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8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

• 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
• 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
• 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

• Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
• Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
• Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
• Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
• Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

• Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
• Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
• Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
• Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
• Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
• Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

• Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
• Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
• Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

• Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
• Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
• Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

• What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
• What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
• Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
• What are the personal qualities you like most?
• Write about an inspiring celebrity.
• What does emotional intelligence mean?
• Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
• How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

• Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
• Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
• The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
• What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
• Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
• Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
• Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
• Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
• Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
• Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
• Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
• Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
• Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
• Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
• Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

• Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
• What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
• How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
• Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
• Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
• What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
• How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
• How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
• Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
• Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
• Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
• A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

• According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
• Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
• These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

• One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
• FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
• At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

• Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
• Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

Thanks for stopping by at our blog. We would be happy to help you with your paper. You can be interested in some other posts on this blog (https://overnightessay.com/blog/category/essay-tips/) or contact our friendly Support Team to get professional writign help from experienced writers. Good luck with your paper! Best regards,

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65 Engaging 8th Grade Writing Prompts for Creative Essays

Creative writing is a discovery process, and 8th grade is a great time to encourage your students to find their voices. It’s the final grade before high school, and it’s a time when students are really discovering themselves and their place in the world as they leave middle school.

Journal Writing Prompts

Journaling is a great way to get your students’ creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to get them thinking about their own thoughts and experiences. Here are some journal prompts to get your eighth graders started:

2. Do people require a compelling reason to live? How would you characterize the purpose’s evolution over time?

4. When it comes to writing, how do you feel? Consider something else in your life when comparing your feelings about writing to it.

6. Write about your favorite movie or book. Why do you love it so much?

8. Consider what you value in life and how it relates to where you want to be in five years. Make a personal vision statement for your life.

9. What are your thoughts on the notion of vulnerability? Have you ever been anxious when you’ve felt weak or exposed?

11. Choose someone older, such as a grandparent. What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned from that individual?

Creative Writing Prompts

12. If you had one opportunity to make a difference in the world, what would it be and why?

15. Who would you invite for dinner if you could choose any famous person?

18. Name one thing you’d want to accomplish in the future. Describe why it is so essential for you and how you intend to achieve it.

19. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Have you ever heard that? What’s your take on it? To support your standpoint, utilize precise details and scenarios.

21. What would your brain be like if it were a physical location?

Expository Writing Prompts

23. What’s the most unusual location you’ve ever visited? Describe it in detail.

26. How do you get to your grandparents’ house or another family member home?

29. What unique characteristics do you possess as a member of this generation? How are people your parents’ or grandparents’ age different from yours?

30. What are three fun ways your family might spend a family vacation together?

31. Why do you think someone you know should be regarded as a leader?

33. If you had to be an animal, which one would you choose and why?

Precise Language Writing Prompts

36. What is your earliest memory of feeling fear? Write a brief story about that experience.

39. What exactly makes something “made from natural components” distinct from anything grown in your backyard?

41. What is the difference between music and sound?

43. How can you tell the difference between an opinion and a fact?

44. Is it correct to refer to an 8th grader as a “young person”? Why or why not?

Counter-Argument Writing Prompts

To become better writers, students of this age group need to be able to anticipate and refute counter-arguments to their own claims. Here are some counter-argument writing prompts to get your reluctant writers thinking:

45. An old saying goes, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Explain why this might not be true.

46. Some individuals believe that crying is a sign of weakness. Disabuse them of this misconception.

47. Some schools enforce a dress code to discourage bullying and encourage learning. Explain why you disagree with forcing students to wear uniforms.

49. Cats are widely regarded as the greatest pets. Why might dogs be a better choice?

50. Some people think that nothing is more essential than fame or popularity. Why do you feel differently?

52. Some people believe that there should be no restrictions placed on freedom of speech. Defend your position by explaining why freedom of speech should be limited on occasion.

53. People sometimes believe that important core principles, such as religion and politics, must be shared by good friends. Explain why this isn’t necessary.

55. Many individuals think it’s better to be single than in a relationship. Why might being in a relationship be preferable?

