7th and 8th Grade Writing Prompts

Seventh and eighth grade brings more opportunity for learning, growing, and maturity. It’s important to ignite a love of writing through a variety of writing opportunities and topics that are both relevant and thought-provoking. Use the categories of “Self-Awareness,” “Engineering,” “Social Media,” “Advocates,” “Inventors,” and “Diligence” to embrace the magic of writing.

Writers are encouraged to plan and review their work. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s background and needs.

7th and 8th Grade Writing Prompts

Category 1: Self-Awareness

As we grow, our sense of self-awareness becomes stronger. Our experiences and interactions with the world help us understand our own identities. Writers can use these prompts to draft stories, create infographics, write poetry, comic strips, and more.

1. Conduct and interview with someone in your home or school and ask about how they overcame adversity. With permission, write an article about your discussion and don’t forget to include a thank you note.
2. Design an infographic that explains different types of emotions and how to manage them. In particular, what are some strategies for dealing with difficult emotions?
3. Design three social media posts that promote positive self-talk.
4. Illustrate and write a children’s book about a puppy who becomes more self-aware. In the early months of its life, what does it learn and how?
5. Write a letter to yourself about the importance of integrity and adhering to your own beliefs.
6. Write a story about a character who learns to embrace their perceived imperfections. Identify a moment or learning that helps them achieve self-acceptance.

Category 2: Engineering

Engineering has been and will continue to be an important part of how our world works. There are many different kinds of engineers, all of whom contribute to our society in important ways. Writers can use these 7th and 8th grade writing prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write poetry, social media posts, and more.

1. Write a story about a bridge engineer who finds a solution to a problem that has existed for a long time.
2. Design an infographic that explains different types of engineering and what they require. Focus on different fields and how they help society.
3. Write a short, informative essay about the creative process of inventing. What does this process involve?
4. Create a comic strip featuring a group of engineers who are given the task of finding a solution to a problem related to water pollution in their local community. How do they work together? What expertise does each bring?
5. Write a letter to your local newspaper that explains the importance of STEAM education in all schools. Why is it important to study science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in the same setting and what career opportunities are available in these fields? What happens (or what could happen) when schools do not offer this type of learning?
6. Research a famous female engineer and write a biography about her. Add the biography to a poster of images and helpful graphics that serve to educate the viewer.

Category 3: Social Media

Each day, people interact with social media and social networks of all kinds— likely for socialization, fun, and sometimes business purposes! Writers can use these 7th and 8th grade writing prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to this ever-evolving realm of life.

1. Create a comic strip featuring a character who uses social media to sell their original, handmade products.
2. Design an infographic that explains different types of social media a person may encounter. For instance, which platforms are used for socialization? Business?
3. Design an infographic that helps young users report cyberbullying. Include a clear definition of what cyberbullying is and how to report or “flag” it depending on the platform.
4. Write an informative essay about a person who became a well-known social media influencer. Explain how they utilize their platform and to what degree you feel they use it successfully and appropriately.
5. Write a short poem or song about the impact of social media on our lives. Make it “catchy” and memorable.
6. Write a social media post that promotes kindness and positivity on social media. Include graphics/ photos that illustrate your message.

Category 4: Advocates

Each day, people learn more and more from each other and this can inspire them to act as allies and advocates. It’s true that many people seek support in creating awareness and change related to issues that are very important to them. Writers can use these

prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to upstanding and advocacy.

1. Design an infographic that explains different types of advocacy and how to get involved. What are some ways to advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and other important issues?
2. Research a famous advocate and create an informative poster about their life’s work.
3. Write a letter to your principal about an issue you care about. Explain some ways that your school can create awareness and contribute to solutions.
4. Write a newspaper article about a group of advocates working together on a campaign for animal rights.
5. Write a poem about the power of activism. Use metaphors and figurative language to help your audience understand your meaning and feel inspired.
6. Write a story about a character who becomes an advocate for a cause they believe in or a group they want to support.

Category 5: Inventors

Everything that we have and use started with an inventor and their invention. We have much to be grateful for and much to look forward to; innovation never sleeps. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to the critical and creative minds of our world’s past and future inventors!

1. Write a story about an inventor who creates a tool or machine that can solve a problem in their community.
2. Write an essay about an inventor who created something amazing by accident. What did they intend to create? How did their experimentation and process of inventing one product lead to something even better?
3. Write a poem about the joy of innovation and creativity.
4. Design suits of armor for Superheroes for Sustainability. Use unconventional, recycled materials to create their superhero suits.
5. Conduct an interview with someone who needs a tool or item, but this tool/ item has yet to be invented. You may consider someone who needs a tool or item to improve their quality of life.
6. Design several terrible inventions. Explain why these inventions would fail to help anyone.

Category 6: Diligence

Part of growing up is working toward your goals and no matter what those goals may be, diligence is an important part of turning those dreams into a reality. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to diligence.

1. Create a comic strip featuring an athlete who learns the importance of diligence and motivation despite some very challenging circumstances.
2. Design an infographic that explains how to remain dedicated, diligent, and persistent through adverse circumstances.
3. Interview your teacher about the topic of diligence. Ask them how they exercise diligence each day as a teacher and how they know when their students are being diligent. Thank them for their time and write a reflection about the interview.
4. Research a lesser-known person who achieved success through diligence. Write a short article for your school’s newspaper.
5. Write and illustrate a children’s book about a puppy who struggles to concentrate, but is able to learn a variety of tricks and games with the help of their very patient owner.
6. Write a story about a character who learns about the meaning of perseverance.