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English for life.

How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which you share your thoughts on a specific topic. You should express your opinion clearly and give reasons and examples to support your point of view.

Remember that when we write in formal style , we must not use contractions or informal words or expressions.

Parts of an opinion essay

An opinion essay must have 3 parts:

1. Introduction

In this paragraph you have to introduce the topic. You introduce the topic by restating the question or the title of the essay in your own words. Here you have to say if you agree or not with the question or the title of the essay. You can agree, disagree or partially agree.

In this section you have to support your opinion with reasons and examples. You must include at least three reasons. Break it into several paragraphs. Write one paragraph for each supporting reason. Don’t forget to include examples or facts.

3. Conclusion

Summarize your ideas and restate your opinion using different words.

Transition words and phrases

In your essay you have to organize all your ideas in a logical and coherent way. You can use different transition words or phrases to connect your ideas . Transition words and phrases help the reader understand your point of view easily.

In the table below there is a list of common transition words that you can use in your opinion essays.

Essay question: A1/B2 English learners should learn how to write an opinion essay. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Here you can download a simple template that you can use to organize your ideas. You can replace the red words with other transition or linking words from the chart. You can also add more transition words to connect your ideas more clearly.

PRACTICE TIME

Dogs are better pets than cats. Do you agree or disagree. Why?

Write your answer in the comments below.

How to Express your Opinion in English

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24 thoughts on “ How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1 ”

Dogs are better pets than cats.

Nowadays, many people prefer to adopt dogs or cats, but which of them are the better pets? Personally, I think that it is better to have cats as pets for the following reasons:

First of all, cats are more independent than dogs. For example, if you need to go on a trip, cats can live alone for 3 or 4 days. In addition, you only need to put enough water and food in a bowl and a sandbox so they can pee and poop when they need.

Secondly, cats are very clean and you don´t need to pay for someone to bathe them, unlike dogs, which must be bathed at least every week, because they smell bad. In my experience, I had a cat 7 years ago and only needed to bathe him 3 times during 5 years, because, he used to bathe himself.

Finally, cats are more calm and quiet than dogs. For instance, cats sleep during the day and at night they wake up. However, they are very quiet so you can sleep relaxed. In addition, cats only meow softly and do not bark loudly like dogs.

In conclusion, cats are more lovely and better pets than dogs because they are very independent, clean, and calm animals. They are beautiful and they do not need a lot of care.

Great job Camila!!!! Please read the final essay and compare it with your draft.

Nowadays most people say that dogs are better compared to cats. However, I consider that you couldn’t say who is better because just by existing they are incredible. Therefore, I do not agree that any one is better than the other for the following reasons.

First of all, dogs and cats are house pets adaptable to any home. However, it depends a lot on the space where they are going to be. However, in terms of size, they can be perfectly adapted to each home.

Secondly, dogs and cats, if you educate them correctly, will have good grooming habits. So both of them are going to do the right thing and we wouldn’t say that one is better than the other.

Finally, I consider that dogs and cats are the best friends of humans in the world. They both give love unconditionally in any situation. Also, on the contrary, you can know when pets are happy, sad or have a health problem.

To conclude, dogs are not better than cats because both are excellent domestic pets and they adapt to each place and lifestyle, it only depends on us humans giving them love and care.

Like Liked by 1 person

Nowadays more and more pets walk into human families and become a member of them. Some people like dogs and others like cats. In my opinion cats are better pets than dogs.

First of all, you could have a cat no matter how big your family room is. Cats are smaller than most dogs so you do not need to have a big place for cats. Cats could sleep anywhere in your house and what you need to do is just prepare some food for them. However, if you have a dog, you need to prepare a big doghouse. So it is a little difficult if you live in a small apartment.

Second cats are more friendly than dogs. Most cats will not bark at people but dogs often do that to someone who is not familiar with them. It is a terrible feeling when your dogs bark at your neighbors.

Finally, the time you spend on taking care of your pets is less for cats. For instance, you do not need to take the cat out of your house every day if you are very busy after work.

In conclusion, cats are easy to take care of, for that reason I think cats are better pets than dogs.

Great job Li Yang. Please compare the final essay with your initial draft. 🙂

Dogs are better pets than cats. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

There is a dispute between those who love dogs and those who love cats. Each side believes that their pet is the best. In my opinion, every animal has pluses and minuses. However, I will say that cats are better pets than dogs.

