Teaching Expertise

Writing prompts are a great way for ESL learners to explore writing and practice their writing skills. English language learners will greatly benefit from responding to writing prompts. They can learn basic language skills and express themselves through descriptive, narrative, creative, opinion, and journal-based writing. By using these engaging writing assignments, beginner and intermediate learners can look forward to becoming strong writers. Help your young ones become more confident writers with the help of these fun prompts! 

Descriptive Writing Prompts 

For these descriptive writing prompts, guide students to be as specific as possible. It may be helpful to provide them with a list of adjectives and have a classroom discussion about how they can be used to describe various scenarios. Encourage writers to be creative and have fun with their writing topics. 

  • Do you remember your first pet? What were they like?
  • What is your happiest amusement park memory?
  • Share your favorite meal in detail. 
  • What does a perfect day include? What is the weather like? 
  • What do you like to do on a rainy day? Share your ideas. 
  • Have you ever been to the zoo? What did you see and hear? 
  • Use your senses to describe an open area of grass and trees.
  • Describe a sunset to someone who cannot see it.
  • Share information about something that brings you joy.
  • Imagine you are taking a trip to the grocery store. Share your experience.

Learn more: Teacher’s Notepad

Opinion Writing Prompts

An important aspect of opinion writing practice is for the writer to state their opinion and provide facts that support it. Opinion writing exercises can also be referred to as persuasive writing; in which the writer’s goal is to have the reader agree with their opinion. A tip for writers is to select a topic they are passionate about and provide enough supporting details. 

  • Have you ever read through a book that has been made into a motion picture? Which do you prefer?
  • Do you like to spend time inside or explore the big city? Share reasons to support your answer.
  • What do you feel is the best invention? What would life be like without it? 
  • Share details about a fun trip with your best friend. 
  • Write and describe what it would be like if you didn’t have homework. 
  • Do you think every sporting event should have a winner? Why or why not? 
  • Is it better to vacation in the mountains or on the beach? Why is it better? 
  • Share your thoughts about your favorite sport and why it interests you. 
  • Think about your favorite book. What makes it your favorite?

Learn more: ThoughtCo

Narrative Writing Prompts

Narrative writing prompts are an effective way for students to improve their writing and creativity skills. It also motivates children and makes them excited to write. ESL writing topics such as these are a great way to spark creativity and imagination. 

  • Think about what may happen if you took a picture of your friend in front of a volcano. 
  • Imagine you had three wishes that could be granted, but you cannot use them for yourself. What would you wish for? Explain your reasoning. 
  • What do you think would happen if you were to plan the luckiest day of your life? 
  • If you had the option of bringing home a zoo animal, how would you spend your time together?
  • Include the following words in a funny story: grapes, elephant, book, and airplane. 
  • Write a short story from the viewpoint of an ant. What are the pros and cons of being so tiny?
  • Can you imagine having the opportunity to meet your favorite book character? Who would you choose and why?
  • What would your school day be like if there was no electricity? 
  • Imagine you are a pirate, and you just took off on a voyage. What are you searching for? 
  • Finish this story: The pirates set sail on their ship in search of . . .
  • If you could be a teacher for the day, what decisions would you make and why?

Learn more: Vibrant Teaching

Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing has many benefits for all children, including foreign English language learners. It helps improve communication skills, memory, and knowledge. Creative writing also stimulates higher-level thinking and self-expression.  

  • If you could have a pet elephant, what would you do with it? 
  • If you could spend the day in animal form, which animal would you be? 
  • Oh no! You look up on the roof and you see your cat is stuck. What can you do to help?
  • Share your adventures in detail if you were to own a pair of magical shoes.
  • If you could have dinner with your favorite character, what would you ask them?
  • If you could spend a day on a time machine, what would you do?
  • Imagine you are taking your dog on a trip through the forest. What do you see?
  • What is fun about playing in the rain?
  • Think about playing hide and seek. Where is your favorite place to hide?
  • If you could be a part of the circus for a day, what would be your special talent? 

Learn more: Squibler

Essay Writing Prompts

Essay writing prompts help students learn the fundamentals of writing. The following essay topics aim to strengthen reading comprehension and develop context and structure. Both ESL students and native English speakers can benefit from essay writing practice. 

  • Share your favorite class subject and why.
  • Explain the reason why it is good to share with friends.
  • Share your favorite sport and why it is so special.
  • What would it be like to be a superhero?
  • What is your favorite game? How would you describe the goal of the game to someone who has never played it?
  • Think about the tools you use in the classroom. Which one is most useful?
  • What makes your best friend unique?
  • Think about your least favorite subject. What would make you like it more? 
  • What is your favorite thing to do over the weekend?
  • Is there a story you could read over and over? Share why you enjoy it.

Learn more: Splash Learn

Journal Writing Prompts

Journal writing is an awesome way for children to practice writing. While writing in a journal, students can focus less on quality writing and mechanics and more on self-expression and the meaning behind their writing. Children may want to find a sacred writing space where they can avoid distractions and focus easily.

  • What makes your school community unique?
  • What does it mean to be kind?
  • What should you do if you can’t get along with a classmate?
  • What qualities are important in a friend?
  • If you could invent something to solve a problem, what would it be?
  • Did you ever break something by accident? How did you fix it?
  • What is your favorite game to play in, and out of the classroom?
  • Think about an imaginary friend. What are they like?
  • Look in the mirror and write about what you see.
  • What is your favorite playground equipment? Why? 

Learn more: YourDictionary