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50 Best Opinion Writing Prompts For Middle School

  • September 8, 2023
  • 14 min read

Table of Contents:

Why opinion writing matters, writing prompts for middle school, writing prompts for elementary school, writing prompts for first graders, 2nd-grade writing prompts, 3rd-grade writing prompts, 4th-grade writing prompts, 5th-grade writing prompts, why are writing prompts for kids in middle school so important, can these writing prompts be changed so that they work for younger kids, how can writing about opinions help kids outside of school, do these writing prompts cover different things young writers might be interested in, conclusion:.

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Undoubtedly, one of the most important parts of education is teaching young people how to voice their views. This journey of self-discovery and critical thinking starts with opinion writing for middle school kids.

This is a fun and empowering way for them to say what they think, believe, and see. As teachers, parents, and guides, we must give our young students the right tools to help them write effective opinions.

This complete guide gives you the “50 Best Opinion Writing Prompts for Middle School.” These prompts were carefully chosen to spark young writers’ imaginations. These writing ideas were made with different age groups in mind, so they are not just for middle schoolers. Moreover, they can also be changed to fit the creative minds of first through 5th- graders.

Indeed, opinion writing is a way for young people to connect their hearts and minds to the world around them. According to the best book writing company in the USA , writing prompts for middle school and elementary give students a chance to find their voices and let them talk about their feelings, values, and views. Also, it helps them develop important skills like critical thought, persuasive reasoning, and good communication, which will greatly help them in school and beyond.

Creative writing prompts for middle school students are a fun list to help unmotivated and bored students use their imaginations.

Do you know that a lack of energy and direction is one of the main reasons students have trouble getting better at writing?

This can make it hard to think of new ideas, leading to bad work and low confidence.

The writing prompts below ask young writers to think about real or imagined events, how they made them feel, and a few strange things that could happen. So, let’s have a look.

  • The Impact of Social Media
  • Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?
  • Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Education
  • The Role of Technology in Our Lives
  • Are Video Games Harmful or Beneficial?
  • The Importance of Recycling
  • Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs?
  • The Effects of Bullying on Mental Health
  • Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
  • The Pros and Cons of Homework
  • The Influence of Celebrities on Teenagers
  • Should Animal Testing Be Allowed?
  • The Significance of Friendship in Adolescence
  • Is Climate Change Real or a Hoax?
  • The Impact of Music on Mood
  • Should School Start Times Be Adjusted?
  • The Role of Art and Music in Education
  • Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy?
  • The Effects of Advertising on Young Minds
  • Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Classrooms?
  • The Importance of Cultural Diversity
  • Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?
  • The Impact of Television on Society
  • Should Physical Education Be Mandatory?
  • The Ethics of Cloning
  • The Significance of Family Traditions
  • Should Space Exploration Be Prioritized?
  • The Role of Sports in Education
  • The Influence of Parents on Career Choices
  • Should Schools Teach Coding?
  • The Impact of Fast Food on Health
  • The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
  • Should Public Speaking Be a Required Skill?
  • The Effects of Global Warming
  • The Significance of Volunteering
  • Should Students Be Allowed to Grade Their Teachers?
  • The Role of Pets in Our Lives
  • The Influence of Books on Imagination
  • Should Schools Extend Recess Time?
  • The Impact of Plastic Pollution
  • The Importance of Self-Care
  • Should Schools Implement Meditation?
  • The Effects of Social Pressure on Teens
  • The Role of Technology in Healthcare
  • Should Animal Cruelty Be Punished More Severely?
  • The Significance of Time Management
  • Should Schools Teach Philosophy?
  • The Impact of Online Learning
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking
  • Should Schools Provide Free Breakfast?

With these creative writing prompts for middle school students, you’ll have a starting point for your writing. Indeed, there’s nothing like a spark of inspiration to get you going!

After suggesting writing prompts for middle school, let’s look into writing prompts for elementary school.

As educators, it is crucial to introduce young minds to the joy of writing from an early age. 1st graders are at a stage where they are developing their language skills and forming their thoughts. Providing them with creative and engaging writing prompts can ignite their imagination and build a strong foundation for future writing endeavors. Therefore, here are some fantastic writing prompts for first graders:

  • My Favorite Animal: Describe your favorite animal and explain why you like it.
  • A Magical Adventure: Write a story about a magical adventure you had with your best friend.
  • The Best Day Ever: Imagine your perfect day and write about all the fun things you would do.
  • If I Were a Superhero: Create your superhero persona and write about the exciting powers you would have.
  • My Family: Introduce your family members and write about a special memory with each of them.
  • The Talking Pet: Imagine your pet can talk and write a conversation you would have with them.
  • My Dream Vacation: Describe your dream vacation destination and all the exciting things you would do there.
  • The Friendly Alien: Write a story about an alien who comes to visit Earth and becomes your friend.
  • My Favorite Food: Explain why your favorite food is the best and how it makes you feel when you eat it.
  • The Lost Toy: Write a story about a lost toy and the adventure of finding it again.

Generating writing ideas for 1st graders is a fantastic method to demonstrate to young kids how enjoyable it is to write and tell stories. These engaging questions not only enhance their language skills but also encourage creativity and critical thinking. Exploring these captivating 1st-grade writing prompts helps children describe their thoughts and feelings clearly, fostering a lifelong love for writing. Check out some amazing prompts on online ghostwriting websites to make the writing journey even more exciting!

