51 Great Expository Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for a collection of engaging expository writing prompts, then you’ve landed in the right place.

Expository writing is a type of writing that informs the reader using facts. Examples include news stories, textbooks, and nonfiction books.

Whenever a writer is giving facts about something, they are essentially creating an expository writing piece.

To encourage your students to practice expository writing, utilize the following expository writing prompts.

These prompts include a wide variety of topics, encouraging students to share facts about these subjects.

These expository writing prompts are also great for informally assessing how well students understand a specific topic.

So be sure to include a free a few of these expository writing prompts in your Writers Workshop block this week so that your students can start becoming factual experts. 

Expository Writing Prompts

Following you will find a list of expository writing prompts suitable for all grades.

1. Explain the importance of learning how to read well.

2. Explain love.

3. Think about a time when you lied. Tell why you did it.

4. Explain the purpose of an object in your desk.

5. Explain how technology makes life easier.

6. Share the benefits of houseplants.

7. Explain how to find and check out a library book.

8. Explain some strategies for studying better.

9. Explain how a practice fire drill works at school.

10. Think of a math skill. Explain how to do it.

11. Explain reasons why people admire celebrities.

12. Explain the importance of sports having rules.

13. Explain the importance of nonfiction text features when reading.

14. Tell why it is important to eat sufficient fruits and vegetables.

15. Explain how pets add value to our lives.

16. Explain how you would handle a friend who betrayed you.

17. Explain what it means to be a leader.

18. Explain how to behave in an assembly.

19. Tell the benefits of working in a group.

20. Think of something valuable you own explain why it’s important to you.

21. Explain how someone can be successful at school.

22. Explain the consequences of eating too much junk food.

23. Explain how an Easter egg hunt work.

24. Which past decade would you like to visit and why?

25. Explain how homework is helpful.

26. Explain ways that people can show more gratitude. 

27. Think of a U.S symbol. Explain what it means.

28. Explain what makes your favorite book so good.

29. Describe the consequences of being habitually late to school.

30. Tell the benefits of learning how to type.

31. Explain the benefits of responding to expository writing prompts.

32. Explain the importance of exercising daily.

33. Explain what it means to be disappointed.

34. Share the ways that music benefits us.

35. Explain why people are afraid of bullies.

36. Explain what makes life wonderful.

37. Tell what makes you unique.

38. Explain what people can do to make the world a better place.

39. Explain why you like your favorite TV show.

40. Explain the benefits of biking instead of walking.

41. Describe the differences between a river and a lake.

42. Explain the purpose of a menu.

43. Explain how laughter is like medicine.

44. Share ways that students can stay motivated to complete a task.

45. Explain what you like most about your school.

46. Explain your classroom’s management system. What type of positive reinforcement is included?

47.  Explain the different roles individuals have in your family.

48.  Describe how to write SMART goals.

49.  Tell the importance of art, music, and drama in schools.

50.  Explain what makes your town, city, state, or country great.

51.  What’s your favorite season? Tell why it’s your favorite. 

Final Thoughts: Expository Writing Prompts

Guide students in improving their factual knowledge using these helpful expository writing prompts.

Knowing how to write expository text is a skill they will use for life.