subjects:  Which school subject do you find the most challenging, and how do you overcome challenges in that subject?
• Dream Career:  What career do you dream to have when you grow up, and what steps will you take to achieve your goal?
• School Rules:  What new school rule should we incorporate, and why?
• Travel:  What country would you like to visit, and what would you do there?
• Uniforms:  Do you think school uniforms are a good idea or a restriction on personal expression?
• Community Clean-Up:  Write a letter to our local government persuading them to organize a community clean-up day to make our town a cleaner and more beautiful place.
• Playground:  Write a letter to our principal explaining what new playground equipment you would like to have and how it would benefit our school.
• The Power of Friendship:  What qualities make someone a great friend in your eyes?
• Physical Education:  Do you think physical education is an essential part of school? Why or why not?
• Board Game:  What is your favorite board game, and why?
• Perfect Activity:  What would you say is the perfect activity to do outside, and why?
• Video Games:  What’s your point of view on playing video games after finishing homework?
• Favorite Season:  Persuade your readers why your favorite season is the best, describing the unique activities that make it special.
• Technology Use:  Debate whether or not students should be allowed to use Chat GPT or other AI programs to help write their essays.
• Holiday:  Share which holiday is your favorite, and how the school could celebrate it.
• Cell Phones:  Do you think that third graders should have cell phones? Why or why not?
• Students in the Community:  How can students your age become involved in our town? How would it benefit both you and our community?
• Homework:  Do you think students in our school should have more or less homework? Explain.
• Sport:  What do you think is the best sport, and why?
• Virtual Learning:  Share your experience with virtual learning and its challenges or benefits.
• Good Grades:  Do you think it’s important for you to get good grades? Why or why  not?
• Foreign Language:  If you could learn any foreign language, which one would it be and why?
• Sports Teams:  Do you think elementary schools should have competitive sports teams? Why or why not?

3rd Grade Opinion Writing Unit

Set your third graders up for success with our comprehensive 3rd grade opinion writing unit . It’s the perfect resource to elevate their skills and boost their confidence as they venture into more formal writing pieces.

Incorporating opinion writing into the curriculum encourages students to develop empathy and understanding for diverse viewpoints. As they articulate their opinions and listen to those of their peers, students learn to respect differing perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue.

This fosters a sense of community within the classroom and prepares students to navigate the complexities of the world beyond the school walls. By embracing the power of opinion writing, educators empower their students to become active participants in society, equipped with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to effect positive change.

Conclusion 

Opinion writing is a crucial skill for elementary students. These opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade provide a structured starting point, making the opinion writing process engaging and boosting student confidence.

By igniting the spark of self-expression, students will develop essential skills for both academics and real-world success! 

Related Resources

Related Blog Posts

How to Run a Writing Workshop in Elementary

25 Fun Descriptive Writing Prompts for Elementary

60 Great Sentence Prompts for Writing Creative Stories

Complete Sentences – 5 Authentic Activities

5 Best Ways to Use Boom Cards in the Classroom

Hey Teachers,

I'm jen from ela skill builder.

My mission is to help you be the  best  ELA teacher you can be by providing simple and creative ideas that will boost student engagement and skill mastery in your classroom.

Best Sellers!

coupon code

Get 15% off your first purchase.

free lessons!

join the waitlist

Revamp your writing class.

free routine!

FIND WHAT YOU NEED

Visit the shop.

• GRAMMAR RESOURCES
• WRITING RESOURCES
• WRITING COURSE

free narrative lessons

Grab your free week of narrative prewriting lessons!

JOIN THE ELEMENTARY ELA FACEBOOK COMMUNITY