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8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

• 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
• 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
• 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

• Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
• Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
• Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
• Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
• Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

• Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
• Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
• Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
• Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
• Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
• Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

• Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
• Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
• Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

• Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
• Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
• Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

• What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
• What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
• Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
• What are the personal qualities you like most?
• Write about an inspiring celebrity.
• What does emotional intelligence mean?
• Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
• How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

• Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
• Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
• The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
• What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
• Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
• Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
• Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
• Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
• Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
• Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
• Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
• Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
• Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
• Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
• Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

• Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
• What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
• How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
• Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
• Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
• What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
• How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
• How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
• Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
• Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
• Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
• A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

• According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
• Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
• These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

• One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
• FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
• At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

• Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
• Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

Thanks for stopping by at our blog. We would be happy to help you with your paper. You can be interested in some other posts on this blog (https://overnightessay.com/blog/category/essay-tips/) or contact our friendly Support Team to get professional writign help from experienced writers. Good luck with your paper! Best regards,

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65 Engaging 8th Grade Writing Prompts for Creative Essays

Creative writing is a discovery process, and 8th grade is a great time to encourage your students to find their voices. It’s the final grade before high school, and it’s a time when students are really discovering themselves and their place in the world as they leave middle school.

That’s why…

It’s so important to give your 8th-grade students writing prompts that will help them explore their thoughts and opinions. These 8th-grade writing prompts for creative essays are designed to do just that.

Journal Writing Prompts

Journaling is a great way to get your students’ creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to get them thinking about their own thoughts and experiences. Here are some journal prompts to get your eighth graders started:

1. If you had the chance to travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose? What attracted you to that location?

2. Do people require a compelling reason to live? How would you characterize the purpose’s evolution over time?

3. Imagine you could go back in time and give someone advice. What would you say?

4. When it comes to writing, how do you feel? Consider something else in your life when comparing your feelings about writing to it.

5. Create a typical day in the life of an eighth-grader with a short story.

6. Write about your favorite movie or book. Why do you love it so much?

7. What do you like about your appearance?

8. Consider what you value in life and how it relates to where you want to be in five years. Make a personal vision statement for your life.

9. What are your thoughts on the notion of vulnerability? Have you ever been anxious when you’ve felt weak or exposed?

10. What are your biggest regrets so far in life? Why do you feel the way you do about it now?

11. Choose someone older, such as a grandparent. What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned from that individual?

Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing is all about expressing yourself in your own unique way. That’s why it’s such a great activity for eighth-grade students. By allowing young writers to flex their creative muscles, they’ll be able to explore their thoughts in a way they might not have before.

Here are some creative writing prompts to get your 8th graders started:

12. If you had one opportunity to make a difference in the world, what would it be and why?

13. What would you change if you were in charge of your school and why?

14. If you had the power to transform your city’s appearance or structure, what would you do and why?

15. Who would you invite for dinner if you could choose any famous person?

16. Write a short story about what your life would be like if you lived in the cold deserts of Mongolia.

17. Your instructor has requested that you present a lesson with the fifth-graders. What will you speak about and why?

18. Name one thing you’d want to accomplish in the future. Describe why it is so essential for you and how you intend to achieve it.

19. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Have you ever heard that? What’s your take on it? To support your standpoint, utilize precise details and scenarios.

20. The town officials want you to create a community for the future. Share your vision using specific information and examples.

21. What would your brain be like if it were a physical location?

22. Write a scenario in which a usual family activity goes horribly wrong.

Expository Writing Prompts

Although similar to creative writing, expository writing is a different animal altogether. Here are some exciting prompts to get your middle-schoolers started:

23. What’s the most unusual location you’ve ever visited? Describe it in detail.

24. Tell us about your last birthday, from the moment you awoke until you went to bed that night.

25. Imagine your dream home. Make a list of each room and its features.

26. How do you get to your grandparents’ house or another family member home?

27. Write about your typical school lunch and your experience eating in the lunchroom.

28. Consider a career you’d like to have one day. Describe a typical working day in that position.

29. What unique characteristics do you possess as a member of this generation? How are people your parents’ or grandparents’ age different from yours?

