51 Great Expository Writing Prompts for 5th Grade Students

See how well your fifth graders teach, define, and explain using these high-interest expository writing prompts for 5th grade students.

Whether teaching the tricks to one’s favorite video game or defining an abstract concept, these expository writing prompts for 5th grade motivate students to share their knowledge.

So pencil a few of these delightful expository writing prompts for 5th grade into your lesson plans this week.

Expository Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

1. Explain the benefits of mastering a few good study skills.

2. Tell why fifth graders should be allowed to choose their own seats in the cafeteria.

3. Outline some ways that people can do more to keep the earth clean.

4. Explain the benefits of having a classroom job.

5. Describe the differences between the four seasons.

6. Explain how to brush one’s teeth.

7. Share how responding to expository writing prompts for 5th grade helps you become a better writer and thinker.

8. Explain what a typical day looks like at school.

9. Step-by-step, explain how to make your favorite snack or meal.

10. Explain the importance of learning how to read.

11. Describe your favorite vacation spot.

12. Explain the pros of a fifth grader carrying a cell phone to school.

13. Explain how to have an enjoyable first day of school.

14. Explain how to use chopsticks for eating.

15. Define excitement.

16. Explain at least two benefits of riding a bike instead of using a car.

17. Using the five senses, explain snow to someone who has never experienced it first-hand.

18. Explain with specific details how to care for a dog or cat.

19. Share the secrets to being a good child to your parents.

20. Explain how to make a bed neatly.

expository writing prompts for 5th grade
expository writing prompts for 5th grade

21. Discuss the reasons why homework is or is not important.

22. Explain the importance of exercising regularly.

23. Teach someone how to perform a reader’s theater.

24. Explain to an out-of-town visitor which attractions he or she should definitely visit in your city/town.

25. In detail, explain to someone how to do something that you are very good at doing.

26. Explain why Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered a hero.

27. Define jealousy.

28. Explain, step-by-step, the process of solving a word problem in math.

29. Choose any planet, and describe its characteristics.

30. Explain different ways to stay entertained in the absence of cell phones, TVs, tablets, or computers.

31. Describe to a new student how after-school extracurricular activities work.

32. Explain the harmful effects of watching too much television.

33. If you could choose any animal as a class pet, which would you choose and why?

34. Explain your favorite type of music.

35. Write about what you think the world will be like in 100 years.

36. Describe the benefits of healthy eating and exercise on a daily basis.

37. If you could choose to be any animal, which would you choose and why?

38. What does it mean to show leadership?

39. Define the differences between two species of animals.

40. Explain why people get mad with others.

41. Share something new you learned in school this week. How does this new knowledge help you in life?

42. Tell about your favorite game or sport.

43. Share one current issue in the world. Explain how the problem can be solved.

44. What makes a good friend?

45. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?

46. Without giving names, explain why one teacher is/was so special to you.

47. Explain what you like about being the only child or part of siblings.

48. Why are rules important when playing sports?

49. What are the steps for searching for and then checking out library books?

50. Explain how to play your favorite indoor recess game.

51. Tell how to use context clues to define unfamiliar words.

Final Thoughts

Now you have a collection of fifth grade expository writing prompts to use for a variety of writing activities.