Informational Writing Prompts

57. What do you know how to do well? Write detailed instructions for someone else to perform this task.

58. Consider a destination that you’ve been to. Describe the site to someone who has never been there before.

60. Choose a subject you’re well-versed in, like a favorite sports team, movie star, musical genre, or anything that fascinates you. Explain the topic to someone else in three pages.

61. What impact has new technology had on your life?

63. Tell us about a typical day in one of your parents’ lives.

64. What would you do if you won the lottery?

65. How do people in your community show their support for local businesses?

Fun Fact : There are aids available to assist your students to create correct sentences (free and paid). I researched a particular tool that I believe will improve your learners’ writing skills. Learn more about it here — Complex Sentence Generator: 7 Tools To Build Good Statements .

Get Your Middle School Students Hooked on Writing With These Engaging Prompts!

8th grade is an important time for students to focus on their writing skills. As they prepare to transition to high school and beyond, they must develop a strong foundation now.

Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Emily

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

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

8th Grade Writing

For eighth 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, eighth graders will be asked to: support the claims of their arguments with evidence, logical reasoning, and credible sources, use a formal style when writing, be able to develop the topic of a work with details, facts, definitions, and quotations, employ formatting, graphics, and multimedia to present information in the written medium, employ narrative techniques like pacing, description, reflection, and dialogue to develop events and characters within a text, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, 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, conduct short research projects to answer a question, quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of supporting texts while avoiding plagiarism and using proper citation, use evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.

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.

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!

Main Idea Organizer

Teach your students how to organize their writing with this helpful Main Idea Organizer. Students will be asked to complete the worksheet by writing their own main idea, three details, and a summary. This will help your students better understand how to organize their ideas for writing in the future, especially when writing an essay!

Write a Biography Poem

Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. In this worksheet students will write a bio poem about themself.

Bio Poem: A President

Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. Students will write about a President in this worksheet.

Bio Poem: An Ocean

Have your students get creative by writing a bio poem about an ocean.

Editing and Proofing a Paragraph

Your students will further their editing and proofing skills by correcting a paragraph in this printable classroom worksheet.

George Washington: Almost a King

What if George Washington had become king? Students ponder this question and then write about what it would be like.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

This activity helps students develop a strong thesis statement for their essays by providing practice writing sample statements.

How to Write an Introduction: Bridge Building Activity

This activity is designed to help students learn about writing introductions through a fun bridge building activity to join the lead noun card and thesis statement card.

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70 Example Ideas 8th Grade Writing Prompts

By Suzanne Brown | Last Updated May 4, 2022

School is hard, and when it comes to 8th-grade writing prompts, students are often overwhelmed with the possible topics they can choose from. On top of that, the eighth-grade year is jam-packed with so much material that it becomes impossible to know where to even begin! That’s why we’re here for you. We’ve put together a list of 70 great example ideas for 8th-grade writing prompts, which will help make your job a lot easier.

1. What are You most Proud of Accomplishing? How Do You Feel When You Reflect on It?

2. Write about a Time When Your Best Friend Surprised You

3. what qualities make someone a good listener why are you a good listener, 4. how do you feel about graduating this year what part are you most excited about, 5. why is it important to celebrate accomplishments like graduation, 6. write about something that comes easily to you. what makes you so good at this particular thing, 7. write about something that you find challenging. why is it hard what could you do to improve.

8. What was Your Most Embarrassing Moment? Why?

9. write about a time when you felt successful. what did you do how did you feel afterward, 10. what does it mean to be a part of a community, 11. how will you choose which high school you’re going to do you get to decide, or will your parents decide, 12. do you crave adventure or attention why or why not, 13. if you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose and why.

14. What New Technology Has Developed in Your Lifetime, and How Has It Helped You? 

15. Write a News Article Outlining the Dangers of Global Warming

16. describe your favorite place to someone who has never been there. what can they do and see, 17. think about your hobby and write an article explaining its benefits to someone who doesn’t know about it, 18. describe a unique family tradition of yours to someone not in your family, 19. write a story informing elementary school kids about how to prepare for middle school.

20. Do You Think It is Easier to Be a Boy or a Girl? Why?

21. does online bullying exist why or why not.

