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75 Creative Fifth Grade Writing Prompts (Free Slides!)

Get them excited to write every day!

Fifth grade is such an exciting time! For many kids, it’s the last year of elementary school, and so many exciting things lie ahead. Fifth graders have accumulated some interesting stories to tell by now, and they’re building stronger writing skills. These fifth grade writing prompts encourage kids to imagine, explain, persuade, and reveal—improving their writing abilities day by day.

If you’d like even more upper elementary writing prompts, check out the Would You Rather questions we post regularly on the Daily Classroom Hub . Kids will get a kick out of these, for writing or discussion!

(Want this entire set of fifth grade writing prompts in one easy document? Get your free PDF or Google Slide bundle by submitting your email here .)

1. How important is it to finish what you start?

2. What does it mean to be honest? Give one solid example of what honesty looks like.

3. What three qualities do you think are most important in a friend? Why?

4. Since fifth grade is the top grade in elementary school, should fifth graders get special privileges? If so, write in detail about one privilege you think they should get. If not, why not?

5. Vincent van Gogh said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Describe one of your favorite places in nature in detail.

6. Are fifth graders old enough to babysit little kids? Why or why not?

7. Write about three qualities that make a good leader.

8. Should teachers assign homework? Why or why not?

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Plus, check out 50 fifth grade math word problems of the day ., you might also like.

101 Exciting 4th Grade Writing Prompts for 2023 (Free Printable!)

Use them for journal writing, essay topics, and more! Continue Reading

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100 Best Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade: Journal Prompts

• Prompts for Narrative Essays
• Prompts for Informative Essay Writing
• Prompts for Research Writing
• Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts
• Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing
• 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts
• Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders
• 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

As parents and teachers, we recognize the significance of writing as a fundamental skill that enables children to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. However, generating ideas and inspiration for writing can be challenging for many 5th-grade students. To aid students in this process, 5th grade writing prompts prove to be a valuable resource. Furthermore, Science Daily published an article that highlights the crucial connection between handwriting and brain activity. Writing can increase brain activity, leading to better memory retention and cognitive development. This is particularly important for students as it can positively impact their academic performance.

“Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

By using writing prompts, children can explore various topics, develop their imagination, and hone their writing skills. In this collection, we have compiled various writing prompts that are engaging, entertaining, and sure to inspire creativity in 5th grade students. This collection has something for everyone: Persuasive writing, descriptive essays, narrative stories, and imaginative writing. Fifth grade journal prompts can help inspire creativity and reflection in their writing. So, let’s get started and explore these exciting 5th Grade writing prompts.

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Explore 5th Grade educational resources !

10 Prompts for Narrative Essays

Writing Narrative Essays? Here Are Ten 5th grade narrative writing prompts:

“A great story can lead us to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.” – Neil Gaiman

• Write about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe what you would do?
• Create a narrative about a magical adventure.
• Write about a time when you learned something important.
• Think about the prospect of time travel. How would you react, and where would you go?
• Develop a narrative about a superhero you create.
• Describe a time when you overcame a fear.
• Imagine you can do whatever you want. Tell me what it would be and how you’d use it.
• Create a narrative about a day in the life of your pet.
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.

10 Prompts for Informative Essay Writing

A list of ten 5th grade writing prompts to get you started on an informative essay:

• Write an essay about a famous person who inspires you.
• Research and write an essay about a historical event that interests you.
• Write about the benefits of physical activity and exercise.
• Write an essay about the effects of technology on society.
• Research and write an essay about a country you would like to visit.
• Write about the importance of reading books .
• Write an essay about the positive and negative effects of social media.
• Research and write an essay about an animal species that is endangered.
• Write about the importance of recycling and conserving natural resources.
• Please write an essay about the role of education in shaping our future.

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Here are ten Research writing prompts for 5th grade:

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” -Zora Neale Hurston, author and anthropologist.

• Research and write about your favorite historical figure.
• Choose a famous landmark and research its history and significance.
• Investigate and write about an important event in history.
• Research and write about a unique and interesting animal species.
• Study and write about famous inventors and their inventions.
• Research and write about the culture and traditions of a country you are interested in.
• Explore and write about a current scientific discovery or innovation.
• Investigate and write about the effects of climate change on a particular region or ecosystem.
• Research and write about a famous artist and their artwork.
• Study and write about a significant moment in space exploration history.

10 Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade:

• Write a funny story about a talking animal.
• Imagine speaking to your pet and writing about what you would say.
• Write a comic dialog between two unlikely characters.
• Write a humorous story about a mischievous character getting into trouble.
• Create a funny story using three random objects.
• Write a funny kids’ poem . This can be about your favorite food.
• Imagine a world where everything is opposite, and develop a narrative about it.
• Develop a narrative about a silly superhero with extraordinary power.
• Create a funny dialog between a parent and a child.
• Develop a narrative about a funny and unexpected event that happened to you.

10 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts

The following are ten writing topics for 5th graders seeking poetry writing prompts:

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Imagine you are a raindrop falling from the sky. Write a poem describing your journey.
• Write a poem about a place that makes you happy.
• Choose an object in the room and write a poem about it.
• Write a poem about a dream you had.
• Create a poem that includes the words “whisper,” “twist,” and “moon.”
• Write a poem about a memorable moment with a friend.
• Describe a beautiful sunset in a poem.
• Write a poem about the ocean and all its wonders.
• Create a poem about your favorite animal.

10 Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing

Opinion writing prompts 5th grade to help encourage critical thinking and self-expression in young students. Here are ten 5th grade writing prompt ideas to get them started:

• Create a story about a mysterious package that arrives in the mail.
• Develop a narrative about a person who can time travel.
• Create a story about a magic tree that grants wishes.
• Imagine being lost in the forest and creating a story about your adventure.
• Develop a narrative about a group of friends who discover a hidden treasure.
• Create a story about a person who can talk to animals.
• Create a narrative about a family vacation gone wrong.
• Imagine you could shrink to the size of an ant. Develop a narrative about your adventures.
• Create a story about a person who wakes up one day with superpowers.
• Develop a narrative about a group of people stranded on a deserted island.

10 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts

Here are ten writing ideas for 5th grade for animal-themed assignments:

• If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
• Create a narrative told from the point of view of a bear family as they emerge from their hibernation period.
• Describe the life of a whale in the deep sea.
• Write a persuasive essay on why zoos are important for conserving endangered animals.
• Describe the life of a squirrel gathering nuts for winter.
• Write a fictional story about a fox trying to outsmart a group of chickens.
• Describe the life of a butterfly from caterpillar to butterfly.
• Write a research paper on the migration patterns of birds.
• Describe the life of a lion in the savannah.
• Write a poem about the beauty of nature and the animals that live in it.

