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Sixth grade writing represents a bit of a jump from what’s expected from elementary schoolers. Sixth graders are expected to be able to draw on lots of different writing skills. This includes introducing arguments and supporting their claims with well-organized evidence drawn from credible sources. It also includes using strategies such as dialogue, pacing, description, compare/contrast, and cause/effect. On top of it all, they’re expected to write in a formal style and use visual aides, such as headings, graphics, and media to support the reader’s understanding.

If all of this seems a little overwhelming, there’s one thing that changes to make it all possible: sixth graders are increasingly asked to work on their writing over time. Kids learn that planning, drafting, editing, and rewriting, even talking about their work are all important steps in writing. Help kids learn this by emphasizing that writing is a multi-step process — and that when you break it down into these different stages, it’s less overwhelming and more fun.

For more, read our overview of sixth grade writing skills.

10 6th grade writing prompts

Project runway

Imagine your school just decided that all students must wear a uniform, and they asked you to design them. Explain what the uniform looks like and why you made the choices you did. Is it the same for boys and girls?

Keep in mind: Use as much detail as you can. Are there reasons behind the colors, fabrics, and styles you chose?

Bonus: Draw your design.

Robotics rule

Imagine you can program a robot to do anything you want. What will you program it to do and why?

Keep in mind: Robots don’t have to be humanoid (shaped like a person) and they can do a lot more than bring you a snack. There are robots that can make music, explore shipwrecks, and send you a comforting text when you’re feeling down.

Bonus: Write specs for your robot. Specs, aka specifications, are the dimensions, materials, and descriptions engineers use to have something built.

Field study

Write an imaginary first-person account of the most amazing field trip you can imagine.

Keep in mind: A good story has a lot of details. Use as many descriptive words as you can to help the reader feel what it’s like to be on that trip.

Bonus: How would you change your story to be about the most disastrous field trip ever? Which details change? Does it start ideal and take a turn for the worse?

Call Hollywood

What’s a book that you think should be made into a movie? Write a letter to a movie studio telling them about the book and why it would make a successful movie.

Keep in mind: Be sure to tell them something about who you are and why they should listen to you.

Bonus: Would you suggest doing anything different in the movie version? A different ending, for example, or changing or eliminating a character? Why?

Look into the crystal ball!

If you could find out one thing about your future from a fortune teller, what would it be and why?

Keep in mind: Try to explain how knowing this information would help you. Might there be any unintended consequences of knowing about your future?

Bonus: Can you imagine how you would feel finding this information out? What are some of the ways you might react? How might it change your life?

Tune in

Research suggests that certain kinds of background music may help kids focus when they’re studying. Should kids be allowed to listen to their favorite music while they do homework? Why or why not?

Keep in mind: Many adults don’t think kids should listen to music while they read. Imagine their objections and craft an argument that addresses their perspective.

Bonus: Try listening to two very different kinds of music while you are writing. How do they affect your concentration, mood, creativity?

You-ville

Think about what you know about cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Write about which you would rather live in, and explain why.

Keep in mind: What are some of the benefits of each of these places? What do each lack? What are some stereotypes about these places that might not be true?

Bonus: Draw a map of your ultimate hometown. Be sure to label places that are important to you.

Fictional frenemy

Describe a fictional villain or bad guy from a book, movie, or TV show who you secretly like or admire. What draws you to them?

Keep in mind: When describing characters, think about using descriptive adjectives. Remember that actions tell the reader something about a character, too. For instance, to show a character’s impatience, you could write about how they try to jump a line in a supermarket.

Bonus: What would this character say to inspire you? Use a phone to record yourself saying this message in the character’s voice.

You’re the teacher

Have you ever taught a parent or grandparent how to do something? Explain what it was and how to do it.

Keep in mind: Describe how you explained the process. Did you break it down into steps? Was it easy or hard for them to master?

Bonus: Draw a diagram or infographic to explain the lesson in a visual way.

Be the change

If you could fix one thing about the world, what would it be? Why?

Keep in mind: Give examples of how this change would affect your life and the lives of others.

Bonus: What is a small step you could take toward making that change a reality? Share your idea with someone. Do they agree it’s a good idea? Why or why not?