22. What is the Most Important Piece of Information That You Can Give to an Adult? 

23. Do You Think That Free Speech Should not Have Consequences?

24. Do You Think Wearing a Uniform to School Benefits all Students? Why or Why not?

25. sometimes people say boys should not cry. do you agree or disagree why, 26. if you were to make a youtube channel, what would it be about and why .

27. Do You Think 8th Graders are Young or Old? Why?

28. what are you allergic to, and how do you deal with this daily, 29. what do you do when you are sick, 30. why are writing skills important, 31. do you prefer to watch tv or read books why is this better .

32. Describe a Food That Someone Has Never Eaten to them. How Will It Taste, Smell and Feel?

33. write a letter to a friend who has just lost a family member.

34. Write a Letter to Your Grandma Teaching her How to Use an iPhone

35. write a letter to yourself, to open on the first day at school next year .

36. How Frequently Do You Take Photos? What Do You Like to Take Photos of? Do You Share them with other People?

37. are you looking forward to advancements in artificial intelligence or has technology already advanced too far.

38. Describe Your Daily Routine to Someone Who Lives in Japan

39. write a poem about graduation, 40. what does “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree mean, and where did it originate” .

41. Write a Letter to Your Principal Convincing them to Let You Start a School Club 

42. Think about all of the Plastic Waste in the Ocean. Write a Solution Essay for This Problem

43. Why is It Important to Conserve the Rainforest?

44. Should People be Allowed to Travel anywhere in the World without a Passport? Why or Why not?

45. What is Haggis, and Would You Eat It? Why or Why not?

46. Do all States Have the Same Laws? Why or Why not?

47. Write a Character Profile about One of Your Favorite Television Characters 

48. What is the Best Way for Schools to Prevent Bullying?

49. Write a Response to This Quote by Frida Kahlo “”I don’t Paint Dreams or Nightmares, I Paint my Own Reality””. What Does She Mean by this, and How can You do this?”

50. We are Becoming too Dependent on Technology. Do You Agree or Disagree with this Statement? Why?

51. Should Children be Allowed to Vote in Political Elections, such as Presidential Elections? Why or Why not?

52. Is the Glass Half – Empty or Half -Full? Why?

53. Who is Your Favorite Actor or Actress? What do You Like about him or her?

54. What does It Mean to be Emotionally Intelligent?

55. Do Your Parents Allow You to Have or Use a Cell Phone? Why or Why not?

56. What is the Best Thing about Getting Older? Why?

57. Write a Short Story about What Life Would be Like If You Lived in a Different Country

59. Do You Consider Yourself to be a Good Test – Taker? Why or Why not?

60. Write a Daily Journal Entry from the Perspective of Yourself in 5 Years’ Time

61. Should the Wealthiest People in the World be Made to Give up Some of Their Money to Help those Who are less Well – off?

62. Are Boys and Girls Treated equally?

63. write a fictional story that is set in your hometown, 64. the school board should ban junk food on school grounds/property. why or why not.

65. Exams and Tests Should be Banned in School. Why or Why not? 

66. Describe the Day of Your Proudest Moment

67. Think about How You could Improve Your School for yourself and for Your Fellow Students. Write a Letter to Your School Board with Your Ideas 

68. Do Eighth Graders Have the Toughest Time at School Compared to every other Grade? Why or Why not?

69. What are 5 Easy Things We Can Do in Our Daily Lives to Look After Our Planet?

70. Cell Phones should be Locked away at the Start of the School Day and only Given Back at the end. Do You Agree or Disagree? Why?

71. Describe Your Dream Family Vacation. Where Would You Go? Who Would You Go with? What Would You Do?

72. should there be a limit on wealth or a maximum amount of money one person can have why or why not .

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8th Grade Writing Prompts: Reflection, Fictional, Opinion, Educational, And Letter Writing

February 6, 2024 //  by  Sean Kivi

Eighth grade is a massive year for our students! They are stressed and under pressure, as they move towards high school. We can reduce that stress through writing as long as the prompts are meaningful and engaging for our students. We compiled a list of 60 engaging prompts to get your students to write and think critically about the message they want to express. Let’s jump in!

