100 Opinion Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

Teaching writing can often feel like an uphill battle, especially with opinion writing. Encouraging students to express their thoughts and ideas orally isn’t a challenge, but getting them to write down their ideas and support them with reasons takes some work. Trust me; I’ve been there too.

That’s why I have compiled a list of 100 Opinion Writing Prompts specifically for you! Whether new to teaching or looking for fresh ideas, this blog will make opinion writing engaging and enjoyable for you and your students!

girl thinking of an opinion writing prompt.

In elementary school, students start to explore argumentative writing, where they learn to share their ideas and give good reasons to support them. They learn to back up their opinions with facts like detectives looking for clues!

This kind of writing teaches them to think carefully and explain why they believe in their ideas. It’s like having a friendly debate on the playground where one friend shares an opinion, and everyone else chimes in with their thoughts. Thinking about what they hear and talking about their ideas is a super skill for kids.

Tips for Teaching Opinion Writing with Prompts

Providing students with prompts that align with their interests, passions, and experiences will engage and motivate them to stay on topic and generate reasons and examples that they can add to their opinion-writing essays.

How can teachers choose the right opinion writing prompts that fit their students?

Strategies Teachers Can Use to Choose the Most Suitable Prompts for Their Students

Here are some tips for choosing the right prompts for students.

  1. Understand Student Interests: Know what topics your students are passionate about or curious to learn more about. This can be achieved through surveys, casual conversations, or observing their interactions and activities.
  2. Consider Age Appropriateness: Ensure the prompts suit the student’s age and maturity level. The content should be challenging enough to stimulate their thinking but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating.
  3. Align with Curriculum Goals: Choose prompts that complement and reinforce the learning objectives outlined in your curriculum. This ensures that the writing exercises are purposeful and contribute to overall educational goals.
  4. Promote Critical Thinking Skills: Select prompts that encourage students to think critically and analytically. Questions with no right or wrong answer but require reasoning and evidence are ideal.
  5. Encourage Creativity: Choose prompts that allow students to use their imagination and creativity. This not only makes the writing process more enjoyable but also helps in developing creative problem-solving skills.
  6. Diversify Topics: Rotate between different types of prompts. This variety keeps students engaged and helps develop a range of skills.
  7. Consider Current Events and Relevance: Incorporate prompts related to recent events or topics for opinion writing relevant to students’ lives. This makes the writing exercise more engaging and relatable.
  8. Incorporate Interdisciplinary Learning: Choose prompts that connect with other subjects like science, history, or art. This interdisciplinary approach can deepen students’ understanding and interest in these subjects.
  9. Adjust for Different Skill Levels: Have a range of prompts that cater to different writing abilities within your class. This helps in challenging advanced students while supporting those who need more guidance.
  10. Feedback and Reflection: Use student feedback on previous prompts to guide your future choices. Understanding what worked and what didn’t can help refine your selection process.
  11. Peer Suggestion Box: Allow students to contribute their prompt ideas. This gives them a sense of ownership and provides insight into what interests them.
  12. Balance Individual and Group Work: Choose some prompts that are suitable for group discussion and collaborative writing, as well as prompts for individual reflection and expression.
  13. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Ensure that the prompts are culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds of your students.
  14. Link to Real-World Skills: Select prompts that help students develop real-world writing skills, such as letter writing, persuasive essays, or report writing.
  15. Seasonal and Thematic Prompts: Use seasonal themes (like holidays and seasons) or align with school events (like sports events and anniversaries) to make the prompts more engaging and timely.

Selecting the right opinion writing prompts for your students is an art that requires an understanding of their interests, skill levels, and the learning objectives outlined in your curriculum. The goal is to develop a love of writing in your students, helping them express their thoughts and opinions confidently.

opinion writing prompts

100 Opinion Writing Prompts for Elementary Teachers

Here are 100 fun opinion writing ideas that your students will love! They will get your students’ creative juices flowing and help them perform better on their argumentative writing assignments.