Secondly, when it comes to 2nd-grade students, engaging them in writing can be a delightful and educational experience. Hence, here are some creative and age-appropriate 2nd-grade writing prompts that will spark their imagination and help them express their thoughts effectively:

  • My Favorite Animal: Describe your favorite animal and why you like it the most.
  • A Magic Adventure:  Imagine you find a magic wand that can take you anywhere. Write about the exciting adventure you’d embark on.
  • If I Were a Superhero:  If you were a superhero, what would your powers be, and how would you use them to help others?
  • The Enchanted Forest:  Write a story about a magical forest where everything is possible.
  • My Dream Vacation:  Describe your dream vacation destination and all the fun activities you would do there.
  • The Talking Pet:  If your pet could talk, what do you think it would say? Write a conversation between you and your talking pet.
  • The Friendly Alien:  Imagine an alien comes to visit Earth. Write about the friendship you build with this extraterrestrial visitor.
  • A Day Without Rules:  What would happen if there were no rules for a day? Describe the exciting and chaotic events that might occur.
  • The Gigantic Ice Cream:  You find a gigantic ice cream cone. Write about the adventure of eating it before it melts.
  • The Time Machine:  If you had a time machine, which period would you visit, and what would you do there?

Remember, these writing prompts are meant to be fun and imaginative. Encourage your 2nd-graders to let their creativity flow and enjoy the process of writing. Prompts allow young minds to explore their thoughts, develop writing skills, and communicate effectively. Hopefully, by incorporating engaging and age-appropriate prompts, educators can create an environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking among students.

Then, as students progress into 3rd grade, their writing skills continue to evolve, making it essential to provide them with engaging and age-appropriate writing prompts. So, these 3rd-grade writing prompts aim to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in young learners. Let’s explore some exciting topics that will inspire these budding writers:

  • My Favorite Superhero: Describe your favorite superhero and explain why they are special to you.
  • A Magical Adventure:  Write a story about a magical adventure you have with your best friend.
  • If I Were President:  Imagine you were the president of your country. What changes would you make?
  • The Talking Animal:  Create a tale about an animal that can talk and the adventures you both embark on.
  • My Dream Vacation:  Describe your dream vacation destination and everything you would do there.
  • The Mysterious Door:  Write a story about finding a mysterious door in your house that leads to a magical land.
  • If I Had a Robot:  Imagine you have a robot that can do anything you want. What would you ask it to do?
  • The Enchanted Forest:  Describe what you encounter on a journey through an enchanted forest.
  • The Day I Met an Alien:  Write about a surprising encounter with an alien from another planet.
  • My Special Talent:  Describe a talent or skill that makes you unique.

These 3rd-grade writing prompts are designed to spark the imaginations of young writers and encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas confidently. As they explore these captivating topics, students will improve their writing skills and develop critical thinking and communication abilities. So, by providing a supportive and creative environment, we can nurture a love for writing in these young minds, setting them on a path of lifelong learning and self-discovery.

Now, in the 4th grade, students get better at writing about what they think and how they feel. So, here are some fun writing 4th-grade writing prompts that will help them improve their creativity and ability to think critically:

  • A Time Capsule Adventure: Imagine burying a time capsule with items representing your life. What would you include, and why? Write a letter to someone who might discover your time capsule.
  • The Magical Door: One day, you discover a magical door that leads to a mysterious world. Describe what you find on the other side and the adventures that await you.
  • The Superhero Within: If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to improve the world? Create a story about your superhero alter ego.
  • The Unusual Pet: You wake up one morning to find a peculiar creature at your doorstep. Describe your new pet, its special abilities, and the bond you develop with it.
  • The Lost in Time: While exploring your attic, you stumble upon a mysterious antique watch. When you put it on, you are transported to a different period. Write about your adventures in the past.
  • The Inventor’s Dream: You wake up one morning as a brilliant inventor with the power to create anything you imagine. Describe the fantastic inventions you would bring to life.
  • The Talking Animals: One day, you discover that animals can suddenly talk and understand human language. Write about your conversations with your pets and other animals in your neighborhood.
  • The Haunted House: You decide to explore an old abandoned house in your neighborhood, which is rumored to be haunted. Describe the spine-chilling experiences you encounter during your visit.
  • The Time-Traveling Adventure: You find a magical time-traveling device that allows you to visit any historical event or era. Where would you go, and what would you do during your travels?
  • The Missing Treasure: While digging in your backyard, you stumble upon an ancient treasure map. Write about your quest to find the missing treasure, challenges, and ultimate discovery.

Writing prompts for 4th grade are an important way to help young students develop their creativity, critical thought, and writing skills. These fun 4th-grade writing prompts urge kids to use their imaginations, say what they think, and find their voices as writers at audiobook service . Hence, by giving them a wide range of interesting topics, we give them the tools they need to become confident and skilled writers.

