If you’re a teacher or a parent looking for ways to help your students or children improve their informative writing skills, writing prompts are an excellent tool to consider. Writing prompts are pre-written topics or questions that students can use as a starting point for their writing assignments. They can help students develop their creativity, critical thinking, and research skills while also improving their writing abilities.
Understanding informative writing is crucial when using writing prompts. Informative writing is a type of writing that aims to educate or inform the readers about a specific topic. It’s not meant to express opinions or persuade the readers but rather to provide objective information and facts. Informative writing can take many forms, such as explanatory essays, research papers, reports, and articles, among others.
Types of informative writing prompts can vary depending on the grade level, topic, and purpose of the writing assignment. For example, elementary school students might be asked to write about their favorite animal or describe their typical school day, while high school students might be asked to write a research paper on a particular historical event or scientific phenomenon. Incorporating creativity into informative writing prompts can make the writing process more engaging and fun for students, while also challenging them to think outside the box.
Key Takeaways
- Writing prompts can be an excellent tool to help students improve their informative writing skills.
- Informative writing is a type of writing that aims to educate or inform the readers about a specific topic.
- Types of informative writing prompts can vary depending on the grade level, topic, and purpose of the writing assignment.
56 Prompts for Informative Writing
Here are 56 prompts for informative writing:
1. Explain the process of photosynthesis in plants.
2. Write an informative essay about your favorite hobby or activity.
3. Explain how to train a dog to sit, stay, and come.
4. Describe the water cycle and how water moves through the environment.
5. Explain how electricity is generated and distributed to homes and businesses.
6. Write an informative essay about an important historical event.
7. Explain the rules of your favorite sport or game.
8. Describe how to make a simple meal like a sandwich, salad, or pasta dish.
9. Explain how to open a bank account.
10. Describe the key events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
11. Explain the process of the scientific method step-by-step.
12. Write an informative essay about an influential person in history.
13. Describe how to change a tire on a car.
14. Explain how to do laundry including sorting, washing, drying and folding clothes.
15. Describe the parts of a flower and their functions.
16. Explain how to read a map and use cardinal directions.
17. Write an informative essay about a specific culture or ethnic group.
18. Describe the steps to take to apply to college.
19. Explain a cooking technique like sautéing, baking, broiling, etc.
20. Describe how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency.
21. Explain how a bill becomes a law in the U.S. government.
22. Write an informative essay about a scientific concept.
23. Describe how to swing a golf club properly.
24. Explain the positions and roles in American football or another sport.
25. Write an informative essay about a historical period like the Renaissance.
26. Describe how to change the oil in a car.
27. Explain the influence of the internet and social media on society.
28. Write an informative essay about an animal species.
29. Describe how daily habits can improve physical and mental health.
30. Explain how clouds and precipitation form in the atmosphere.
31. Write an informative essay about a type of art like painting, music or dance.
32. Describe how to build something out of wood or metal.
33. Explain how volcanoes form and erupt.
34. Write an informative essay about an important current event.
35. Describe how to improve study skills and get better grades.
36. Explain how the human digestive system works.
37. Write an informative essay about an influential book or novel.
38. Describe how to play a musical instrument like guitar, piano or drums.
39. Explain how vaccines help prevent disease in the human body.
40. Write an informative essay about sustainable living practices.
41. Describe how to manage money and create a budget.
42. Explain how radar and satellites are used to forecast the weather.
43. Write an informative essay about a common medical condition.
44. Describe the steps in a software development process.
45. Explain how computers and the internet function.
46. Write an informative essay about social media platforms.
47. Describe how to succeed in a job interview.
48. Explain the causes and effects of climate change around the world.
49. Write an informative essay about a planet in our solar system.
50. Describe how to grow vegetables in a garden.
51. Explain how electricity is produced from renewable sources like solar, wind or hydropower.
52. Write an informative essay about a famous landmark or travel destination.
53. Describe how to change a flat tire on a bicycle.
54. Explain how home appliances like refrigerators and washing machines work.
55. Write an informative essay about healthy eating and nutrition.
56. Describe the proper technique for strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts and bench press.
Understanding Informative Writing
Informative writing is a type of writing that aims to convey information or knowledge to the reader. It is also known as informational or explanatory writing. The purpose of informative writing is to educate the reader on a particular topic or subject. This type of writing is often used in academic, scientific, and technical writing.