  1. Should schools have uniforms? Students can argue for or against school uniforms, considering aspects like self-expression, equality, and convenience.
  2. Is homework necessary? This allows students to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of homework.
  3. Are pets better than toys? Students can compare the emotional connection with pets versus playing with toys.
  4. Should kids have cell phones? They can explore safety, distraction, and communication aspects.
  5. Is summer better than winter? Encourage students to compare seasons, focusing on activities, weather, and holidays.
  6. Should all kids learn to cook? Discuss the importance of cooking skills for independence and health.
  7. Are zoos good for animals? This prompts a discussion on animal welfare and conservation.
  8. Is it better to read a book or watch a movie? Compare the experiences of reading versus watching the same story.
  9. Should kids play sports? Consider physical health, teamwork, and time commitment.
  10. Is it important to learn a second language? Discuss cultural understanding and career benefits.
  11. Are video games good or bad? Explore creativity, problem-solving skills, and potential downsides.
  12. Should kids have a bedtime? Debate the importance of sleep against personal freedom.
  13. Is it better to be an only child? Consider the pros and cons of having siblings.
  14. Should junk food be banned in schools? Discuss health impacts and personal choices.
  15. Are superheroes better role models than real-life heroes? Compare fictional characters with actual people who make a difference.
  16. Is it better to travel or stay at home? Discuss experiences gained through travel versus comfort at home.
  17. Should schools have longer breaks? Balance academic needs with relaxation and play.
  18. Is it better to be smart or kind? Delve into the value of intelligence versus compassion.
  19. Should all kids play a musical instrument? Discuss cultural and cognitive benefits versus interests and time.
  20. Are indoor games better than outdoor games? Compare physical health, creativity, and social interaction.
  21. Should children help with household chores? Explore responsibility, teamwork, and skill development.
  22. Is it better to give or receive gifts? Discuss the joy of giving against the excitement of receiving.
  23. Should kids be allowed to vote on family decisions? Debate the importance of democracy versus the adult experience.
  24. Is it important to have a hobby? Consider personal growth, relaxation, and skill development.
  25. Should schools teach more about environmental protection? Argue the importance of education on sustainability.
  26. Is it better to be famous or rich? Discuss the pros and cons of fame and wealth.
  27. Should kids be allowed to choose their own bedtime? Weigh independence against the need for adequate sleep.
  28. Are team sports better than individual sports? Compare teamwork, individual achievement, and social aspects.
  29. Is it better to live in the city or the countryside? Contrast the environment, lifestyle, and opportunities.
  30. Should kids have a say in what they eat? Debate nutrition against personal taste and choice.
  31. Is watching TV a waste of time? Discuss educational content versus the potential for inactivity.
  32. Should students have homework on weekends? Weigh academic benefits against free time and relaxation.
  33. Are books better sources of knowledge than the Internet? Compare depth of information and reliability.
  34. Is it better to be an artist or a scientist? Discuss creativity versus logic and their impact on society.
  35. Should all students learn to play chess? Argue the cognitive and strategic benefits.
  36. Is it better to have many friends or a few close ones? Debate the value of quantity versus quality in friendships.
  37. Should there be more outdoor education? Discuss learning in natural environments versus traditional classrooms.
  38. Are cats better pets than dogs? Compare the characteristics and care requirements of each.
  39. Should kids participate in competitive exams? Weigh the pressure against the learning and opportunities.
  40. Is it important to celebrate birthdays? Discuss the significance of marking personal milestones.
  41. Should kids be allowed to use social media? Explore online safety, communication, and potential distractions.
  42. Is it better to be realistic or optimistic? Debate the benefits of practicality versus positive thinking.
  43. Should students have a longer school day? Balance academic improvement with time for other activities.
  44. Are board games better than video games? Compare social interaction, strategy, and screen time.
  45. Is it important to go to college? Discuss the value of higher education versus other paths.
  46. Should kids have chores every day? Weigh responsibility and skill-building against leisure time.
  47. Are robots a good invention? Discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of automation.
  48. Is it better to live in the past or the present? Compare the advancements and simplicity of different times.
  49. Should kids learn about personal finance in school? Argue the importance of financial literacy from a young age.
  50. Are traditional games better than modern ones? Discuss the cultural significance and simplicity versus innovation.
  51. Should children have a say in their bedtime? Debate autonomy versus the need for parental guidance.
  52. Is it better to be famous or to have privacy? Weigh the allure of fame against the value of privacy.
  53. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers? Discuss the benefits and challenges of this feedback system.
  54. Is it important to have a best friend? Consider the value of a close, trusted relationship.
  55. Should kids learn about gardening in school? Argue the benefits of connecting with nature and understanding food sources.
  56. Is it better to have a strict teacher or a lenient one? Debate the impact of different teaching styles on learning.
  57. Should students wear school uniforms? Discuss the effects on individuality and school spirit.
