High School Writing Prompts

Welcome to our section on high school writing prompts! High school brings more opportunity for learning, growing, maturity, and planning for post-graduate life. Whether it be for college or career, having strong communication skills is paramount. It’s important to continue to develop our writing skills through a variety of opportunities and topics that are both relevant and thought-provoking. Use the categories of “Artificial Intelligence,” “Advertising and Social Media,” “Designer Fashion,” “College and Career Planning,” “Professional Expectations,” and “Self-Confidence” 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.

High School Writing Prompts

Category 1: Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

Artificial Intelligence is a topic that sparks much debate and wonder. Whether it be robots, chatbots, or other forms of A.I., it is important to ponder the significance of A.I. in our lives. Writers can use these prompts to draft stories, create infographics, write essays, research A.I. in film, and more

1. Conduct research about the ethical use of artificial intelligence in society. What are some existing concerns or wonderings?
2. Create an infographic that outlines several different types of artificial intelligence and their uses; include 3 current forms of A.I. and one upcoming, developing form.
3. Research or watch a film about A.I. How is A.I. portrayed and used in this film? What does it communicate to viewers?
4. Write a journal entry about your first encounter with A.I. or a technology that made you say, “Wow.” Why was that experience so memorable?
5. Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the development of artificial intelligence. Use cited evidence to support your findings.
6. Write a short story about a world where artificial intelligence has become so powerful that humans must move to another planet and live without technology.

Category 2: Advertising and Social Media

Each day, people interact with social media and social networks of all kinds— likely for socialization, fun, and sometimes business purposes. Social media has developed a strong connection to advertising and consumerism. Writers can use these high school prompts to craft stories, create infographics, social media-bound ads, and conduct research related to this ever-evolving realm of life.

1. Create an infographic that outlines the different advertising strategies that are used to persuade people to buy things. Include the role of “influencers.”
2. Develop an advertisement for social media that can be used to spread awareness about a cause that is important to you.
3. Write a comparative essay in which you examine the positive aspects and negative aspects of the tie between social media and advertising.
4. Write a news article about a controversial social media ad campaign and its impact on society.
5. Write a research report on the connection between social media, advertising, and consumerism.
6. Write several short journal entries about your personal experience with social media and how it has impacted your life. If you are a non-user, you may also seek to explain why it is that you do not prefer to use social media.

Category 3: Designer Fashion

Each day, people express themselves through fashion. There is much debate on the place of designer brands in a society of fast-fashion consumers. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to this ever-evolving realm of life.

1. Create an infographic that showcases the top fashion designers and their iconic logo designs. Evaluate which logo or icon is most recognizable and why.
2. Research and write a newspaper article on up-and-coming fashion designers who have a specialty or design style that appeals to modern audiences.
3. Research the career path of a fashion designer. What kind of education is required? Apprenticeships? Advanced coursework?
4. Write a memoir about your relationship with fashion.
5. Write a persuasive essay about why people should not buy designer items.
6. Write a research report on the history of a specific designer’s fashion empire and its legacy in a particular country or the world.

Category 4: College and Career Planning

As we grow, it is important to consider college and career plans. With a few short years– or months— separating high school students from college and career, it’s important to ponder one’s plans. Writers can use these high school writing prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to this post-grad life.

1. Write a research report on the benefits and potential drawbacks of attending college; don’t forget to evaluate and consider all aspects of being a college student.
2. Create an infographic that outlines two career paths of personal interest and their requirements. Create a visual that can be shared with others.
3. Write an informative essay about ways to earn scholarship money and grants.
4. Write a news article about the skills companies most desire from recent college graduates.
5. Create a list of items that everyone should have in order to make their campus life experience more successful.
6. Design a résumé that has a unique feature. How will you make your résumé stand out among other candidates? Remember, you can also use this résumé to request letters of recommendation. What skills or attributes do you want people to know you have?

Category 5: Professional Expectations

As we grow, it is important to consider career life. With a few short years– or months— separating high school students from jobs and career, it’s important to ponder one’s expectations as a professional. Writers can use these prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to their early careers.

1. Brainstorm a list of professional expectations for your intended career path. Reflect on these expectations and do some research: is your list a good sampling of the general expectations?
2. Create an infographic that outlines helpful ways to prepare for an interview.
3. Write a persuasive essay about modern professionalism. Many of our social and professional expectations have changed over time. What would make a modern work environment more desirable to prospective employees?
4. Reflect on your expectations for your place of work. What environment do you envision yourself being most successful in? How do you expect to be treated? What are your standards for communication?
5. Practice writing a professional email response. Imagine a superior has emailed you to tell you that there is a problem with a product you’ve produced.
6. If you managed and led your own company, what would be your expectations for maintaining a professional workplace? Why?

Category 6: Self-Confidence

As we grow, it is important to forge self-confidence. Post-graduate life can bring many challenges that can help us grow into the successful people we dream of becoming. Writers can use these high school writing prompts to craft stories, create infographics, write articles, and conduct research related to identity, self-worth, and confidence.

1. Create an infographic that outlines strategies for building self-confidence.
2. Write a letter to yourself for graduation day. Be sure to encourage your own confidence as your journey into your post-graduate life begins.
3. Write an argument-style essay arguing for or against the importance of self-confidence in achieving success. Support your position with research; consider the self-confidence of people who are generally viewed as successful in society.
4. Write and illustrate a children’s book about self-confidence and the importance of cultivating self-love from an early age.
5. Write a research report on the benefits of self-confidence and how to build it.
6. Write a short story about a character who has a long, challenging journey with self-confidence and self-acceptance.