writing assignment grade 6

50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

• February 22, 2024

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Table of contents, personal narratives:, creative stories:, opinion pieces:, descriptive essays, expository essays, book reviews, research projects, journal entries:, exclusive 6th grade writing prompts , 6th-grade writing prompts , creative writing topics for grade 6 , 6th grade writing prompts with reading passages , recommendations.

For sixth graders, imagination can be the key to creative expression. It’s a strong weapon. With specialized 6th Grade Writing Prompts, you can have an insight into the distinctive thoughts of these young authors and inspire a wide range of creative and inventive ideas.

As a student, every prompt offers you the chance to use narrative to explore new aspects of yourself, from ones that take them to far galaxies to those that delve deeply into your feelings and experiences.

In this article, we will take you through 50 exclusive 6th grade writing prompts that are printable for free. Carefully read through!

• Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts
• 6th-grade Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Topics for Grade 6
• 6th Grade Writing Prompts with Reading Passages

What Should a 6th Grader Write about?

A sixth grader’s writing can cover a wide range of subjects, contingent upon their experiences, interests, and the particular assignment or goal of the writing work. Some possibilities for topics a sixth grader could write about are as follows:

Students are encouraged to explore their own experiences and share them with others through the use of personal narratives.

They can relive with vivid detail special occasions, like the time they overcame their fear of heights by scaling a mountain, obstacles they’ve overcome, like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, or memorable times spent with loved ones, like a touching holiday celebration or an adventure that strengthened their bond with siblings.

Students acquire insight into their own lives and ideals by thinking back on these experiences and expressing them in writing, in addition to honing their storytelling abilities.

Students can express their imagination and ingenuity via creative stories. Authors can showcase their storytelling skills by creating inventive stories with captivating characters, compelling narratives, and unique settings.

Students are free to let their imaginations run wild, whether they go on an exhilarating journey through a magical kingdom, solve a mystery in a chilling haunted mansion, or explore the depths of space in a futuristic starship.

They hone their narrative abilities, create gripping stories, and bring their imaginative ideas to life on paper via the process of storytelling.

Students can express their opinions on a variety of subjects that are important to them through opinion pieces. Students can use persuasive writing to communicate their ideas, advocate for their beliefs, and express their perspectives on a variety of topics, from pop cultural phenomena to environmental issues to school laws.

Students gain the ability to effectively express their thoughts, provide evidence to back up their claims, engage in critical thinking, and debate—whether they are advocating for tighter environmental rules, defending their favorite book or movie, or suggesting changes to school procedures.

Descriptive essays require students to use language to conjure up vivid images in the readers’ minds and arouse their senses. They can paint a detailed picture of a location they have been to, such a busy city street, a calm beach at dusk, or a comfortable lodge in the woods.

As an alternative, individuals can use rich descriptions and striking pictures to delve into the sensory nuances of a beloved memory, a favorite dish, or an interesting object. Students who practice descriptive writing are better able to arouse readers’ emotions, appeal to their senses, and produce immersive writing.

Expository essays educate students how to present facts and provide a clear, structured explanation of difficult subjects.

They can delve into a variety of topics, including historical events, cultural customs, how-to manuals, and scientific ideas.

Whether they’re breaking down a cultural ritual, exploring the history of ancient civilizations, or explaining how photosynthesis works, students learn how to effectively research, analyze, and present information. This helps them improve their writing, research, and critical thinking abilities.

Through the skillful use of language and images, poetry provides students with a unique means of expression, enabling them to explore themes such as nature, emotions, friendship, and identity. They can play around with various poetry forms, including limericks, sonnets, haikus, or free verse, and investigate the lyrical and rhythmic aspects of language.

Students learn how to use words to express emotions, generate images, and build meaning in their poetry, whether they’re writing a whimsical limerick, a heartfelt sonnet, or a haiku that captures the majesty of a sunset.

By giving students a platform to express their ideas and opinions about books they’ve read, book reviews support the growth of their analytical and critical thinking abilities.

They can assess the book’s advantages and disadvantages, character and topic analysis, and storyline summary.

Students gain the ability to engage with literature thoughtfully, express their opinions clearly, and participate in literary discussions and debates—whether they are analyzing a classic work of literature, suggesting a favorite novel to their peers, or delving into the themes of a recent bestseller.

Research projects allow students to explore interesting subjects in-depth, gather data, and present their results in an orderly and systematic manner. They can delve into a variety of topics, such as social issues, cultural customs, historical events, and scientific occurrences.

Whether they’re looking into the origins of climate change, studying the past of ancient civilizations, or examining how social media affects society, students gain important research skills from these projects.

These skills include how to collect data from trustworthy sources, assess the validity of the data, and effectively and persuasively present their findings.

Keeping a journal gives students a private place to consider their feelings, ideas, experiences, and observations. Journaling allows them to keep track of their daily activities, examine their feelings and responses to situations, and think back on their development and education.

Regular journaling helps kids develop self-awareness, introspection, and mindfulness. This can be done by having them write down their ideas before going to bed, reflect on their experiences after a difficult day, or capture moments of inspiration and insight.

Read ALSO:  107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

• Write a tale about a time-traveling excursion to a significant historical occasion.
• Describe a world in which all people’s dreams come true.
• Which historical figure, and why, would you want to meet if you could?
• Ten years from now, write a letter to yourself.
• Consider being able to teleport to any location on Earth. Which place would you visit first?
• Describe a superhero’s typical day in the life of a neighborhood resident.
• If you could communicate with animals, how would you respond?
• Write a story about a magical item that, although granting desires, has drawbacks.
• Describe a future society in which all aspects of existence are governed by technology.
• What superpower, if any, would you choose to have, and how would you use it?
• Write a tale about a bunch of pals figuring out a mystery in their community.
• Describe an unruly world. How would that feel?
• What exactly does being a good friend entail? Write about an instance where you showed friendship.
• Which disciplines would you include in your own curriculum, if you could create one?
• Write a letter expressing your admiration for the writing of your favorite author.
• Tell about a moment when you had to make a tough choice and how you came to an answer.
• Consider being able to travel to any fictitious place from a book. To what place would you go?
• Write about a moment when, despite the difficulty, you stood up for what you believed in.
• What would you alter, and why, if you could, in the world?
• Write a tale that takes place in a bleak future when humanity is about to perish.
• Write about a day in the life of your favorite movie or book character.
• For you, what does success mean? Write about a moment when you felt accomplished.
• Consider being able to speak with extraterrestrials on a different world. How would you respond?
• Write a letter expressing your admiration for your role model.
• Describe a society in which mind reading is a common skill.
• What new technology, and how might it help civilization, if you could create it?
• Write about a failure you’ve had and the lessons you took away from it.
• Describe a civilization that is utopian and in balance with the natural world.
• What would you change if you could travel back in time to alter one particular historical event?
• Write a tale about a party of adventurers finding a lost culture.
• Describe a world in which magic exists but is kept out of the public eye.
• What does being brave really mean? Write about a brave moment in your life.
• Which historical period—past or future—would you like to live in, and why?