10 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for 5th grade writing prompts About Emotion:

• Describe a moment when you experienced a strong sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Describe a moment when you felt scared and how you overcame your fear.
• Create a narrative about a character who overcomes a difficult challenge.
• Describe a time when you felt happy for someone else.
• Write a letter to your future self about your dreams and aspirations.
• Describe a time when you felt angry and how you managed your anger.
• Develop a narrative about a character who learns the importance of forgiveness.
• Describe a moment when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write a poem about the different emotions that people feel.
• Describe when you felt sad and how you coped with your sadness.

10 Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

The following are ten suggestions for 5th grade journal prompts to use:

• Describe an instance where you successfully conquered a challenging obstacle.
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself and why.
• Write about a place that is special to you and why it is important.
• Describe a time when you helped someone else and how it made you feel.
• Write about your favorite book and what you learned from it.
• Describe an instance where you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
• Write about a person who inspires you and why.
• Describe a time when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write about your favorite hobby and why you enjoy it.
• Describe when you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.

When choosing 5th grade journal topics, consider selecting prompts that encourage students to explore their interests, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

10 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

Here are ten topics to consider when looking for descriptive writing prompts for 5th grade:

• Describe your favorite outdoor place and explain why it is special to you.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a delicious meal you recently enjoyed.
• Imagine you’re walking through a spooky forest. Describe what you see, hear, and feel.
• Describe the view from your bedroom window. What can you see in the distance?
• Write a paragraph describing a character from your favorite book. What do they look like, and what makes them interesting?
• Describe your dream bedroom. What colors would you use, and what kind of furniture would you have?
• Imagine you’re on a deserted island. Describe the island and the environment around you.
• Write a paragraph describing a memorable moment from a family vacation.
• Describe a special item you keep in your room. Why is it important to you?
• Imagine you’re in a bustling city. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells you experience.

Encourage Fifth Graders in Becoming Writers

Writing is a significant skill that is essential for communication, expression, and personal growth. As highlighted in an article published by UCONN , writing prompts play a crucial role in engaging students’ interest in a particular topic and encouraging them to write thoughtfully and creatively. While effective prompts should introduce and limit the writing topic, they should also provide clear instructions about the writing task. It is imperative to equip 5th graders with resources and guidance to help them develop their writing skills. 

Educators and parents can provide 5th grade journal prompts and creative exercises to assist students in exploring various forms of writing and finding their unique voice. Additionally, feedback and constructive criticism can help students improve their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, teaching 5th graders to write improves their academic and personal lives by promoting self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking.

Fifth Grade Writing Prompts for Developing Young Writers

5th-grade writing prompts can be a powerful tool for parents and teachers to help students develop their writing skills and creativity. By providing a starting point for writing, prompts can help students overcome writer’s block and find inspiration for their ideas. The prompts in this collection cover a wide range of topics and genres, encouraging students to explore their interests and experiences through writing.

“A well-crafted writing prompt can spark creativity and lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.” – Laura Robb

Parents and teachers can inspire students to develop regular writing habits and enhance their skills by utilizing 5th grade journal prompts. According to an article published by the Journal of Instructional Research , both approaches of writing i.e. direct and indirect, have positive effects on students’ writing abilities. This article dived into exploring these approaches for promoting writing. The direct approach focuses on teaching writing skills explicitly and providing feedback on children writing. The indirect approach, on the other hand, emphasizes creating a supportive environment that encourages writing.

We can motivate students to write on a variety of topics, experiment with different writing styles, and share their work with others. By nurturing a passion for writing, we can help our students become confident, creative, and effective communicators. Why not give these prompts a try and see where they take you? Let’s encourage our young writers to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these prompts suitable for all 5th class students.

These 5th grade writing prompts are designed to be accessible to most students, but they may need to be modified or adapted for students with special needs or English language learners.

How can I implement these ideas into my lesson plans?

Creative writing prompts 5th grade to use it for anything from journal entries to class discussions. Teachers can also have their students use these as a springboard for creative thinking and topic development.

Can these prompts be used for other grade levels?

Yes, many of these prompts can be adapted for other grade levels depending on the level of complexity and difficulty. Teachers can also modify the prompts better to fit the interests and abilities of their students.

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50 Exclusive 5th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• February 28, 2024

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Types of prompt writing for 5th graders, 1. creativity boost, 2. encourages critical thinking, 3. confidence unlocked, 5. helps develop writing skills, 6. frees your writing, imaginative & creative writing prompts, narrative & storytelling writing prompts, descriptive & explanatory writing prompts, reflective & analytical writing prompts, collaborative & interactive writing prompts, for teachers, for students, faqs on 50 exclusive 5th grade writing prompts, we also recommend.

5th grade writing prompts can be incredibly helpful for elementary teachers looking for creative and engaging ways to encourage their students to write. Not only do writing prompts help students develop their creativity and imagination, they also help them learn the fundamentals of good writing, such as grammar and structure.

These prompts are designed to inspire your students to think outside the box and flex their creative muscles. Whether it’s a narrative, persuasive, or informative writing task, these prompts cover a wide range of topics that will challenge and excite your students. Say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to endless creative possibilities with these 5th grade writing prompts!

Are you searching for engaging and thought-provoking 5th grade writing prompts to ignite your student’s imaginations? Look no further! We have compiled a list of 50 exclusive prompts that are printable for free, each carefully crafted to spark creativity and provide hours of engaging writing adventures.

Imaginative & Creative:

• What-if scenarios: What if animals could talk? What if you woke up with superpowers?
• Fantasy and adventure: Invent a magical creature. Create a secret world hidden within your school.
• Humor and silliness: Write a funny commercial for a strange product. Tell a story from the perspective of your pet.

Narrative & Storytelling:

• Historical fiction: Imagine being a child living in a different historical period.
• Mystery and suspense: Unravel a hidden clue in your house. Write a detective story where the culprit is unexpected.
• Personal narratives: Describe your most embarrassing moment (turned into a triumph!). Write a letter to your future self.

Descriptive & Explanatory:

• Sensory details: Describe a place using all five senses. Write a poem about a specific emotion.
• Process writing: Explain how to build a fort, cook your favorite dish, or train your pet.
• Informative writing: Research and write about a fascinating animal, historical figure, or invention.

Reflective & Analytical:

• Character analysis: Create a diary entry from the perspective of a literary character.
• Compare and contrast: Compare two historical events or fictional characters.
• Persuasive writing: Convince your parents to get a pet or let you stay up later.

READ ALSO: Best Fantasy Writing Prompts in 2024: 200+ Ideas to Create Magic

Collaborative & Interactive:

• Chain stories: Start a story and pass it around the class for each student to add a sentence.
• Comic strip creation: Work in pairs to write and draw a funny comic strip.
• Debate prompts: Take a side on a current event or fictional conflict and argue your case.

Benefits Of Using 5th Grade Writing Prompts

Here are a few benefits of using writing prompts in 5th grade:

Prompts unlock imaginative worlds, letting students experiment with storytelling and voices. Analyzing prompts and crafting responses strengthens their ability to think logically and solve problems.

Many writing prompts require students to think critically and solve problems. They may be asked to imagine themselves in a challenging situation or analyze a complex issue. By engaging in these types of writing exercises, students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in various academic and real-life situations.

