Encourage students to share what they know using these interesting informational writing prompts.
Informational writing prompts help students to explain what they know about a topic.
These prompts offer yet another way for teachers to assess how well students grasp ideas.
In addition to reducing writer’s block, these prompts deepen students’ understanding of academic concepts, sharpen writing skills, and encourage reflection on big ideas.
So activate knowledge of various subjects using these powerful informational writing prompts for students.
Informational Writing Prompts
1. Tell the characteristics of your favorite animal.
2. Describe one of your parent’s occupations.
3. Share your typical school day.
4. Look around the room, and find something blue. Describe the object and how it’s used.
5. What characteristics make someone a hero?
6. Describe your favorite holiday. What special traditions are connected with this special day?
7. Write a state guide for tourists detailing the highlights they should visit.
8. Explain how to play your favorite game. Include the rules, how to win, and what equipment you need to play.
9. Describe safety measures people should take when riding a bicycle.
10. What steps are essential when preparing for back-to-school?
11. Explain the water cycle.
12. Share the different phases of the life cycle of a butterfly. Add a sketch that represents each stage.
13. Tell the benefits of bringing lunch to school instead of eating in the cafeteria.
14. Write a how-to manual titled, “How to Reach Your SMART Goals.”
15. Thinking of your favorite birthday, what presents did you receive? How did you celebrate it?
16. Describe a time when you were disappointed, and explain what lesson you learned from the experience.
17. Explain the qualities necessary to become a good leader.
18. What precautions should you take to keep safe in the middle of a natural disaster?
19. Compare and contrast a church and a school.
20. What is the first memory you have? Describe it in detail – who was there? What happened? How old were you?
21. Choose two different grade levels. Tell how they are different.
22. If there were no cell phones, computers, or tablets, what would a typical day be like?
23. Explain the similarities and differences between the Internet and radio.
24. Describe the importance of learning a second language.
25. Share the life cycle of a human.
26. Explain the importance of music in the culture of your family’s heritage. How has it shaped your life and personality?
27. Think of a species of an endangered animal. What are the pros and cons of trying to save it?
28. What are the responsibilities of the school nurse?
29. State the benefits of adopting a pet.
30. Summarize a significant recent world event.
31. Describe what your life will look like in ten years.
32. What is the history of your home town? When was it founded and by whom? What makes it special?
33. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of having a smartphone.
34. Explain what it means to have a healthy diet.
35. Explain why leaves change their color in autumn.
36. Write about the main types of natural disasters that occur in your country or state. How do citizens try to prevent too much damage from one?
37. What are the responsibilities of your teacher?
38. When responding to informational writing prompts, what elements should a good response have?
39. Describe your morning routine.
40. What preparations should students make so that the first week back to school is successful?
41. Describe all the steps of the scientific method.
42. Compare and contrast indoor recess to regular outdoor recess.
43. Give step-by-step directions from your house to the nearest grocery store.
44. Describe the duties of the principal.
45. Explain the steps for completing one of your favorite art projects.
46. Share your after-school routine.
47. Describe the duties of your classroom helper job.
48. Why is it important for people to recycle?
49. Compare and contrast two seasons of the year.
50. Explain how text features help readers comprehend a book better.
51. Tell how to kick a bad habit.
52. What are the advantages of trains as transportation compared to airplanes?
Final Thoughts: Informational Writing Prompts
Now you have a ready-supply of informational writing prompts to use during writer’s workshop.