Personal Reflection and Self-Expression

1. What new technology has developed in your lifetime, and how has it helped you?

2. Describe your favorite place to someone who has never been there. What can they do and see?

3. Do you think it is easier to be a boy or a girl? Why?

4. What is the most important piece of information that you can give to an adult?

5. Describe a food that someone has never eaten to them. How will it taste, smell and feel?

6. Describe the day of your proudest moment.

7. Describe your dream family vacation. Where would you go? Who would you go with? What would you do?

8. Write a recount of your earliest memory.

9. If you could live in any other country in the world, where would you live and why?

10. You are stuck on a desert island. What five items do you bring with you and why?

11. What are you allergic to, and how do you deal with this daily?

12. What do you do when you are sick?

13. Who is an admirable person or a famous person that you find inspiring? Write about who they are and why you are inspired by them.

Creative and Fictional Writing

14. Write a fictional story using the following opener: “There, on the hill, there was a figure. The figure was standing tall and straight as if waiting for someone, or something.”

15. Write contrasting character descriptions for two fictional characters. Remember to include physical appearance, personality, likes, dislikes, and anything else you think is relevant.

16. Pretend you are a soldier in the American Revolution. What would you do when you hear “The British are coming?”

17. Write a story informing elementary school kids of how to prepare for middle school.

18. If you were to make a YouTube channel, what would it be about and why?

19. Write a fictional story that is set in your hometown.

20. If you were Principal for the day what would you do?

21. If you were creating a sports team with your fellow students, what sport would you play, who would play what position, and why?

22. Write a character profile about one of your favorite television characters.

Opinion and Persuasive Writing

23. Should people be allowed to travel anywhere in the world without a passport? Why or why not?

24. Do you prefer to watch TV or read books? Why is this better?

25. Write a letter to the founding fathers making suggestions of reasonable changes to the constitution.

26. We are becoming too dependent on technology. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

27. Should children be allowed to vote in political elections, such as Presidential elections? Why or why not?

28. Should the wealthiest people in the world be made to give up some of their money to help those who are less well-off?

29. Are boys and girls treated equally?

30. The school board should ban junk food on school grounds/property. Why or why not?

31. Exams and tests should be banned in school. Why or why not?

32. Do eighth graders have the toughest time at school compared to every other grade? Why or why not?

33. Cell phones should be locked away at the start of the school day and only given back at the end. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

34. Should there be a limit on wealth or a maximum amount of money one person can have? Why or why not?

35. Does online bullying exist? Why or why not?

36. Do you think that free speech should not have consequences?

37. Do you think wearing a uniform to school benefits all students? Why or why not?

38. Sometimes people say boys should not cry. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

39. Write a letter to your principal convincing them to let you start a school club.

40. What does “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” mean, and where did it originate?

41. What is haggis, and would you eat it? Why or why not?

42. Write a response to this quote by Frida Kahlo “I don’t paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality”. What does she mean by this, and how can you do this?

Educational and Informative Writing

43. Write a news article outlining the dangers of global warming.

44. Think about your hobby and write an article explaining its benefits to someone who doesn’t know about it.

45. Describe a unique family tradition of yours to someone who is not in your family.

46. Why are writing skills important?

47. Do all states have the same laws? Why or why not?

48. Think about all of the plastic waste in the ocean. Write a solution essay for this problem.

49. Why is it important to conserve the rainforest?

50. What are 5 easy things we can do in our daily lives to look after our planet?

51. You are the writer for the local paper’s advice column. Answer this question a reader has sent in: “My daughter keeps ignoring the chores she needs to do after school and wants to play her Xbox instead. How do I get my daughter to do her chores? I don’t want to take her Xbox away but if she doesn’t start doing her chores, I’ll need to!”

Letters and Communication

52. Write a letter to a friend who has just lost a family member.

53. Write a letter to your grandma teaching her how to use an iPhone.

54. Write a letter to your favorite teacher in your school telling them why they are your favorite and what it is about them that you appreciate.

55. Think about how you could improve your school for yourself and for your fellow students. Write a letter to your school board with your ideas.