SEE ALSO: 50 Exclusive 3rd Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

Writing prompts offer an opportunity for students to practice and refine their writing skills. Through regular writing exercises, students can improve their grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. They can experiment with different writing styles, such as descriptive, persuasive, or narrative writing, and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of writing.

Writing prompts offer an opportunity for 5th graders the opportunity to practice and refine their writing skills. Through regular writing exercises, students can improve their grammar, punctuation, sentence structure , and vocabulary. They can experiment with different writing styles, such as descriptive, persuasive, or narrative writing , and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of writing.

Writing prompts encourage free writing without self-edits. Sometimes that inner editor squashes the best ideas, metaphors, plot twists, and creativity. Regular free writing teaches us how to bind the inner editor, if for only a moment, and it permits our imaginations to fly. The resulting creativity is the very thing agents and editors are looking for in fresh manuscripts .

50 Exclusive 5th Grade Writing Prompts

• You discover a hidden portal in your attic that leads to another world. Describe what you find there.
• Your favorite toy comes to life for one day. What kind of adventure do you have together?
• Invent a board game so unique and fun, that everyone begs to play it. Explain the rules and why it’s awesome.
• If you could design your own school mascot, what would it be and what special powers would it have?
• Write a song from the perspective of a raindrop, a leaf, or a grain of sand.
• Imagine you shrink to the size of an ant. Describe your journey through your house and the dangers you face.
• Create a new holiday and explain its traditions, celebrations, and why it’s important.
• Your class gets superpowers based on your personality. What’s yours, and how do you use it to help others?
• Design a crazy contraption that solves a common problem in a wacky way. Draw a picture and explain how it works.
• Write a poem about what makes you unique and special, using metaphors and similes to paint a vivid picture.

READ ALSO: 50 Creative Narrative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

• You find a dusty journal in the attic with clues to a hidden treasure. Follow the clues and write the exciting adventure you go on.
• Create a time capsule containing objects that represent your life right now. Write a letter to someone who finds it in the future.
• Your dog runs away on a stormy night. Write the suspenseful story of your search and the emotional reunion.
• Imagine you travel back in time to meet your great-grandparents. What do you learn about their lives and how might it change your understanding of your family history?
• Write a ghost story set in your school, incorporating details that make it creepy and believable.
• You wake up to find the world frozen in time, everyone except you. Describe your journey through this silent, motionless world.
• Create a fable with talking animals that teaches a valuable lesson about friendship, kindness, or perseverance.
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of a historical figure experiencing a pivotal moment in their life.
• Your dream pet arrives, but it’s not what you expected. Describe the hilarious chaos and challenges you face together.
• Turn a boring everyday event into a thrilling adventure story by adding unexpected twists and turns.

READ ALSO: 50 Exclusive First Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

• Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing on a beach. Use vivid sensory details to describe what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste.
• Write a step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect sandwich, complete with your secret ingredients and why it’s the best ever.
• Choose an emotion (joy, fear, anger, etc.) and write a poem using figurative language to capture its essence.
• Imagine you’re a scientist explaining a recent discovery to a group of children. Make it clear, and engaging, and use analogies they can understand.
• Research a fascinating invention and write a report explaining how it works, its impact on society, and its possible future developments.
• Take a walk in nature and observe the details of the plants, animals, and landscape. Write a descriptive essay sharing your experience and reflections.
• Interview a family member or community member about their life and experiences. Write a profile capturing their personality and insights.
• Compare and contrast two different cultures, highlighting their unique customs, traditions, and perspectives.
• Choose an object you cherish and write a descriptive essay explaining its significance and the memories it holds.
• Create a “how-to” guide on a skill you’ve mastered, like skateboarding, playing an instrument, or drawing realistic animals.
• Choose a character from a book or movie you admire or dislike. Analyze their motivations, actions, and choices, explaining why you see them the way you do.
• Imagine you’re a news reporter covering a fictional event. Write a news article presenting the event from different perspectives and analyzing its potential impact.
• Read two poems about the same theme (e.g., nature, friendship, loss) and compare their styles, language choices, and how they convey the theme differently.
• Observe a social issue in your community (e.g., bullying, environmental concerns) and write a persuasive essay urging others to take action.
• Reflect on a challenging experience you faced. Analyze what you learned from it, how it changed you, and how you can overcome similar challenges in the future.
• Imagine you’re a scientist analyzing a fictional creature’s unique abilities. Explain its anatomy, behavior, and how it adapts to its environment.
• Choose a historical event and analyze its causes, key figures, and long-term consequences. Debate the different perspectives and interpretations of the event.
• Read a speech by a famous historical figure and analyze its rhetorical devices, persuasive techniques, and its impact on the audience.
• Imagine you’re a detective analyzing clues from a fictional crime scene. Deduce the culprit’s motive, opportunity, and methods, piecing together the evidence to solve the mystery.
• Reflect on a personal goal you’re working towards. Analyze the challenges you face, the strategies you’re using, and how you can measure your progress and stay motivated.
• Chain Story Relay: Start a story with a sentence and pass it around the class, each student adding a sentence to continue the plot. See where the story leads you!
• Comic Strip Creation: Partner up and write a funny comic strip together, dividing the writing and drawing tasks. Share your finished stories with the class.
• Debate Time: Choose a current event or fictional conflict (e.g., robots vs. humans in the future). Divide the class into opposing teams and have a lively debate, researching and presenting arguments to defend your side.
• World Building Workshop: Work in small groups to create a fantasy world together. Decide on the setting, inhabitants, magic system, and unique features. Share your world with other groups and combine elements to build a larger shared universe.
• Mystery Box Challenge: Each group receives a box containing mysterious objects (toys, props, photos). Use your creativity and collaboration to write a short story that incorporates all the objects in a suspenseful narrative.
• Mad Libs Story: Create a silly story template with blank spaces for different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives). Take turns filling in the blanks, leading to unexpected and hilarious results.
• Collaborative Poem: Start a poem together, each student adding a line based on the previous one. Focus on a specific theme or image and see where the collective creativity takes you.
• Interactive Play Script: Write a short play script together, assigning roles and deciding on the plot, dialogue, and stage directions. Perform your play for other students or teachers.
• News Flash! Collaborative News Report: Imagine a breaking news event has happened at your school. Divide into newsgroups and write a collaborative news report with interviews, eyewitness accounts, and different perspectives.
• Story Map Challenge: Work together to create a visual map of a story you’re writing. Include locations, characters, plot points, and connections between them. Use your map to guide your writing and revise your story collaboratively.

How To Use 5th Grade Writing Prompts In The Classroom

Utilizing writing prompts in educational settings can enhance students’ writing abilities, foster creative thinking, and stimulate project ideas. This versatile tool proves effective for both individual and group assignments, enabling students to delve into diverse subjects and refine various writing styles.

