Types of Writing and Possible Topics

PERSUASIVE WRITING

Younger children (grades 4 through 8)

1. Write an essay for your teacher expressing an opinion on a proposed law that would prevent children from watching television, and give reasons for your opinion.

2. Take a stand on whether school vacations should be shortened, and write a letter to your principal arguing for your opinion.

Older children (grades 8 through 12)

1. Take a stand on whether negative rating labels should be used to restrict teenagers from buying certain music, and write an essay for the local newspaper supporting your opinion.

2. Should the state legislature pass a law that students who receive failing grades will lose their drivers' licenses? Write a letter convincing your congressperson of your point of view.

NARRATIVE WRITING

Younger children (grades 4 through 8)

1. Pretend that you have raised a pet dinosaur, and write about one of your experiences together.

2. Imagine that you own a magical balloon, and write about one of your adventures with it.

Older children (grades 8 through 12)

1. Think about an embarrassing situation you have been in, and describe what happened.

2. Choose any person from history and imagine you spend a day together. Write a story about what happens.

RESPONSE TO LITERATURE WRITING

Younger children (grades 4 through 8)

1. Think of a favorite book. Explain how you know who the main character is.

2. Read a magazine or newspaper article. Pretend you are one of the people in the article. How would you react in a similar situation? Explain.