Read ALSO:  140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

• A Magical Land : Describe a world where magic is real and part of everyday life.
• Time Travel Adventure : Write a story about traveling back in time to a significant historical event.
• Superhero Origins : Create the origin story of a new superhero, including their powers and motivations.
• Mystery Mansion : Describe a spooky mansion and the mysteries hidden within its walls.
• Animal Kingdom : Imagine a world where animals can talk and interact with humans.
• Dream Vacation : Describe your ideal vacation destination and what you would do there.
• Invent a New Planet : Design a planet with unique geography, inhabitants, and customs.
• Lost in the Wilderness : Write about being lost in the wilderness and the adventures that follow.
• Sports Star : Imagine becoming a professional athlete in your favorite sport. Describe your journey to success.
• School of Magic : Enroll in a school for wizards and witches. Describe your experiences learning spells and potions.
• Alien Encounter : Describe an encounter with an alien species and the impact it has on Earth.
• Underwater Adventure : Dive deep into the ocean and explore an underwater world full of wonders and dangers.
• Robot Revolution : Write about a future where robots have become sentient and demand equal rights.
• Time Capsule : Imagine burying a time capsule with items representing your life. What would you include and why?
• A Day in the Life of a Celebrity : Describe a day in the life of a famous celebrity of your choice.
• The Quest for a Magical Artifact : Write a story about a quest to find a powerful magical artifact and the challenges faced along the way.
• Haunted House : Explore a haunted house and uncover its dark secrets.
• Space Exploration : Describe a journey to explore a distant planet in search of new life forms.
• Future Career : Imagine your future career and what a typical day in that profession would be like.
• Invisible Friend : Write about having an invisible friend and the adventures you have together.

Read ALSO:  50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• Prompt : Imagine you are one of the characters in the passage below. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings about the events that unfolded.

Reading Passage : “The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. As Sarah packed her bag, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of dread. She knew she had to face her bully on the bus ride home.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not schools should implement a dress code policy like the one described.

Reading Passage : “As students entered the school gates, they were greeted by the sight of their peers dressed in a rainbow of colors and styles. Some wore jeans and T-shirts, while others donned skirts and blazers. There was no uniform requirement, allowing students to express their individuality through their clothing choices.”

• Prompt : Use the information from the passage to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your opinion on the issue discussed.

Reading Passage : “The town council is considering banning plastic bags in an effort to reduce pollution and protect the environment. Many residents are divided on the issue, with some arguing that it would inconvenience shoppers and hurt businesses, while others believe it is a necessary step towards a greener future.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a narrative describing a day in the life of the protagonist, using details from the passage to inspire your story.

Reading Passage : “Jake woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. As he stretched and yawned, he glanced at the clock and realized he was running late for school. He quickly dressed, grabbed his backpack, and raced out the door, eager to start the day.”

• Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a summary of the main arguments presented by each side of the debate.

Reading Passage : “The school cafeteria is considering replacing unhealthy snacks with nutritious options. Proponents of the change argue that it will improve student health and academic performance, while opponents worry about increased costs and decreased student satisfaction.”

• Prompt : Use the passage below as inspiration to write a descriptive essay about your favorite outdoor activity.

Reading Passage : “As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Sarah and her friends gathered around the campfire. They roasted marshmallows, told stories, and gazed up at the starry sky, feeling at peace in the great outdoors.”

• Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a compare and contrast essay discussing the similarities and differences between the two characters.

Reading Passage : “Emily was outgoing and adventurous, always eager to try new things and meet new people. In contrast, her sister Olivia was shy and reserved, preferring to spend her time lost in books or exploring nature alone.”

• Prompt : Using the information provided in the passage, write a persuasive speech arguing for or against the proposed changes.

Reading Passage : “The city council is considering implementing a curfew for teenagers in an effort to reduce crime and keep young people safe. Supporters believe it will decrease juvenile delinquency, while opponents argue it will unfairly restrict the freedoms of law-abiding teenagers.”

• Prompt : Write a narrative inspired by the passage below, imagining yourself as the protagonist navigating the challenges described.

Reading Passage : “Mark stared at the blank page in front of him, feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. He had a history essay due tomorrow, but he had no idea where to begin. With a sigh, he picked up his pen and started writing, determined to conquer his writer’s block.”

• Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a response discussing your opinion on the topic and providing evidence to support your viewpoint.

Reading Passage : “The debate over homework continues to divide educators, parents, and students alike. Some argue that it reinforces learning and teaches responsibility, while others believe it causes stress and detracts from family time. What is your stance on the issue?”

Yes, these writing prompts are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for all 6th graders.

Yes, these writing prompts have been carefully crafted to align with common core standards for 6th grade writing.

It’s recommended to introduce a new prompt regularly, such as once a week, to keep your students inspired and practicing their writing skills consistently.

Engaging with a variety of creative and thought-provoking prompts can definitely help enhance your students’ writing abilities over time.

These varied subjects for sixth-grade writing assignments are sure to stimulate young writers’ creativity and critical thinking. Teachers and parents can easily include these prompts in their lesson plans or home-schooling activities because they are free to print.

Students will be able to convey their own views and perspectives while practicing a variety of writing abilities by responding to these prompts.

These writing prompts can be used as homework assignments, daily warm-ups, or creative writing exercises. They are an invaluable tool for supporting the development of young writers.

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6th Grade Writing

For sixth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, sixth graders will be asked to: begin to effectively use evidence, reason, arguments, sources and language to support a written text, demonstrate command of formal style, improve reader comprehension of written texts by employing techniques like graphics, multimedia, and formatting, employ facts, definitions, quotations, details, and other information to develop written topics, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work.

Haiku: Write Your Own!

This worksheet features the Japanese poetry style haiku.

Write Rhyming Couplets

Time for some poetic rhyming couplets!

Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.

Back to School Diamante Poem

Teach your students a fun way to write diamante poems using our new back to school worksheet.

Bio Poem: My Mother

A fun Mother’s Day bio poem activity for your students!

Bio Poem: Pilgrim

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. This printable Thanksgiving Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about Pilgrims.

Bio Poem: Someone You Know

Students will write a bio poem about someone they know using the format set in this worksheet.

Christmas Tree Bio Poem

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. Sometimes writing a bio pem can be tricky! This printable Christmas Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about a Christmas tree.

Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Diamante Poem: Antonyms

Students write an antonym diamante poem in the space provided.

Diamante Poem: Synonyms

A diamante poem takes its name from the shape it makes: a diamond. Diamante poems were introduced in 1969 by Iris Tiedt. Students write a synonym diamante poem in the space provided.