Furthermore, prompts serve as catalysts for discussions on significant subjects, enabling students to grasp the material better and refine their communication aptitude. Integrating writing prompts into classroom activities empowers educators to craft compelling and lasting learning opportunities, contributing to students’ long-term development.

Here are some ideas on ways teachers and students can use writing prompts in the classroom:

Related Post: 107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

Before Using Prompts:

• Gather a toolbox of prompts: Compile a diverse set of prompts catering to different themes, difficulty levels, and writing skills. Choose prompts that ignite student interests and align with learning objectives.
• Plan engaging pre-writing activities: Design brainstorming exercises, mind maps, or visualization prompts to prepare students for writing.
• Set clear expectations and rubrics: Define what you expect from the writing tasks, outlining length, structure, and assessment criteria. Communicate these expectations clearly to students.
• Model the writing process: Demonstrate your own approach to prompts, share strategies for tackling challenges, and showcase good writing examples.
• Prepare differentiation strategies: Tailor the prompts or provide varying levels of support to cater to different learning needs and abilities.

While Using Prompts:

• Create a supportive and encouraging environment: Reassure students that experimentation and exploration are valued and that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
• Facilitate mini-lessons: Teach specific writing skills relevant to the prompts, like using vivid language, building characters, or crafting strong plots.
• Guide peer review sessions: Encourage constructive feedback and discussions that help students revise and improve their work.
• Offer technology integration: Incorporate digital tools like writing platforms, presentations, or research websites to enhance the writing experience.
• Connect to real-world contexts: Let students choose prompts related to their interests, current events, or community projects for meaningful engagement.

After Using Prompts:

• Conduct class discussions: Share student work and facilitate discussions about diverse approaches, ideas, and writing techniques used.
• Celebrate individual achievements: Recognize and reward students’ effort, creativity, and progress in improving their writing skills.
• Build on existing work: Use completed pieces as stepping stones for further learning activities, projects, or cross-curricular connections.

Before Writing:

• Read the prompt carefully: Understand what the prompt asks you to do. Identify keywords and visualize scenarios or ideas they suggest.
• Brainstorm and gather ideas: Use mind maps, lists, or freewriting to explore different possibilities and generate unique content.
• Plan your writing: Organize your thoughts by outlining key points, characters, or events you want to include.
• Ask questions if you’re unsure: Seek clarification from your teacher if any part of the prompt is unclear.

While Writing:

• Draft freely: Don’t worry about perfection initially. Focus on getting your ideas and stories down on paper.
• Show, don’t tell: Use vivid language, descriptions, and sensory details to make your writing come alive.
• Develop your characters: Create believable personalities with unique voices, thoughts, and actions.
• Craft a strong plot: Structure your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, engaging the reader throughout.
• Read and revise: Take the time to proofread your work, edit for clarity, and improve your writing.

After Writing:

• Share your work: Read your writing to classmates, participate in peer review sessions, and learn from others’ feedback.
• Ask for help if needed: Seek guidance from your teacher if you encounter challenges or have questions about your writing.
• Celebrate your achievement: Acknowledge your progress in writing and be proud of your completed work.

5th-grade writing prompts are creative and thought-provoking topics or questions designed to inspire and encourage fifth-grade students to express themselves through writing.

Writing prompts are essential for 5th graders as they stimulate imagination, enhance writing skills, and provide a structured way for students to explore different genres and styles of writing.

Teachers can incorporate these prompts into daily writing exercises, use them for journal entries, or integrate them into specific lessons to engage students in various writing activities.

Using writing prompts is an excellent method to inspire students to express creativity and produce significant content. These prompts offer the necessary framework for students to concentrate on organizing their thoughts and ideas while preserving the freedom to explore their imaginative side. When employed effectively, writing prompts can contribute to the meaningful development of students’ writing abilities and enhance their learning experience. By employing a suitable approach and presenting captivating topics, educators can effortlessly leverage writing prompts to instill enthusiasm for writing and learning among their students.

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55 Writing Prompts For 5th-Graders That Are Enjoyable to Write

The fifth grade is a year of incredible change and growth for students.

For many, it is the last year of elementary school, and for some, it is the beginning of middle school.

In the fifth grade, learners are developing a more mature awareness of right and wrong and are more able to think abstractly.

The writing prompts for 5th-grade students below will not only be a fertile playground for curious minds but will be a way for learners to develop their own voices and ideas that will help shape their foundational skills.

Descriptive Writing Prompts

These are 5th-grade writing prompts that often contain the keywords “describe in detail” or “talk about how something felt, smelled, looked, or tasted”.

Fifth graders show more interest in independent work, so it’s best to include independent descriptive writing tasks in your lessons. Here are some creative prompts that your 5th-graders can try.

• Describe what you consider a good pet.
• Describe someone that you envied.
• Describe a famous person.
• Describe your dream job.
• Describe something you were scared of and how it made you feel.
• Describe your elementary school.
• Describe the favorite hang-out place of fifth graders.
• Describe a fifth-grade classmate who loves to help others.
• Describe your first best friend.
• Describe the most beautiful place you’ve been to last year.

Narrative Writing Prompts

These are 5th-grade writing prompts that tell a fictional or personal narrative.

Keywords such as “tell about…” or “write a story” are often used for these creative writing prompts.

• Write a story about an embarrassing moment that happened during 5th grade.
• Tell a story that involves a superstitious belief.
• Tell a story about an accident you’ve witnessed.
• Write about your favorite moment so far in 5th grade.
• Write a fictional story about a day in your life 10 years from now.
• Write a story about a time you made a big mistake.
• Write a story about a time you’ve forgotten something important.
• Write a story about a funny moment in your life.
• Write a fictional story inspired by a true event. Use real people in history as your main characters.
• Imagine that your favorite teacher is a secret superhero. Write how you discovered their secret.

Expository Writing Prompts

These expository essays are written with a set purpose and a voice that fits an audience in mind.

These prompts use the keywords “why, how, what, and explain”. Essays that address problems and give solutions, tell cause and effect, and teach processes (how-to) are all subtypes of expository writing.

Problem and Solution Prompts

• How can you solve the problem of heavy traffic in a big city?
• Talk about a situation that annoys you and how you deal with it.
• What’s one thing that can make you smile in the midst of a bad day? Explain why it makes your day better.
• How can you encourage people to use less of their cell phones?
• Your principal is seeking ideas on how to improve your school. Pick one change that will benefit fifth-graders and write why this is important.

Cause and Effect Prompts

• What effects does having a best friend have on your life?
• What are the effects of procrastination before an exam?
• What are the effects of peer pressure?
• Write an essay describing why some students cheat and the effects of it.
• What happens when you sleep late for a week?

How-to Prompts

• Give tips on how to make new friends and how to deal with new classmates.
• Give tips to fourth-grade students on how to prepare for the fifth grade.
• Give tips on how one can overcome being lazy on a busy day.
• What do you do to overcome fear? Share tips with your fellow students.
• How can a person fall asleep quickly?

