184 Daily Writing Prompts for Students

184 Daily Writing Prompts for Students with Rubrics

Here are 184 writing prompts for students. There are many benefits to giving students writing prompts. UConn’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has suggestions on the best practices for using prompts with students. These could be for middle school or high school students. Some might be appropriate for elementary school students, but please read each of them first before giving them to students. These will help you get through the year. Sometimes when 4th period sneaks up on you quickly and you forgot to post your bell work, I hope this list helps. There are all kinds of prompts here. If you have any suggestions or comments please leave them in the comments below.

Also after this list is a couple of rubrics if you want to give 10 pts for the responses. One is very simple and just requires 3 sentences, you can modify it to 5, and there is one that is more vague with no length requirements. I hope at least one of them is helpful. I think teachers need all the help they can get.

These prompts can also be used by writers who just wanted to challenge themselves. We have many other articles on writing prompts you might be interested in. I think these are very quick writing prompts that will a paragraph or 2 out of you.

Either way, here are 184 writing prompts for students:

Describe your ideal vacation. Where would you go and what would you do?
Write about a time you tried something new. What did you try and how did it go?
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?
What is your favorite book or movie and why?
Describe your perfect weekend. What does it involve?
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Who is your hero or role model? Why do you look up to them?
Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Why is it meaningful to you?
What are your goals and dreams for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would you choose and why? What would you do together?
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? How did it make you feel?
Describe a time you felt brave or courageous. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
Write about a time you failed at something. What did you learn from the experience?
What makes you laugh out loud? Describe something funny that happened to you recently.
What is your favorite family tradition? Why is it meaningful to you?
Describe your perfect day. What does it involve from start to finish?
What is one thing you are proud of about yourself? Why does it make you feel proud?
Write about a time you felt embarrassed. What happened and how did you handle it?
Describe your favorite place to be alone with your thoughts. What do you like to do there?
What is the most amazing place you have ever visited? Describe what made it so amazing.
What is the bravest thing you have ever done? Why did it take courage?
Describe someone who has made a difference in your life. How have they impacted you?
Write about a time you stood up for someone else. What was the situation and how did you help?
What is your earliest memory? Describe it in detail.
Who makes you laugh the most? Describe their sense of humor.
What is your favorite thing to do with your family? Why do you enjoy it so much?
What is the best gift you have ever received? Who gave it to you and why was it memorable?
Describe a place you have visited that you found beautiful or peaceful. What was special about it?
What Performing arts or creative activities do you enjoy? What draws you to these?
What is the most thoughtful or caring act you have done for someone? Why did you do it?
Describe a time you felt anxious or scared. What was the situation and how did you handle those feelings?
What is your favorite song? Why does it resonate with you?
Describe your best friend. What qualities do you admire most in them?
What is your favorite family tradition? Why is it meaningful to you?
Describe a time you felt proud of an accomplishment. What did you achieve and how did you celebrate?
What is your favorite book character? Why do you admire or identify with them?
Write about an experience that taught you something valuable. What lesson did you learn?
Describe a place you love spending time outdoors. What makes this place special?
What qualities do you think make a good friend? Describe a friend who embodies these.
What is your favorite holiday? Describe your ideal celebration of this holiday.
What do you like best about yourself? Why is this quality important to you?
Describe a memorable experience you had with a group of friends. What made it fun or impactful?
Write about a time you felt disappointed. What happened and how did you cope?
What is your favorite food? Describe it in detail and say why you enjoy it so much.
What is the most thoughtful gift you have ever given someone? Why did you choose to give them this gift?
Describe your biggest accomplishment outside of school. Why does this achievement make you proud?
What makes you feel most relaxed and stress-free? Describe this place, activity, or pastime.
Describe a memorable teacher who had an impact on you. How did they influence you?
What qualities do you think make a good leader? Describe someone you consider a strong leader.
What is your dream job? Describe your perfect career and work environment.
What is the most courageous thing you have seen someone do? What did they do and why was it courageous?
Describe a time you felt disappointed in yourself. What happened and how did you move past it?
Write about a person you really admire. What qualities and achievements do you admire about them?
Describe a place you went on vacation as a child. What memories stand out from that trip?
What is your favorite season? Describe what you enjoy most about this time of year.
What is your earliest memory of reading or being read to? Describe the memory in detail.
Who is the funniest person you know? Describe their sense of humor and how they make people laugh.
Write about a time you tried a new food. What did you try, and did you like it?
Describe your favorite place to go on weekends or days off from school. What do you like to do there?
What is the most unusual or exciting event you ever attended? Describe what happened.
What is the most impressive thing you have ever seen someone do? What did they do, and what made it so impressive?
Describe your ideal birthday celebration. Where would you have it, who would you invite, and what would you do?
What is the farthest place you have ever traveled from home? Describe how the culture and environment were different.
Write about a time you felt really happy. What caused these feelings of happiness?
Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Why is it meaningful to you?
What is your favorite thing to do after school or on weekends? Describe what you enjoy about this activity.
Write about a person who is very special to you. Explain why they are so important in your life.
Describe something you do well. Explain how you developed this ability.
What is your favorite place to spend free time? Describe this place and what you enjoy about it.
What is your favorite season? Describe why you look forward to this time of year.
Write about a memorable family vacation. Where did you go, what did you do, and what made it memorable?
Describe one of your role models or heroes. Explain why you look up to them.
What performs arts or creative activities do you participate in? What draws you to these activities?
Describe your perfect weekend. What does it involve from start to finish?
What is the most amazing place you have ever visited? What sights or experiences made it so memorable?
What qualities do you think makes a good leader? Describe someone you consider to be a strong leader.
Write about a time when you felt really inspired or motivated to achieve something. What was the goal and what inspired you?
Describe your biggest accomplishment so far in life. Why does this achievement make you proud?
What is your favorite movie? Summarize the plot and explain why you like it so much.
Have you ever stood up for someone who was being bullied? Describe the situation and how you responded.
What is your favorite item of clothing? Describe it and explain why you like wearing it.
Describe your ideal weekend morning. Where are you, what are you doing, and who is with you?