The last in elementary school, the 5th grade, is a crucial stage in a student’s academic journey, where they are transitioning to more complex topics and refining their writing skills. To aid their development and encourage self-expression, here are some captivating 5th-grade writing prompts:

  • The Time Machine:  Imagine you discover a time machine in your school’s library. Write a story about your adventure and the historical period you visit.
  • The Friendly Alien:  A friendly alien lands in your backyard one day. Write a narrative describing your encounter and the fun-filled day you spent together.
  • The Magical Portal:  While exploring the woods, you stumble upon a magical portal that leads to another world. Describe the new realm you enter and the fantastical creatures you encounter.
  • The Talking Animal:  You wake up one morning to find your pet dog or cat can suddenly talk. Describe your conversations and the hilarious situations that arise.
  • The Inventor’s Workshop:  Design and describe the most fantastic invention you can think of. Explain how it works and the incredible impact it has on the world.
  • The Superpower Swap:  If you could swap superpowers with any fictional superhero, who would it be and why? Describe the thrilling adventures you would have with your new abilities.
  • The Lost Treasure:  You stumble upon a treasure map on a family vacation. Write a story detailing your quest to find the hidden treasure and the challenges you overcome.
  • The Haunted House: You and your friends decide to explore a supposedly haunted house in your neighborhood. Describe the spine-chilling events that unfold during your spooky adventure.
  • The Uninhabited Island:  You find yourself stranded on an uninhabited island after a shipwreck. Describe how you survive and the exciting discoveries you make on the island.
  • The Future City:  Envision what the city of the future would look like. Describe its advanced technology, eco-friendly features, and the benefits it brings to its citizens.

These 5th-grade writing prompts are designed to engage young minds and spark creativity. They provide an opportunity for students to explore various genres of writing, from narratives to imaginative stories. By encouraging 5th-graders to express themselves through writing, we can nurture their love for language and storytelling, setting them on a path to becoming skilled and professional article writers .

Remember, the journey of writing is a joyous one, and with these prompts, 5th-graders can embark on exciting adventures of the mind, creating stories that will captivate both their imagination and the hearts of their readers.

Opinion writing tasks allow students to clearly express what they think and believe. This helps them develop critical thinking and persuasion skills.

Yes, of course! These writing ideas are for kids as young as 1st graders and as old as 5th graders. They are meant to get kids to be creative and express themselves.

When students write about their opinions, they learn important life skills like communicating well and having self-confidence. These skills will help them in school and the future.

Of course! The 50 writing prompts cover a wide range of topics, from environmental problems to the effects of technology, encouraging young writers to try different types of writing.

Opinion writing prompts for middle school and elementary play a crucial role in empowering young students to express their thoughts, beliefs, and views effectively. By providing diverse, engaging topics, we can spark their imaginations and encourage them to explore their creativity. Opinion writing is more than just putting words on paper; it is a journey of self-discovery and critical thinking.

As educators, parents, and guides, we must equip our young writers with the right tools to excel in expressing themselves. So, let’s continue to encourage and nurture the love for writing in our young students. Indeed, by providing them with creative and thought-provoking writing prompts for middle school and elementary, hopefully, we can cultivate a generation of confident writers, critical thinkers, and empathetic individuals who will shape a brighter future for us all.

Additional References:

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How To Write A Book About Your Life?

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opinion essay prompts for middle school

Are you having trouble thinking of some great opinion writing topics for your students to use during writing block or writer’s workshop? Many prompts have already been used year after year. I created a list of 50 opinion writing prompts that will get your kids thinking and may even spark some new ideas for you. Take a look at these fun topics and see what your creative kids can come up with!

In this blog post, I share 5 different category topics of opinion writing ideas to choose from. You will find 10 ideas in each category and once finished, you will walk away with FIFTY opinion writing prompt ideas! Fill out the form below to have all 50 sent to you in an easy, printable list that will help simplify your lesson planning! Get ready for an opinion writing template that will blow your mind.

50 Opinion Writing Prompt Ideas!

This FREE printable list of 50 opinion writing prompts ideas can be sent straight to your inbox! Simply drop your personal email address below & I’ll send it right over! 

*Using a school email address makes it very likely that you won’t receive your freebi e! 

Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these opinion essay topics for your kids. Kids of all ages will enjoy these opinion writing prompts first grade and beyond.

Prompts About Entertainment and Hobbies

A few opinion essay topics for students include the best place to vacation, the greatest movie ever made, the best sport to play, their favorite board game, or the best T.V. show at the time. Use these fun opinion writing prompts to spark creativity in your students’ writing. Some of these are great opinion questions for kids during discussions as well.

  • If you could choose anywhere in the world to go on vacation, where would you choose and why?
  • In your opinion, what was the best movie ever made and why?
  • Based on the sports you enjoy, which is the best sport to play?
  • If you had to play a board game with a family member or friends, which would you choose?
  • What is your current favorite T.V. show and why?
  • If you have a favorite place to go, where is it and why?
  • In your opinion, what is something everyone should learn do to?
  • Which is better, cooking or baking? Tell us why you think that.
  • What is the best sport to watch someone else play? Why?
  • Tell us about your favorite thing to do in the winter and why.

Opinion Writing Ideas

Prompts about Family and Friends

All kids love writing about their loved ones. These opinion writing prompts are a great way to let students express their opinions and share their home life with the class. Grab your writing paper and check these out!

  • How does a family member or friend make you feel loved, and why?
  • Share your Mother or Father’s superpower. What makes you think they have this superpower?
  • What is the nicest thing a friend could do for you?
  • In your opinion, who is the strongest person in your family and why?
  • Which of your friends would be the best person to take to the zoo and why?
  • Of all of your friends, which would you take to see a superhero movie and why?
  • Are you a middle child, an only child, or something else in your family tree? Do you like your position in your family tree?
  • Which friend or family member gives you the best hugs? Tell us about them!
  • What is a great trait for a friend to have? Traits might include being a good listener, a great hugger, or someone who is creative.
  • Would you like to have a pen pal? Why or why not?

