Truly, is there anything kids (and adults) like more than giving their opinion? Opinion (or persuasive) is some of my favorite writing to do with students because with engaging and kid-friendly opinion writing prompts, you can pull in even the most reluctant writer.
What You’ll Learn
Here’s what this post includes:
The difference between opinion and persuasive writing
How to use prompts to boost writing interest and stamina
While they’re often taught together, there is a difference:
Opinion writing = stating what you think and why
Persuasive writing = convincing others to agree with you
If you’re teaching opinion writing in 1st or 2nd grade, start with clear sentence starters and graphic organizers to help students explain their thinking. As they gain confidence, introduce persuasive strategies like using the word “because” or thinking about the reader’s point of view.
School & Home Opinion Writing Prompts
Should students have recess every day no matter what the weather is?
If you had to choose between doing math all day, or reading all day, which would you choose and why?
If you could prepare a meal for everyone in school, what would you make?
Would having a magical house that can talk and that can move on its own be cool or creepy?
If you could change something about the past what would it be?
What’s the best chore? Why?
Are bedtimes a good or a bad thing?
What would be the perfect classroom pet? Why?
What’s better, being an only child or having siblings?
Should we ban computers and tablets from school?
Would you rather swim or bike to school every day?
You have a magic wand and you can make one positive change to your school. What are you changing and why?
Poof! All the adults in the world have disappeared. Is it exciting or scary?
Silly Opinion Writing Prompts
Would being able to shoot spaghetti out of your fingertips be a valuable superpower?
If you could turn any wild animal into a pet, which would you choose?
Would you rather have a pet that can talk like a grown up, or a pet that sings silly songs all day? Why?
Would you rather live above or below water?
What would be the best thing about living in your favorite book or movie?
If you were the first person to move to Mars what would be the most important thing to plant first? Why?
Would having a home made out of 100% candy be good or bad, and why?
Which is better, super hearing or a super sense of smell?
Would the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward in real life be a good or bad thing?
What would you prefer, living in a treehouse or living in a submarine?
If the rules changed and now you only need to be 7 to be the President of the United States… why should we vote for you?
Interest Specific Prompts
When I have reluctant writers I incorporate their interests as much as possible. If my class is working on opinion or persuasive writing I will pull directly from the things they love the most.
What’s the best video game and why?
Should kids be allowed to game as long as they want? Give three reasons for your answer.
Is gaming good or bad for your brain?
Would the world be better or worse if dinosaurs were still alive? Why?
Who is the best Youtube creator any why?
Would you rather visit a land of talking animals where you can ride on the back of giant butterflies, or would you prefer to explore an underwater city filled with friendly mermaids and colorful fish?
Should kids have their own phones? Should parents be allowed to go through them whenever they like?
In your opinion, is magic real?
Do you think April Fools Day pranks are a good idea? Why or why not?
At what age should kids be allowed to be home alone? Why do you think this?
If you could create your own class that everyone at school would take, what would it be?
Teaching Tip: Use Opinion Prompts for Mini Lessons
Short prompts make fantastic writing warm-ups, morning work, or even early finisher activities. To stretch them into full mini lessons, try:
Pairing a prompt with a graphic organizer
Using sentence stems like: “I think… because…”
Having students share their opinion and listen to a peer’s perspective
Turning the prompt into a class debate
See These Steps in Action!
Join Katie, from Team Lucky Little Learners, as she walks you through each step of this opinion writing teaching strategy.
Want to Skip the Prep?
Everything you need to teach opinion writing—planned, prepped, and classroom-ready.
These are always my favorite type of writing prompts to give to my students.