What is the farthest place you have traveled from home? Did you enjoy this trip? Why or why not?
Write about a time you did something you were scared to do. What was the experience like?
Describe the most beautiful place in nature you have ever seen. What sights and sounds did you experience there?
Explain three of your best qualities or strengths. Provide examples of how they are reflected in your life.
Who is your hero or role model? Describe how they inspire you.
What is your favorite family tradition? Describe it and explain why it’s meaningful to you.
If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose and why? Describe what your life might be like there.
How do you define success? What does being successful mean to you?
If you could invent something new, what would it be and what problem would it solve?
What does friendship mean to you? Describe an example of true friendship in your life.
What is your dream vacation? Where would you go, who would go with you, and what would you do there?
What does it mean to be brave? Describe a time when you did something courageous.
What is your favorite dessert? Describe it in detail and explain why you love it so much.
What makes you laugh the most? Describe something funny that happened recently.
Have you ever performed in front of an audience? Describe how you felt and whether you enjoyed it.
What is your favorite family tradition? Why is it meaningful to you?
Describe your ideal weekend. What does your perfect weekend look like?
What is your favorite season and why? Describe what you enjoy most about this time of year.
What is the kindest act you have ever witnessed? Describe the situation and how it impacted you.
What is your favorite holiday? Describe how your family celebrates this holiday.
What is your favorite birthday memory? Describe this memory in detail.
Write about a time you tried something new. What did you try, and did you enjoy it?
Describe a memorable field trip you went on. Where did you go, what did you learn, and why was it memorable?
What goals are you setting for yourself this school year? Why are these goals important to you?
What is your favorite book? Summarize the plot and explain why you like it.
Have you ever overcome a fear? Describe what scared you and how you faced it.
What is the most beautiful place in nature you have visited? What sights, sounds, and smells do you remember?
What is a popular trend you enjoy? Explain this trend and why you participate.
Who has encouraged or inspired you in your life? Describe how they have supported you.
What qualities make a good leader? Describe someone who exemplifies strong leadership.
What makes you laugh? Describe something funny that happened recently.
Have you ever stood up to a bully? Share the experience and how you handled it.
What is your favorite thing to do with friends? Describe why you enjoy this activity.
What is your favorite family tradition? Explain why this tradition is meaningful.
Describe your ideal birthday party. Where would it be, who would attend, and what would you do to celebrate?
Who has been the biggest influence in your life so far? Describe how they have impacted you.
What is the kindest act you have ever done? What motivated you to do this?
What is your favorite holiday tradition? Explain why this tradition is special to you.
Describe your ideal weekend. What does your perfect weekend involve?
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Why did you decide to do it?
What is your dream job? Describe your ideal career and work environment.
What is your favorite family vacation memory? Describe this memorable trip.
What is your favorite season and why? Describe what you enjoy most about this time of year.
Who is your role model? Explain why you admire this person.
Have you ever tried an extreme sport or daring activity? Describe your experience.
What is your perfect day like? Describe your ideal daily routine.
What makes a good friend? Describe a friend who embodies these qualities.
What is your earliest childhood memory? Recollect one of your first memories in detail.
Have you ever performed in public? Describe this experience.
What is your dream vacation? Describe where you would go and what you would do.
What is your favorite holiday? Explain your typical celebrations and traditions.
What animal best represents your personality? Explain why.
Describe your favorite place to spend time with friends. What do you enjoy doing together there?
What is the most amazing place in nature you have visited? Describe the sights and sounds.
What does courage mean to you? Provide an example of when you were courageous.
Describe your perfect weekend afternoon. Where are you, who is with you, and what are you doing?
What is your favorite holiday? Describe how you celebrate it with your family.
What is your favorite season? Explain why you enjoy this time of year most.
Describe your ideal birthday party. Include details like location, activities, food, and guests.
What makes you feel happy? Describe something that brightens your mood.
What is your favorite book? Summarize the plot and explain why you like it.
Have you ever overcome a fear or phobia? Describe what scared you and how faced it.
What instrument or musical talents do you have? Describe your skills and interest in music.
What does friendship mean to you? Describe a close friend and why they are special to you.
What is your favorite meal? Describe the food in detail and why you enjoy it so much.
What is the kindest act you have witnessed? What did this teach you?
Describe an experience that taught you an important lesson. What was the lesson?
What natural landscape takes your breath away? Describe this beautiful scenery.
What qualities make someone a good leader? Describe a strong leader you know.
What makes you laugh the most? Describe something hilarious you witnessed recently.
Have you ever failed at something? What did you learn from this experience?
What is your favorite family tradition? Explain why it is meaningful to you.
Describe your perfect weekend routine. Where are you, who are you with, and what activities are you doing?
What is the most amazing animal you have seen in nature? Describe your encounter.
What is your favorite way to spend a nice day? Explain the activities you enjoy.
What is your ideal way to spend an evening with friends? Describe the experience.
What is the most inspiring place you have visited? Explain what was special about it.
What does being a good friend mean to you? Describe how you try to be a good friend.
What is the bravest thing you have ever done? Describe the situation and your actions.
What is your favorite place to visit? Describe the sights, sounds, and smells that make it special.
What is your ideal way to spend a weekend afternoon? Explain your perfect Saturday or Sunday.
What goal are you working towards right now? Describe your goal and your motivation.
What makes you feel nostalgic? Describe something that brings back fond memories.
Have you ever overcome a fear? Explain what scared you and how you faced it.
What is the most beautiful natural scenery you have experienced? Describe the landscape.
What is your favorite family tradition? Explain what it is and why it is meaningful.
Describe your perfect summer day. What does this ideal day include?
What is the most impressive performance you have witnessed? Describe what happened.
What animal best represents your personality? Explain the similarities.
Describe the most delicious food you have ever tried. Explain what made it so wonderful.
What does being a good leader mean to you? Provide examples from your own life.
Describe your ideal Saturday. What activities fill up your perfect weekend day?
What is your favorite movie? Summarize the plot and explain why you like it.
Have you ever spoken in front of a large group? Describe the experience and how you felt.
If you could have an unlimited budget to plan a party, what would your dream party look like? Describe the location, decor, activities, entertainment, food, and more.
What is your favorite holiday? Describe your ideal celebration of this holiday.
What is your favorite dessert? Describe it in detail and explain why you love it so much.
What music inspires you or puts you in a good mood? Pick a favorite song and explain why you like it.
Describe your perfect evening at home. What does this relaxing evening include?

