78 Scholarly & Creative 7th Grade Writing Prompts

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Ready to ignite your students’ imaginations and sharpen their writing skills? With these engaging 7th grade writing prompts, students will dive into a world of self-expression. Whether they’re weaving vivid narratives, crafting persuasive arguments, exploring literature through analysis, or painting rich descriptions with their words, these prompts are designed to challenge and inspire. From fiery debates to magical adventures in a wizarding world, there’s something that will appeal to every young writer, covering all the writing types expected of 7th graders. 

Break it down with expository writing prompts

By the time students reach 7th grade, they’re more than just writers. They’re literary detectives, diving into research and using evidence to create well-organized essays. They’re developing the skills to investigate real-world topics, explain ideas clearly, and write with purpose.

Informational/expository writing prompts aligned with CCSS ELA writing empower students to explore what matters most to them while building confidence in their skills. Challenge your advanced writers with writing prompts for middle school that go beyond 7th grade expectations. 

• Which historical figure has impacted your life the most, and how were they influential? 
• Describe your family culture and explain how it shapes who you are.
• What are the most important qualities of a classroom leader, and why do they matter?
• Describe how you would create your dream bedroom in a step-by-step format. 
• What habits help students stay focused at school and at home, and why do they work?
• Why is going outside and having recess important, and should middle schoolers still get it?
• How do friendships influence school life, and what would school be like without them?
• Why is volunteering in your community important, and how can it make a difference?

Informational Writing Choice Board (Distance Learning)
By Swain in the Middle
Grades: 5th-8th
Standards: CCSS W5.2, 6.2,7.2

This resource provides an overview of informational writing and includes nine writing tasks. It covers everything from historical figures to historical events. In addition to being editable, it includes graphic organizers. 

Sharpen critical thinking by comparing and contrasting

Expository writing prompts do more than just walk students through a step-by-step process or ask about their favorite things. They encourage students to examine similarities and differences and explain their thinking. Try these 7th grade writing prompts for journaling, group discussion, or formal essays:

• Which is better for connecting with friends: TikTok or Instagram?
• Is it better to read the book or watch the movie? Why?
• Would you rather spend time with friends or siblings? What makes one better than the other?
• Do you think it’s easier to follow rules at school or at home?
• Would you rather play an individual sport or be on a team with friends? What makes one more enjoyable?
• Is it easier being the oldest or the youngest child? Why?
• Would you rather text your friends or talk on the phone? What’s the advantage of one over the other?
• Is social media only for fun, or can it also be educational?
• Would you rather take a class with more technology or minimal screen time? Why?

Express opinions with debatable 7th grade writing prompts

Channel all that energy into powerful writing with opinion essays that let students speak their minds. These prompts are perfect for opinion essays, silly debates, or creative what-if scenarios. Want to take it up a notch? Have students compare their responses with classmates to see who can make the most convincing argument in a mock trial or simulation. 

• Would having a superpower be helpful or dangerous?
• Could time travel harm society or enhance it?
• Would teleportation change the way we live, for better or worse?
• Should students be allowed to design their own school schedules?
• Would you want to live in the world of your favorite novel or video game? What could be a downside?
• Should video game creators focus more on player feedback when developing new games?
• Should middle schoolers get to design elective classes based on their hobbies?
• Would school be more fun if robots taught it?
• Why might some geniuses struggle in school?

Dig into texts with literary analysis and response prompts

Books like The Giver and The Outsiders immerse students in powerful worlds with unforgettable characters. Sometimes, it’s hard to say goodbye to a story. That’s where literary response and analysis come in. These prompts help students step back into those stories to explore themes, characters, and settings, as well as imagine what could happen next. Even better, they align perfectly with CCSS W.7.9 by encouraging students to draw evidence from texts to support their ideas.

• How does the author use sensory details to shape the mood of the story?
• What impact do the characters’ choices have on the tone and outcome of the story?
• In what ways did you personally connect with the novel?
• Which scene had the strongest emotional impact on you, and why?
• How do the characters’ beliefs and values come through in their actions or words?
• How does the author’s word choice influence the mood and setting?
• Compare this story to another you’ve read. What themes or characters are similar?
• Could this story happen in real life? Which parts feel realistic, and which feel more fictional?
• How do flashbacks or foreshadowing affect the structure of the story?
• What does the dialogue reveal about the characters’ personalities or relationships?
• How is symbolism used in the story? What does it add to your understanding of the plot or theme?

Reader Response Prompts Journal Middle School ELA Writing 6th 7th 8th 9th
By English Oh My
Grades: 6th-9th

Get your students excited about reading by trying these 38 engaging worksheets, including topics like character analysis, plot structure, and author’s craft. You’ll also get three customizable covers perfect for group assignments, novel studies, and independent projects. 

Power up persuasive arguments with prompts connected to the real-world

Argumentative writing gives students the power to convince others that their viewpoint matters. With a strong thesis, solid reasoning, and a sprinkle of style, they’ll be ready to win classroom discussions and possibly imaginary courtroom battles. Every prompt below aligns with CCSS W.7.1, helping students build essential writing skills while making real-world connections your school will appreciate. 

Try these prompts to spark persuasive thinking for your classroom debates, simulations, and writing workshops. They also complement cross-curricular themes in middle school sociology discussions. 