56. Write a letter to the seventh graders at your school offering them a piece of advice, telling them what they need to know and what they should do to be successful in the eighth grade next year.

57. Write a letter to yourself, to open on the first day of school next year.

58. Write a letter to your U.S. Representative or Mayor about bullying in schools and what you think can be done to tackle this issue.

59. Write a daily journal entry from the perspective of yourself in 5 years’ time.

60. An advanced artificial intelligence robot has landed on Earth and threatened to destroy our planet. You must write to it and convince it not to.

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8th Grade Writing Prompts Worksheets

Related ela standard: w.8.2.b.

A great process to start with students at this level is to have them write a daily journal. When they have a less than active day or draw a blank have them use writing prompts to get them going. A writing prompt that directly relates to students ' lives will take off like you won 't believe. Your best option with these activities is to let students explore where they want to go with them. At the 8th grade level, we are working with students to be a little more independent and adaptable with their ability to write for purpose. 8th grade students should have a good command of writing to inform, entertain, or persuade. 8th graders should also have solid grammar and sentence mechanics skills. We are hoping that have mastered spelling of vocabulary words that are at their grade level or less. These worksheets will provide students with a collection of deep thinking writing prompts to get them writing and practicing their 8th grade level skills.

8th Grade Writing Prompts Worksheets:

Follow the Money - This writing prompt is pretty deep. If we focus on the quality of our food supply, wouldn't we be healthier? Conduct some brief research, if necessary, to better understand the topic. Then take a position, developing the topic with relevant, well‐chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. Write several paragraphs which completely answer the prompt.

The Human Race? - Look at both extreme measures of it. What are the best and worst qualities of the human race?

Time Travel - If you jumped back to the 1700s, what skills or knowledge would you bring? What knowledge would you want to take back with you to help make your life better?

A Second Chance at Life - A few hundred years is a bit of stretch, I think. If you were to awake several hundred years from now as the first successful cryogenic patient ever, to find that what killed you has been cured, and you are once again healthy, what would be your first thoughts? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of living out your life in this future time period?

Human Progress? - How are we doing as a species? Do you think people are getting better (smarter, kinder, gentler, stronger, healthier, etc.) or worse than they were three, four or five hundred years ago, or do you think that human nature has stayed pretty much the same? How?

The Parent Trap - Are there advantages to being an older parent? Are there disadvantages? What are they?

To Be or Not to Be (a Law) - Imagine a society in which there are no laws. What one thing would you like to do that you are not able to do now?

America's Greatest Moment - What do you think is the most significant moment in American history?

My Favorite... - What is the best type of music, or genre of book or movie? Why? Students love writing prompts that asks them about their favorite things.

If the Shoes Fit... - There is an old saying, "You can't really understand someone until you walk a mile in their shoes." Do you think that this is true?

What's Wrong with Politics? - How would you reform our political system? Do you think politicians should have term limits?

Conspiracy! - A conspiracy theory is a belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event.

A Window to the Past - Choose someone from American history (living or dead) and imagine you are able to talk to them for half an hour.

Trucks are for Boys, Tinkerbell is for Girls. . . Says Who? - Do you feel that too many things are targeted specifically to boys or to girls?

The Department of Parenting - What do you think makes a good parent? Do you think that there should be some kind of licensing or screening program in order to have children?

Ideas for 8th Grade Essay Projects

Eighth grade is an educational year that serves as the most important platform for high school for any student. During this grade, the students need to put all their efforts in studies to have a successful future. Eighth graders should have a strong grip on writing and must be creative with the ideas while they write anything.

The most difficult phase for an eighth-grader is where he or she has to select a topic for an essay project. While choosing a topic for such a project, students must be creative and choose something that is according to their interest.

Given below are some ideas to help eighth-graders with their essay projects:

Narrative Essays

One can choose a story as the topic for an essay that can be written in narrative form. In narrative essays, the writer writes about a series of events that had happened in the past. In other words, the writer talks about something that happened and affected the writer. Some ideas for narrative essays include how I spent my holidays, my first day at school, the most exciting day of my life, and other such scenarios.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays describe the events, objects, or people in great details. The writer appealingly describes the selected topic in such essays. For a descriptive essay, the eighth graders can write either on my favorite teacher, the best book I have read, my favorite memory, or other such topics.