30. What are three fun ways your family might spend a family vacation together?

31. Why do you think someone you know should be regarded as a leader?

32. Who’s your favorite teacher, and why?

33. If you had to be an animal, which one would you choose and why?

Precise Language Writing Prompts

When it comes to writing skills, precision is key. Your students need to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly and concisely. That means they need to have a vast vocabulary and use it effectively. Here are writing prompts to help your students hone their skills:

34. Write a news article about a recent natural disaster.

35. Think about a time when you were extremely proud of yourself. Write a first-person account of your proudest moment.

36. What is your earliest memory of feeling fear? Write a brief story about that experience.

37. Are all teachers educators? Are all educators teachers? What is the difference between a teacher and an educator?

38. When should you say a specific number instead of “a lot” to avoid being mistaken?

39. What exactly makes something “made from natural components” distinct from anything grown in your backyard?

40. What is the difference between race and nationality?

41. What is the difference between music and sound?

42. What is the primary difference between being wise and being intelligent?

43. How can you tell the difference between an opinion and a fact?

44. Is it correct to refer to an 8th grader as a “young person”? Why or why not?

Counter-Argument Writing Prompts

To become better writers, students of this age group need to be able to anticipate and refute counter-arguments to their own claims. Here are some counter-argument writing prompts to get your reluctant writers thinking:

45. An old saying goes, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Explain why this might not be true.

46. Some individuals believe that crying is a sign of weakness. Disabuse them of this misconception.

47. Some schools enforce a dress code to discourage bullying and encourage learning. Explain why you disagree with forcing students to wear uniforms.

48. Paranormal investigators sometimes utilize photographs as “evidence” that ghosts exist. Explain why a photo of a ghost might not be considered evidence.

49. Cats are widely regarded as the greatest pets. Why might dogs be a better choice?

50. Some people think that nothing is more essential than fame or popularity. Why do you feel differently?

51. Some people believe that smartphones shouldn’t be allowed in school because they’re a distraction. In favor of allowing phone usage in class, create an argument.

52. Some people believe that there should be no restrictions placed on freedom of speech. Defend your position by explaining why freedom of speech should be limited on occasion.

53. People sometimes believe that important core principles, such as religion and politics, must be shared by good friends. Explain why this isn’t necessary.

54. Some people believe that honesty is more important than compassion. Explain why kindness is more essential at times in your essay.

55. Many individuals think it’s better to be single than in a relationship. Why might being in a relationship be preferable?

Informational Writing Prompts

Informational writing is a key skill for students to master. After all, in the real world, we need to communicate clearly, whether we’re writing an email to our boss or a letter to our elected officials. Here are informational writing prompts to keep your students busy:

56. Ask your teacher to share some insights about their life. Then, create a one-page biography based on what you learned.

57. What do you know how to do well? Write detailed instructions for someone else to perform this task.

58. Consider a destination that you’ve been to. Describe the site to someone who has never been there before.

59. There are several different family structures. What kind of family do you have?

60. Choose a subject you’re well-versed in, like a favorite sports team, movie star, musical genre, or anything that fascinates you. Explain the topic to someone else in three pages.

61. What impact has new technology had on your life?

62. Is there a familial custom that is unique to your family? Describe the custom and why your family participates in it.

63. Tell us about a typical day in one of your parents’ lives.

64. What would you do if you won the lottery?

65. How do people in your community show their support for local businesses?

Jump In : Writing essays encourage G8 students to get more creative in writing and critical in thinking. Provide them with more enthusiasm by giving them 11 Fun 8th Grade Reading Comprehension Activities & Games to stimulate their minds!

Fun Fact : There are aids available to assist your students to create correct sentences (free and paid). I researched a particular tool that I believe will improve your learners’ writing skills. Learn more about it here — Complex Sentence Generator: 7 Tools To Build Good Statements .

Get Your Middle School Students Hooked on Writing With These Engaging Prompts!

8th grade is an important time for students to focus on their writing skills. As they prepare to transition to high school and beyond, they must develop a strong foundation now.

By offering them a variety of engaging writing prompts, you can help your students build confidence and proficiency in their writing. So get those pencils and pens ready, and let’s get started!

Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Emily

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Emily is an active mother of two and a dedicated elementary school teacher. She believes the latest technology has made a huge impact on the quality of early learning and has worked hard to upgrade her classroom and her own children’s learning experience through technology.