Edgar Allan Poe; Journalist Trickster

Students read about one of Edgar Allan Poe’s hoaxes when he was a journalist. Each student then write’s their own hoax!

Edgar Allan Poe: Secrets in Poetry

Students read from Edgar Allan Poe’s “An Enigma” and decipher the name of the woman’s whose name is hidden within the text.

Father’s Day Bio Poem: My Father

Enhance your students’ writing skills with this fun Father’s Day Biography Poem activity.

Fourth of July Bio Poem: America

Encourage your students to learn about America with this Fourth of July Biography Poem activity.

George Washington Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about George Washington.

George Washington’s List of Rules

When George Washington was a young boy, he made a list of rules for himself. Students choose one of the rules and write what it means.

Halloween Bio Poem Activity: Ghost

Create a bio poem about your own personal ghost with our fun Halloween printable activity!

Identify the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence in a paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it. Students underline the topic sentence in each activity.

Identify the Transition Words

Help your students identify different transition words with this printable writing worksheet.

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Sixth Grade Creative Writing Worksheets

• Who Am I? – Character Description
• Scoring Rubric: Poetry
• Write Your Own Mad Libs ®
• Story Starters
• Student Proofreading Checklist
• Creative Writing with Photo Inspiration
• The Middle Ages: The Feudal System Activity Packet
• Same Name Word Puzzle
• Writing a Character Sketch
• Scoring Rubric: Research Report/Paper
• Be a Journalist!
• Poetry Terms Quiz
• The Middle Ages: Knights and Knighthood Activity Packet
• The Middle Ages: Medieval Towns Activity Packet
• The "I Remember" Poem
• Slavery Writing Prompt
• Discovering Prepositions 5
• Discovering Subjects and Predicates
• Script Writing Handout
• Writing Self-Assessment
• A Note About Witches: Fill-in-the-Blanks
• Antonyms and Synonyms
• My New Year's Resolutions (3-6)
• Discovering Pronouns 10
• Fourteen Points Writing Exercise
• Discovering Punctuation 2
• Discovering Capitalization 4
• Discovering Punctuation 9
• Scoring Rubric: Comparison/Contrast
• Scoring Rubric: Response to Literature
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50 Engaging 6th Grade Writing Prompts for Thoughtful Essays

Sixth grade marks a big transition in students’ lives. They’re no longer little kids, but they’re not quite teens either–that’s what middle school is all about. To help your students bridge this transition with ease, it’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to practice their writing skills since they’ll be doing a lot of writing in high school and beyond.

Over and above that, writing can be the perfect way for kids to express themselves and explore the world around them. That will only happen if you give them the space to do so, though, so here are 50 engaging 6th-grade writing prompts to help your students get their creative juices flowing.

Narrative Writing Prompts

Narrative writing revolves around telling a story with a plot that has rising action, a climax, and a resolution. These narrative writing prompts will give your 6th-grade students plenty to think about–and write about.

Story Starters

Students will often struggle with where to start their stories. These story starters will help them get past that initial hurdle by giving them some ideas to get their narratives going.

1. I had the biggest fight with my best friend yesterday. It all started when…

2. My first trip to the beach wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be…

3. I’ll never forget the time when I was lost in the city. It was…

4. I had the biggest surprise of my life when…

5. My family went on the craziest road trip last summer. We started out by…

As you guide your students through their writing journey, make sure to encourage them to be creative and have fun with it – but still have them include the essential elements of a story, like rising action, a climax, and a resolution, so that their stories are well-rounded and engaging.

Personal Narrative Prompts

Personal narratives are all about giving students the opportunity to tell their own stories in descriptive ways. Here are writing prompts to get them started.

6. What’s the best (or worst) birthday you’ve ever had? Why was it so great (or terrible)?

7. What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done? What made you do it?

8. Think about your future self–where do you see yourself in 1 year? Write about it.

9. Think about the best day you’ve ever had. What made it so special?

10. Describe a time when the weather was really extreme. Describe it.

Reflective Writing Prompts

Reflective writing is a lot like journaling–it gives students the opportunity to process their thoughts and feelings on a given topic. These reflective writing prompts/journal prompts will encourage thoughtful reflection in your students while giving them some fun.

11. Make a list of your favorite things about yourself.

12. Take a walk in nature and describe what you see. What emotions does it evoke in you?

13. Describe your sports or extracurricular activities. What have you learned from them all?

14. Make a list of all the emotions you experience throughout the day.

15. Make a record of your daily objectives. Consider which one was the most simple to accomplish.

Journal prompts are usually effective because they make you think about a certain topic in a different, more introspective way, and so students should be encouraged to approach these writing prompts with open minds and hearts.

Informational Writing Prompts

Informational writing is an essential skill for middle-schoolers, especially as they head into high school and college, where they’ll be expected to write long-form essays rather than fiction. These informational writing prompts will give your students plenty of practice with this type of writing.

Expository Prompts

Expository writing is a type of nonfiction writing that requires students to investigate an idea, assess evidence, expand on the idea, and present an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. These prompts will help your students hone their expository writing skills.

16. Compare and contrast two of your friends.

17. Choose a challenge at your school. What’s the ideal solution for it?

18. Discuss a problem in a movie you enjoy. What was the outcome of the situation?

19. What was the cause of a recent argument you had? What was the effect?

20. Find an interesting story/narrative in your local newspaper and tell it in your own words.

Research Prompts

Next, research writing prompts will help students practice their research skills by investigating a given topic and finding credible sources to support their claims. These research writing prompts will allow your students to conduct investigative research and write about what they’ve found in detail.

21. How long can fish survive without water?

22. What animals are on the verge of extinction?

23. What’s the history of your favorite sport, and how did it develop?

24. What are people’s civil rights, and who has fought for them?

25. Explore your dream career. What skills would you need to succeed in it?

This may be a good time to introduce your students they could use to reference their information and give credit where it’s due. Inform them that not all sources are created equal, and brainstorm some tips for evaluating the credibility of a website.

Procedural Prompts

As their name suggests, procedural writing prompts provide students with the opportunity to write clear and concise instructions on a given topic. These prompts will help your sixth graders learn the essentials of procedural writing.

26. Make a user guide for anything you use frequently (e.g., your computer, smartphone, video game console).

27. Write a set of instructions for cleaning your room.

28. Teach a younger reader how to do homework without wasting time.

29. What’s the quickest way for you to go to the library if you’re in your classroom now?

30. Describe the steps involved in tying a shoe.

Argument Writing Prompts

The next type of writing prompt is argument writing. Argumentative writing is a type of nonfiction writing that requires students to investigate a topic, collect evidence, and assess their findings to defend a point of view while also considering the perspectives of others.

These argumentative writing prompts will give your young writers practice with this type of persuasive writing.

Argumentative Essay Prompts

The most common type of essay prompt on standardized tests is the argumentative essay question since it’s intellectually challenging. In these questions, students will be given a prompt and they’ll be asked to take a position on an issue or topic.