Imaginative Essays

Eighth graders can write very creatively and enjoy their writing on an imaginative topic. The examples for such topics include what if the earth was flat, what if dinosaurs still existed, and what is inside a candy land. Writing imaginative essays is easier than writing a narrative or descriptive ones because in such topics, a writer can write whatever comes to his or her mind.

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Free Printable Essay Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

Essay Writing made accessible! Discover a vast collection of free printable Reading & Writing worksheets tailored for Grade 8 students. Enhance your teaching experience and help students excel with Quizizz.

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Essay Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are an essential tool for teachers looking to develop and enhance their students' reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on various aspects of writing, including nonfiction writing, which is a crucial component of the curriculum for this grade level. By incorporating these worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can provide a structured and engaging approach to teaching writing, while also ensuring that their students are exposed to a wide range of topics and writing styles. Additionally, these worksheets can help students practice their writing skills, improve their vocabulary, and develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure. Overall, Essay Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are an invaluable resource for teachers who want to help their students excel in reading and writing.

Quizizz is an excellent platform that offers a variety of educational resources, including Essay Writing worksheets for Grade 8, to help teachers create engaging and interactive lessons for their students. In addition to worksheets, Quizizz also provides teachers with access to a vast library of quizzes, games, and other learning materials that can be easily integrated into their lesson plans. This platform is particularly useful for teachers who are looking to incorporate technology into their classrooms, as it allows them to create customized learning experiences that cater to the unique needs and abilities of their students. Furthermore, Quizizz offers real-time feedback and analytics, enabling teachers to monitor their students' progress and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By utilizing Quizizz and its wide range of offerings, teachers can ensure that their Grade 8 students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education in reading, writing, and nonfiction writing.

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Common core state standards related to narrative writing.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details and well-structured event sequences.

ELA Standards: Writing

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.3 – Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.3 – Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 – Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3a – Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3b – Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3d – Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3e – Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.3a – Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3a – Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3b – Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3c – Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among experiences and events. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3d – Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3e – Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3a – Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3c – Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome (e.g., a sense of mystery, suspense, growth, or resolution).

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The Guide to 8th Grade: Reading and Writing

Review reading and writing curricula for 8th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..

In their last year of middle school, 8th graders immerse themselves in preparation for high school by practicing and strengthening skills they learned in earlier years of middle school while also learning new (and often more complex) skills.

In many ways, 8th grade is a year of transition, as students are expected to have mastered the ways of middle school and begin becoming “high-schoolers.” Specifically, 8th graders are expected to be independent thinkers and workers analyzing and explaining what they learn in both their writing and verbally. 

8th Grade Reading

In 8th grade, students continue to practice many of the skills they learned in earlier grades, specifically paying attention to details like text evidence, language, and cross-text comparisons in different genres of text. However, 8th graders push their analyses of texts further as they examine the details and writing structure and assess how those elements affect the text. 

In order to build reading skills, your 8th grader :

• Evaluates the evidence in texts to determine the strongest supports of an idea and analysis.
• Determines the main idea or theme of a text using evidence from the text to support it.
• Provides an objective summary of a text.
• Understands, summarizes, and tracks the progress of the main idea of a text, using evidence from the text.
• Analyzes how elements such as specific dialogue, events, or word usage impact the characters, the decisions they make, and other events and actions in the text.
• Understands the use of language in a text, including figurative language, analogies, and allusions to other texts.
• Compares and contrasts the different structures of texts including the structures of paragraphs and sentences.
• Analyzes the difference between characters’ points of view and how these differences affect the text.
• Analyzes the pros and cons of using different forms of text and media to present a topic or idea.
• Compares a text to a film or play version of a text, paying specific attention to the way in which the film or play veers from the text.
• Analyzes texts that include conflicting information on the same topic and decipher when those are due to conflicting facts or interpretations.