Opinion Writing Ideas

Prompts about School and Extracurricular Activities

Kids have wonderful opinions about school and their extracurricular activities, so they will thoroughly enjoy these opinion writing prompts. You will love hearing their thoughts about topics like: should kids have more or less homework, should kids have more or less recess, and uniforms in school.

  • What is something you like to do when you are not at school and why might others like it as well?
  • What is the best thing about the school playground and why?
  • In your opinion, should kids have more or less homework?
  • Do you think kids should be allowed more recess time? Why or why not?
  • Should kids have to wear uniforms in school? Why or why not?
  • What is a school special (music, dance, art) that you wish were offered at your school and why?
  • If there was one lunch item you could add to the menu every day, what would it be?
  • Which subject is your favorite and why?
  • Should school go year-round? Why or why not?
  • What is the best way to start the day in the classroom? Tell us about it and why it’s the best way.

Opinion Writing Ideas

Prompts about Favorite and Least Favorite Items

These opinion writing prompts are focused on favorite and least favorite items. Students get to write about their favorite foods, drinks, songs, and their least favorite vegetables. They will love sharing some of their favorites and some things they don’t love as much.

  • Tell us what your least favorite vegetable is and why.
  • Share your favorite candy and why it is your favorite.
  • If you could bring one toy for show and tell what would it be and why?
  • What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?
  • Which book could you read over and over again?
  • If you had to eat one vegetable for the rest of your life, which would it be?
  • Which season is your favorite and why?
  • What is your favorite song at the moment and why?
  • Do you have a favorite drink? What is it and why?
  • What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Opinion Writing Ideas

Want access to all of these prompts to use in your classroom? Just fill out the form below for access.

Prompts about Pets and Animals

Allow your students to put their thoughts to paper as they consider their pets and favorite animals with these opinion writing prompts. Let them explore favorite pets, the coolest animals, and even made-up animals.

  • Convince your parents to let you have a special pet. Choose an animal you would love to have as a pet and tell us why they would make an amazing pet.
  • Do you think cats should be able to live indoors and outdoors or one or the other?
  • What is the coolest animal you have ever seen?
  • Which animal is your favorite and why?
  • Are there any animals that would make horrible pets? If so, choose one and tell us why.
  • Pick one ocean animal. Why is it the coolest ocean animal of them all?
  • If you could create your own pet, what would it be and why? (Think about a half-dog so it can bark and a half-lizard so it can catch bugs with its tongue.)
  • Are there any animals you are afraid of? If so, which one and why?
  • Think of an animal you would love to encounter in real life. Which animal is it and why?
  • What is an animal trait you would love to have for yourself? Maybe you would like to fly like a bird or slither like a snake. Tell us why.

Opinion Writing Ideas

Opinion writing can be such a fun task for elementary students. They get to express their thoughts on paper and share them with the class. It’s always fun to hear their ideas. Using these 50 opinion writing prompt ideas is a fantastic way to get their creative juices flowing as they practice paragraph writing fluency. I hope you and your students love these opinion writing activities and can benefit from them while teaching opinion writing.

Try my Weekly Writing Prompts as well! These opinion writing worksheets are a great way to practice weekly. They are perfect for the classroom and come in print and digital downloads. Who knows, they may even spark more good opinion essay topics.

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Opinion writing prompt ideas

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opinion essay prompts for middle school

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94 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School: Protocols, Health, Politics, And More

January 4, 2024 //  by  Brittany Ray

Middle schoolers are always ready for a feisty debate and to argue their points! This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of fun choices to explore! Take a look and see which topics are sure to spark some interest in your classroom!

School Rules and Policies

1. should cell phones be allowed at school.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

2. Should gym class (physical education) be a requirement?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

3. Explain why or why not: Should students have homework on weekends?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

4. Should the school day be extended in exchange for a long weekend?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

5. Do you feel the government should dictate what you get for school lunch?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

6. Do you believe brick-and-mortar schools are still necessary for today’s post-pandemic society?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

7. Is the student-per-class limit too high?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

8. Should high school students be required to take a civics exam before graduation?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

9. Should school security be improved?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

10. Should students be allowed to use smartwatches during examinations?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

11. Should there be a limit to the amount of homework a school can assign to students?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

12. Is the traditional grading system effective, or does it need an overhaul?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

13. Should schools offer more extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

14. Do schools place too much emphasis on sports and athletes at the expense of academic pursuits?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

15. Explain your stance as to whether schools should or should not require students to wear uniforms.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

16. Do you believe that school field trips are beneficial or merely recreational?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

17. Should students be required to learn a second language starting in middle school?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

18. Should the government have the ability to ban certain books in the classroom?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

19. Should school cafeterias serve exclusively vegetarian meals to promote health?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

20. Should schools have mandatory classes on financial literacy?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

21. Should schools have strict policies against cyberbullying?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

22. Should schools have mandatory mental health classes and counseling sessions?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

23. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

24. Should schools have mindfulness and meditation sessions as part of the daily routine?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

25. Should schools emphasize more on teaching critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing things?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

26. Should there be more emphasis on vocational training in middle school?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

27. Should students be taught the dangers of misinformation and “fake news” as part of their curriculum?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

28. Should schools introduce mandatory community service as part of the curriculum?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