Informative writing differs from other types of writing such as narrative and persuasive writing. Narrative writing tells a story, while persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to take a particular action or believe in a certain viewpoint. Informative writing, on the other hand, focuses on presenting facts and information in a clear and concise manner.
To write effective informative writing, you need to have good writing skills. This includes being able to organize your ideas logically, use proper grammar and punctuation, and use clear and concise language. You should also be able to research and gather information from reliable sources.
When writing informative writing, it is important to keep your audience in mind. Consider who will be reading your writing and what they already know about the topic. Use language and terminology that is appropriate for your audience. You should also consider the purpose of your writing and what you want to achieve with it.
In summary, informative writing is a type of writing that aims to educate the reader on a particular topic or subject. It requires good writing skills, research, and an understanding of your audience. By following these guidelines, you can write effective informative writing that conveys information clearly and concisely.
Types of Informative Writing Prompts
When it comes to informative writing prompts, there are a variety of topics that you can choose from. Here are some sub-sections with a few prompts to get you started.
Prompts on Current Events
If you’re interested in writing about current events, here are some prompts to consider:
- The impact of social media on politics
- The effects of climate change on your local community
- The impact of COVID-19 on education
Prompts on Technology
Technology is a constantly evolving field, and there are many interesting topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The future of artificial intelligence
- The impact of social media on mental health
- The benefits and drawbacks of remote work
Prompts on Environment
If you’re passionate about the environment, here are some prompts to consider:
- The effects of pollution on your local ecosystem
- The benefits of renewable energy sources
- The impact of deforestation on wildlife
Prompts on Sports
Sports are a great topic for informative writing. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of team sports for children
- The history of a particular sport
- The impact of sports on mental health
Prompts on History
History is a rich and fascinating topic, and there are many interesting events and people to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The impact of World War II on modern society
- The life and legacy of a famous historical figure
- The history of a particular country or region
Prompts on Family
Family is an important part of many people’s lives, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of spending time with family
- The impact of divorce on children
- The role of grandparents in modern families
Prompts on Animals
Animals are fascinating creatures, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of pet ownership
- The impact of human activity on wildlife
- The intelligence and behavior of a particular animal species
Prompts on Food
Food is a universal topic, and there are many interesting aspects to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of a plant-based diet
- The history of a particular cuisine
- The impact of food on mental health
Prompts on Healthy Diet
Healthy eating is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of a balanced diet
- The impact of sugar on the body
- The benefits and drawbacks of popular diets
Prompts on Music
Music is a powerful art form, and there are many interesting topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The impact of music on mental health
- The history of a particular genre of music
- The benefits of learning to play a musical instrument
Prompts on Occupation
Occupation is an important part of many people’s lives, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits and drawbacks of working from home
- The impact of automation on the job market
- The history of a particular profession
Prompts on Mental Health
Mental health is an important topic, and there are many aspects to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The benefits of mindfulness meditation
- The impact of social media on mental health
- The benefits of therapy for mental health
Prompts on Computers
Computers are an integral part of modern life, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The impact of social media on privacy
- The history of a particular computer technology
- The benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence
Prompts on Holidays
Holidays are a time for celebration and reflection, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The history and cultural significance of a particular holiday
- The impact of commercialization on holidays
- The benefits of spending time with family during holidays
Prompts on Heritage
Heritage is an important part of many people’s identities, and there are many topics to explore. Here are some prompts to consider:
- The history and cultural significance of a particular tradition
- The impact of globalization on cultural heritage
- The benefits of preserving cultural heritage for future generations
Remember, these are just a few examples of the many topics you can explore in your informative writing. Choose a topic that you’re passionate about, and start exploring!
Informative Writing Prompts for Different Grade Levels
When it comes to informative writing, different grade levels require different prompts. Here are some informative writing prompts for elementary school, high school, and college level students.
Elementary School Prompts
Elementary school students need prompts that are simple and easy to understand. Here are some informative writing prompts that are perfect for elementary school students:
- Describe your favorite animal and explain why you like it.
- Write about a famous person from history and explain why they are important.
- Explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- Write about your favorite book and explain why you like it.
- Describe your favorite season and explain why you like it.
High School Prompts
High school students need more challenging prompts that require critical thinking and research. Here are some informative writing prompts that are perfect for high school students:
- Explain the causes and effects of air pollution.