Follow her on Twitter , Pinterest , and Instagram for more teaching fun!

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100 Cool 8th Grade Writing Prompts

Writing Prompts |

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100 Cool 8 th Grade Writing Prompts

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

In this post, we have for you:

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

Creative Writing Prompts for 8 th Grade

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

Journal writing prompts for 8 th Grade

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

Opinion Writing prompts for 8 th Grade

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

Narrative writing prompts for 8 th grade

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

Counter-Argument writing prompts for 8 th grade

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

Expository writing prompts for 8 th Grade

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

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

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

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

• 3 rd grade writing prompts
• 4 th grade writing prompts
• 5 th grade writing prompts
• 6 th grade writing prompts
• 7 th grade writing prompts
• Middle school writing prompts

Plus, you can find Fiction writing prompts here

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8th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: February 12, 2024

Print article

Verbal has a double meaning for eighth grade writing: it refers to the oral presentations the kids will do and to this year’s focus on grammar — gerunds, participles, and infinitives.

Argument essays

Written in formal language, argument essays should start with an introduction that clearly presents the writer’s position and flows into a well-organized, research-backed argument that advocates for their position and argues against opposing claims. Your child’s writing should exhibit a profound understanding of the topic. Arguments should be logical and fueled by evidence from credible sources. Papers should end with a persuasive conclusion that summarizes the viewpoint and declares the topic resolved. Topics will vary, but you’ll often see teen issues such as: Are video games harmful to mental health? Should our school have uniforms? Should bullies be suspended or given a chance to make amends?

Informative and explanatory writing

In their informative and explanatory papers , students use formal language to explain complex topics with relevant data, precise ideas, and logical analyses. Kids should start with an intriguing introduction that previews the subject matter. Next, they present well-organized information that’s backed by evidence from credible sources. Eighth graders should use a variety of “strategy tools,” including:

• Classifying information.
• Defining terms.
• Using subject-specific, academic , and transition vocabulary words.
• Quoting sources.
• Incorporating factual details.
• Making comparisons.
• Contrasting different situations.
• Explaining cause-and-effect relationships.
• Including graphics (charts, tables, images) and multimedia.
• Using formatting (headings, bullet points).

Finally, the concluding paragraph should provide a synopsis of the main point of the essay. Your child’s papers are likely to cover topics that students are familiar with — but still need to research in order to answer, like If there is a drought, how can we save water? Or Explain how a specific invention has changed your life .

Narrative writing

Eighth graders write narratives or stories that describe events in their lives (personal histories, memoirs) or imagined scenarios (fiction, fantasy). Junior J.K. Rowlings learn effective storytelling techniques, such as introducing the narrator and characters, establishing context for the setting, and conveying a point of view. Students practice letting the sequence of events unfold, giving characters depth, and developing the plot through actions, dialogue, and reflection. Your future F. Scott Fitzgerald should use transition words to guide readers from one place and time to another. For example: Four hours later, Jack opened his locker to discover a shocking surprise . Or, Returning to the cafeteria, Tinsley saw the cute new boy sitting with her best friend, Amanda . Remember that even narratives have a conclusion, hopefully one that helps readers ponder the meaning of the story.

Changes and more changes

Grit. Concentration. Determination. Eighth graders strengthen their literary skills by revising their papers over and over again, following advice from teachers and classmates to re-imagine, re-outline, redraft, re-edit, rewrite, and try new approaches. Is this just a form of perfectionistic punishment? No, the practice helps teens learn to tighten their prose, pick stronger verbs, use more accurate descriptors, and organize their writing in the most effective and interesting ways.

Internet interaction

Your eighth grader will likely need the internet to create, type, and share their work, which will often have links to web sources and include graphics and multimedia. Also, these are typically typed. Your child should be tying about 40 words per minute. (Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction recommends a typing speed 5 times your grade . If your child needs practice, there are free typing classes for middle schoolers available online .)

It’s increasingly common for kids to be required to collaborate on projects online, often in Google Docs or Slides. What’s more, drafts and completed assignments are often turned in via email or by uploading to an online portal. So if your child’s technical skills aren’t up to snuff, think about getting your child a little extra help so these requirements don’t hold him back.