They’ll then need to provide satisfactory evidence from their research to support their position. Here are some prompts to get them started.

31. Should school uniforms be required in all schools?

32. Is it ever okay to break the law?

33. Do you think people should be required to vote? Why or why not?

34. Is Monday through Friday the best school schedule?

35. Is it important to learn science?

Persuasive Prompts

Emotional appeals can be a powerful tool in persuasive writing. In these prompts, students will need to use their powers of persuasion and other rhetorical strategies to convince their readers to see their point of view. Here are persuasive prompts to put your students’ powers of persuasion to the test.

36. Make a case for or against year-round schooling.

37. Should there be a limit on the amount of homework students can receive?

38. Persuade your parents to let you choose your own bedtime.

39. What’s the best way to deal with bullies in schools?

40. Who’s the greatest sports athlete of all time?

Poetry Prompts

Poetry prompts are a great way to get your students to write creatively. These prompts will help your students tap into their imaginations and write poems that are both beautiful and moving. Whether in free verse or strict meter, your students will be sure to impress you with their poetic prowess.

41. Write about how you’re feeling right now in a  haiku .

42. Create a poem in memory of a book, TV, or film character who has died.

43. Choose an onomatopoeia and use it five times in a poem.

44. Consider a metaphor for the current school year and create a poem about it.

45. Write a friendship poem in which every line includes a  rhyme for “friend.”

Creative Writing Prompts

Last but not least, creative writing is all about using imagination to create a piece of writing that’s unlike anything else. This creative writing prompts will help your students tap into their imaginations and write some truly unique pieces revolving around self-expression.

46. If I could have any superpower, it would be…

47. Write about a day in the life of your favorite cartoon character.

48. If you could be a historical figure for a day, who would you choose to be?

49. Write a family story from the perspective of your pet.

50. Invent a new holiday and describe how it’s celebrated.

Jump In : Better prepare your 6th graders for this activity by improving their reading comprehension first! Proceed to read my list of fun comprehension exercises here —  11 Fun 6th Grade Reading Comprehension Activities (& Games) .

Dust Off Those Pencils and Get Ready to Write! 

While many students lose motivation as their first middle school year goes on, these 50 6th grade writing prompts will help keep them excited about writing all year long. With tons of different genres and modes of writing to choose from, there’s something here for everyone! So get those pencils sharpened and those minds thinking—it’s time to start writing!

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

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100 creative 6th Grade Writing Prompts

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100 Creative 6 th Grade Writing Prompts

Sixth grade is the right time to introduce students to activities that promote self-expression and improves their overall writing skills. In this post, we have come up with a list of 100 writing prompts — from storytelling and expository to research and creative writing prompts — to help students tap into their creativity and hone their writing skills.

In this post, we have for you:

• Storytelling writing prompts
• Research writing prompts
• Reflective writing prompts
• Narrative writing prompts
• Expository writing prompts
• Procedural writing prompts
• Creative writing prompts

So, let’s put this show on the road.

Storytelling writing prompts for 6 th grade

• When we found that the grandpa’s closet opens up to a deep forest, we decided to…
• As I was walking around the local park, a dog came up to me and said, “You have got to listen to my story.” And then he began speaking…
• The most surprising thing we have found in our school was…
• As I was cleaning the attic in my grandparent’s house, I found the genie’s lamp. I decided to…
• My brother and I were in the first fight ever. It all began when…
• Our dream family vacation to… got canceled my younger brother woke up with…
• As the world’s first 12-year scientist, I need to share my invention…
• My first road trip with my dad didn’t go as per the plan. First…
• When Lucy opened her lunch box, she couldn’t help exclaiming “Ugh” because the food looked as gross as…
• I got the biggest surprise of my life when my dog…
• I had never laid eyes on a dragon until that morning when our school took us to the nearby jungle as part of a trekking tour.
• I woke up one morning only to find I have been turned into a big bug. While I was still coming to terms with this, my mother shouted, “Hurry up or you’ll be late for the school.” So I did what I had to do, which was…

Research writing prompts for 6 th grade

• How much time do students spend on the internet?
• How much screen time students have per day?
• Does social media makes peer pressure worse?
• How long can human beings survive without water?
• How long can human beings survive without food?
• How long can fish survive out of water?
• Research your dream career? Mention all the things you must do to achieve it.
• Research the childhood of your favorite writer?
• When, why, and how was your country founded?
• How long camels can go without drinking water? Can they survive long? If yes, how do they manage that?
• How smoking affects your lungs?
• Which has been the most important discovery in the last 50 years?
• What steps can we take to minimize global warming?
• What are civil rights? Who fought for them?
• How do penguins survive in extreme cold?
• Are polar bears good swimmers? If yes, how are they able to swim efficiently in spite of their weight?
• How much food does an elephant needs in a day?
• How shark uses senses to hunt?

Reflective writing prompts for 6 th grade

• Write about a time when you were not able to keep a promise. What had happened? How did you feel?
• What’s the best thing about being in the 6 th grade?
• What’s the worst thing about being in the 6 th grade?
• What has been your biggest learning in the last six months?
• What are the qualities that a good friend must have?
• Write about three qualities you admire in your dad?
• Which sport you like the best and why?
• List your favorite extracurricular activities. What have you learned from them?
• Track the weather for five days? Which was the most comfortable day?
• How students can reduce their screen time?
• Is reading a more satisfying activity than watching television?
• What are the negative effects of social media?

Narrative writing prompts for 6 th Grade

• Do you think you can go three months without the internet?
• Write a letter to your emotional self?
• Is it important for kids to have responsibilities and chores at home?
• What advice would you give to someone who is being bullied at the school?
• Which animal in your opinion represents your personality the most and why?
• Do you like making new friends? Why or why not?
• If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
• Write a poem or essay about your parents?
• Describe your favorite family vacation?
• Think about the best day in your life so far. What made the day so memorable?
• Think about the worst day in your life so far. What made the day so miserable?
• Which is your favorite book? How has it impacted you?
• Which your favorite movie? Why do you like it so much?
• Think about your future self. Write about a day in your life, five years from today.
• Tell a family story from the perspective of your mom.
• Who is the fittest person you know? Would you like to become as fit as this person? Why or why not?
• Write about how it feels to spend a night at home alone?
• What are three great things about your school?
• Describe your life if you lived during the Middle Ages?
• What is the biggest problem the world is facing today? How would you solve it?
• How did computers affect our lives?
• Imagine you were asked to pick a new holiday. Describe what you’ll be celebrating and how.
• Could you live without a cell phone for a year? How would you communicate with your friends?
• How hearing and listening are two different things?
• If you could go back in time, which year would you choose?
• You meet a wise man who knows answers to all questions, but you can ask him only one question. What would you ask?
• Who is the oldest person you know?
• Think about a time you were not able to keep a New Year’s resolution? What had happened? Why did you fail?