29. Should schools allow students to bring their pets to school?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

30. Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activities?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

31. Should education about global warming and environmental conservation be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

32. Should schools introduce more practical skills courses like basic cooking, sewing, or home repair?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

33. Do school dress codes infringe on personal expression?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

34. Should middle school students be allowed to bring and use laptops in class?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

35. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling for some students?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

36. Is learning to write in cursive still a necessary skill in the digital age?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

37. Should school libraries invest in more digital resources or in physical books?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

38. Should students be taught about controversial historical figures objectively or with a critical lens?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

39. Should students have a more significant say in the creation of school rules and policies?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

40. Do schools focus too much on college preparation at the expense of life skills?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

41. Should parents be held more accountable for their children’s misbehavior at school?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

42. Are parent-teacher conferences still effective or have they become outdated?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

43. Should middle schools have later start times to accommodate adolescent sleep patterns?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

College Admission and Tuition 

44. should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

45. Should a college degree earned through online education have the same worth as a degree earned at a brick-and-mortar university?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

46. Do you feel art courses should be a required part of earning a college degree?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

47. Should college admission criteria be less stringent?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

48. Should college athletes be paid?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

49. Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

50. Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

Health and Wellbeing

51. do parents put too much pressure on their children to excel academically.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

52. Should cigarettes be illegal?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

53. Should employers have the right to require a Covid-19 vaccine?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

54. Is milk beneficial to a person’s health?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

55. Are hot dogs bad for you?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

56. Do you agree or disagree that parents should be held responsible for childhood obesity?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

57. Should the FDA allow GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in our food?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

58. Does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do a good job of regulating the production of food?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

59. Should junk food advertisements be banned during children’s TV shows?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

60. Should students be allowed to take “mental health days” off from school?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

Government, Politics, and Civic Responsibilities

61. do you think electronic voting machines make the election procedure fair or unfair.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

62. Explain whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

63. Should the government have more say in what is or is not “fake news”?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

64. Should a felon have the right to vote?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

65. Should all political offices have term limits?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

66. Should the voting age be lowered?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

67. The moral stain of the slavery of African American people in early American History is undoubtedly present. Do you feel the government promotes hate or love with the way it currently speaks about racism?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

68. Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

69. Should the government have more strict gun control policies?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

70. With the separation of church and state, should churches be exempt from paying taxes?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

71. Do you feel undocumented immigrants should be granted all the same rights as naturalized citizens?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

72. Have Native American communities been given proper reparations for the United States’ long history of seizing land?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

73. Do you think that the government should do more to fight against human trafficking?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

Environmental and Moral Issues

74. is climate change something we can truly make a difference with.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

75. If protecting the environment is of utmost importance, should bottled water be banned?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

76. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

77. Explain your stance on whether wind farms are a good or bad idea.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

78. Do “participation trophies” diminish the value of real achievement?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

79. Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

80. Explain whether or not animal testing should be outlawed.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

81. Should the death penalty exist?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

82. Should an individual be able to keep wild animals as pets if they have the means to care for them?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

83. Do curfews for teenagers prevent them from getting in trouble or infringe on personal freedom?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

84. Is scientific research on cloning DNA ethical?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

85. Is daylight saving something the U.S. should keep, or should it be abolished?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

86. Should schools ban single-use plastics?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

Digital and Media

87. do children currently have too much screen time, and is it harmful.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

88. Do you believe that the media and/or social media negatively impact body image among teens?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

89. Do social media platforms need stricter age verification processes?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

90. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts for monitoring purposes?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

91. Should parents limit the time their children spend on video games?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

92. Should violent video games be banned in the United States?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

93. Do violent cartoons and animations impact a child’s behavior negatively?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

94. Do video games have educational potential or are they merely distractions?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

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Vibrant Teaching

Teaching Resources Creator and Blogger

20 Prompts for Opinion Writing That Motivate Kids

Opinion Blog Post

When using prompts for opinion writing, students can express themselves and share their beliefs.  This automatically makes them more invested in their writing.  Read on to learn more about opinion writing including mentor texts, ideas, and assessments.  Plus you will find 20 prompts that will be sure to motivate and engage kids!

What is an Opinion Writing?

Opinion writing is used to convince or persuade the reader. The writer states their opinion and gives reasons to support it.  Facts or statistics can be used to provide supporting evidence. 

Examples for Opinion Writing

There are lots of helpful examples for opinion writing.  Below you will find a list of mentor texts for kids.  It’s beneficial to immerse students in the genre before and during a writing unit.  These books model effective writing strategies that can be incorporated into lessons.

Opinion Writing Mentor Text:

  • I Love Insects by Lizzy Rockwell
  • The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini 
  • The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt 
  • Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
  • Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
  • I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff 
  • Earrings by Judith Viorst
  • The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

teachers-writing-guide

How to Teach Opinion Writing

It’s important for students to form their own opinions and understand their feelings.  So often kids just follow the opinion of someone else whether it be a parent, sibling, or friend.  Now is the time for kids to firmly state their opinion and not waver from it.  

Writers will need to give reasons for their opinion and provide supporting examples.  The number of reasons will depend on the grade level and the student’s abilities.  For first graders, you might require only one reason while third graders may need three reasons.  Decide what works best for your learners and create modifications as needed. 