Evaluating their sources

Eighth graders do short projects that require research from multiple sources. Teens learn to evaluate the credibility of their sources. For example, Is Saturday Night Live as reliable as National Public Radio? No. Kids need to be careful about how they present information, paraphrasing information or using quotes to avoid plagiarizing, which Merriam-Webster defines as “to use the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words or ideas.” The standard way to end all research projects? A bibliography, formatted correctly, of course, that shows both the quality and quantity of their sources.

Student critiques

Students get to do the critiquing this year — whether it’s a book or their classmate’s essay. Eighth graders analyze how modern fiction uses the plot, themes, and characters. Students look for connections and explain how a contemporary text borrows from, comments on, or changes the old foundation. For example, How does The Hunger Games trilogy use the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur?

Students also evaluate the evidence their peers use in essays and to back up arguments. It helps them become more skilled at determining fact from fiction, legitimate truth from biased propaganda, scientific theories from fraudulent nonsense.

Eighth graders learn to identify verb voice. If the subject in a sentence does the action, then the verb is in the active voice, like this: The whale ate the shrimp. However, if the subject in a sentence is the target of the action, then the verb is in the passive voice, like this: The shrimp was eaten by the whale .

Presenting their work

Expect quite a few oral reports in eighth grade. In these presentations, kids need to deliver their arguments and the results of their investigations to the class. Key skills for a solid presentation include:

• using formal language;
• making eye contact;
• pronouncing things clearly and loudly enough for all to hear.

Your child’s presentations should be coherent, organized, logical, supported by evidence, and, in many cases, jazzed up with costumes, props, maps, music, sound effects, charts, and visual projection. Teens (and adults) often suffer from sweaty, knee-knocking stage fright. Inform your adolescent that this is totally normal; remind them to breathe and enjoy the attention.

Here’s a preview of the presentation skills required in high school.

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The Guide to 8th Grade: Reading and Writing

Review reading and writing curricula for 8th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..

In their last year of middle school, 8th graders immerse themselves in preparation for high school by practicing and strengthening skills they learned in earlier years of middle school while also learning new (and often more complex) skills.

In many ways, 8th grade is a year of transition, as students are expected to have mastered the ways of middle school and begin becoming “high-schoolers.” Specifically, 8th graders are expected to be independent thinkers and workers analyzing and explaining what they learn in both their writing and verbally. 

8th Grade Reading

In 8th grade, students continue to practice many of the skills they learned in earlier grades, specifically paying attention to details like text evidence, language, and cross-text comparisons in different genres of text. However, 8th graders push their analyses of texts further as they examine the details and writing structure and assess how those elements affect the text. 

In order to build reading skills, your 8th grader :

• Evaluates the evidence in texts to determine the strongest supports of an idea and analysis.
• Determines the main idea or theme of a text using evidence from the text to support it.
• Provides an objective summary of a text.
• Understands, summarizes, and tracks the progress of the main idea of a text, using evidence from the text.
• Analyzes how elements such as specific dialogue, events, or word usage impact the characters, the decisions they make, and other events and actions in the text.
• Understands the use of language in a text, including figurative language, analogies, and allusions to other texts.
• Compares and contrasts the different structures of texts including the structures of paragraphs and sentences.
• Analyzes the difference between characters’ points of view and how these differences affect the text.
• Analyzes the pros and cons of using different forms of text and media to present a topic or idea.
• Compares a text to a film or play version of a text, paying specific attention to the way in which the film or play veers from the text.
• Analyzes texts that include conflicting information on the same topic and decipher when those are due to conflicting facts or interpretations.

8th Grade Writing

In 8th grade, students continue to practice and refine many of the writing skills they learned in 7th grade while also learning some additional complex writing skills. Given that refining one’s writing can take time and practice, students are not expected to cover a great deal of new skills. However, they do learn some new techniques and skills that enhance their writing and enable them to become better writers.