Expository prompts for 6 th grade

• Describe your favorite short story in your own words.
• Find an interesting story in the newspaper or a local magazine and write it in your own words.
• Write an essay explaining the similarities and differences between you and your sibling or your best friend.
• In what ways Barrack Obama and Abraham Lincoln are similar? In what ways they are different?
• Is life as a sixth grader today different than it was when your parents were studying in the sixth grade? If yes, how it is different.
• Compare and contrast your two close friends.
• How has been your school year so far? What are the main highlights? 
• What was the cause of the recent argument you had with your mom or dad? How did it go?
• Compare and contrast two of your most favorite books?
• How is empathy different from sympathy? Explain the concept of empathy?
• How important is to have a hobby? Explain the benefits of having a hobby.
• Explain a problem in your school? How would you solve it?
• How has cell phone changed our lives?
• Is there really something as cell phone addiction? If yes, what it is?
• Gaming addiction is on the rise among kids? How do you think we can tackle this problem effectively?

Procedural writing prompts for 6 th Grade

• Your friend wants to learn how to play your favorite board game. Explain the steps to him or her.
• Explain a grandparent how to use Facebook.
• Explain a reader how to play your favorite computer game.
• Write step-by-step instructions to tie shoelaces.
• Explain a reader how to play your favorite card game.
• Write step-by-step instructions to create a post on Instagram.
• Explain how to complete all the levels of a video game.
• Describe how you get home from school.

Creative writing prompts for 6 th Grade

• If you could spend a week in any holiday destination in the world, where would you go?
• If you had the power to communicate with pets, what conversations would you have?
• Write a poem that describes your family.
• If you could meet one media personality, who would you choose and why?
• If you could change one thing about your country, what would you choose and why?
• You wake up one morning to find that you can fly. What adventures will you have?
•  You wake up one morning to find that you have grown taller and your clothes and shoes don’t fit you anymore. What would you do?

We hope these writing prompts will help get your pen or pencil moving. Some of these writing prompts need research, some are intellectually challenging, and some others are fun and creative. If you would like more writing prompts, have a look at this post , which offers tons of additional writing prompts you can use to unleash your writing talent. Good luck!

• Get other writing prompts for kids here :
• 3rd-grade writing prompts
• 4th-grade writing prompts
• 5th-grade writing prompts
• Middle School Writing Prompts

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6th Grade Writing Prompts Worksheets

Our printable writing prompts worksheets for grade 6 will get the young wordsmiths instantly going! Children will never experience writer's block and will kick-start their creativity to write engaging narratives, reports, and essays. Challenge kids with writing tasks that require critical thinking and implementing writing techniques. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas through selecting and organizing relevant content. Use appropriate transitions and domain-specific vocabulary. Grab our free pdf 6th grade writing prompt worksheet and the others will soon be on your wish list for sure!

How Is Life in an Igloo?

How do igloos keep you warm in the worst winter conditions? Interesting, isn't it? Narrate how life in an igloo would be like. Support your claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Look before You Leap

Opinions differ on whether we should carefully consider the consequences before doing something or we should be daring and adventurous. Write an opinion essay explaining your point of view.

Baking a Birthday Cake

In this printable 6th grade writing prompt worksheet, write step-by-step instructions on how to make a birthday cake. Include details of what ingredients to use, too.

Endangered Animals

Write a research report on animals that are in danger of being harmed or lost. Gather information from multiple print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data to avoid plagiarism.

Book Report 6

Which book did you read recently? Write the title and author's name. Besides providing a summary, describe the story setting and main events. Do let us know more about your favorite part in it.

Story Prompt 1

A room at your grandmother’s, which is always locked, is open one day. Write a story about what happened next. An excellent opportunity for grade 6 kids to express themselves through writing.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major concern, and many believe the best way to address this is to ensure as many people use public transport as possible. Write if you agree. Provide reasons and examples.

Riding a Bike

It's important for children to learn how to ride a bike because it not only helps them move out independently, it also makes them more responsible. In this 6th grade pdf, write how to ride a bike.

Niagara Falls

This printable writing prompt asks kids to prepare a research report on Niagara Falls. Provide the basic bibliographic information of the sources you use. Draw evidence to support reflections.

If I Won a Jackpot

We all dream about winning a jackpot someday! Imagine you won a huge jackpot - one that's worth $1,000,000! What would you do? Write a narrative to develop this imagined experience.

Social Media

Social media has come a long way since it began! For example, it offers an incredible chance to meet people. Write a research report on websites that allow people to communicate with each other.

Story Prompt 2

The oldest form of written composition, story writing is an art. In this writing prompt pdf worksheet for grade 6, write a story about what was inside a mysterious package that was on your doorstep.

Technology in Classroom

While technology makes learning easy, it also helps make life more enjoyable. In this part of our writing worksheets for grade 6, write if you agree with this statement. Provide evidence.

Retelling the Story with a Twist

This printable writing prompt is fun! The main character of your most loved story has stepped out. Write what happened next. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description.

Story Prompt 3

This part of our 6th grade writing prompt worksheet pdfs is a story about life with aliens. Help yourself gain significant literary momentum through this creative exercise! Leave your readers craving for more!

If I Were a Zookeeper

You are greatly concerned about animals and their welfare. Write what you would do to protect the animals if you were the zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo for a day. What steps would you take?

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Home » Tips for Teachers » The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Keeping middle schoolers excited about writing is important. Writing is such an essential skill that students will need as they complete their education and move on to finding a real job.Many middle school-age students, however, often begin seeing writing as something that isn’t fun or worthwhile. Other students get discouraged about their abilities as a writer and may stop trying their best.

Finding the best writing prompts for 6th grade is so important in keeping students excited and writing and seeing it as something that is worth their time.A few years ago, I took a job as a 6th grade writing teacher. I almost immediately noticed that many of my students seemed bored with writing, while others seemed to shut down when asked to write.I searched and found some engaging writing prompts that sparked my students’ interest. What a difference it made! Students that claimed writing was ‘useless’ were now engaged and sharing their work with others!

I’d love to help you bring about this change in your students, too! Continue reading, and I’ll share:

• The 6th grade writing standards →
• Advantages of using writing prompts with your lessons →
• My favorite creative writing prompts for 6th grade →
• My favorite argumentative writing prompts for 6th grade →

5 Creative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Providing students with opportunities for creative writing is important. Creative writing can help students process their emotions, build their confidence, express their individuality, and increase their imagination.

Below are some of my favorite creative writing prompts for 6th grade.  You can use document cameras in order to follow your student’s writing.

Prompt: When you become disappointed, what do you do to manage your emotions?

Before having students begin writing, brainstorm some possible reactions as a class. These may include crying, breathing deeply, counting to 10, taking a break/removing oneself from the situation. After brainstorming, have students select the strategy (or strategies) that best describe their reactions and write about what they do.