- Write about the history of your hometown.
- Explain the process of photosynthesis.
- Write about the effects of social media on society.
- Explain the importance of voting in a democracy.
College Level Prompts
College level students need prompts that are even more challenging and require extensive research. Here are some informative writing prompts that are perfect for college level students:
- Explain the causes and effects of climate change.
- Write about the history of a specific industry and its impact on society.
- Explain the process of genetic modification.
- Write about the effects of globalization on the economy.
- Explain the impact of technology on modern society.
No matter what grade level you are in, these informative writing prompts will help you improve your writing skills and expand your knowledge on a variety of topics.
Incorporating Creativity into Informative Writing
When it comes to informative writing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of writing dry, boring content that fails to engage readers. However, incorporating creativity into your writing can make it more interesting and engaging. Here are some creative ways to make your informative writing more interesting:
Use Writing Prompts
Writing prompts are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. They can help you come up with interesting topics and ideas that you may not have thought of otherwise. There are many websites and books that offer writing prompts for informative writing. Some of these prompts may be specific to a particular topic, while others may be more general.
Think Outside the Box
Sometimes, the most interesting and engaging informative writing comes from thinking outside the box. Instead of writing about the same old topics, try to find a unique angle or perspective that will make your content stand out. For example, instead of writing a typical “how-to” article, you could write a “how-not-to” article that highlights common mistakes people make.
Use Visuals
Visuals are a great way to make your informative writing more engaging. They can help break up large blocks of text and make your content more visually appealing. Consider using charts, graphs, and images to help illustrate your points. Just be sure to use visuals that are relevant to your content and don’t overload your readers with too many images.
Tell a Story
People love stories, and incorporating storytelling into your informative writing can make it more interesting and engaging. Instead of simply presenting facts and information, try to tell a story that illustrates your points. For example, if you’re writing about a historical event, you could tell the story of a person who lived during that time period and how the event affected their life.
Incorporating creativity into your informative writing can make it more interesting and engaging for your readers. By using writing prompts, thinking outside the box, using visuals, and telling stories, you can create informative content that is both informative and engaging.
Tips for Teaching Informative Writing
Teaching informative writing can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can help your students become confident and skilled writers. Here are some tips for teaching informative writing:
1. Start with Mentor Texts
Before asking your students to write in a new genre, immerse them in it. Start with mentor texts that exemplify the genre, and use them to teach the text structure, language features, and text purpose. This will help your students develop a better understanding of the genre and the expectations for their writing.
2. Break it Down
Informative writing can be overwhelming for students, especially if they are new to the genre. To make it more manageable, break the writing process down into smaller steps. Start with brainstorming, move on to research, and then focus on organizing and drafting the writing. This will help your students stay focused and motivated throughout the writing process.
3. Use Engaging Prompts
To help your students get excited about writing, use engaging prompts that relate to their interests and experiences. This will make the writing more meaningful and relevant to them, which can help improve their motivation and engagement.
4. Provide Feedback
Feedback is essential for helping your students improve their writing skills. Be sure to provide constructive feedback that is specific and actionable. This will help your students understand what they are doing well and what they need to work on.
5. Use Resources
There are many resources available to help you teach informative writing, including lesson plans, teaching guides, and online teacher hubs. Take advantage of these resources to help you plan your lessons and support your students’ learning.
By following these tips, you can help your students become confident and skilled writers of informative texts.
Writing Prompts for Special Topics
When it comes to informative writing, there are many special topics that you can explore. These topics can be used to educate your readers on a variety of subjects and help them learn more about the world around them. In this section, we will provide you with some writing prompts for special topics that you can use to get started.
Prompts on Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can be devastating and have a significant impact on people’s lives. If you want to write about natural disasters, here are some prompts that you can use:
- How do natural disasters occur?
- What are the different types of natural disasters?
- What are some of the most significant natural disasters in history?
- How can people prepare for natural disasters?
- What are some of the most common effects of natural disasters on people and the environment?
Prompts on Famous Landmarks
Famous landmarks are an essential part of our world’s history and culture. If you want to write about famous landmarks, here are some prompts that you can use:
- What are some of the most famous landmarks in the world?
- What is the history behind these landmarks?
- How have these landmarks impacted the world?
- What are some of the most interesting facts about these landmarks?
- What are some of the challenges that these landmarks face today?
