Motivate students to show what they know using these informational writing prompts for 5th grade.
In addition to strengthening writing skills, these informational writing prompts help students to communicate their ideas and differentiate between true vs. false.
That’s why these prompts serve as a good resource when introducing research topics.
So why not include a handful of these interesting informational writing prompts for 5th grade students in your writer’s workshop lessons for the week?
Informational Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
1. What are the effects of too much air pollution?
2. Explain the life cycle of a butterfly.
3. Think about your favorite author. Give examples of recurring themes in his/her books.
4. Tell the purpose of paying taxes.
5. What causes someone to catch a cold?
6. Describe the Sahara Desert.
7. Write a city guide that informs tourists about all the local hotspots.
8. Talk about a day in the life of a principal.
9. Compare and contrast space and the bottom of the sea.
10. Describe how fifth graders can use study skills to support academic success.
11. How can residents prepare for natural disasters?
12. What do the colors and designs on your country’s flag symbolize?
13. Explain how to solve a math word problem.
14. Write the steps involved in making orange juice. Start with picking the orange from the tree until it ends up in a supermarket.
15. Tell why the leaves change color during the fall months.
16. Write everything you know about Antarctica.
17. Create a school brochure telling facts about your school.
18. Write a short biography about a person in history who has made a big impact on how we live today.
19. Give the causes and effects of a tornado.
20. What are the rules for writing a haiku?
21. Explain to someone who lived 150 years ago how a cell phone works.
22. Provide examples and non-examples of mischief.
23. Write a letter to a student in the grade below you, informing him/her of what to expect next school year.
24. What is the purpose of a zoo?
25. Tell the benefits of having house plants.
26. Explain the three branches of government.
27. Pretend that you are a meteorologist. Give the weather forecast for the next three days.
28. State the benefits of learning a second language.
29. What is the difference between a T-shirt and a blouse?
30. Write an article for the school’s newsletter offering information about ways to entertain oneself without technology.
31. Summarize a good book you read recently.
32. Explain the water cycle.
33. Write about a big event happening in the world right now.
34. Describe healthy habits that keep people fit.
35. Share all the different mediums people use to consume current events.
36. What are some causes and effects of air travel?
37. Explain how to add fractions.
38. What causes an earthquake?
39. Explain the differences between solids, liquids, and gases.
40. Tell what safety measures people should take when swimming.
41. What chores are you responsible for at home?
42. Explain Field Day.
43. What are the differences between fiction and nonfiction books?
44. Tell the steps for making a pizza from scratch.
45. What’s the history behind your first name?
46. Explain how to take a perfect selfie.
47. What causes students to lose interest in school?
48. Summarize a current event happening in the world right now.
49. Explain how to get from the cafeteria to the gym.
50. State the similarities and differences between a bus and a train.
51. Write the responsibilities of your parents.
Final Thoughts: Informational Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
You can now add these informative prompts to your collection of 5th grade writing activities.
Before assigning these informational writing prompts for 5th, it may help to review informative writing with students.
Related: more informational writing prompts