Firstly, cats are 100 percent pets. They can sleep for hours, play, and look out the window.

Secondly, cats do not need a walk. And this means that cats do not need to wash their paws. They keep their bodies clean.

Thirdly, if cats love their owners, they like to sleep on them. Cats say mur-mur and calm their owners when they are sad or something hurts them.

Finally, cats behave calmly to guests. They can leave the room if they do not like something or someone.

Let’s sum it up. Should people buy a cat or a dog?. It is up to us. However, I will buy a cat. A cat is an ideal pet for me because I am an introvert.

Well done Olga! Please compare your first draft with the final version ☝️

Thank you very much for your help, Julietta! It’s so important to look at yourself from the outside.

Excellent material (for an otherwise dull topic)- Thanks a million from faraway Argentina!

Hi Maria! I’m happy to hear that this post was helpful. I know! Teaching/learning writing sometimes is quite challenging.

[…] factual information using a formal tone. As with other pieces of formal writing (for example, essays, formal emails, articles, etc.), there is a special format used to write reports in […]

Most people can say dogs are good pets for humans compared to cats. Personally, I think, it is not possible to say who is better because both are amazing pets. For this reason , I disagree that dogs are better than cats.

First of all, dogs and cats are perfect domestic pets. Nowadays, people live in different spaces and dogs and cats can live perfectly in this place only depending on the size of the pets. Additionally, both can adapt perfectly to a different lifestyle for families or single people.

Secondly, dogs and cats are amazing because they have facial expressions closer to humans and sometimes they are more expressive than humans. For example, you can know when pets are happy, sad or have any health problems.

Lastly, dogs and cats are humans’ best friends in the world. Both give love unconditionally to people and stay at all times (good and bad) with them . Furthermore, it is so difficult to say one love is better than the other .

That is clear, dogs are not better than cats because both are excellent domestic pets and they adapted to every place and lifestyle only depend only that humans give love and care.

Well done Karla!! ⭐

Nowadays, adopting dogs and cats is hands down the most popular option for people who want to get a pet . Personally, I consider, it is imposible to say which one is a better option because both are awsome. However, I think that cats are good pets for a number of reason s . To begin with, cats are loving. For instance, when you are upset or depressed, they always try to cheer you up with their company. Furthermore, they love sleeping with you. Secondly, cats do not need to go for a walk . And this means that you have more spare time for yourself or for playing with them. In addition, you can go out all day knowing that your cat is going to be fine all by itself . Last but not least, cats are friendlier than dogs. If they do not like something or somebody they will simply go out of the room. What is more, they sometimes enjoy playing alone. To sum up, cats are more affectionate than dogs, making then better pets than other animals.

Amazing job Gloria!!!

Nowadays dogs and cats have become part of the family, they are like people who cannot talk, but communicate through different acts, I particularly prefer dogs.

First of all, I prefer dogs because they are more friendly, affectionate and loyal. These pets have easily won anyone is heart. Their willingness to be part of the family, their enthusiasm when we come home and their ability to provide emotional support are irreplaceable qualities.

Secondly, walking with them not only helps with exercise, but is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between us and the dogs. Their playful nature and willingness to learn make living with a dog an exciting and joyful experience.

Finally, I think dogs are ideal for those looking for an active and affectionate companion, while cats are great for people who value independence and feline elegance.

In conclusion, although I love dogs more, the choice between a dog and a cat as a pet depends a lot on each person’s personal preferences and lifestyle.

In almost every home there is a pet, whether cats, dogs or other animals that become part of the family. However, everyone has their own preferences, in my opinion dogs are better than cats for the following reasons. First of all, if you have a more active lifestyle. Dogs are very active animals that like to walk, run and play to stay healthy and happy, while cats are more sedentary and prefer to sleep all day. Secondly, dogs are very obedient animals. If trained correctly, they can learn tricks and commands. In addition to being very affectionate animals. Lastly, dogs are very protective and loyal animals. If they see something they don’t like or something that could be a threat to their family, they will be willing to protect them. In conclusion, dogs are very good companions, they are affectionate, active, protective, and they are the best if you have a more active lifestyle, but I also think that it depends a lot on the person in charge, on their type of life.