Compare and Contrast Writing Prompts

Here are some prompts your students can discuss:

• Football versus basketball
• Ice cream versus cake
• Pet cats versus pet dogs
• Movies versus cartoons
• Online class versus offline class

Persuasive Writing Prompts

These are writing prompts for 5th-grade students that attempt to convince an audience to take a specific point of view or action.

These essay topics for 5th graders should discuss both sides of an issue and express a preference for one. These opinionated writing prompts use the keywords “‘persuade”, “convince” and “why”.

• Convince the Board of Education why beginning classes at a later time is a good or bad idea.
• Convince the Board of Education why increasing or decreasing screen time during classes is beneficial.
• What is the best way to spend an hour of free time without spending money? Try to convince your readers why this activity is the best among the rest.
• Persuade your classmates on why they should stop teasing a fellow student. Explain why it’s important to treat others kindly and be considerate of others’ feelings.
• What is the best pet to get? Persuade your 5th-grade classmates to your choice.
• Your parents are thinking of sending you to a sports summer camp. Convince them why this is a good or a bad idea.
• Persuade your parents why having cell phones can be beneficial for kids like you.
• Persuade a special person in your life to buy you something that you consider “the perfect gift”.
• Convince the school board that the new dress code policy is a good or bad idea.
• Suggest one solution to the citizens’ committee to solve the littering problem in your area and persuade them to take action.

Bonus: Funny Writing Prompts

These funny essay topics for 5th-graders are for the difficult days when you just want your learners to have fun writing.

• Make up a tale about the origin of thunder.
• Imagine that you are someone’s pet animal. Write a story about your owners.
• There’s a magical door in your room. Where does it lead to?
• Write about running away with the circus that came to your town.
• There was once a little girl who ate nothing but bananas. What happened to her?

Asking Students to Check Their Work

Before submitting their finished work, ask your students to make sure they’ve included all the necessary parts of an essay or story. Ask them to refer to this checklist:

• Did I write the introduction?
• Did I add details to my main points?
• Did I write the conclusion?
• Did I choose the best words?
• Were my ideas properly organized?
• Did I express myself clearly?

Jump In : Complement your 5th graders’ reading skills with reading comprehension activities to further motivate their creativity. Read my blog here — 11 Enjoyable 5th-Grade Reading Comprehension Activities That Smash Learning Goals .

Related Questions

How can i help students with writer’s block.

Add a few more keywords to your journal prompts. An anchor chart displaying the basic essay or story outline can also help.

How can I help students who struggle to finish writing on time?

Use a visible timer in class so students can manage their time while writing.

What can I do to help students who struggle to write the introduction or conclusion of their essays?

Encourage them to create an outline prior to actual writing so they can visualize how their essays will begin, develop and end.

How long should a writing activity take?

I suggest giving students ample time to write, about 30 minutes to one hour at the minimum.

How can I bring out and enhance the creative skills of my students?

Along with your written 5th-grade journal prompts, you can also show picture prompts and even play related background sounds or music to set the mood for creative writing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you come back over and over again to these writing prompts for 5th-graders to give your students lots of opportunities to practice writing.

To give your students a good start at creative writing, practice setting specific parameters with clear instructions to work with. You’d be surprised how this will significantly improve their writing skills.

And finally, remember to only choose prompts and writing assignments that align with your learning objectives.

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

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Emily is an active mother of two and a dedicated elementary school teacher. She believes the latest technology has made a huge impact on the quality of early learning and has worked hard to upgrade her classroom and her own children’s learning experience through technology.

Follow her on Twitter , Pinterest , and Instagram for more teaching fun!

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It’s important to challenge children throughout their education. Fifth grade is a fun year, but it’s also the time when children must expand their minds and improve their writing and reading skills. You want to boost your students’ writing skills and unlock their imaginations. It’s also important for them to be able to argue points. So, it’s time to give your fifth-grade students a few writing prompts to unlock their writing skills .

Top Examples of Creative Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

• Give three examples of why it’s important to stick to your word. 
• Should you break a promise to a friend? Give three reasons why you should break a promise.
• What do you think honesty means? Give one example of honesty. 
• Why do you believe everyone should be equal? Give three examples of why equality is important.
• Where is your favorite quiet place, and why is it special to you?
• Should fifth graders be allowed to babysit? 
• What three things do you do to get ready in the morning for school?
• Why everyone should be treated with respect.
• What makes a good leader?
• If you won a lot of money, how would you spend the money?
• Is luck more important than skill?
• How do you show your family you love them? Give 10 examples of how you show your love.
• What is your favorite book, and why?
• Do you prefer animated or live-action movies?
• Is money more important than friends, and which would you choose to have?
• Who do you call a hero, and why?
• Who encourages you to do well? Give examples of how they encourage you to succeed.
• What are your biggest fears?
• Why should everyone recycle?
• Is it necessary to learn science, and what is it used for?
• Why should everyone learn basic math skills?
• Describe a family vacation that was special to you and give examples of why it meant so much to you.
• Why shouldn’t you quit when things get too difficult?
• If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be?
• How would you make a new student welcome to the class?
• Do you believe fourth and fifth graders should have time limits to use social media?
• There are many food festivals throughout the year. If you could choose just one festival to attend, which would it be, and why?
• Do you truly understand what it means to not judge a book by its cover? Explain in detail.
• Describe yourself in detail, from your appearance to your personality.
• What three things do you most worry about while attending middle school?
• Would you intervene if you saw someone being bullied?
• What would you do if you saw a crime being committed?
• Who do you aspire to be like and why?
• Who is your favorite celebrity, and why do you look up to them?
• What is the one thing you would like to try but never have?
• Describe a terrible nightmare you have had in the past.
• Does climate change impact everyone directly or indirectly?
• If you could be principal for 24 hours, what rules would you incorporate at school?
• What would your dream job be?
• Describe the type of vacation you would like to go on.
• Describe the members of your immediate family and name one characteristic about them.
• Create a story about getting lost in a big city. 
• Write a story about what makes you mad and what makes you laugh.
• If you were a TV host, which literary author would you like to interview and why?
• What three questions would you ask the founders of the country?
• Do you think there are such things as monsters, and why do you share that opinion?
• Talk about your favorite place in the world. 
• Describe your perfect day.
• Do you think social media needs to be curbed to stop harmful messages from being broadcast?
• Can the internet help improve the world or make it worse? Explain your arguments for and against. 

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Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

PhotoAlto / Sigrid Olsson / Getty Images

By fifth grade, students are developing basic fluency as writers. In order to hone their skills, fifth graders should practice supporting claims with factual information, conveying information clearly, and writing narratives in a logical order. The following fifth-grade writing prompts encourage students to develop their skills through topics that are meaningful to them.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on a student’s personal experience. They encourage students to use descriptive writing to reflect on their experiences, explain them in a logical manner, and draw conclusions from them.