Prompts on Social Issues
Social issues are a crucial part of our society, and they can have a significant impact on people’s lives. If you want to write about social issues, here are some prompts that you can use:
- What are some of the most pressing social issues in our society today?
- How do these social issues impact people’s lives?
- What are some of the most effective ways to address these social issues?
- How can people get involved in addressing these social issues?
- What are some of the challenges that people face when addressing these social issues?
Prompts on Self-Care
Self-care is essential for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you want to write about self-care, here are some prompts that you can use:
- What is self-care, and why is it important?
- What are some of the most effective self-care practices?
- How can people incorporate self-care into their daily lives?
- What are some of the benefits of self-care?
- What are some of the challenges that people face when practicing self-care?
Prompts on Bullying
Bullying is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on people’s lives. If you want to write about bullying, here are some prompts that you can use:
- What is bullying, and how does it impact people?
- What are some of the different types of bullying?
- What are some of the most effective ways to prevent bullying?
- How can people support those who have been bullied?
- What are some of the challenges that people face when addressing bullying?
These writing prompts can help you get started on your informative writing journey. By exploring these special topics, you can educate your readers and help them learn more about the world around them.
Improving Writing Skills Through Prompts
If you want to improve your writing skills, prompts for informative writing can be an effective tool. Informational writing prompts can help you develop your communication skills, learn how to compare and contrast different ideas, write descriptive pieces, and provide clear directions.
One of the benefits of using prompts is that they can help you overcome writer’s block. When you have a specific topic or idea to write about, it can be easier to get started. Prompts can also help you stay focused and on track, preventing your writing from becoming too broad or unfocused.
Using prompts can also help you develop your writing skills in specific areas. For example, if you struggle with descriptive writing, prompts can give you an opportunity to practice using sensory details and vivid language. If you want to improve your ability to compare and contrast different ideas, prompts can provide you with opportunities to analyze and evaluate different topics or concepts.
Another benefit of using prompts is that they can help you develop your critical thinking skills. When you are asked to write about a specific topic, you may need to do some research or think deeply about the subject in order to provide accurate and informative content.
To get the most out of prompts, it’s important to choose ones that are relevant to your interests and goals. Look for prompts that challenge you to think deeply and critically, and that provide opportunities for you to develop your writing skills in specific areas.
Overall, using prompts for informative writing can be an effective way to improve your writing skills, develop your communication abilities, and learn how to provide clear and effective directions. With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled and confident writer who is able to express your ideas clearly and effectively.
The Role of Research in Informative Writing
When writing an informative piece, research plays a crucial role in providing factual information that is relevant to the topic. Research helps you to gather information from different sources, including books, articles, and websites, that you can use to support your claims and add credibility to your writing.
Conducting research allows you to collect a wide range of information that you can use to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic you are writing about. This information may include statistics, historical facts, expert opinions, and personal experiences, among others.
It’s important to ensure that the information you gather is factual and relevant to the topic you are writing about. This means that you need to be selective about the sources you use and ensure that they are reputable and reliable. You can use tools like Google Scholar or academic databases to find scholarly sources that provide accurate and up-to-date information.
When using information from your research, it’s essential to cite your sources properly. This adds credibility to your writing and allows readers to verify the information you have presented. You can use citation styles like APA or MLA to ensure that you cite your sources correctly.
In summary, research is a critical component of informative writing. It helps you to gather factual information that is relevant to your topic and adds credibility to your writing. By conducting thorough research and citing your sources correctly, you can provide readers with accurate and reliable information that they can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of informative writing prompts?
Informative writing prompts are designed to teach readers about a particular topic or subject. Some examples of informative writing prompts include explaining how a bicycle works, describing how a plant grows, or writing a biography of a famous person.
What are the key features of informative writing?
Informative writing should be clear, concise, and organized. It should include a thesis statement that clearly identifies the main topic of the piece, and each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of that topic. Informative writing should also include evidence and examples to support the author’s claims.
What are the most important elements of informative writing?
The most important elements of informative writing are a clear thesis statement, well-organized paragraphs, and supporting evidence and examples. Informative writing should also be written in a clear and concise style, with a focus on teaching the reader about a particular topic.
What are some good informational writing topics for 6th grade?
Good informational writing topics for 6th grade include current events, historical events, scientific concepts, and social issues. For example, students could write about climate change, the Civil Rights Movement, the human digestive system, or the effects of social media on teenagers.