2. Flying Superpower

Prompt: One morning, you wake up and realize that you are suddenly able to fly. What adventures would you like to go on?

This writing prompt will really tap into students’ creativity and imagination. Since flying is something they clearly have never done, they will have to think about all the things that would be possible and choose a few to write about.

3. Letter to Future Self

Prompt: Write a letter to your future self. What would you want yourself to know?

Tell students that they will be writing a letter to themselves to read when they are older. You can either pick an age/milestone (graduating from college, getting their first job, having children, etc.), or allow students to pick. Ask students to think about what they believe would be important to know at that juncture in their life and include it in their letter.

You could also modify this by having students write a letter to their past selves. What would they have wanted to know at the beginning of the school year, before they lost their first tooth, or before they even learned how to walk?

4. No Internet for a Month

Prompt: If there was no internet available for a month, what would you do?

This could be a fun one to do with middle schoolers who are so dependent on technology and the internet. Before students begin writing, get them to brainstorm a list of all the ways their lives are dependent on the internet.

Encourage them to think beyond the ‘obvious’ online game play and video streaming to consider other impacts such as ordering items online or communicating via email with friends and family.

5. Genie in a Bottle

Prompt: You released a genie from her magic bottle, and she said she would give you any talent that you ask for. What talent would you want and why?

This is another great creative writing prompt for sixth graders. They’ll have fun thinking about a talent they would like and what they would like to do with that talent.

4 Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Argumentative writing is another important skill for students to practice and develop. With argumentative writing, students must decide their opinion or position related to an issue and provide reasons that support their position. These reasons should be evidenced based, so research to find the support is often required.

You’ll find some of my favorite argumentative writing prompts to use with 6th grade students below.

Prompt: Which animal makes the best pet? Support your opinion with facts and examples.

I like this writing prompt for introducing students to argumentative writing. The topic of pets is something all students are familiar with, even if they don’t personally own a pet.

You can also use this topic to introduce students to providence factual reasons, versus opinions, to support their answers. For example, if students want to say that a cat is the best pet, a factual reason can’t be that cats are cute. However, they could say something like cats are the best pet because they do not have to be taken outside to go to the bathroom on a cold or rainy day.

2. Teaching Math in School

Prompt: Is it necessary to teach math in school? Why or why not?

I liked using this writing prompt with my 6th graders. Before I had students start, I took an initial poll by having the students raise their hands. Not surprisingly, a fair number of hands went up to vote against teaching math in school.

However, after we discussed the pros and cons of eliminating math instruction and students had to make their final decision before starting on their prompt, a lot of students changed their minds. It was encouraging to see them looking at the stronger reasons for leaving math in the curriculum and letting them outweigh their desire for ‘easier’ school.

3. Screen Time Limits

Prompt: Should parents place limits on how much screen time their children can have? Why or why not?

However, once they start thinking about reasons to limit screen time and examine evidence showing the impact of too much screen time on children, they may change their mind.

4. Conserving Energy

Prompt: What is the most important thing all households should be doing to conserve energy?

This writing prompt can pair nicely with a science unit on energy conservation. Clearly, there are a number of things that families can do to reduce their environmental impact.

However, for this writing prompt, students must decide which one thing is the most important and provide evidence to support their opinion.

Writing Standards for 6th Grade

Sixth graders will continue to build on the knowledge and skills they learned in elementary school. As the first of the middle school years, the writing expectations for sixth grade will be greater than those during the elementary school years.

Sixth grade is a critical year for students in regards to writing and other subject matters. They are transitioning from elementary school to the upper grades and will need the right supports to help them master the grade-level standards.

Below is an overview of the writing standards for 6th grade related to the writing process, writing purposes, writing evaluation, conventions, and research and inquiry.

Writing Process

Students should receive instruction and practice on each stage of the writing process. They should independently implement each of the stages when producing their own written work.

The stages of the writing process that sixth graders are expected to know and use include:

Writing Purposes

Sixth graders should be composing texts for a variety of purposes and intents. Many of these texts should be at least 500 to 700 words long.

Some of the different forms/intents that students should be writing about in sixth grade include:

• Research Reports
• Responses to Literature

Writing Evaluation

In sixth grade, students should practice evaluating and giving constructive feedback for another student’s wiring.

They should also begin evaluating their own work and identify their strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Then, they should use this information to set persona writing goals for improving their work.

Conventions

Below are some of the key convention skills that sixth graders should be proficient with:

• Sentence structure
• Capitalization
• Punctuation
• Cursive or manuscript

Research and Inquiry

Research and inquiry is another important standard for sixth graders to show proficiency with. By the end of the year, students should be able to:

• Compile information from multiple sources to complete a report
• Use graphic organizer to show prior knowledge about a subject
• Create a plan for research and take notes about a topic
• Create appropriate questions to research
• Choose appropriate and authoritative sources
• Locate relevant information from resources
• Summarize the information found from various sources
• Document and cite sources
• Understand and articulate the importance of avoiding plagiarism

Advantages of Writing Prompts at the Lessons

You may be wondering why you should use writing prompts with your sixth graders. There actually are a number of benefits associated with using writing prompts, some of which may surprise you.

A few of the benefits of using writing prompts during your writing instruction include:

• The ability to focus student writing on a specific form of writing (informative, narrative, expository, etc.).
• Giving students the opportunity to practice writing and strengthen their skills as a writer.
• Presenting students with engaging tasks and assignments.
• Helping us as teachers come up with new ideas to get our students interested and engaged.
• You can find many writing prompts online for free, which is always a benefit when you are a teacher.

Got to sub in 6th grade today, the predictions were coming fast and furious for today’s writing prompt. Got to love engaged students! pic.twitter.com/nBfzMxxP0T — Nick Jurrens (@NickJurrens) February 20, 2021

Grade 6 Writing

Discover grade 6 writing standards.

Sixth-grade writing is all about demonstrating complexity in original work. Learners at this grade level are expected to continue developing their English language arts skills to better articulate their thoughts effectively and showcase the writing skills they’ve acquired during their time in elementary school. In Grade 6, you child should write stronger arguments, more engaging stories, and present factual information with ease.

Similar to the lower grade levels, your child will continue to develop a strong understanding of the relationship between reading and writing, as they will now have to start analyzing information to determine the main points of a text in order to inform their writing.

Grade 6 Writing Goals:

• I can write clear arguments and provide evidence to support my claims
• I can maintain a formal or informal tone throughout my writing
• I can write strong conclusions and story endings
• I can use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and paragraphs
• I can research and include facts in my reports
• I can use dialogue and vary the pace in my narratives
• I can use technology to produce and publish my writing
• I can clearly write in different styles and text types
• I can write with stamina for a sustained period of time

Grade 6 students will predominantly focus on three key writing approaches:

Opinion Writing

Informative writing, narrative writing.