Moderation in cell phone use is crucial in contemporary society for various reasons. Firstly, the abuse of mobile devices can have negative impacts on mental health, contributing to increased stress and anxiety due to constant exposure to social networks and notifications. Additionally, excessive use can affect interpersonal relationships by distracting people during face-to-face encounters.

Additionally, cell phone dependency can affect productivity and concentration in daily activities. The constant interruption by notifications and the compulsion to check the phone can undermine the quality of work and academic performance.

On the other hand, moderation in cell phone use is essential for road safety. Distracted driving due to phone use has been a major cause of traffic accidents. Implementing limits on cell phone use while driving is a necessary measure to prevent tragedies.

to conclusion, moderation in cell phone use is imperative to safeguard mental health, strengthen personal relationships, improve productivity and guarantee public safety. Setting conscious boundaries and encouraging responsible use of technology is essential for a healthy balance between digital life and reality.

Today, dogs and cats are the perfect companion in the home of the world. However, in my opinion, I prefer cats, this pet is wonderful and special partner of adventures and madness. Following, I say three reason for that cat is the best friend for human.

First, cat isn´t noisy, this pet is very quiet and calm, inside of house cat keep silence, because theirs legs are padding and when walking not make noise. In addition, meows of cats are soft and do not bark loudly like dogs.

Secondly, I considerer cats are clean because, this pet bathe with their tongue for this reason your cat not needed take shower always. For example, I bathe my cat « Mihos » every six months.

Finally, cats are more independent than dogs. In my experience, my pet go for a walk alone. For this reason, my cat not need to that stroll with me.

To conclude, cats are excellent domestic pets, they are pretty and mystics. And they will take care of your home and your heart. I always adore cats.

In Defense of Dogs: Man’s Best Friend The age-old debate of whether cats or dogs make better pets has long been a topic of discussion among animal lovers. While both animals have their merits, I firmly believe that dogs hold a special place in our lives as faithful companions. In this essay, I will present the reasons, in my opinion, why dogs are superior pets, offering unwavering loyalty, companionship, and numerous other qualities that make them man’s best friend.

First of all, dogs are renowned for their loyalty and unwavering devotion to their owners. They form deep emotional bonds and are always there to provide comfort and support, making them invaluable companions in both good and challenging times.

Secondly, dogs thrive on social interaction and physical activity, encouraging their owners to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. Their enthusiasm for outdoor activities and playtime fosters a strong and positive relationship between humans and their pets, promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.

Therefore, dogs come in a wide variety of breeds, each with its unique personality and traits. Whether as service animals, working dogs, or loving family pets, they display remarkable adaptability and versatility, making them suitable for a diverse range of roles and environments.

In conclusion, the qualities that dogs possess, including unwavering loyalty, companionship, and their ability to enhance our physical and emotional well-being, make them exceptional companions. Their impact on human lives is immeasurable, as they provide love, support, and joy to countless individuals and families worldwide. Therefore, I firmly believe that dogs are, without a doubt, man’s best friend and make superior pets in numerous ways.

Chat GPT diserves full marks 100%

Why are dogs better than cats? In my opinion, dogs are better than cats for many reasons. In this essay I will address various topics, such as fidelity, company, cleanliness, protection, among others, and I will try to defend man’s best friends.

First of all, dogs are man’s best friends because they are very faithful to humans. For instance, in risky situations for their owners they act as defenders and help detect risky situations. Dogs can also work in the police department as detectors of prohibited substances, and they can also serve as a company for people with mental illnesses who need support .

Second, dogs are more affectionate with their owners. They can recognize their owners after a long time. They have a super developed and very effective sense of smell. This is why in many occasions when people disappear, dogs track them alone .

Finally , dogs have a lower loss rate compared to cats. In addtion, dogs are kept in their homes, and there are many cases in which lost dogs lead people to their “wanted” files in order to return to their homes. Dogs often defend their owners even if they get hurt or, in many cases dogs die.

To sum up , dogs are better than cats due to their loyalty, their defense tactics towards their owners, and in many cases also their intelligence, which is why they are called man’s best friends.

Good effort!

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365 essays for english learners.

