Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade: 41 Terrific Ideas

Discover how well fourth graders describe or explain using these fun expository writing prompts for 4th grade.

Whether explaining how to play a game or showing how to get something done, these expository writing prompts for 4th grade empower students to show what they know!

So include a handful of these fourth grade expository writing prompts in your lessons this week.

Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade Students

1. Describe ways people can show respect for others.

2. Explain the steps of the scientific method.

3. Think about two or three things that anger you. Describe them.

4. Describe two ways to resolve conflicts between siblings.

5. Explain the importance of being a team player in P.E class.

6. Teach the steps of your favorite game to a classmate or friend.

7. Explain the reasons why there is no school during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New years.

8. Define independent work.

9. Explain what would happen if everyone littered but no one ever collected garbage.

10. Describe the rock cycle.

11. Explain to a new student how after-school clubs work.

12. Describe the life cycle of a butterfly or frog.

13. Explain why people are so attached to their cell phones.

14. Think about a time when you had a challenge. Explain how you overcome it.

15. Define bravery.

expository writing prompts for 4th grade
expository writing prompts for 4th grade

16. Explain to a student in the grade level under you what he or she needs to do in order to be successful in your grade next year.

17. Give tips for completing homework in as little time as possible.

18. Think about any holiday tradition that you enjoy. Explain why we celebrate holidays with traditions.

19. Share various ways to stay entertained without technological devices.

20. Think of all the things your mom/dad does to help you succeed. Explain why it’s important to respect and listen to our parents.

21. Explain what it’s like to have siblings or to be an only child.

22. Think about what you would like to be when you grow up. Describe how this job will impact the world positively.

23. Select your favorite restaurant, and explain why it’s the best place in town to have dinner.

24. Explain how text features (e.g. charts, table of contents, labels, etc. ) help readers comprehend nonfiction books better.

25. Think about your family’s culture. Explain why it’s important to maintain cultural traditions.

26. Explain how a computer projector makes teaching more helpful to fourth graders.

27. Choose your favorite brain break activity. Explain to an older student how to do it.

28. Think of your favorite TV show. Explain reasons why it’s a good choice for kids.

29. Explain the history of (insert any subject).

30. Describe the harmful effects of watching too much TV.

31. Explain how to make a jack-o-lantern.

32. Share the reasons why homework is important for learning.

33. Explain the benefits of exercising every day.

34. Describe to a person who lives in another state which attractions he or she should definitely visit in your state.

35. Think about something you are good at doing. Now explain how to do it.

36. Explain how to subtract 4-digit numbers.

37. Describe the characteristics of any planet.

38. Define embarrassment.

39. Share the results of eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

40. Explain how to send a text message.

41. Tell three ways to show gratitude to the custodians and cafeteria workers.

Final Thoughts: Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

Now you have a collection of quality expository writing prompts for 4th grade that even your most reluctant writers will love!

For support, teach students how to respond well to these fourth grade expository writing prompts.