The advice below will set up your child for sixth-grade writing success!

Argument and opinion writing are very important writing skills, as they allow learners to effectively voice their opinion and share different perspectives on the same piece. Once they master these skills, they’ll be able to state a clear point of view and support it with reason and evidence.

Arguments should be written in a formal style. Understanding the difference between formal and informal writing, and when each should be used is a skill children will learn in sixth grade.

Being able to use linking words is an important skill your child should have at this grade level. These words are the glue that stick claims and reasons, sentences and paragraphs, together. By sixth grade, children are expected to use a variety of linking words effectively when writing arguments.

Here are a few for you to practice with your children:

• consequently, as a result, therefore, henceforth, moreover,
• furthermore, similarly, additionally, equally, likewise,
• nevertheless, even so, regardless, in contrast, despite, finally, immediately

When a child has crafted their argument by clearly stating their position, giving reasons, adding supporting details, and using linking words, they need to write a concluding statement. A concluding statement should wrap up the argument. It could summarize the main points from their argument, or rephrase their position, and it should end on a positive note.

Practice Tip

You can encourage your child to work on understanding the differences between formal and informal language by comparing two different texts and discussing their similarities and differences.

When writing informative texts, there are a variety of different strategies that children can use depending on the topic and purpose. Using definitions and cause/effect are examples of these.

Here are some top tips on how to plan an informative piece of writing:

• Identify the main topic of the piece.
• Create a list or discuss important points to mention.
• Organize the points discussed by order of importance.
• Offer a factual and neutral point of view - offering statistics if needed. Topics should be developed with facts, definitions, details, and quotations.
• Be precise and clear on the points made. Use a variety of linking words to clarify the relationship between ideas and to help transition between sentences and paragraphs.

Informative writing pieces should be closed with a concluding section that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader thinking about the topic. This conclusion should offer recommendations on further reading for the audience, or leave the reader with questions relating to the future of the topic.

Work on informative writing by asking your child to write a weekly grocery shopping list, asking them to name all of the essential items which are used on a regular basis. Looking for more? Our reading & writing program for kids offers lots of lessons on how to incorporate factual information into a piece of informative writing!

Technique, description, and a well-sequenced plot are all expected features of sixth grade level narratives. When working on narrative writing, some aspects to focus on include a clear focus on the topic, good descriptions of characters , settings and other imagery relevant to the narrative. Narratives may also include techniques such as dialogue.

These narrative techniques are very useful, as they allow the plot to move forward and help to develop well-rounded characters.

Young writers should utilize figurative language (including similes, metaphors, and personification) and a wide vocabulary to include precise words and phrases in their short stories. Narrative writing relies heavily on providing a high level of detail with the aim to allow the reader to clearly visualize the actions, characters and settings present in the story. For example, adverbials of time and place are linking words we often use to sequence paragraphs. They show shifts in time and place that help readers follow the sequence of a narrative.

Concluding a piece of narrative writing may sometimes be challenging, as there are many techniques to choose from. We really encourage writers to try out different endings to their narrative pieces, including cliffhangers, unexpected plot twists or a classic happy ending!

The narrative lesson series on our program is a great way to help your young writer to explore narrative techniques such as pacing, description, and dialogue to move the plot forward and develop characters and events.

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper is a language arts program created to support sixth grade students as they prepare for middle school. Our gamified approach to teaching writing puts an educational twist on video games to help students to stay focused, engaged and entertained as they learn!

Our program hosts a wealth of award-winning sixth-grade writing content, including challenges, writing assignments, interactive lesson series, creative writing prompts, printable resources, and much more!

With the regular feedback provided by our tutors to children, our program helps learners to develop good habits in regards to drafting and redrafting their writing.

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Find writing resources | tpt, learn more about writing resources.

Writing worksheets can help your child develop essential writing and literacy skills needed for school and life. If you’re a teacher or parent looking for printable and digital writing resources to help your student learn a writing concept, look no further! TPT has an extensive collection of resources, created by other teachers, that are designed to help with any need across grade levels.

For elementary students who are just learning to write, you can use worksheets to practice letter formation. Students in middle and high school can use learning stations to learn how to write and revise essays. With plenty of TPT resources at your fingertips, you can sharpen your student's writing skills in no time. Extend writing activities beyond the classroom and observe as your child nurtures their imagination, enriches their vocabulary, and enhances their storytelling prowess.

Fun and engaging writing activities to try

Here are a few ideas for writing activities — from our teacher-created resources — that you can find on TPT and that are designed to teach students how to write effectively. (Pro tip: These worksheets serve as an excellent complement to our reading materials.)

Encourage students to keep daily journals where they can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This practice helps them develop their writing style and build the habit of writing regularly.

Writing Prompts

Provide engaging prompts that encourage imaginative storytelling. For instance, you could ask students to write about a world without the internet, or ask them to describe something only using one of their five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste).

Peer Editing

Have students exchange their written work with a peer for feedback. This helps them strengthen their ability to identify and correct mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; give constructive criticism; and revise their writing based on feedback.

Sentence and Paragraph Construction

Provide sentence and paragraph building exercises to help students understand the basic structure of writing and how to organize their ideas coherently.

Letter Writing

Ask students to write letters to real or fictional recipients. They could compose formal letters, persuasive letters on specific topics, thank-you notes, or postcards.

Create a classroom blog where students can publish their writing for a wider audience. This teaches them to write for a purpose and consider their audience's perspective.

Research Papers

Guide students through the process of researching and writing informative or argumentative essays. Teach them how to construct persuasive arguments and counterarguments on various topics, include evidence, and cite sources.

Poetry Writing

Explore different forms of poetry, such as haikus, sonnets, and free verse. Encourage students to experiment with imagery, rhythm, and metaphor.

By incorporating these (and other!) writing activities into your lesson plans, you can nurture a love for writing.

Frequently asked questions about teaching writing

What types of writing resources are available on tpt.

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6th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: August 4, 2022

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This year, your sixth grader should learn to use precise language, the right pronouns, and high-quality sources for research. Public presentations are also a nerve-wracking but important skill highlighted this year. Read on to learn the key sixth grade writing skills your child should learn this year.

Introducing argument writing

Developmentally, sixth graders are entering a rebellious phase. Luckily, all this attitude has an academic outlet: argument writing . Your tween will write persuasive essays that promote their bold opinions with organized logic, backed by evidence from carefully researched, respectable sources. ( Wikipedia , The Onion , and National Enquirer won’t qualify, but Wikipedia does often link to sources at the bottom of their entries that may be acceptable.)

Your 11- or 12-year-old will also write formal essays that explain complicated topics with precise information. They’ll start with intriguing introductions, and then present their research in a clear, organized way. They will use quotes, facts, definitions, compare-and-contrast statements, cause-and-effect statements, graphics (e.g., charts, graphs), subject-specific vocabulary, and multimedia. It will all be formatted (e.g., using headings, subheadings, and bullet points), to make their points clear. They’ll end with concluding paragraphs that recap their main points.