1 America: Land of Opportunity

2 The Fourth of July

3 The U.S. Federal Government

4 Christmas: A Holiday of Traditions

5 New Year's Day: A Holiday of New Beginnings

6 Martin Luther King Jr Day: To Remember a Civil Rights Leader

7 Valentine's Day: A Holiday of Love and Friendship

8 St. Patrick's Day: A Holiday to Celebrate the Irish

9 Passover: A Jewish Holiday of Remembering

10 Easter: An Important Christian Holiday

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14 Labor Day: A Holiday to Honor Workers

15 Columbus Day: A Holiday to Remember an Explorer

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18 Chanukah: A Holiday of Lights

19 Thanksgiving: Families Coming Together

20 Lottery: A Chance at Millions

Persuasive Writing: For and Against

Intermediate Level Writing

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Persuasive writing asks the writer to provide arguments for and against something in order to convince the reader of a point of view. Use these introductory phrases, structures, and phrases to connect your sentences and create a logical flow. 

Introductory Phrases

Use the phrases below to introduce your arguments are you write to persuade your reader of your opinion. 

Expressing Your Opinion

Express your opinions as you consider the pros and cons.

• In my opinion,
• I feel/think that
• Personally,

Showing Contrast

These words introduce a sentence to show contrast .

• On the other hand,
• Unfortunately,

Use order to help you move through a persuasive paragraph.

• First of all,

Summarizing

Summarize your opinion at the end of a paragraph. 

• In conclusion,
• In summary,
• All things considered,

Expressing Both Sides

Express both sides of an argument using the following phrases.

• Pros and cons -  Understanding the pros and cons of this topic is important.
• Advantages and disadvantages - Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the topic.
• Plus and minus - One plus is that it's located in the city. One minus is that our costs will increase.

Providing Additional Arguments

Provide additional arguments in your paragraphs with these structures.

• What is more, -  What is more, I feel we should consider his opinion.
• In addition to..., the... -  In addition to his work, the instruction was excellent.
• Further, -  Further, I'd like to show three traits.
• Not only will..., but... will also... -  Not only will we grow together, but we will also profit from the situation.

Tips for Writing a For and Against Argument

Use the following tips to help you write short essays using persuasive writing. 

• Before you begin, write down at least five positive points, and five negative points for your argument.
• Begin your writing by making a statement about the general statement about the outcome of an action, or the overall situation.
• Dedicate the first paragraph to one side of the argument. This can be either positive or negative. Generally, it is the side with which you agree.
• The second paragraph should contain the other side of the argument.
• The final paragraph should shortly summarize both paragraphs, and provide your own general opinion on the matter.

Example Paragraphs: A Short Work Week

Read the following paragraphs. Notice that this paragraph presents the pros and cons of a shorter work week.

Introducing a short work week may lead to both positive and negative effects on society. For workers, the advantages of shortening the work week include more free time. This will lead to stronger family relationships, as well as better physical and mental health for all. An increase in free time should lead to more service sector jobs as people find ways to enjoy their extra leisure time. What is more, companies will need to hire more workers to keep production up to past levels of a standard forty hour work week. Altogether, these benefits will not only improve quality of life but also grow the economy as a whole.

On the other hand, a shorter work week may damage the ability to compete in the global workplace. Moreover, companies may be tempted to outsource positions to countries where longer work weeks are common. Another point is that companies will need to train more workers to make up for the lost productivity hours. To sum up, companies will likely have to pay a steep price for shorter work weeks.

In summary, it is clear that there would be a number of positive gains for individual workers if the work week were shortened. Unfortunately, this move could easily cause companies to look elsewhere for qualified staff. In my opinion, the net positive gains outweigh the negative consequences of such a move towards more free time for all.

Choose a for and against argument from one of the following themes

• Attending College/University
• Getting Married
• Having Children
• Changing Jobs
• Write down five positive points and five negative points.
• Write down an overall statement of the situation (for introduction and first sentence).
• Write down your own personal opinion (for the final paragraph).
• Summarize both sides in one sentence if possible.
• Use your notes to write a For and Against Argument using the helpful language provided.
• Parallelism in Writing for English Learners
• Beginning Writing Short Writing Assignments
• Writing About Cities
• Personal Descriptions
• Sentence Patterns
• Complex Sentence Writing
• Modifying Words and Phrases to Express Opinions
• Complex Sentence Worksheet
• Paragraph Writing
• 3 Tips to Improve Writing in English
• Common Writing Mistakes
• Cover Letter Example
• Writing Cause and Effect Essays for English Learners
• Compound Sentence Practice for ESL and EFL Students
• Help With Spelling Problems for ESL Classes
• Writing Descriptive Paragraphs

Essay Examples & Writing Tips for ESL/EFL Students (updated 2024)

In this lesson you will find simple essay examples for ESL, EFL and university students. Additional writing tips also show how to write a proper essay with minimal mistakes.