In order to build writing skills, your 8th grader :

• Introductions
• Acknowledgements of opposing claims
• Logical and orderly presentation of reasons and evidence
• Graphics, special formatting, and multimedia, when appropriate
• Support of the claims through the use of evidence from credible sources
• A concluding sentence or paragraph that supports the argument made
• A formal tone and style
• Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources
• Provide an introduction that includes an explanation of what follows
• Develop topics through the use of facts, details, quotations, examples, and subject-specific terms and definitions
• Include transitions that connect concepts, events, and paragraphs
• Include a conclusion that supports the presented idea(s)
• Maintain a formal “essay type” style
• Integrate other forms of media and formats such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate
• A narrator, characters, and a point of view
• Descriptive detail and sensory language to describe characters, settings, and experiences
• Dialogue, pacing, reflection, and details and descriptions of characters, setting, and experiences
• Thought-out word choice
• A clear structure with a logical order and flow, as shown through the use of transition words and phrases and a logical sequence
• A conclusion that is connected to and builds on the narrative
• Plans, revises, and edits writing, specifically with guidance from teachers and peers, focusing specifically on trying new approaches and making sure the writing has a purpose and appeals to its audience.
• Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and cite sources.
• Works on multiple short research projects that answer specific questions and cite multiple sources, while gathering additional questions for later research.
• Uses both print and digital resources to conduct research, focusing on using appropriate search terms and reliable sources.
• Uses quotes and a standard format for citation.
• Uses research to analyze and make inferences.

Shop the best resources for seventh grade below! You can find all books and activities at  The Scholastic Store . 

Explore other grade guides: 

• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade  
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

8th Grade Writing

For eighth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, eighth graders will be asked to: support the claims of their arguments with evidence, logical reasoning, and credible sources, use a formal style when writing, be able to develop the topic of a work with details, facts, definitions, and quotations, employ formatting, graphics, and multimedia to present information in the written medium, employ narrative techniques like pacing, description, reflection, and dialogue to develop events and characters within a text, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, conduct short research projects to answer a question, quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of supporting texts while avoiding plagiarism and using proper citation, use evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.

Bio Poem: My Mother

A fun Mother’s Day bio poem activity for your students!

Bio Poem: Pilgrim

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. This printable Thanksgiving Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about Pilgrims.

Bio Poem: Someone You Know

Students will write a bio poem about someone they know using the format set in this worksheet.

Christmas Tree Bio Poem

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. Sometimes writing a bio pem can be tricky! This printable Christmas Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about a Christmas tree.

Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Edgar Allan Poe: Secrets in Poetry

Students read from Edgar Allan Poe’s “An Enigma” and decipher the name of the woman’s whose name is hidden within the text.

Father’s Day Bio Poem: My Father

Enhance your students’ writing skills with this fun Father’s Day Biography Poem activity.

Fourth of July Bio Poem: America

Encourage your students to learn about America with this Fourth of July Biography Poem activity.

George Washington Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about George Washington.

George Washington’s List of Rules

When George Washington was a young boy, he made a list of rules for himself. Students choose one of the rules and write what it means.

Halloween Bio Poem Activity: Ghost

Create a bio poem about your own personal ghost with our fun Halloween printable activity!

Main Idea Organizer

Teach your students how to organize their writing with this helpful Main Idea Organizer. Students will be asked to complete the worksheet by writing their own main idea, three details, and a summary. This will help your students better understand how to organize their ideas for writing in the future, especially when writing an essay!

Write a Biography Poem

Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. In this worksheet students will write a bio poem about themself.

Bio Poem: A President

Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. Students will write about a President in this worksheet.

Bio Poem: An Ocean

Have your students get creative by writing a bio poem about an ocean.

Editing and Proofing a Paragraph

Your students will further their editing and proofing skills by correcting a paragraph in this printable classroom worksheet.

George Washington: Almost a King

What if George Washington had become king? Students ponder this question and then write about what it would be like.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

This activity helps students develop a strong thesis statement for their essays by providing practice writing sample statements.

How to Write an Introduction: Bridge Building Activity

This activity is designed to help students learn about writing introductions through a fun bridge building activity to join the lead noun card and thesis statement card.

How To Improve Writing In Eighth Grade

Written by Dan

Last updated January 31, 2024

Improving writing skills is crucial for students in eighth grade. This is when students are transitioning from middle school to high school, and they need to have a solid foundation in writing to succeed in high school.