• Should teachers allow students to listen to music while working?
• Should plastic water bottles have a deposit to reduce litter?
• Are classes like art, gym, and life skills as critical as math and English?
• Should students be required to complete community service to understand their community better?
• Do students lose a lot of what they’ve learned over summer break?
• Should kids get paid for chores based on their performance, like a job? 
• Do you think students should get a break every hour during school?
• Should schools limit the amount of homework they assign?

Paired Passages Argumentative Writing Prompts 6th & 7th Grade Junk Food
By The SPARKLY Notebook
Grades: 6th-7th

This argumentative writing paired text set with common core-aligned questions prepares students for 7th grade writing adventures. It includes two passages, a teacher’s guide, a question breakdown, question sets, and an answer key.

Tell tales through narrative 7th grade writing prompts

Seventh-grade students are developing their unique voices and learning to make sense of the world around them. Since each student sees the world through a different lens, narrative writing is a powerful way for them to express who they are and what they’ve experienced. 

Aligned with  CCSS W.7.3, narrative prompts allow students to write using clear sequences, descriptive details, reflection, and figurative language. It helps them build confidence as storytellers. You can use these as part of literacy centers, writing portfolios, and cross-curricular connections. 

• A mysterious door appears in the back of your locker: Where does it lead?
• Write about a time your community came together and surprised you.
• Describe the journey a bacterium takes in your body. 
• Explain what would happen if an owl delivered you a letter with surprising news.
• Write about a moment from this school year that changed you.
• Imagine you walked into a world where everyone was divided by a real line. Write about your journey through the world.
• You discover your mirror is a portal to an alternate world: What’s it like?
• Describe a goal you’ve worked hard to achieve or are still working on.
• Write about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone.
• Write about something you failed at and what you learned from it.
• Imagine you are a plant seed learning how to grow. 

Creative Writing Prompts – Digital Story Starters – Fantasy Themed
By Hello Teacher Lady
Grades: 6th-10th
Standards: CCSS CCRA.W.3

Explore fantasy worlds with these themed digital story prompts, which include 25 unique narrative story starters. The resource consists of a PDF and a Google Slides version. 

Story Starters Warm Up Creative Narrative Writing Prompts
By Just Add Students
Grades: 4th-8th
Standards: CCSS W4.10, CCSS W5.10, CCSS W6.10

Give your students 22 fun writing prompts for narrative stories to take the guesswork out of writing. These digital and print versions are perfect for warm-ups, journaling, and literacy centers. 

Spark vivid writing through descriptive essay writing prompts

In descriptive writing, words cast spells and transform blank pages into vivid adventures. These prompts invite students to become word wizards, using all five senses to bring their ideas to life. One moment, they might describe the icy taste of snow on their tongue, and the next, the flickering dance of firelight on a cold night. 

Whether they’re pulling from personal memories or wild imagination, the goal is to make the reader feel like they’re right there in the moment. Encourage your class to explore 7th grade writing prompts to spark imaginations and sharpen sensory storytelling. 

• Describe a time you experienced bad weather. How did it feel? What did the sky look like?
• What would your secret hideout look like? Describe the different areas and how it feels to be there.
• Imagine taking a walk through an enchanted forest on a summer night. What do you hear, smell, and feel?
• What is it like to go camping? Describe the fire, the people, and the activities around you.
• Describe what a school dance is like. Paint a picture of the sights, sounds, and even the taste of the snacks.
• Describe your best friend. What do they look like? How do they sound, move, and make you feel?
• What would it feel like to walk through a portal? What would you see, hear, and touch?
• If you had a spirit animal, what would it look like? How would it sound and move?
• Imagine you’re riding a dragon. What does the wind feel like? How do the dragon’s scales feel beneath you? What is it like to fly?

Craft creative essays with fun writing prompts

Sometimes, it’s best to give your kids free rein in the writing world. With no rigid rules or boundaries, they can unlock their voices and dive into unexpected, out-of-the-box stories. Whether they dream up bizarre scenarios or share hilarious moments, these prompts are about the joy of writing.

• Should lifting your backpack and books count as gym participation? 
• You come to school, and all the desks are on the ceiling. How do you do your work?
• What would the lesson plan be if you had a nap and snacks class? 
• All your teachers have become animals. How do you make it through the day? 
• How would the world be different if dogs ran the government? 
• How would you survive your first day in an intergalactic middle school? 
• Would it be fun to be a Martian? 
• What do you think a zombie teacher invasion would look like? 
• Do you think teachers are just undercover robots? 
• Should a compliment always be celebrated with pocket confetti?
• How would your school be different if it were on Mars? 
• What are the dangers of going to a wizarding school? How do you avoid them? 
• How would life be different if pets required clothes like people?

Up your students’ writing game with TPT resources for 7th graders

Finding unique writing prompts that aren’t going to bore your 7th graders can be a challenge. You also want to ensure the prompts match 7th grade writing expectations. Whether you are looking for cross-curricular activities, something to keep your circle group engaged, or the perfect project for your next writing workshop, 7th grade writing resources from TPT Teacher-Authors can help. These are also the perfect add-ons to 6th grade writing prompts near the end of the school year.