Writing essays is a powerful way to improve your language skills and express your thoughts. In our article, “Essay Examples for ESL/EFL Students,” we embark on a journey through the world of essays, offering you valuable examples and insights to help you gain confidence in your English writing abilities.

Essay Examples and Tips For ESL Students

Sample essay 1. my hobby.

My favorite hobby is playing drums. I spend a lot of my free time playing drums. I started learning to play drums when I was 9 years old. I played in my school’s band. When I was 12, I got a private drum teacher and started to really enjoy playing.

My parents bought me a drum set and I started practicing every day after school. It was very loud, but my mother never complained. I improved a lot, and playing drums has been my favorite hobby ever since.

Now, I play drums in a band with my friend Dan, who plays guitar. We write songs, perform, and practice twice a week. It’s still as fun as it was when I first started playing!

Answer these questions in your essay:

What is your hobby? When did you start doing this hobby? Why do you like doing this hobby? How did you learn this hobby? When do you usually do this hobby? How often do you do this hobby?(every day, one a week, twice a month, on weekends, etc.)

Use this sentence pattern in your essay: start/stop verb+ing I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old. I started reading novels when I was very young

Sentence pattern: verb+ing

When you put a verb after start , begin , stop , finish , or quit , you must add “ ‐ing ”

Examples: I started studying English in 3rd grade. I finished writing my homework at 11:00 last night. My father quit smoking because it is unhealthy. We began dating when we met last year.

Check Also: Essay Writing Tips & How to Avoid Typical Mistakes  Short Essay Examples for ESL Students 20 Useful Vocabulary & Phrases to Start Your Essay  Argumentative Essay Topics With Points for Students

SAMPLE ESSAY 2. My Favorite Place

Usually when you ask people what their favorite place is, they will talk about a distant place – maybe a beach or a beautiful mountain. But my favorite place is not far away at all. My favorite place is the forest behind my house.

Although the forest behind my house is not very big, when I was little I thought it was huge! There are so many interesting places to play and hide. I can sit on the big rocks and have a picnic, I can climb the tall trees, or I can look for lizards and other little animals.

Even though I have played there many times, I can still spend all afternoon running, playing, and hiking in the forest behind my house.

The forest behind my house is a magical place. If I am in a bad mood, I will go there to be alone and think. When I was little, I liked to imagine that there were magical people who lived in the forest. When I grow up and have children, I hope that they can live near such a special place, too.

Sentence pattern: (not) …at all “at all” means “not even a little”, and you usually put it at the end of a negative sentence (a sentence with “not”).

Example: Brian: Are you hungry: Dave: I just ate dinner. I’m not hungry at all.

Check Also: Essay Writing Tips & How to Avoid Typical Mistakes ✅ Useful Academic Expressions & Phrases For Essay Writing

SAMPLE ESSAY 3. My Best Friend

A best friend is a person you can count on, someone who will always be there to put a smile on your face when you need it. This is why I call Nathan my best friend.

I first met Nathan in second grade. His family just moved here from another town and he didn’t have any friends. We started talking, and one day I went to his house to play video games. Soon, we were hanging out every day, and we stayed at each other’s houses on the weekends.

Nathan and I have a lot in common. We both like jokes, and we both love to play soccer. In summer, we go to the swimming pool and eat ice cream cones. Next year, we are going to learn to play tennis together.

Best of all, I can tell Nathan my secrets, and I know he won’t tell anyone. I call him my best friend because I trust him, because he is a lot of fun, and because we like the same things. I hope our friendship lasts forever!

Sentence pattern: [Subject] lasts [amount of time]

Use this to describe how long something is (how long it “lasts”)

Examples: That is a long movie. It lasts almost 3 hours . Summer vacation lasts about 2 months . The cell phone battery lasts about 1 year . After 1 year, you will need to buy a new one. When my girlfriend broke up with me, she said, “ Nothing lasts forever .”