  58. Are online games better than offline games? Compare the social aspects, accessibility, and potential for addiction.
  59. Is it important to learn about other cultures? Discuss the value of diversity and global understanding.
  60. Should kids have a daily reading time? Weigh the benefits of reading against other activities.
  61. Are animated movies better than live-action movies? Compare the creativity, realism, and appeal of each genre.
  62. Is it better to have a big family or a small one? Discuss the dynamics and relationships in different family sizes.
  63. Should kids be taught to meditate in school? Argue the benefits of mindfulness and stress reduction.
  64. Is it better to be a leader or a follower? Debate the roles and responsibilities of each.
  65. Should children have a say in what they learn at school? Discuss student interests versus curriculum requirements.
  66. Are fantasy books better than real-life stories? Compare escapism and creativity versus realism and relatability.
  67. Is it better to live in a house or an apartment? Weigh space, community, and lifestyle differences.
  68. Should kids be allowed to have exotic pets? Discuss the care, ethics, and safety of keeping unusual animals.
  69. Is it important to learn about space? Argue the value of understanding the universe and scientific exploration.
  70. Are electric cars better than gasoline cars? Consider environmental impact, technology, and practicality.
  71. Should students have snack breaks at school? Debate the benefits of energy replenishment versus potential distractions.
  72. Is it better to be early or exactly on time? Discuss punctuality, time management, and respect for others’ time.
  73. Should kids learn to swim? Argue the importance of safety, health, and recreation.
  74. Are reality shows better than scripted shows? Compare authenticity, entertainment value, and educational content.
  75. Is it important to celebrate national holidays? Discuss the significance of history, culture, and unity.
  76. Should children be taught coding in school? Weigh the future relevance against other educational priorities.
  77. Is it better to be tall or short? Discuss the advantages and challenges of both.
  78. Should kids help plan family vacations? Debate the value of their input versus adult decision-making.
  79. Are indoor pets better than outdoor pets? Consider safety, companionship, and lifestyle impact.
  80. Is it important to keep a diary? Argue the benefits of self-expression and memory keeping.
  81. Should there be a limit to screen time for kids? Discuss health, productivity, and balance with digital life.
  82. Is it better to do group projects or work alone? Compare collaboration skills and individual responsibility.
  83. Should kids be allowed to choose their school subjects? Weigh student interests against a balanced education.
  84. Are handmadegifts better than store-bought ones? Discuss the thoughtfulness, effort, and personalization.
  85. Is it important to have a clean room? Argue organization, hygiene, and personal responsibility.
  86. Should students have a say in school rules? Debate student involvement in governance versus adult expertise.
  87. Is it better to play an instrument or sing? Compare musical expression, skill development, and accessibility.
  88. Should kids be allowed to stay up late on weekends? Weigh relaxation and fun against the importance of a routine.
  89. Are public libraries still important? Discuss the role of libraries in the digital age for learning and community.
  90. Is it better to be honest or kind? Debate the balance between truth and compassion.
  91. Should students help plan school menus? Argue student preferences versus nutritional guidelines.
  92. Are superheroes more interesting than historical figures? Compare entertainment value and educational content.
  93. Is it important to learn about art in school? Discuss cultural appreciation, creativity, and critical thinking.
  94. Should kids ride bikes to school? Weigh health, environmental impact, and safety.
  95. Are science fiction books better than fantasy books? Compare the themes, creativity, and potential for learning.
  96. Is it better to play outside or inside? Discuss physical activity, imagination, and safety.
  97. Should students have a longer recess? Balance play and socialization with academic time.
  98. Are traditional toys better than electronic toys? Compare creativity, skill development, and engagement.
  99. Is it important to have a favorite color? Discuss personal expression and the psychology of preferences.
  100. Should schools start later in the day? Debate the impact on sleep, learning, and daily routine.

In addition to the above opinion writing prompts, consider other sources of ideas to motivate your reluctant writers, including mentor texts, picture prompts, and student’s experiences. Be sure that each prompt encourages critical thinking and self-expression, allowing students to explore their opinions and develop persuasive writing.

These thought-provoking prompts not only stimulate lively discussion among students but also help them hone their persuasive writing. Students learn to express their viewpoints clearly and constructively by engaging with these topics, creating a culture of open dialogue.

Opinion Writing Series

This post about opinion writing prompts compliments another blog post about how I teach our opinion writing unit. This instructional unit includes lesson plans in which students write about some of the above topics and learn how to structure their opinion writing to communicate their ideas best.

Here is a list of other blog posts about opinion writing:

Are you struggling to teach with writing prompts?

Writing prompts are helpful for elementary teachers to encourage their students to write creatively and learn the fundamentals of good writing, like grammar and structure.

This post will explore why teachers should use writing prompts, ways to incorporate them into lessons, and provide examples of prompts that teachers can use in their classrooms tomorrow!