• New Beginnings . This is your last year of elementary school. What are you most excited or most nervous about when you think of starting middle school ?
• Betwixt . Students in 5th grade are often referred to as “tweens,” meaning that they are between the young child and the teen years. What is the hardest thing about being a tween in today’s society?
• Besties . What is the best book you’ve ever read? What made it so special?
• Reflections . Do you remember your first-ever day of school ? Describe one vivid memory from that day.
• Bullies . Have you ever witnessed someone bullying another student? What happened and how did it make you feel?
• Man’s Best Friend . Do you share a bond with your dog or other pet? Describe your pet, and explain what makes your relationship unique.
• Families . A family isn’t always a mom, a dad, and their children. Write about the ways your family is the same as and different from other types of families and what makes your bonds so strong.
• Holiday Memories . Think about one of your favorite holiday-related memories. Write an essay describing it and tell why it is so unforgettable.
• Guilty . Think about a time you did something that made you feel guilty. Describe what happened.
• The Ultimate Field Trip . If you could choose anywhere in the world to go on a field trip , where would you choose and why?
• Family Game Night . Do you enjoy playing games with your family? Describe your favorite family game or activity.
• Tasty Treats . What is your favorite food? Describe it as if you were introducing it to someone who has never seen or tasted it.
• Someday . Have you thought about what you want to be when you grow up? Write an essay explaining why you think you’d like that career.

Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

Persuasive essays are those written to convince another person to agree with the writer or take action. These persuasive essay prompts inspire 5th graders to share their passions with an audience.

• Pets Day . You’ve just gone to work with your parent for “bring your child to work day.” Write an essay convincing your school to have a “bring your pet to school” day.
• Yuck . What is your least-favorite cafeteria food? Give three compelling reasons why your school should quit serving it.
• Let’s Trade . Your friend’s lunches from home always look better than yours. Write an essay convincing your buddy that you should start swapping meals every day. Be sure to highlight the benefits of the food you bring!
• Home Alone . Write an essay convincing your parents that you are old enough and responsible enough to stay at home alone.
• Sunny Day . The weather outside is beautiful for the first time in weeks. Persuade your teacher not to assign any homework so that you’ll have time to go out to play.
• The Sequel . The long-awaited sequel to your favorite book or video game is now available. Convince your brother or sister to do your chores this week so that you have plenty of time for reading or gaming.
• Seating Chart . Because of your teacher’s seating chart, you’re not going to be able to sit next to your friend all year! Persuade your teacher to let students choose their seats.
• Birth Order . Are you an only child, the oldest sibling, the youngest, or the middle? What makes your birth order the best?
• The Ultimate Game . What is the best video game on the planet? Explain why it’s better than similar games.
• Life Lessons . What are the three most important lessons parents should teach their children and why?
• Test Time . Do you think standardized tests  are helpful or harmful? Explain your answer.
• Tunes . Some studies have shown that listening to music can help students concentrate. Should students be allowed to listen to music using headphones during independent work times at school? Persuade the reader of your answer.
• Catch-22 . You’re not a big fan of writing. Write an essay  convincing your teacher that you shouldn’t have to write any more essays this year.

Expository Essay Writing Prompts

Expository essays are often called how-to essays. They usually teach the reader something or provide facts about a particular topic.

• Let’s Play . Your family frequently attends community theater productions, but your friend has never seen one. Write an essay describing what he or she can expect during the evening.
• Band . You're graduating elementary school, and a younger student is taking your spot in the school band. Explain to him or her how to clean and care for your  musical instrument .
• Lessons Learned . Write an essay to a younger sibling explaining two or three key strategies for having a positive 5th-grade experience.
• Class Pet . You’ve cared for your class pet this week, but now it’s another classmate’s turn. Explain how to feed and care for the pet properly.
• Upgrade Ahead . You have an idea to improve your school. Explain it.
• Safety Zone . Explain three of the best steps kids can take to be safe online.
• Family Traditions . Does your family have any customs or traditions that might be unfamiliar to a classmate? Describe them.
• Pen Pal . Describe for your pen pal who lives in another state an animal native to your area, including its physical characteristics, behaviors, and any sounds that it makes.
• Creepy Crawlies . Compare and contrast two insects or animals that are similar, but have different characteristics such as a bumblebee and a yellow jacket or a horse and a mule. How are they alike and how are they different?
• Clean Up . Your class is going to spend a day cleaning up at a local park. You’ve done this with another group before, but some of your classmates haven’t. Explain the process.
• Action . Your favorite book was made into a movie. Compare and contrast the film and book versions.
• Team Players . Explain how contributing responsibly helps or how it hurts a group when someone doesn’t do his part.
• Tell and Show . Your class is having a “tell and show” day. You have to describe your item in as much detail as possible without naming it. Only when the class guesses or gives up can you show your item. Write out the description of your item.

Creative Writing Essay Prompts

Creative writing allows students to engage their imaginations and story-telling skills while also practicing vital writing skills such as sequence and description.

• Magic Lamp . You’ve just found a magic lamp. What happens when you rub it?
• Say Cheese . You are given an exceptional camera. Everything you take a picture of becomes yours, but you can only take three pictures. Tell a story about the photos you take.
• Invisible Man . One morning, you glance in the mirror and realize that you don’t have a reflection. You’ve become invisible! Write a story about your day.
• Gone to the Dogs . Write a story from your pet’s point of view.
• All Hail the King . Imagine that you discover an uncharted land that you claim as a new country. And, you’re the ruler! Describe your country, its people, and your newfound position of power.
• Part of the Story . One night, you doze off after reading the latest book in your favorite series. When you wake, you discover that you’re in the story! Write about your adventures.
• Before or After . Imagine that you live either 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future. What is your life like?
• Dr. Doolittle . You’re walking through a pet store when you discover that you can talk to the animals. What happens next?
• Meet and Greet . Imagine that you can meet anyone you’re studying in school right now from famous scientists to historical figures to the characters in the class read-aloud . Write a story about your meeting with that person.
• Switcheroo . If you could switch lives with anyone in your school, who would it be? Write about your day in the life of that person.
• Holiday Loop . Imagine you get to relive your favorite holiday every day. What’s that like?
• Tall Tales . Tall tales are possibly true stories that contain highly exaggerated actions or events. Create a tall tale about something that happened in your family.
• Teacher's Pet . Imagine that your teacher is actually your parent. Describe a day in class.
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Sometimes students need a little push to tap into their creativity and unleash their writing skills. To help 5 th Graders to stay at the top of their game, we have compiled 100 writing prompts, covering a range of scenarios. Feel free to try out the ones that resonate most with you. Because, after all, practice is the key to improve your writing skills.

Creative Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade

Persuasive writing prompts for 5 th grade, research writing prompts for 5 th grade, imaginative writing prompts for 5 th grade, science writing prompts for 5 th grade.