Opinion Writing Outline

Below you will find an acronym to help students plan their opinion writing. They just need to remember the word OREO. It stands for opinion, reasons, examples, and opinion (restated again). For each reason given, a sentence follows with evidence or an example. This is a more detailed approach to writing a response. It works well for the upper grades or advanced students. Depending on the level, some writers may just be working on providing reasons and will later develop the skill of using supporting examples.

ideas-for-opinion-writing

The example below uses one reason with supporting evidence. For each reason, the student should write an example. The acronym might look like OREREO for two reasons or OREREREO for three reasons. A little confusing, but you get the idea.

Example: Do you think teachers should give students homework?

O – In my opinion, students should not have homework.

R – They work so hard all day at school and need a break. 

E – Instead of focusing on more work kids should be able to go outside and play, do a sport, or do other fun activities.  

O – In conclusion, students work all day at school and should not have to do homework.

Sentence Starters

As students write, it may also be helpful to use sentence starters. Teachers can project these on the board, put them on an anchor chart, or print a version for writing notebooks. I also like to do a mini-lesson where I ask the kids what types of sentence starters work well for opinion writing and we create the list together. This process helps them retain the information better and they are more likely to apply it to their own writing.

ideas-for-opinion-writing

Ideas for Opinion Writing

There are so many fun and creative ideas for opinion writing.  Kids really get into this writing unit because they feel that their opinion is valued and they are eager to share their knowledge.  It’s really empowering for them!

As an activity, the teacher can present a topic to the class and have students choose a side.  Then kids can debate and state their opinion with reasons.  This is always an exciting way to get the creative juices flowing and it will translate into their writing when they have to support their opinion.

Another idea is to use prompts for opinion writing. This engages the students and helps them get started. Prompts can be assigned by the teacher or students can choose from a list or choice board. Feel free to use the sentence starters below to generate ideas for writing prompts.

  • Would you rather . . . 
  • Which is more important . .  
  • Do you prefer . . . 
  • What is the best . . .
  • What is your favorite . . . 
  • Should . . .
  • Imagine if . . . 

Prompts for Opinion Writing

Opinion writing prompts can be created by the teacher or the students. Sometimes students come up with better prompts than I ever could. Plus kids love knowing that a peer created the prompt they are going to write about. If you’re looking for some ideas, the list below has 20 motivating and engaging prompts for kids! Also, check out this blog post to learn more about narrative writing prompts: 20 Prompts for Narrative Writing That Spark Creativity

20 Motivating and Engaging Prompts:

  • If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Give 3 or more reasons why.
  • Should students be able to pick their own seats in class?
  • Think of a present you really want.  Now convince someone to buy it for you.
  • What is the best pet someone can get?
  • Would you rather live somewhere that’s extremely hot or cold?
  • Which sport is the best?  Give reasons to support your opinion.
  • If you could visit any place, what would it be and why?
  • Would you rather live on a rural farm or in a busy city?
  • Imagine you could be the President for a day.  What would be the most important thing to do first?
  • Which is more important?  Being a good speaker or a good listener?
  • If the weather is nice, should kids be able to have their classes outside?
  • Do you think kids should have more technology time or less?
  • If you could see the world through colored glasses, which color would you choose and why?
  • Should kids get money for doing chores or should they just do it to help out at home?
  • Convince your teacher to get a class pet.  Tell which animal would be the best choice and why.
  • Would you rather visit the moon or a planet?  Explain why.
  • If there could only be one season, which would you choose?
  • Should kids get to choose their own bedtime?
  • Would you rather give a present or receive it?
  • Imagine you could create the best dessert ever!  What would it be and why?

prompts-for-opinion-writing

Opinion Writing Rubrics

After students have completed their writing, teachers are left with the difficult task of assessing it.  Assessments should be accurate and aligned with the Common Core Standards.  They also need to be helpful for the teacher and the students.  

This is when writing rubrics become extremely helpful as formal assessments. They can be used for benchmarks, progress reports, report cards, and conferences. Rubrics may also be shown to students in advance so they know what the expectations are and how they will be assessed.  

Below you will find three types of opinion writing rubrics.  Check out this blog post to learn more about student-friendly, teacher-friendly, and time-saving rubrics: 3 Types of Writing Rubrics for Effective Assessments

opinion-writing-rubrics

Opinion writing has the ability to engage and empower kids.  Students will be able to explain their thinking by giving reasons and examples.  Mentor texts, sentence starters, writing prompts, and rubrics are all helpful to use in the classroom. I know your kids will love writing and sharing their opinion pieces.

Did you grab your Free Writing Prompt Guide yet?  Writing prompts are perfect for morning work, writing time, centers, or as a homework assignment.  It will save you tons of time and energy. So click the link and grab the guide to get started!

Genre Based Prompts

prompt-for-narrative-writing

Related Articles:

  • 20 Prompts for Narrative Writing That Spark Creativity
  • 7 Ways to Introduce Opinion Writing
  • Opinion Writing Ideas and Resources
  • 3 Easy to Implement Tips to Teach Opinion Writing

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Thanks for sharing. These are my favorite type of writing prompts to give to my students to see how creative they can get.

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Yes! These kinds of prompts definitely get the creative juices flowing. The students always love to share their opinions with the class. Happy writing!

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opinion essay prompts for middle school

Best Opinion Essay Topic Ideas

List Of 101 Opinion Writing Topics Middle School Students Can Choose From

When searching for ideas for opinion writing topics, middle school students can become confused fast, what with the myriad of topics available to choose from. The right opinion essay topics for middle school should be simple enough to write and complicated enough to challenge students to put in the required effort. With these opinion writing topics, middle school students can experience both.

