50 Best 6th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts

Looking for 6th grade persuasive writing prompts? As sixth-grade teachers, you know that helping students develop their persuasive writing skills is a key part of their language arts journey. By encouraging sixth graders to express their strong opinions and back them up with thoughtful reasons, you’re setting them up for success in essay writing, not just in school, but in life.

A persuasive writing unit is a great way to teach students how to share their point of view effectively and use personal experiences to support their arguments. Whether they’re writing an opinion piece on a fun writing prompt or tackling more serious topics, students will grow as writers when they learn to consider different ideas and use the writing process to craft well-organized essays. With the right topics, sixth graders can improve their persuasive skills and boost their language skills, setting the foundation for powerful written communication in the years to come.

What is Persuasive Writing?

Persuasive writing is all about making an argument that convinces readers to agree with your point of view. In an essay, persuasive writers take a stand on a topic, then use facts, reasoning, and personal experiences to persuade their audience. For sixth graders, it’s a great opportunity to practice how to clearly express strong opinions while considering the perspective of others. In a persuasive writing unit, students learn how to organize their thoughts, present solid evidence, and engage their audience. It’s not just about writing; it’s about developing the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Persuasive writing also helps students improve their language skills as they learn how to use specific word choices, strong arguments, and persuasive techniques to make their writing more convincing.

Why Persuasive Writing Topics Matter for 6th Graders

Choosing the right persuasive writing topics for sixth graders is crucial to sparking their interest and motivating them to write. Fun 6th grade persuasive writing prompts can help students explore topics that are both relevant and engaging, allowing them to draw on their personal experiences and express their opinions with confidence. At this age, students often have strong opinions and a desire to share their thoughts, making persuasive writing the perfect outlet. By exploring different ideas, sixth graders learn how to consider multiple viewpoints and craft arguments that are clear, organized, and compelling. Offering a variety of topics ensures that every student can find something they are passionate about, which helps them develop their persuasive skills and build their confidence in essay writing.

50 Best 6th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts

Looking for great persuasive essay topics for 6th grade students? Check out these 50 6th grade persuasive writing prompts that will help spark creativity and strengthen their persuasive writing skills!