• Reflecting Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade
• Imagine you can do anything you want for a day. What are you going to do?
• Imagine you can travel to any place in the world for one month. Write about where would you go and why.
• Suppose you had the power to change one thing about your school. What would you do and why?
• Imagine your best friend is in a bit of trouble. What would you do to cheer him up?
• Imagine a local reporter wants to know about your favorite school event. Which event will you pick and why?
• Suppose you are asked to create a rule for students for one day. Write to explain what rule you will make and the reasons for picking that rule.
• Your teacher asks you to take photographs of five things you like at school. Using details, write about the pictures you would take.
• Imagine one day you wake up and find you are invisible. Write to explain what adventures you will have.
• Vincent Van Gogh famously declared, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Using details, write about your three most-favorite places in nature.
• Imagine you have won a $10,000 lottery. Write to explain what you would do with the money.
• Would you rather have lots of friends or lots of money?
• Would you rather read or play outdoors with your friends?
• Imagine you wake up one day and find you can fly. What would you do? Where would you go? Describe the adventures you would have in details.
• If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
• Write a letter to someone in fourth-grade telling him or her about how to succeed in fifth grade.
• Imagine you wake up one day and find you have turned into an eagle. Describe the adventures you would have.
• Imagine you are a superhero. You might be able to fly or see through walls or become invisible at a press of a button. Write about your unnatural power and how you will use it.
• Imagine you woke up one day to find a talking parrot on your window sill that squawks, “I know where a big treasure is buried.” Describe what happens next.
• Suppose you could meet your favorite sportsperson for a day. Who will you pick and why?
• Suppose you could meet your favorite role model. Who will you pick and why?
• Imagine you can go back in time and relive one moment of your life. Which event will you pick and why?
• Suppose you have the power to correct one mistake that you have made in the past. Using details, describe what you will do.
• Imagine your friend has a pet that can talk. Write to tell what happened when you met this pet.
• Imagine a famous celebrity visits your school. Using details, write a story about this event.
• Imagine one day you were outside when you came across a magical baseball bat that lets you hit home runs at will. Using details, write a story about what happens next.
• Imagine your friend has a bike that talks. The bike can do many other amazing things as well. You and your friend go for a ride on this bike. Using details, tell about the adventures you two have.
• One day you saw a big unruly kid bullying a first grader on the school playground. Write about what you did next?
• If you were principal for a month, what five things would you do?
• Describe your dream job.
• Pen a story containing these five words: ostrich, serious, however, camper, and flabbergasted.
• Should fifth grade be part of middle school or elementary school?
• Should children be allowed to vote?
• Should fifth graders be allowed to bring smartphones to school?
• Do children spend a lot of time playing video games?
• Do children spend a lot of time on social media platforms?
• Does celebrating kindness week make students kinder?
• Is the saying “There are no stupid questions” correct?
• Do American students have it too easy?
• Do camera drones help make public places safer? Or are they just an excuse to violate our privacy?
• Is being beautiful more important than being smart?
• Is being loved more important than being respected? Or is it the other way round?
• Do people speak truthfully on social media? Share your opinion with examples.
• Is your ethnicity a key part of your identity? If yes, explain how?
• Is the fear of failure a constructive thing? Share your opinion with a couple of personal examples.
• Is it important to give back to the community?
• Are teenagers spending more time in front of screens than in extracurricular activities?
• Do students need recess?
• Should fifth graders be allowed excused mental health days?
• Is depression on rise among teens?
• Should students be allowed to pick their teachers?
• Do teenagers who spend more time in extracurricular activities and less time in front of screens have better mental health?
• How much screen time is too much for teenagers?
• How does screen time affect the teenage brain?
• How much time teenagers are spending glued to a screen every day on average?
• What are the best ways to reduce teen screen time?
• Which channel has better shows: Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon?
• Are channels like Discovery and National Geography helpful to teenagers? If yes, how do they help? Explain with examples.
• Is it important for students to have a role model?
• Is it better to have multiple small breaks from school throughout the year instead of one long summer break?
• Has technology made life easier or more complicated? Explain with examples.
• Would you rather be a robot or a zombie?
• Would you rather be respected or loved?
• You would be in middle school next year. What four things you are most looking forward to?
• Would you rather be very smart or very beautiful?
• If the internet were to go down forever, how would that affect you?
• Write a scene that features a) magical shoes, b) your best friend, and c) $10 million
• You get to pick one celebrity, one food item, and one book to a remote island. Which person would you pick? Which book and food item would you choose? Why?
• What do the three friends you spend time with most have in common?
• What qualities a person needs to make friends quickly?
• If you could learn anything about your future,    what would you most like to know?
• What would it be like to be a student in a foreign country?
• If you could be the President for a week, what would you do?
• What is the best thing about getting older?
• Write a script for a new show on Netflix.
• Rewrite a classic fairytale of your choice in a way that makes the bad guy a hero.
• Do you think we would ever really find out if there’s another planet like Earth in outer space?
• Do you think virtual reality games affect our brain in any negative way?
• Which is more important for sustaining human life — plants or animals?
• What steps can we take to prevent the melting of glaciers in the Antarctic region?
• How do Penguins survive extreme cold?
• Which is the most important part of the human body?
• If you could give another name to the Earth’s moon, what name would you pick for it and why?
• Besides the sun and the water, what else can be used by us to harness energy to power our homes?
• Which is one technology that you wish scientists could make?
• Do you think smart appliances (like smart fans, bulbs, or cars) can undermine our security?

Reflective Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade

• What makes you unique? Identify three things.
• Describe what would you like to do when you grow up?
• Describe what would like to become in the afterlife?
• If you could jump to any grade, what grade would you pick?
• Should we fear failure? Share your view in detail and with examples.
• Write an email to yourself 15 years from now. What would you like to say?
• How can you tell if a fellow student is feeling anxious, insecure, or depressed?
• What real-life situations would work out better if you were a more confident person than you really are?
• How can one learn to not give in to peer pressure?
• Do social media represent people genuinely? Share your view with examples.
• What are your two most important learning experiences? Tell about them in detail.
• How important is what we think about ourselves?
• How much control you have over your life?
• Do you believe in the saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover? Give real-life examples to support your viewpoint.
• Explain why we must recycle as much as we can.

Well, that’s just about it. We hope you liked these writing prompts. But remember these writing prompts are only helpful if you use them. They help you become a better writer only if you practice writing every day.

Want more help? Check out this article . It contains scores of writing prompts to help you dig deeper into your writing practice. We recommend you to use different types of writing prompts, as that will help you become a better all-round writer.

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Grade 5 Writing Prompts

25 writing prompts for fifth grade.

Here are some of our favorite writing prompts for Grade 5, which have been created to encourage your child to work on text complexity and think more critically about specific events!

Story sentence starters

Adverb story starters, morals and values, general prompts.

• Her eyes opened and once again she had no idea where she was. Where had her powers taken her this time?
• He heard a low growl in the distance as he clung tight to his small bag of possessions…
• She stepped out of the time machine wondering…
• The sun was setting in the distance as…
• “Help!” She awoke from a deep sleep and heard the scream that had woken her more clearly now…
• Quickly, the friends ran across…
• Suddenly, the ground shook under their feet…
• Curiously, she inched forwards and took hold of the door handle…
• Wisely, the boy crouched down so he could not be seen…
• Gracefully, the swan glided over the lake as ten-year-old Florence watched…
• How does the water cycle work?
• Why does the sun rise and set each day?
• What are stars?
• What does the word ‘science’ mean to you?
• Which scientific invention do you think has been the most important to date?