“ To put it another way, Mommy, there is compelling evidence that I need another scoop of ice cream. ” This grown-up language sounds amusingly hoity-toity in squeaky voices, but don’t laugh when your child attempts it in daily conversation. Indeed, it is good practice for their writing.

Incredibly, what happened next was..

Storytelling is a fun part of sixth grade writing. This year, kids practice narrative writing in fiction and nonfiction papers. They learn effective ways to select their narrator, characters, setting, dialogue, descriptions, and conclusion. They work to make plot sequences seem natural. To really make their stories sing, kids should use specific details, precise language, and transition vocabulary (think: After nightfall or When she awoke ) that guides readers from one setting or plot point to another. Don’t be surprised if your shy bookworm starts writing a trilogy.

If at first you don’t succeed

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Ernest Hemingway rewrote the last page of one of his novels 39 times. Rewriting and editing both teach kids discipline and determination. They are required to plan before they write, and then plan some more as their draft develops. They’re encouraged to outline before they start writing. They draft and redraft. They will revise certain parts and maybe restructure their entire paper. Then they will edit, possibly rewrite, and re-edit. At every turn, they’re encouraged to try new approaches. This isn’t obsessive redundancy; it helps students practice thinking about what they’re really, truly trying to say and then use their writing skills to convey their thoughts clearly and exactly.

Command of the keyboard

Writing nowadays often means typing . Sixth graders accelerate their hand-eye coordination as they evolve from hunt-and-peck slowness to rat-tat-tat-tat-tatting at a furious pace. The goal is for sixth graders to be able to sit and type three pages in a single sitting. Additionally, kids are taught online interaction and collaboration (e.g., emailing their work to each other, sharing Google docs, and adding suggestions and comments to each other’s work).

My research reveals…

Sixth graders get writing assignments that require research. To answer questions like What famous historical character do you admire? What’s your favorite invention? What endangered species do you worry about the most? , your young detective will read thick reference books and print periodicals at the library and digital data online (yes, often via Google). Students learn to evaluate the credibility of sources . Is National Lampoon as legitimate as Encyclopedia Britannica ? No. Using evidence, they compile information to write reports. They’ll learn to paraphrase what they’ve read, synthesize new thoughts, and use quotations to share information without plagiarizing.

Novel approach

Is Harry Potter more emotionally conflicted than Katniss Everdeen? Sixth graders sharpen their critical thinking skills by doing literary analysis. They’ll analyze poems, stories, historical novels, and nonfiction books. Kids learn to compare and contrast topics and themes. They’ll do this, for example, by discussing the consequences of prejudice in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and in Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad or by explaining how nature directs the plots of The Secret Garden and The Island of the Blue Dolphin . In nonfiction, sixth graders learn to divide an author’s statements into facts supported by evidence versus opinions. For example, was the Great Houdini truly “the world’s greatest magician” or is this an opinion? After all, David Copperfield walked through the Great Wall of China.

Pronouns: not just me-me-me all the time

Grammar isn’t easy, especially for 11- and 12-year-olds. Pronoun usage can be particularly tough. Kids learn about proper pronoun case . What’s that? Subjective case refers to pronouns used as subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). Objective case indicates pronouns used as objects (me, you, him, her, it, us, they). Possessive case conveys ownership (my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, our, ours, their, theirs). Using pronouns incorrectly can leave the writer (or speaker) looking unintelligent. For example, Us and her carried apples over to yous big barn is neither proper nor pretty.

Mistakes in pronoun person are common among this age group. To correct this, your child needs to loyally stick with the “person” they started with. No switching from first person (I or me) to second person (you), or vice-versa: When I go to school, you should have your homework done, or When you go to school, a person should have his homework done . (Hint, that second example goes from second person to third person.) Both switches are incorrect and can create confusion.

Pronoun number is also crucial. If the subject indicates a plural quantity, the related possessive pronoun needs the identical number. Here’s an example of this common error: All of the school girls took her umbrella. (It should be their umbrellas) . Vague pronouns are also a no-no. Take the sentence: Alice put a vase with a red rose on the desk, and sold it. What was sold: the vase, the rose, or the desk? We don’t know because it, used here, is too vague.

Sentences, spelling, punctuation

Sixth grade writing raises the bar when it comes to sentence structure. Kids are expected to vary their sentences by alternating the length and structure to keep their writing interesting.

When it comes to spelling, many sixth graders know that spelling rules in English are finicky and have many exceptions. Kids learn to spell odd English words correctly, with silent letters ( island, crumb ) and bizarre combo consonants ( cough, pheasant ). As such, spelling is best learned through practice and, eventually, by memorizing. If your child gets frustrated spelling words like climb or plumbing , let them know that Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and a committee of concerned citizens tried to simplify English spelling more than a century ago — sadly, to no avail.

Finally, as their writing becomes more advanced, sixth graders tend to use commas, parentheses, and dashes to set apart phrases and clauses. You can help by reviewing these sentences and making sure the punctuation is placed correctly.

It’s all about presentations

In sixth grade, kids will read their writing aloud to classmates. As they read, they’ll be expected to make eye contact, pronounce their words clearly, and speak loudly enough to be heard by the entire class. They’ll share their arguments, research papers, projects, and literary efforts, which will often be accompanied by visual displays, music, audio, charts, and slides. Your child may be nervous before these presentations, but hopefully your child will be empowered by the experience.

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Free Printable Argument Writing Worksheets for 6th Grade

Argument Writing: Discover a collection of free printable Reading & Writing worksheets, tailored for Grade 6 students and teachers, to enhance their skills in crafting persuasive arguments. Brought to you by Quizizz.

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Explore printable Argument Writing worksheets for 6th Grade

Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 6 are an essential tool for teachers to help their students develop strong reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on teaching students how to construct well-reasoned arguments, supported by evidence and logical reasoning. By incorporating these worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can effectively guide their students through the process of writing persuasive essays, opinion pieces, and other nonfiction writing assignments. In addition, these Grade 6 Argument Writing worksheets also help students improve their overall reading comprehension, as they learn to analyze and evaluate various texts and sources. By using these worksheets, teachers can ensure that their students are well-prepared for the challenges of reading and writing in higher grade levels.

Quizizz is an excellent platform for teachers to supplement their Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 6, as it offers a variety of engaging and interactive quizzes and activities. These quizzes can be used to test students' understanding of the concepts taught in the worksheets, as well as their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, Quizizz also provides teachers with valuable insights into their students' progress, allowing them to identify areas where additional support or instruction may be needed. By integrating Quizizz into their lesson plans, teachers can create a comprehensive and effective reading and writing curriculum for their Grade 6 students, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle more advanced nonfiction writing tasks in the future.