Writing is a vital skill in almost every aspect of life, and students need to learn how to write well at an early age.

Related : For more, check out our article on  How To Make Writing Fun  here.

Understanding the basics of writing is the first step towards improving writing skills. Students need to learn the fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

They also need to understand the different types of writing, such as persuasive, narrative, and informative writing. By mastering the basics, students can develop a strong foundation to help them in future writing projects.

Improving research and fact-checking skills is also essential for students in eighth grade .

Writing often involves research, and students need to know how to find reliable sources and how to fact-check their information. Developing good research skills will help students write more accurate and informative pieces.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of writing is crucial for improving writing skills.
• Developing good research and fact-checking skills is important for accurate and informative writing.
• Practicing writing projects and revising and editing techniques can help students improve their writing skills.

Related : For more, check out our article on How To Improve Writing In Sixth Grade  here.

Understanding the Basics of Writing

Writing is a fundamental skill that every student must learn to master. In eighth grade , students are expected to have a solid foundation in writing, which includes understanding the basics of writing.

This section will cover the essential elements of writing that students must be familiar with to improve their writing skills.

Grammar and Formal Language

Grammar and formal language are critical aspects of writing. Students must have a good grasp of grammar rules and the appropriate use of formal language.

This includes understanding sentence structure, punctuation, and capitalization. Students must also be aware of the different types of sentence structures, such as simple, compound, and complex sentences.

Word Choice and Figurative Language

Word choice and figurative language are essential in writing. Students must choose their words carefully to convey their message effectively.

They must also be familiar with the different types of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, analogies, and allusions, and know how to use them appropriately.

Narrative and Theme Development

Narrative and theme development are crucial in writing . Students must clearly understand the elements of a narrative, such as setting, plot, characters, and dialogue.

They must also know how to develop a theme and how to convey it effectively throughout their writing.

In conclusion, understanding the basics of writing is essential for eighth-grade students to improve their writing skills. By mastering grammar and formal language, word choice and figurative language, and narrative and theme development, students can elevate their writing to the next level.

Related : For more, check out our article on How To Improve Writing In Fifth Grade  here.

Improving Research and Fact-Checking Skills

Eighth-grade students are often required to complete research projects that require them to gather information from multiple sources. To improve their writing skills, students need to learn how to identify credible sources, incorporate evidence and data, and cite sources correctly.

Identifying Credible Sources

The internet is an excellent resource for research, but it is crucial to be able to distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones.

Students should look for sources written by an author with expertise in the field, contain facts and details that can be verified, and are published by a reputable organization. It is also important to consider the source’s bias and whether it presents a balanced view of the topic.

Incorporating Evidence and Data

Students should incorporate evidence and data from credible sources to support their arguments. They should look for graphs, charts, and other visual aids that can help to convey information.

When using evidence, students should make sure that it is relevant to their topic and explain how it supports their argument.

Citing Sources Correctly

To avoid plagiarism, students must cite their sources correctly. They should use a bibliography to list all of the sources they used in their research and in-text citations to credit the source’s author.

Students should use a citation style that is appropriate for their subject, such as MLA or APA.

Eighth-grade students can become more confident and knowledgeable writers by improving their research and fact-checking skills.

They will be able to gather accurate information, incorporate evidence and data, and cite their sources correctly, which will help them to write more persuasive and effective research projects.

Related : For more, check out our article on  How To Teach Children To Add Suspense To Their Writing  here.

Developing Writing Projects

Eighth-grade students can develop their writing skills by working on various writing projects. These projects can help them improve their writing skills and explore different writing genres. Here are some types of writing projects that can be helpful:

Writing Prompts and Creative Writing

Writing prompts can be a great way to get students started on a writing project. These prompts can be used to spark creativity and help students develop their writing skills.

Creative writing projects can include short stories, poems, and scripts. Students can use their imagination and creativity to produce original pieces of writing.

Writing Essays and Biographies

Writing essays and biographies can help students develop their research and writing skills. Essays can be used to explore a particular topic or issue, while biographies can be used to explore a particular person’s life.

Students can learn how to research a topic, analyze information, and present their findings clearly and concisely.