Children can base these on a historical figure or event:

• Write a story where someone shows kindness towards others.
• Write about a courageous person in the face of danger.
• Write a story about someone displaying forgiveness.
• Write a story about generosity.
• Write an inspirational story.
• If you had your own airplane, where would you go?
• What would happen if you had a dinosaur in your back garden?
• If you could go back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?
• Write about something you have learned this year.
• Imagine you could see into the future. How would you use this special power?

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper makes writing fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve.

Our language arts program for kids includes thousands of educational resources, such as creative writing prompts, interactive lessons, and printable worksheets for learning on the go! We also provide personalized feedback on all of the work submitted by children on the program.

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More writing prompts & activities

• Grade 5 Picture Writing Prompts
• Grade 5 Writing Activities
• Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
• Elementary Writing Prompts
• Elementary Writing Activites

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• Elementary Writing Curriculum
• Language Arts Resources

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15 Creative Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

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As a fifth-grade teacher, it’s important to keep your students engaged and excited about writing. Here are 15 creative writing prompts that will inspire your fifth graders to unleash their imaginations:

1. If you could invent a new flavor of ice cream, what would it be? Describe the taste and the ingredients you would use.

2. Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now. What advice would you give yourself?

3. Imagine you wake up one morning and you have the ability to fly. Describe your adventures and the places you would visit.

4. Create a story using the following words: dragon, bicycle, and treasure map.

5. Pretend you are a superhero. What would your superpower be and how would you use it to help others?

6. Write a persuasive essay to convince your parents to let you have a pet (real or imaginary).

7. Think of an invention that would make your life easier. Describe what it is and how it works.

8. If you could become any animal, which one would you choose? Describe why you would make that choice.

9. Write a poem about your favorite season. Use vivid language to paint a picture with your words.

10. Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe how you would survive and what you would do to pass the time.

11 . Create a story based on a picture prompt. Write about what you see and imagine what could be happening.

12. Write a dialogue between two characters who are complete opposites. How do they interact with each other?

13 . Describe a magical place you would love to visit. What makes it so special and what would you do there?

14. If you could have any superpower for one day, what would you choose and how would you use it?

15 . Write a persuasive essay to convince your classmates to support a cause that is important to you.

These writing prompts are designed to get your fifth graders’ creative juices flowing and to encourage them to think outside the box. Feel free to use them as a starting point for writing assignments or as a fun way to spark their imaginations.

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40 Engaging 5th Grade Writing Prompts

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 3, 2024

Writing is a fundamental skill that every kid should learn and develop. It takes much practice and dedication to be able to write well. One of the best ways for 5th grade students to practice their writing skills is through creative writing prompts. These are fun and engaging topics that students can use to come up with interesting stories or poems.

The purpose is to stimulate their imaginations and help them develop their writing skills. In coming up with writing prompts for your 5th grade students, it is important to consider the age group and provide topics that challenge them without being too overwhelming. Remember, allowing them to explore their imaginations is key!

5th Grade Writing Prompts

Below are some examples of 5th grade writing prompts that your students can use to help improve their writing skills. I drew on various sources including AI chatbots to crowdsource these prompts. From imagining alternate worlds and magical adventures to reflecting on personal experiences and sharing opinions, these prompts cover a wide range of topics and genres. 

1. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place in the world. 2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 3. Write a story about a time when you had to overcome a fear. 4. Imagine you could talk to animals. What kind of animal would you talk to first and what would you say? 5. Write a letter to your future self, telling yourself what you hope to accomplish in the next five years. 6. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be and why? 7. Write a story about a magical adventure with your best friend. 8. What is your favorite hobby and why do you enjoy it? 9. If you could invent any new game, what would it be and how would you play it? 10. Imagine you are a superhero. What would your superhero name be and what would your powers be?

11. If you could travel back in time to any era, where and when would you go? Why did you choose that time period and what would you do there? 12. Write a story about a day in the life of a superhero’s sidekick. 13. What do you think is the most important invention of all time? Explain your answer. 14. Imagine you could create your own planet. What would it be like? What kind of creatures or plants would live there? What would the environment be like? 15. If you could be any character from a fairy tale, who would you be and why? What challenges would you face and how would you overcome them?

Related: Adjectives to Describe a Place

16. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite season. What makes it your favorite and what activities do you enjoy doing during that time of year?

17. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them?

18. Write a story about a time when you had to work together with someone to overcome a challenge.

19. Imagine you could create your own robot. What would it look like and what would it be able to do? What would you use it for?

20. Write a poem about your favorite animal. What do you admire about it and why do you think it’s special?

21. If you could be any character from a movie or TV show, who would you be and why?

22. Write a story about a mysterious object that is found in your backyard. What is it and how does it impact your life?

23. Imagine you could have any job in the world. What would you choose and why?

24. Write a letter to your favorite fictional character. What would you say to them and why do you admire them?

25. If you could live in any country in the world, where would you choose and why? What would you want to learn about the culture and the people there? 26. Write a story about a group of friends who go on a camping trip and discover a hidden treasure. 27. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why? 28. Imagine you could visit any planet in the solar system. Which one would you choose and what do you think it would be like? 29. Imagine you could design your dream house. What would it look like and what special features would it have? Where would it be located and why did you choose that location? 30. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why? What special abilities or characteristics would make it a good companion?

Related: 80 Adjectives to Describe Feelings

31. Write a story about a group of kids who start a detective agency to solve mysteries in their neighborhood. 32. If you could have any job for a day, what would you choose and why? What would you want to learn or experience during that day? 33. Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. What three things would you bring with you and why? What would you do to survive and try to escape? 34. Write a descriptive paragraph about a place you have never been to, but would like to visit. What do you imagine it would be like and why are you drawn to that place? 35. If you could have a conversation with any person in history, who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them and what would you hope to learn from them? 36. Write a story about a group of friends who discover a magical portal to another world.

37. If you could have any talent or skill, what would it be and why? How would you use it to benefit others?

38. Write a poem about your favorite sport or activity. What do you love about it and why is it special to you? 39. If you could make one wish, what would it be and why? How do you think your life would change if that wish came true? 40. Imagine you are the main character in a book. What kind of adventure would you go on and what challenges would you face? How would you overcome them?

Related: Words and Adjectives to Describe a Person

Final thoughts

I hope you’ve found this post on 5th grade writing prompts to be a treasure trove of inspiration for young writers. The journey from the creative corners of their minds to the paper in front of them is a critical path in developing not just their writing skills but also their ability to think critically and empathetically. From crafting poems about their favorite sports or activities to imagining the endless possibilities of a single wish coming true, each prompt is designed to spark imagination, encourage introspection, and cultivate a love for storytelling.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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