8th Grade Writing

In 8th grade, students continue to practice and refine many of the writing skills they learned in 7th grade while also learning some additional complex writing skills. Given that refining one’s writing can take time and practice, students are not expected to cover a great deal of new skills. However, they do learn some new techniques and skills that enhance their writing and enable them to become better writers.

In order to build writing skills, your 8th grader :

• Introductions
• Acknowledgements of opposing claims
• Logical and orderly presentation of reasons and evidence
• Graphics, special formatting, and multimedia, when appropriate
• Support of the claims through the use of evidence from credible sources
• A concluding sentence or paragraph that supports the argument made
• A formal tone and style
• Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources
• Provide an introduction that includes an explanation of what follows
• Develop topics through the use of facts, details, quotations, examples, and subject-specific terms and definitions
• Include transitions that connect concepts, events, and paragraphs
• Include a conclusion that supports the presented idea(s)
• Maintain a formal “essay type” style
• Integrate other forms of media and formats such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate
• A narrator, characters, and a point of view
• Descriptive detail and sensory language to describe characters, settings, and experiences
• Dialogue, pacing, reflection, and details and descriptions of characters, setting, and experiences
• Thought-out word choice
• A clear structure with a logical order and flow, as shown through the use of transition words and phrases and a logical sequence
• A conclusion that is connected to and builds on the narrative
• Plans, revises, and edits writing, specifically with guidance from teachers and peers, focusing specifically on trying new approaches and making sure the writing has a purpose and appeals to its audience.
• Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and cite sources.
• Works on multiple short research projects that answer specific questions and cite multiple sources, while gathering additional questions for later research.
• Uses both print and digital resources to conduct research, focusing on using appropriate search terms and reliable sources.
• Uses quotes and a standard format for citation.
• Uses research to analyze and make inferences.

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“What I Would Like To Be in Life”: Unearthed Essay Marty Stuart Wrote as a Child Proves Dreams Come True

Clayton Edwards

Updated: 

Today, Marty Stuart is a legend in the world of country music. From his work with bluegrass greats like Flat and Scruggs to his time in Johnny Cash’s road band to his current position as the bandleader of the Fabulous Superlatives, he has proven himself to be a master of the genre for decades. A recently unearthed childhood essay proves that he’s been working toward his current position for longer than most fans could imagine.

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Many fans know about Stuart’s dream of marrying country singer Connie Smith. When he was just a teenage boy, he decided that someday he would watch Smith walk down the aisle to say “I do.” In July 1997, that dream came true. He also dreamed of leading a sharp-dressed popular band and making country music that fans the world over would enjoy. That dream has been coming true for decades.

[RELATED: On This Day in 1997, Marty Stuart’s Childhood Dream Came True When Connie Smith Said “I Do”]

Marty Stuart’s Childhood Essay

Recently, Marty Stuart added his collection of country music artifacts to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. During a ceremony celebrating the merging of the two collections, CMHoF CEO Kyle Young read an essay Stuart wrote in sixth grade. That essay was titled “What I Would Like to Be in Life”

“I’d like to share just a few passages to give you some idea of the scope of Marty’s ambitions back around 1970,” Young began. “I would like to be a great musician and to tour the use and Vietnam. If there’s a war going on, I would like to put on a performance for our soldiers,” Stuart wrote decades ago. “I would like to have a band that the world really likes. I want my band to be popular by their looks. I’m going to have my band dressed in nice clothes and let them keep their haircut,” he continued.

[RELATED: Marty Stuart’s Massive Collection of Country Music Artifacts Joins the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum]

“Presumably, their long haircut,” Young joked as the gathered crowd laughed. Then, he went back to quoting Stuart’s essay. “Maybe I can record many records that would top the market. I would like to write and compose many popular songs for other people and myself. I’m going to play a Fender guitar and I hope that the instrument that each of my band members likes the best, maybe that company will sponsor them with the model he wants.”

Stuart ended his essay by saying, “A musician is what I’ve been wanting to be. That is my true goal for life and I hope to accomplish this goal and do it well because music will be my love forever.”

More than a country legend with massive respect for the genre, Stuart is proof that dreams do come true.

Featured Image by Christopher Victorio/Shutterstock

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