Scientific and Literature Writing

Scientific and literature writing can help students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills . Scientific writing can include lab reports, research papers, and scientific articles.

Literature writing can include book reviews, character analyses, and critical essays. Students can learn how to analyze and interpret data, as well as develop their writing skills.

When developing writing projects, it is important to consider the project’s audience, purpose, and format. Students should also consider using graphics and multimedia to enhance their projects.

Formatting and transition words can also make the writing clearer and more concise.

Overall, eighth-grade students can improve their writing skills by working on various writing projects.

By following these tips and advice, students can produce high-quality writing projects and develop their writing skills. Google Docs and Slides can be used to produce and share these writing projects.

Revising and Editing Techniques

Self-Editing Strategies

One of the best ways to improve writing skills is by self-editing. Eighth graders can use various self-editing strategies to improve their writing. First, they should read their work aloud to identify areas that need revision.

This technique helps them identify incomplete sentences, awkward phrasing, and other mistakes. They should also check their work for the main idea and ensure that their writing is well-organized with clear connections between ideas.

Second, students should look for passive voice and replace it with active voice. This technique helps to make the writing more engaging and interesting.

They should also avoid using repetitive words and phrases. Instead, they should use synonyms or rephrase sentences to make their writing more interesting.

Peer Feedback and Review

Another technique for improving writing in eighth grade is by getting feedback from peers. Students can form small groups and review each other’s work.

This technique helps them to identify areas that need improvement and provides an opportunity to learn from their peers. They should also provide constructive feedback to their peers.

When providing feedback, students should focus on the content, organization, and clarity of the writing. They should also check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Peer feedback and review help students to become better writers and improve their writing skills.

Utilizing Technology for Revision

Eighth graders can also use technology to improve their writing skills. There are many interactive worksheets and printable worksheets available online that provide instant feedback.

These worksheets are designed to help students practice writing and improve their skills.

Another way to utilize technology is by using online tools that provide direct links to writing resources. For example, students can use online tools that provide access to music that can help them focus and stay motivated while writing. They can also use online tools that provide access to writing prompts and exercises.

Overall, revising and editing techniques are crucial for improving eighth-grade writing skills. Students should use self-editing strategies, peer feedback and review, and utilize technology to improve their writing skills.

By doing so, they can become better writers and achieve success in their academic and professional lives.

Application and Practice

Writing in Different Contexts

Eighth-grade students need to learn how to write in different contexts, such as persuasive essays, informative essays, and narratives. They should also be able to write in different styles, such as formal and informal.

Teachers can give students examples of different writing styles and formats to help them understand the differences. Students can also practice writing in different contexts by choosing a topic and writing a short piece in each style.

Oral Presentations and Discussions

Writing is not just about putting words on paper, but also about communicating ideas effectively. In eighth grade, students should practice presenting their ideas orally and engaging in discussions.

Teachers can assign oral presentations and discussions on different topics to help students develop their communication skills. Students can also practice their presentation skills by recording themselves and watching the playback to identify areas for improvement.

Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

Eighth-grade students should be able to make inferences and draw conclusions from texts they read. They should be able to identify the main idea, supporting details, and author’s point of view.

Teachers can provide students with texts and ask them to identify the main idea, supporting details, and author’s point of view. Students can also practice making inferences and drawing conclusions by analyzing quotes and themes from books they read.

Overall, practicing writing in different contexts, engaging in oral presentations and discussions, and making inferences and drawing conclusions are important skills for eighth-grade students to develop.

These skills align with the Common Core State Standards and will help students succeed in high school and beyond.

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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Essay Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are an essential tool for teachers looking to develop and enhance their students' reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on various aspects of writing, including nonfiction writing, which is a crucial component of the curriculum for this grade level. By incorporating these worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can provide a structured and engaging approach to teaching writing, while also ensuring that their students are exposed to a wide range of topics and writing styles. Additionally, these worksheets can help students practice their writing skills, improve their vocabulary, and develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure. Overall, Essay Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are an invaluable resource for teachers who want to help their students excel in reading and writing.

