100 Cool 8^th Grade Writing Prompts

When students reach the 8^th grade, they’re ready to write longer and in-depth pieces. Here are 100 writing prompts that will help you bring out the best out of your students, including those who are reluctant writers.

In this post, we have for you:

Creative writing prompts
Journal writing prompts
Opinion writing prompts
Narrative writing prompts
Counter-argument writing prompts
Expository writing prompts

Creative Writing Prompts for 8^th Grade

Which is one place you would like to go to for a vacation? Explain why you have picked this place and what you plan to do there?
Your teacher has asked you to share a lesson with the students of the 5^th grade. Explain what you will share and why?
The local authorities want you to design a neighborhood for the future. Using specific details and examples share your vision.
Is it really true that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted? Share examples to support your viewpoint.
If you could bring one change into the world, what would it be and why?
A legendary jazz musician once said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Do you agree? Use examples to support your viewpoint.
Name one thing that you would like to accomplish in the future. Share details regarding why it is so important for you and how you plan to achieve your goal.
If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
You may have heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” What’s your opinion? Use specific details and examples to back up your viewpoint.
If you could make a significant change to the appearance or structure of your city, what would it be and why?
Your school is thinking about making some changes to the dress code, and they have asked you for a recommendation. What would you recommend and why?
You may have heard the old phrase: honesty is the best policy. But sometimes speaking honestly might hurt someone else’s feelings. Do you agree or not? Use examples and specific details to support your position.
Your city’s mayor wants you to recommend one improvement to make the community better? Explain your idea for improving your community and why it should be implemented.
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would you pick?
Write a short story about what life would be like if you lived in the cold deserts of Mongolia.

Journal writing prompts for 8^th Grade

Write a journal beginning with words…”One thing that I am sure about is…”
Write about your first memories from childhood.
Write about your first day in the school.
Write a journal beginning with words…”The strangest person I ever got to know was…”
Write a journal beginning with words…”There are so many things in the world that I find really annoying such as…”
Describe a book you recently read or a movie you recently watched.
Your city is considering outlawing the buying of energy drinks by those under age 16. What’s your take on this? Use examples to explain your position.
Write a journal that begins with words…”My proudest moment was…”
Write a journal that begins with words…”One time I really got scared of was when…”
Write a journal beginning with words… “Last night I was kidnapped by aliens and taken to….”
If you were to be allowed to meet the President for 20 minutes, what would you say to him and why?
Describe a favorite movie or book. Why do you like it so much?
Tell about a time when you hurt someone’s feelings. What did you do to make it up to him or her?
Describe your favorite fictional character.
Write about your first crush.
After reading a piece on bullying on social media, your dad wants you to stay miles away from Facebook, Instagram, and the rest. Tell him he’s over-reacting.
Write a short story on a typical day in the life of an eighth grader.
Tell a story about something happened to one of your friends.
Describe what you believe your life would be like when you turn 30.
List 15 questions you would like to ask God.

Opinion Writing prompts for 8^th Grade

Being which is harder at your age—a girl or boy? Explain why.
How being emotionally strong is different than being physically strong?
Is it really possible to fall in love at the first sight? Explain your viewpoint.
Do you think bullying in school is just as prevalent as before? What steps can be taken to curb this menace?
Do you think internet make relationships stronger? Or does it have the opposite effect of driving people apart?
Many say that teens are spending more time in the front of a screen than ever before. Do you agree? How can teens cut down on their screen time?
Does social media increase peer pressure and bullying? What’s your opinion?
How can we win the war against climate change? Give five recommendations.
If you could give one piece of advice to a seventh grader, what would it be?
People often lie on the internet. How can we tell whether someone we have met on the net is lying or telling the truth?
Some teenagers today have a phone addiction. Do you have that problem or do you know someone who has it? What’s the solution to this problem?
Gaming addiction is rampant in teens. How can we tackle this problem? What are your suggestions?
Will shifting to electric vehicles be enough to significantly reduce carbon emissions? Use well-researched points to support your position.
Should it be mandatory for students to participate in at least one extracurricular activity? Do you agree? Use specific details to support your position.
Should group projects be assigned in the school, since one uncooperative member can affect the entire group? Do you agree? Use specific details to support your position.

Narrative writing prompts for 8^th grade

What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent?
How can be bullying in schools be prevented?
Write a bedtime story for a child.
Describe a watershed event in your life.
Pick one of your favorite moments in the history. Why do you think it is so special?
What is hardest thing about being an 8^th grader?
What is the best thing about being an 8^th grader?
Is growing up hard as many say? Use specific details to support your position.
If you could cure one disease, which one would it be and why?
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be and why?
Is it better to be naturally gifted at something or to be a fast learner? Why?
Do you think we are overly-dependent on technology? Use examples to support your viewpoint.
How is artificial intelligence changing the way we live and work? Use specific examples when talking about its impact.
Write a poem about graduation.
What is the hardest thing about getting older?
Is the glass full or half-empty? Why?
What are the best ways to cope with stress in life?
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you?
If you go back in time and change one thing that you have done in the past, what would it be and why?
Have you ever really had a weird dream? Describe it in detail.

Counter-Argument writing prompts for 8^th grade

Many parents think students shouldn’t be provided with cell phones as they tend to easily get distracted by them. Write an argument in favor of allowing cell phones to students.
Some people think that bullying is common on social media channels. Do you agree or disagree?
Some think there’s nothing in the world that’s more important than fame. What’s your opinion?
Is gaming addiction in teens a real problem or is it just a hyperbole? What do you think?
Some think dogs make the best pet, some think cats. What’s your opinion?
Do ghosts exist? Some paranormal investigators use photographs as “proof” of their existence. Is that enough proof?
Some schools require students to wear uniforms because they think that helps reduce bullying. Do you agree or disagree?
Crying is a sign of weakness, some say. Do you think that’s wrong? Explain your position.
You would have heard the old saying, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Do you think that’s really the case? Explain your position.
Some think that close friends need to share the same core values. Explain why you disagree.

Expository writing prompts for 8^th Grade

What is your earliest memory?
What is your favorite job? Describe a typical day in that job.
What does it mean to be a part of the community?
Why is it important to celebrate accomplishments such as graduation?
What qualities make a person good listener?
What qualities one need to become a good team man?
What is the best thing about graduating this year?
Describe your first birthday that you remember.
Imagine your dream home. Describe all the rooms in it.
What is the coolest place you’ve ever been? Describe it.
What is the strangest place you’ve ever been? Describe it.
Write about one family vacation that didn’t go according to the plan. What happened?
Summarize the plot of your favorite movie or book to someone who has not watched or read it.
What qualities one needs to become a good friend?
What is more important — to earn more money or to be an honest person?
How does your family typically spend the weekend?
How are race and nationality two different things?
How is being wise is not the same thing as being smart?
How important is to workout daily? Explain the benefits of being physically fit.
How important it is for students to learn to budget their time? How can one improve this skill?

We hope these exciting prompts will help your students get started writing everything from in-depth essays to journals and, more importantly, enjoy their writing.

And if you need more writing prompts, we’ve got your back.

Here are some other cool free writing prompts for kids by grade: