English writing prompts

Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life.

Describe a time when you helped someone in need.

What makes a friendship last for many years?

Describe a family tradition that you find meaningful.

Should university education be free for everyone? Discuss both sides.

Should art and music be taught in all schools? Give your opinion.

Some say experience is more valuable than formal qualifications. Do you agree?

Describe a teacher you will never forget and explain why.

Describe your ideal job and explain why it appeals to you.

Is working from home better than working in an office? Discuss.

Is it better to be self-employed or to work for a company?

Is it possible to have a good work-life balance today? Discuss.

Some people believe technology makes us more isolated. Do you agree?

Does social media have a positive or negative effect on society?

Should children spend more time outdoors and less time on screens?

How has your smartphone changed the way you live?

Do you think governments should do more to promote healthy eating?

What are the main causes of stress in modern life and how can they be managed?

Some people believe sport is as important as academic study. Do you agree?

Describe your favourite way to stay active and why you enjoy it.

Describe a memorable journey or trip you have taken.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad?

Describe a tradition from your country that you find meaningful.

Is it important to learn a foreign language? Why or why not?

Some people think climate change is the biggest problem facing humanity. Do you agree?

What small changes can individuals make to help the environment?

Should plastic packaging be banned? Discuss both sides.

Is it fair to ask developing countries to limit their emissions?

Should wealthy countries do more to help developing nations?

Is it better to save money or enjoy it while you are young?

Describe something expensive you bought that was worth every penny.

Should children receive pocket money? At what age and how much?

Describe a film or series that changed the way you think.

Are streaming services killing cinemas? Discuss.

Describe a book you would recommend to everyone and why.

Do celebrities have a responsibility to be good role models?

Describe a dish from your childhood that you still love.

Is cooking at home always better than eating out? Discuss.

Should everyone learn to cook before leaving home?

Describe the best meal you have ever eaten.

Do you think people today have more opportunities than previous generations? Discuss.

Is it better to live in a big city or a small town? Give reasons.

Should voting be compulsory? Discuss both sides.

What does a perfect neighbourhood look like to you?

Describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly.

Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Describe a skill you would like to learn and explain why.

Describe a hobby you enjoy and how you got started.

Is it better to play sport or to watch it? Give your view.

Describe a game you loved playing as a child.

Should professional athletes earn as much as they do? Discuss.

Describe your favourite place and explain why it is special to you.

What will daily life look like in fifty years? Make predictions.

Would you accept a one-way trip to Mars? Why or why not?

Should humans try to live longer than 100 years? Discuss.

Describe a painting, photo or piece of art that moved you.

Is creativity something you are born with or something you can learn? Discuss.

Should governments fund the arts when budgets are tight? Give your view.

Describe something you have made or created that you are proud of.

Should people be required by law to vote? Discuss both sides.

Is it the responsibility of richer countries to accept more refugees? Discuss.

Should the voting age be lowered to sixteen? Give your view.

Do protests actually bring about change? Give reasons.