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EL Education Curriculum

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• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U2:L8

Write an Informative Essay: Analyze a Model and Plan an Introduction

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

• Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

• ELA 2019 Grade 8
• ELA 2019 G8:M2
• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U2

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Focus Standards:  These are the standards the instruction addresses.

• W.8.2a, W.8.2b, W.8.4, W.8.5, SL.8.4, L.8.1b, L.8.3a

Supporting Standards:  These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

• RI.8.1, RI.8.10, W.8.6, W.8.7, W.8.8, W.8.10, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.6
• I can plan an introduction to an informative essay that includes a strong focus statement. ( W.8.2a, W.8.4 )
• I can analyze a model to generate criteria of an effective informative essay on my selected research case study. ( W.8.2, W.8.4 )
• I can identify indicators for speaking clearly and using appropriate eye contact. ( SL.8.4 )
• Opening A: Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 8 ( SL.8.4 )
• Work Time A: Language Dive: Model Essay: "GMOs," Paragraph 1 note-catcher ( W.8.2a, L.8.1b )
• Work Time B: Informative Writing checklist ( RI.8.1, W.8.2 )
• Closing and Assessment A: Informative Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer: plan of introduction ( W.8.2a, W.8.4 )
• Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer
• Homework: Painted Essay® Structure
• Review the Informative Writing checklist ( see the Tools page ).
• Review the Model Essay: “GMOs” and the Model Essay: “CSAs.”
• Strategically group students into pairs for the work in this lesson, with at least one strong reader per pair.
• Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 8 at each student’s workspace.
• Predetermine partners for the work in Closing and Assessment A, to ensure all students are paired with a peer who is working with the same model essay.
• Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

• Work Time A, Work Time B, and Closing and Assessment A: Prepare a device with a projector to display Entrance Ticket: Unit 2 Lesson 8; Model Essay: "CSAs"; Language Dive materials; and the Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer, and prepare devices for students if they will be using digital versions of these documents.
• Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.A.1, 8.I.A.3, 8.I.A.4, 8.I.B.5, 8.I.B.6, and 8.I.B.8.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

• To support ELLs, this lesson invites students to analyze a second model essay and to participate in a Language Dive that addresses a sentence from the focus statement of the model essay about GMOs. Students will have already seen this sentence in the previous lesson while reading and analyzing the model essay. In the Practice portion of this Language Dive, students begin drafting the first sentence of the focus statement of their own essays. In Closing and Assessment A of the lesson, students begin planning the introduction of their essays.
• Students may find it difficult to plan the introduction of their essays. Encourage them to refine their focus statement first so that they can use it to guide their decisions about the rest of the introduction and the Proof Paragraph. Allowing time for oral processing before writing may help some students gain clarity around their ideas.
• Model Essay: "GMOs" (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time A)
• Work to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lessons 4-5, Work Time D)
• Paint an Essay lesson plan (for teacher reference) (from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time A)
• Model Essay: “GMOs” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time A)
• Painted Essay® Template (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Access to Healthy Food: Independent Research note-catcher (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 4, Work Time B)
• Researcher’s Toolbox (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 1, Work Time A)
• Device with projector (see Technology and Multimedia)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 8 (example for teacher reference)
• Language Dive Guide: Model Essay: “GMOs,” Paragraph 1 (for teacher reference)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “GMOs,” Paragraph 1 note-catcher (answers for teacher reference)
• Informative Writing: “CSAs” checklist (example for teacher reference)
• Model Essay: “CSAs” (example for teacher reference)
• Informative Writing Plan: “CSAs” graphic organizer (example for teacher reference)
• Informative Writing Plan: “GMOs” graphic organizer (example for teacher reference)
• Homework: Painted Essay® Structure (answers for teacher reference) (see Homework Resources)
• Devices (optional; one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 8 (one per student)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “GMOs,” Paragraph 1 note-catcher (one per student)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “GMOs,” Paragraph 1 sentence chunk strips (one per group)
• Model Essay: “CSAs” (one per student and one for display)
• Colored pencils (red, yellow, blue, green; one of each per student)
• Informative Writing: “CSAs” checklist (one per student and one for display)
• Informative Writing: Independent Research Essay directions (one per student and one for display)
• Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student and one for display)
• Homework: Painted Essay® Structure (one per student; see Homework Resources)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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