Ideas for Writing
You've probably heard the saying "write what you know" but writing is also a great way to learn about something new. Here's some suggestions for exploring writing ideas and a list of topics that you might not have thought about before.
Narrative
Tell the Story of…
Learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
Visiting another country.
Changing schools.
Performing in public.
A character who is the opposite of you.
Expository
Compare and contrast a book that you've read with the movie version or another book.
What causes global warming and what are the effects?
Explain how to prepare for and succeed on a test.
Explain how to clean your room in 30 minutes or less.
Analyze how someone has changed history for better or worse.
Persuasive
Argue for or against the following issues/ statements:
Watching TV is a waste of time.
Gym and recess should be eliminated from the school day to make time for more educational activities.
Celebrities have a responsibility to be good role models for kids and teens.
Voting should be mandatory.
Bands shouldn't allow their songs to be used in commercials.
Research
What it means when food is labeled "organic"?
The affect of the internet on print newspapers.
How the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined the food recommendations for the revised food pyramid.
The invention of penicillin, the computer, or another invention that you've always wondered about.
Freewriting
Freewriting means writing for 10-15 minutes on a selected topic or as a way to explore whatever's on your mind. The key to freewriting is to keep writing even if you think what you are writing is silly or a waste of time. When you are done write, reread what you've written and you might find a new idea that you can explore further or an angle on a topic that you've never researched before.
A "Basics of Life" List
A "Basics of Life" list can help you generate ideas for writing.
- The first step is to choose a topic category. (food)
- Next, decide on what part of your topic category you want to focus. (restaurant review)
- Finally, list possible subjects. (review of Tom's Pizza Place)
Quotations
Quotations can help you get inspired to write. Write the quote at the top of your page or include the quote somewhere in your text.
"It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend."
William Blake
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
Judy Garland
"When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers."
African proverb
"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."
Henry Ford
Use the glossary to help find the meaning of literary words and writing terms that will help you think and talk about writing.