Below is a list of 101 opinion writing topics middle school students can choose to write about.

Opinion Essay Topics For Middle School

  • What the job of the president should be
  • The benefits of learning history in schools
  • The downsides to learning history in schools
  • Industries need to be more environmentally conscious
  • Desertification is not as serious as we make it seem
  • Mobile networks affect ecosystems
  • Television shows are bad for children
  • Friends are the most reliable support systems
  • The family is the most important part of any society
  • Social media help us reach people better
  • Social media restricts us from reaching people
  • Experience is the best teacher
  • Schools should teach children to defend themselves against bullying
  • Self defense classes should be compulsory in schools
  • The positive effects of smartphones on middle school students
  • The negative effects of smartphones on middle school students
  • Punishments should be banned in schools
  • Stricter discipline measures should be taken in schools
  • Home-schooling is better than attending public schools
  • Attending a public school is better than being home schooled
  • The positive effects of video games on middle school students
  • The negative effects of video games on middle school students
  • GPA is not an ideal grading system
  • Zodiac signs affect human behaviour
  • Zodiac signs have no effects on human behaviour
  • Paperback books are better than audiobooks
  • Reading helps build grammar
  • The right kind of diet for middle school students
  • Television helps children build negative characters
  • The media is controlled by the government
  • Family is being neglected in the United States
  • Should minors be allowed to have jobs?
  • The media restricts the right to freedom of speech
  • Should animals be used as test subjects?
  • Is the government hiding news on alien existence?
  • Is cross-breeding animals ethical?
  • Most history subjects are unnecessary for modern school
  • Is the government encouraging conspiracy theories?
  • Children should be allowed to vote
  • Parents should give their children more freedom
  • Children know what’s best for them, not their parents
  • Beauty pageants create unrealistic beauty standards
  • Social media does more harm than good
  • Schools should have play time for middle schoolers
  • Teachers should patrol the cafeteria at lunch to curb bullying
  • Students should be taught good communication skills in school
  • Etiquette is a more relevant subject than history
  • Does life exist on other planets?
  • Online classes are better than physical classes
  • Physical classes are better than online classes
  • The advantages of driving an electric car
  • The effects of hard drugs on children
  • Children from broken homes have it worse
  • Young people and phone addictions
  • Informal education is better than formal education
  • Formal education is better than informal education
  • Should schools teach religion?
  • Should children be betrothed?
  • Should students be made to read more?
  • Have indigenous people been wrongfully oppressed?
  • Are trends harmful to young people?
  • Is it cruel to chip animals?
  • Should capital punishment be outlawed?
  • Are all cops corrupt?
  • Should middle schoolers be in relationships?
  • Does a breakup affect academic performance?
  • Should there be a different grading system?
  • Good values should be taught is in schools
  • Those smoking on school grounds should be strictly punished
  • Young people should be allowed to go to parties
  • Young people should not be allowed to go to parties
  • Middle schoolers should always have chaperones
  • Men are paid more than women
  • Women are paid more than men
  • Should individuals and private establishments own media outlets?
  • Should the government control the media?
  • Should middle schoolers have curfews?
  • Middle schoolers should be given days off from school
  • Special needs children are being neglected
  • What is the best form of economy?
  • Marijuana should be legalised
  • Marijuana should be banned
  • All schools should have counsellors
  • All teachers should undergo mental health tests
  • All students should take mental health tests
  • Talented individuals should be encouraged
  • is it wrong to own a gun?
  • The internet is doing more harm than good
  • Is it possible to be fair?
  • Does good always win?
  • How has history repeated itself?
  • Do parents have favourite children?
  • Boys and girls should be treated equally
  • Are fantasy books ruining children?
  • Should schools give more homework?
  • Are teachers paid enough?
  • Are teachers respected enough?
  • Should everybody own a bike?
  • Is cafeteria food healthy?
  • Children should read age-appropriate books
  • Is education important?

When choosing opinion essay topics, middle school students should look out for something that is both familiar or appealing to write about, and at the same time, challenging.

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

opinion essay prompts for middle school

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

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125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

opinion essay prompts for middle school

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

  • Controversial Debate Topics
  • It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
  • Homework should be banned.
  • Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
  • We should punish students for using curse words.
  • Year-round school is better for students.

Year-round school is better for students.- middle school debate topics

  • Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
  • All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
  • Junk food should be banned in schools.
  • All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
  • Single-gender schools are better for students.
  • Math is the most important school subject.
  • Letter grades should be abolished.
  • Teachers should be replaced by computers.
  • Students should be graded on their handwriting.
  • Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
  • Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
  • Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
  • Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
  • Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
  • Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

Schools should give middle school students more recess time.- middle school debate topics

  • The school day should be shorter.
  • Schools should eliminate dress codes.
  • College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
  • Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
  • Book smarts are better than street smarts.
  • All people should have free internet access.
  • Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
  • Reality television depicts real life.
  • The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

  • Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
  • Macs are better than PCs.
  • Androids are better than iPhones.
  • Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
  • Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
  • Social media does more harm than good.
  • Video games are better than board games.
  • Reading books is better than watching TV.
  • All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
  • Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
  • Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
  • Playing video games makes you smarter.