Bonus

What is your favorite meal? Explain when and where you like to eat it and why it’s so delicious.
What makes you feel most creative? Describe an activity where your creative side shines.
Pick an inspiring individual from history. Explain why you admire them.

Rubrics

Simple Rubric for 10 pts writing prompts

Answer the questions 2pts
3 sentences 6pts
grammar 2 pts

10 Point Writing Prompt Rubric Extended

10 points – Essay is exceptionally clear, focused, and interesting. It has a strong voice and personality. The thesis is original, insightful, and supported with compelling details and evidence. Essay is well organized with logical flow and smooth transitions. Nearly error-free.

9 points – Essay is clear, focused and interesting. The thesis is well-stated and supported with strong details and evidence. Essay is organized with logical flow and transitions. Very few errors.

8 points – Essay is fairly clear and focused. The thesis could be stronger but is supported by details and evidence. Essay structure is logical although transitions could be smoother. Minimal errors.

7 points – Essay addresses the prompt but may lack clear focus. Thesis and support is basic. Organization is present but predictable. Some errors.

6 points – Essay only partially addresses the prompt. Thesis and support is minimal. Organization is simple. Several errors.

5 points – Essay does not sufficiently address the prompt. Thesis is weak or missing. Lacks adequate detail and support. Disorganized. Many errors.

4 points – Essay is off-topic and does not address the prompt. No identifiable thesis. Lacks organization and development. Serious errors.

3 points – Essay shows little effort or relation to the prompt. No thesis or organization. Much too brief. Significant errors impede understanding.

2 points – Essay shows no understanding of the prompt or effort to respond to it. Extremely underdeveloped in all areas. Serious errors throughout.

1 point – Essay is blank or does not make sense. Complete lack of effort.

0 points – Essay was not submitted.

I hope these were helpful. If you have suggestions on rubrics for others or on improving this list, please leave the comment below. We are always looking for input.

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Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.