SAMPLE ESSAY 4. Trip to the Zoo

Going to the zoo is a fun and interesting way to spend a day. The last time I went to the zoo was two months ago, during summer vacation. I went with my mother, father, and sister, and it was a trip that I will never forget.

We saw all kinds of animals at the zoo. We saw monkeys, snakes, and even a lion! In addition, there were birds, lizards, and several different kinds of fish. We got to see an eel, and octopus, and a small shark. My favorite animal was the elephant. It was so huge! We fed the elephants peanuts, and it sprayed us with water!

Although the zoo is very exciting, sometimes it makes me sad to see all the animals in cages. They cannot walk, run, or fly freely. However, it is good that people can go to the zoo and learn about these animals. Therefore, I’m glad we have such a nice zoo in my city

Essay Writing Tips For ESL students:

Writing essays might seem tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can make it easier and better. Especially if English is not your first language, here are some straightforward suggestions:

• Start with a Plan: Before you begin writing, take a moment to think about your main ideas. Make a simple outline with your introduction, main points, and conclusion. It’s like making a roadmap for your essay.
• Use Simple Words: Don’t try to impress with big words. It’s better to use words you know well. Simple words can be just as effective and make your writing clearer.
• One Idea per Paragraph: Each paragraph should talk about one main idea. This makes your essay organized and easy to follow. Start a new paragraph when you move to a new topic.
• Check for Mistakes: After you finish writing, go back and check for mistakes. Look for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
• Connect Your Ideas: Use words like “but,” “and,” and “so” to connect your ideas. This helps your writing flow smoothly. Remember to put a comma after these words at the beginning of a sentence.
• Read Out Loud: After you’ve written your essay, read it out loud. This helps you catch mistakes and see if your sentences sound right.
• Keep It Simple: Stick to the point. Don’t make your sentences too long or complicated. It’s better to have short, clear sentences.

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Thanks for the essay examples

Hello Fahim, could we have a friendship with you?

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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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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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. 

Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should plastic be banned?
• Pollution due to Urbanization
• Education should be free
• Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
• Selling Tobacco should be banned
• Smoking in public places should be banned
• Facebook should be banned
• Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

• Wonder Of Science
• Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

• Independence Day (15 August)
• Teachers Day
• Summer Vacation
• Children’s Day
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• Janmashtami
• Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

• Education Essay
• Importance of Education
• Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King
• Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

• My Best Friend
• My Favourite Teacher
• My Aim In Life
• My Favourite Game – Badminton
• My Favourite Game – Essay
• My Favourite Book
• My Ambition
• How I Spent My Summer Vacation
• India of My Dreams
• My School Life
• I Love My Family
• My Favourite Subject
• My Favourite Game Badminton
• My Father My Hero
• My School Library
• My Favourite Author
• My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

• Global Warming
• Environment
• Air Pollution
• Environmental Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Rainy Season
• Climate Change
• Importance Of Trees
• Winter Season
• Deforestation
• Natural Disasters
• Save Environment
• Summer Season
• Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

• Health Is Wealth
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
• Where there is a will, there is way
• Time and Tide wait for none

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Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