• Should students be allowed to use cell phones at school?
  Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not cell phones should be allowed in school. Consider both their benefits and drawbacks.
• What is the best way to improve test scores in public schools?
  Make a case for how public schools can improve students’ test scores, whether through new teaching methods, study programs, or classroom changes.
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  Argue whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote. Think about their maturity level, involvement in society, and political awareness.
• Is it a good idea for schools to offer more elective courses?
  Persuade your readers on the importance of having more elective courses in schools, such as art, music, or technology.
• What should be done to combat climate change?
  Write about the best ways to reduce the effects of climate change. Consider solutions like renewable energy, reducing waste, or planting trees.
• Should schools have a school dress code?
  Make an argument for or against school dress codes. Consider how dress codes affect students’ creativity, equality, and focus in class.
• Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
  Write a persuasive essay about banning junk food in school lunches. Discuss its effects on students’ health and whether healthier alternatives would be better.
• What is the best way for middle school students to prepare for high school?
  Argue for the best ways 6th graders can prepare for high school. Should they start learning time management, taking advanced classes, or joining extracurricular activities?
• Should 6th graders have to take a foreign language class?
  Make a case for or against 6th graders learning a foreign language. Consider the benefits of learning a new language early, or why it might not be necessary at this age.
• Should schools eliminate standardized testing?
  Argue whether standardized tests are fair or if they create unnecessary stress for students. Consider alternatives like project-based learning or teacher assessments.
• Should 6th graders have homework every night?
  Make a case for or against daily homework for 6th graders. Think about how homework affects students’ learning, free time, and stress levels.
• Should schools start later in the day?
  Argue whether school should start later in the morning. Consider how more sleep could improve focus, health, and academic performance.
• Are violent video games bad for young adults?
  Write about the effects of violent video games on young adults. Do they encourage aggressive behavior or are they just a harmless form of entertainment?
• Should college athletes be paid?
  Argue whether college athletes should receive payment for their performance. Consider the money made by colleges from sports programs and the efforts of student-athletes.
• Should schools have a school uniform policy?
  Persuade your reader whether or not school uniforms should be required. Consider how uniforms might promote equality or limit personal expression.
• Should there be more community service opportunities in middle school?
  Make a case for more community service hours in middle school. Discuss how volunteering can teach important life skills and benefit the community.
• Should mobile phones be banned during physical education classes?
  Write about whether mobile phones should be allowed during P.E. class. Consider how phones might distract students from physical activities and teamwork.
• Should schools offer more electives like art and music?
  Argue for or against adding more electives such as art, music, or drama. Consider how these subjects might improve students’ creativity and overall education.
• Should the driving age be raised to 18?
  Write a persuasive essay about whether the driving age should be raised. Discuss the responsibility of driving and whether teens are mature enough at 16.
• Should students be allowed to have Facebook pages?
  Argue whether students should be allowed to have Facebook accounts. Consider privacy concerns, online safety, and whether social media impacts students’ schoolwork.
• Should there be more field trips during the school year?
  Make an argument for more field trips. Discuss how field trips offer real-life learning experiences that can’t be found in the classroom.
• Should schools have longer recess periods?
  Write about whether schools should offer longer recess. Consider how more playtime could improve students’ focus, creativity, and social skills.
• Should students be allowed to use laptops in class?
  Persuade your readers on whether laptops should be used in the classroom. Think about how they might help with research and assignments, but could also lead to distractions.
• Should students be able to write opinion pieces about famous people?
  Make a case for why students should be able to write about famous people in opinion pieces. Consider how it helps students practice persuasive writing and critical thinking.
• Should schools teach financial literacy?
  Argue whether financial literacy should be taught in schools. Discuss the importance of learning about money management, budgeting, and saving at an early age.
• Should there be a curfew for younger students?
  Write about whether there should be a curfew for younger students. Consider how curfews can keep students safe and promote responsible behavior.
• Should schools provide healthier snack options?
  Make a case for offering healthier snacks in school. Discuss how good nutrition affects students’ energy levels, concentration, and overall health.
• Should students be allowed to wear casual clothes to school?
  Write about whether casual clothing should be allowed in school instead of uniforms or dress codes. Consider comfort, personal expression, and equality.
• Should schools offer more after-school clubs?
  Argue for adding more after-school clubs to schools. Think about how clubs can help students discover new interests and develop leadership skills.
• Should there be less focus on sports and more on academics?
  Write about whether schools should focus more on academics than on sports. Consider how academics shape students’ futures compared to the role of sports in school culture.
• Should students be able to pick their own lunch menu?
  Argue whether students should be allowed to choose their own lunch menu. Think about how it might encourage healthier eating habits and increase student satisfaction.
• Should students be allowed to take naps during the school day?
  Write about whether students should be allowed to take naps during the school day. Consider how naps could improve focus and help students stay energized.
• Should students be allowed to have a longer summer break?
  Persuade your readers whether summer break should be longer. Think about how a longer break could benefit students’ mental health and creativity.
• Should students be allowed to vote on school policies?
  Write a persuasive essay on whether students should have a say in school decisions. Consider how students’ input could improve school policies and make them feel more engaged.
• Should middle schools offer cooking classes?
  Argue whether middle schools should offer cooking classes. Think about how cooking classes teach practical life skills and encourage healthy eating.
• Should schools have a longer school day?
  Make a case for why the school day should be longer. Discuss how more time in school could lead to better understanding of subjects and more opportunities for extracurricular activities.
• Should students be allowed to choose their own school projects?
  Persuade your readers whether students should have the freedom to choose their own school projects. Discuss how it could increase motivation and creativity.
• Should schools have a bigger focus on mental health education?
  Argue for the importance of mental health education in schools. Think about how teaching students about mental health can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
• Should there be more focus on creative writing in school?
  Write a persuasive essay on why creative writing should be a bigger part of the curriculum. Discuss how it helps students improve their writing skills and express themselves.
• Should students be allowed to bring pets to school?
  Argue whether pets should be allowed in school. Consider how pets might help students feel more relaxed or could create distractions.
• Should students be required to complete community service hours?
  Persuade your readers about the value of completing community service. Discuss how volunteering helps students learn responsibility and gives back to the community.
• Should students be allowed to play violent video games?
  Write about whether violent video games should be allowed. Consider how they might influence behavior and whether they are appropriate for young adults.
• Should schools offer more environmental education programs?
  Make a case for more environmental education in schools. Think about how teaching students about the environment could inspire them to protect natural habitats.
• Should school tests focus more on creativity than memorization?
  Write about whether school tests should test creativity more than memorization. Consider how testing creativity could encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Should schools offer free access to online learning platforms like IXL?
  Argue for or against offering free access to online platforms. Think about how platforms like IXL can help students improve their skills outside the classroom.
• Should students be allowed to choose their own elective courses?
  Persuade your readers whether students should have the ability to choose their own electives. Think about how it would help students develop their passions and interests.
• Should schools give rewards for good grades?
  Write about whether schools should give rewards for good grades. Consider how it might motivate students and encourage them to work hard.
• Should students have more responsibility in choosing their class schedules?
  Argue whether students should have more control over their class schedules. Discuss how it could help students take ownership of their learning.
• Should schools focus more on developing writing skills?
  Make a case for why schools should focus more on developing writing skills. Discuss how strong writing is important in many aspects of life, including college, work, and personal expression.
• Should schools teach cursive handwriting?
  Write about whether schools should continue to teach cursive handwriting. Consider the benefits of learning cursive versus typing and other modern forms of communication.

Conclusion

Practicing persuasive writing is essential for developing strong critical thinking skills and effective communication, both of which are key components of English language arts. By choosing engaging 6th grade persuasive writing prompts, students can deepen their understanding of how to build strong arguments and express their ideas clearly. Encourage your students to dive into writing their persuasive essays using these 6th grade persuasive writing prompts as a starting point to help them develop their thoughts and refine their persuasive skills. We’d love to hear about your favorite 6th grade persuasive writing prompts or any prompts that have worked well in your classroom—feel free to share them in the comments!

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