Playing video games makes you smarter.- middle school debate topics

  • Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
  • Paper books are better than e-books.
  • Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
  • Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
  • Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
  • People have a responsibility to help one another out.
  • No one should ever tell a lie.
  • Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
  • We should lower the voting age to 12.
  • Every member of a family should have daily chores.
  • All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
  • All people should be vegetarians.

All people should be vegetarians.

  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • All Americans should be required to vote.
  • Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
  • Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
  • Giving is better than receiving.
  • Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
  • Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
  • Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
  • We should not keep animals in zoos.
  • All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
  • Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
  • Happiness is more important than success.
  • The driving age should be lowered to 14.

The driving age should be lowered to 14.- middle school debate topics

  • We should completely ban plastic bottles.
  • Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
  • If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
  • It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
  • All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
  • Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
  • It’s important to spend money exploring space.
  • All families should have a pet.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • Summer is better than winter.
  • Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
  • Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
  • Clowns are more scary than funny.
  • Every home should have a robot.
  • There is intelligent life on other planets.

There is intelligent life on other planets.

  • The egg came before the chicken.
  • Pop music is better than classical music.
  • Xbox is better than PlayStation.
  • Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
  • Football is better than soccer.
  • Everyone should make their bed every day.
  • It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
  • Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
  • Pluto should still be considered a planet.
  • Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
  • Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
  • Fruit counts as dessert.
  • People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
  • Fiction is better than nonfiction.

Fiction is better than non-fiction.

  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
  • Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

  • We should abolish the death penalty.
  • Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
  • It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
  • Segregation still exist in the United States.
  • Religion does more harm than good.
  • We will never achieve world peace.
  • We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

We shouldn't allow young children to play contact sports like football.

  • Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
  • Beauty pageants are sexist.
  • Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
  • It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
  • Some stereotypes are accurate.
  • People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
  • War is sometimes necessary.
  • There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
  • Security is more important than freedom.
  • We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
  • Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
  • Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

  • Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
  • All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
  • We should ban testing on animals.
  • We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
  • Human cloning should be legal.
  • Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

Looking for debate topics for middle school and junior high students? This roundup ranges from lighthearted to serious, ideal for any class.

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COMMENTS

  1. 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students

    49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students. One of the most common essay types is the opinion, or persuasive, essay. In an opinion essay, the writer states a point of view, then provides facts and reasoned arguments to support that viewpoint. The goal of the essay is to convince the reader to share the writer's opinion.

  2. 33 Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

    Good Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (and Free, too!) With these 33 new argumentative essay topics for middle school students, you can help your students learn more about what makes a good argument and how to evaluate and decipher so-called "evidence.". As they explore topics like the ways in which schools handle bullying and whether or not ...

  3. 50 Best Opinion Writing Prompts For Middle School

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  5. 36 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students » JournalBuddies.com

    Yes, A Writer's Opinion Matters. Opinion essays, or persuasive writing, require that writers — of any age — present opinions on a specific topic. They usually begin with a strong opinion statement and then use supporting examples and evidence to support the argument. ... 107 Captivating Debate Topics For Middle School Students; Until next ...

  6. 61 Great Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

    argumentative writing prompts for middle school. 26. Discuss ways that teachers can make lessons more accessible to students. 27. State your opinion on whether middle schoolers watch too much television. 28. Describe why it's important not to always judge someone based on how they look. 29. Share the importance of learning study skills.

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    100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens. Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages ...

  10. 50 Amazing Opinion Writing Prompt Ideas

    Kids of all ages will enjoy these opinion writing prompts first grade and beyond. Prompts About Entertainment and Hobbies. A few opinion essay topics for students include the best place to vacation, the greatest movie ever made, the best sport to play, their favorite board game, or the best T.V. show at the time.

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    This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of ...

  12. 20 Prompts for Opinion Writing That Motivate Kids

    O - In my opinion, students should not have homework. R - They work so hard all day at school and need a break. E - Instead of focusing on more work kids should be able to go outside and play, do a sport, or do other fun activities. O - In conclusion, students work all day at school and should not have to do homework.

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    Engaging and relevant argumentative essay topics for students in upper elementary and middle school. This list of 20 argument writing prompts is appropriate for students in 5th - 8th grades. ... Opinion writing requires students to take a stand and support their choice with clear and relevant reasons. The purpose of opinion writing is to share ...

  15. List Of 101 Opinion Essay Topics for Middle School Students

    The right opinion essay topics for middle school should be simple enough to write and complicated enough to challenge students to put in the required effort. With these opinion writing topics, middle school students can experience both. Below is a list of 101 opinion writing topics middle school students can choose to write about.

  16. 101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice. ... The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!) Ideas to inspire every young writer! ... She holds a B.S. degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education and has taught in both middle and high ...

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    200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing Education 1. Is cheating getting worse? 2. Should students be able to grade their teachers? 3. Does your school hand out too many a's? 4. Should middle school students be drug tested? 5. Should reading and math be taught in gym class too? 6. How seriously should we take standardized tests? 7.

  18. 40 Wonderful Middle School Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    40 Great Middle School Writing Prompts. In essay form, discuss how going through disappointments can have a positive side. Write about someone you care about and why they are so important to you. (Tip: You could include all the traits about them you most admire.) Playing a team sport can have both good and bad points.

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    Junk food should be banned in schools. All middle school students should learn a foreign language. Single-gender schools are better for students. Math is the most important school subject. Letter grades should be abolished. Teachers should be replaced by computers. Students should be graded on their handwriting.