• Noise Pollution
• Environment Pollution
• Women Empowerment
• Time and Tide Wait for none
• Science and Technology
• Importance of Sports
• Sports and Games
• Time Management
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• Cleanliness
• Rome was not Built in a Day
• Unemployment
• Clean India
• Cow Essay In English
• Describe Yourself
• Festivals Of India
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Healthy Food
• Importance Of Water
• Plastic Pollution
• Value of Time
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights
• Knowledge Is Power
• Same Sex Marriage
• Childhood Memories
• Cyber Crime
• Kalpana Chawla
• Punctuality
• Rani Lakshmi Bai
• Spring Season
• Unity In Diversity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Online Shopping
• Indian Culture
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Indian Education System
• Disaster Management
• Environmental Issues
• Freedom Fighters
• Grandparents
• Save Fuel For Better Environment
• Importance Of Newspaper
• Lal Bahadur Shastri
• Raksha Bandhan
• World Environment Day
• Narendra Modi
• What Is Religion
• Charity Begins at Home
• A Journey by Train
• Ideal student
• Save Water Save Earth
• Indian Farmer
• Safety of Women in India
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Capital Punishment
• College Life
• Natural Resources
• Peer Pressure
• Nature Vs Nurture
• Romeo And Juliet
• Generation Gap
• Makar Sankranti
• Constitution of India
• Girl Education
• Importance of Family
• Importance of Independence Day
• Brain Drain
• A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
• Action Speaks Louder Than Words
• All That Glitters Is Not Gold
• Bhagat Singh
• Demonetization
• Agriculture
• Importance of Discipline
• Population Explosion
• Poverty in India
• Uses Of Mobile Phones
• Water Scarcity
• Train Journey
• Land Pollution
• Environment Protection
• Indian Army
• Uses of Internet
• All that Glitters is not Gold
• Balanced Diet
• Blood Donation
• Digital India
• Dussehra Essay
• Energy Conservation
• National Integration
• Railway Station
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Health And Hygiene
• Importance Of Forest
• Indira Gandhi
• Laughter Is The Best Medicine
• Career Goals
• Mental Health
• Save Water Save Life
• International Yoga Day
• Winter Vacation
• Soil Pollution
• Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
• Indian Culture And Tradition
• Unity Is Strength
• Unity is Diversity
• Wildlife Conservation
• Cruelty To Animals
• Nelson Mandela
• Of Mice And Men
• Organ Donation
• Life in a Big City
• Democracy in India
• Waste Management
• Biodiversity
• Afforestation
• Female Foeticide
• Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
• Rain Water Harvesting
• Save Electricity
• Social Media
• Social Networking Sites
• Sound Pollution
• Procrastination
• Life in an Indian Village
• Life in Big City
• Population Growth
• World Population Day
• Greenhouse Effect
• Statue of Unity
• Traffic Jam
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• Importance of Good Manners
• Good Manners
• Cyber Security
• Green Revolution
• Health And Fitness
• Incredible India
• Make In India
• Surgical Strike
• Triple Talaq
• A Good Friend
• Importance of Friends in our Life
• Should Plastic be Banned
• Nationalism
• Traffic Rules
• Effects of Global Warming
• Fundamental Rights
• Solar System
• National Constitution Day
• Good Mother
• Importance of Trees in our Life
• City Life Vs Village Life
• Importance of Communication
• Conservation of Nature
• Man vs. Machine
• Indian Economy
• Mothers Love
• Importance of National Integration
• Black Money
• Greenhouse effect
• Untouchability
• Self Discipline
• Global Terrorism
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• Newspaper and Its Uses
• World Health Day
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• A Picnic with Family
• Indian Heritage
• Status of Women in India
• Child is Father of the Man
• Reading is Good Habit
• Plastic Bag
• Terrorism in India
• Library and Its Uses
• Life on Mars
• Urbanization
• Pollution Due to Diwali
• National Flag of India
• Vocational Education
• Importance of Tree Plantation
• Summer Camp
• Vehicle Pollution
• Women Education in India
• Seasons in India
• Freedom of the Press
• Caste System
• Environment and Human Health
• Mountain Climbing
• Depletion of Natural Resources
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• Health Education
• Effects of Deforestation
• Life after School
• Starvation in India
• Jan Dhan Yojana
• Impact of Privatization
• Election Commission of India
• Election and Democracy
• Prevention of Global Warming
• Impact of Cinema in Life
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Dowry System
• Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
• Role of Science in Making India
• Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
• Pollution due to Festivals
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Family Planning in India
• Democracy vs Dictatorship
• National Festivals of India
• Sri Aurobindo
• Casteism in India
• Organ trafficking
• Consequences of Global Warming
• Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
• Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
• Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
• PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
• Role of Youths in Nation Building
• Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
• Farmer Suicides in India
• Start-up India
• Pollution Due to Firecrackers
• Life of Soldiers
• Child Labour
• Save Girl Child
• Morning Walk
• My School Fete
• Essay on Financial Literacy
• Essay On Sustainable Development
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• Essay On Travel
• My Home Essay
• Child Marriage Essay
• Importance Of English Language Essay
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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.

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Free Attendance Questions Slideshow ✨

101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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40 Strong Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, Ads, and More)

Learn from the experts. Continue Reading

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2. Be reflective . Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.

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Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative

We invite teenagers to tell a true story about a meaningful life experience in just 100 words. Contest dates: Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2024.

By The Learning Network

Illustrations from Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories , the inspiration for this contest.

Can you tell a meaningful and interesting true story from your life in just 100 words? That’s the challenge we pose to teenagers with our 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest, a storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories series .

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Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below. Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

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