Sixth grade is the perfect time for students to develop their persuasive writing skills.
At this age, kids have strong opinions about everything from school uniforms to video game time limits. They’re ready to learn how to turn those opinions into well-organized arguments backed by solid evidence.
Persuasive writing prompts give 6th graders the chance to practice critical thinking while expressing their views on topics that matter to them.
These 6th grade persuasive writing prompts help students learn to support their positions with facts and logical reasoning. The key is choosing topics that connect to their everyday lives and interests.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about persuasive writing for 6th graders. You’ll find ready-to-use prompts, tips for teaching the writing process, and ways to help students build strong arguments.
Whether you’re a teacher planning lessons or a parent supporting homework, you’ll discover practical strategies to make persuasive writing both educational and fun. Because here at YouCanJournal.com, we’re just as obsessed about writing as you are!
A Quick List of 6th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts For the Impatient Soul
Not interested in scrolling an article to find the perfect persuasive prompts? We understand! (We also prefer the microwave over the oven…no shame!)
Here’s a quick list of 50 potential persuasive essay topics perfect for 6th graders:
- Should school uniforms be required?
- Should students have homework every night?
- Is it better to have longer recess or longer lunch?
- Should school start later in the morning?
- Should kids be allowed to use cell phones at school?
- Is it better to read books or watch movies?
- Should pets be allowed in school?
- Should junk food be banned from school cafeterias?
- Should students be able to choose their own seats in class?
- Is it better to have year-round school or a long summer break?
- Should schools have more field trips?
- Should students be required to learn a second language?
- Is it better to play team sports or individual sports?
- Should video games be limited for kids?
- Should kids have chores at home?
- Should schools have a dress code?
- Is it better to have a pet dog or a pet cat?
- Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
- Should students be rewarded for good behavior?
- Should schools have more art and music classes?
- Is it better to live in the city or the countryside?
- Should kids get paid for good grades?
- Should schools have longer recess?
- Should students be allowed to bring snacks to class?
- Is it better to be the oldest or youngest sibling?
- Should kids have a say in what they learn at school?
- Should schools have more technology in the classroom?
- Should kids be allowed to stay up late on weekends?
- Is it better to be famous or to be happy?
- Should schools have stricter rules about bullying?
- Should kids be allowed to pick their own bedtime?
- Should students be allowed to listen to music while working?
- Is it better to travel to new places or stay close to home?
- Should kids be required to exercise every day?
- Should schools have pet days where students bring their pets?
- Should kids be allowed to have phones at home without restrictions?
- Should schools have more science experiments?
- Is it better to be good at math or good at reading?
- Should kids be allowed to choose their own classes?
- Should schools have a longer lunch break?
- Should kids be allowed to wear hats in school?
- Is it better to spend money or save money?
- Should kids have to learn cursive handwriting?
- Should schools have a no-homework day once a week?
- Should kids be allowed to eat candy during school?
- Is it better to be an only child or have siblings?
- Should schools have more outdoor learning?
- Should kids be required to volunteer in their community?
- Should kids be allowed to decorate their lockers?
- Should schools have a student council that makes real decisions?
Looking for more prompts, tips for writing structure, or lesson plans for teaching persuasive writing? Keep scrolling, my friend!
What Is Persuasive Writing for 6th Graders?
Persuasive writing teaches sixth graders how to take a position on an issue and convince others to agree with their viewpoint using facts and logical reasoning. This type of writing builds critical thinking abilities that students will use throughout middle school and, if we’re being honest, life.
Defining Persuasive Writing Prompts
Persuasive writing prompts are topics or questions that ask your students to choose a side and defend their position with evidence. These prompts challenge 6th graders to think critically about real-world issues and express their thoughts in organized writing.
A good prompt gives students something specific to argue about. For example, “Should students have longer lunch periods?” works better than “Write about lunch” because it requires a clear yes or no stance.
Prompts in English language arts classes should connect to topics your students care about. This might include school rules, technology use, environmental issues, or community problems.
When students feel connected to the topic, they write with more passion and detail.
Importance of Persuasive Writing in Middle School
Middle school marks a key time when students learn to support their ideas with facts rather than just feelings. Persuasive writing helps sixth graders develop the ability to research information, evaluate different viewpoints, and present logical arguments.
These skills apply far beyond the classroom. Your students will use persuasive techniques when they ask for privileges at home, participate in debates, or apply for opportunities later in life.
Writing persuasively also teaches students to understand opposing viewpoints.
When they consider why someone might disagree with them, they learn empathy and develop stronger counterarguments. This makes their final position more convincing and well-rounded.
The Common Core Standards require students to write arguments with clear claims and supporting evidence. Practicing with persuasive writing prompts helps your 6th graders meet these academic expectations while building confidence in their communication abilities.
Skills Developed Through Persuasive Writing
Critical thinking stands at the center of persuasive writing. Your students must analyze a topic from multiple angles before choosing their position.
Research skills grow as students learn to find credible sources that support their claims. It allows them to practice distinguishing between facts and opinions in the information they discover.
Organization and structure improve when students learn to arrange their ideas logically. A persuasive essay typically includes an introduction with a clear claim, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion that reinforces the main argument.
Your sixth graders also develop these writing skills:
- Clear communication of complex ideas
- Audience awareness and how to adjust their message
- Evidence selection to support specific points
- Counterargument recognition and response
- Revision techniques to strengthen weak arguments
Popular 6th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts
Sixth graders respond best to topics that connect to their daily lives and the world around them. These prompts help students practice making strong arguments while writing about subjects they actually care about.
School-Related Persuasive Prompts
Your school environment gives you lots of material for persuasive writing.
Should students be allowed to use cell phones during lunch or between classes? This prompt lets you argue about personal freedom versus classroom focus.
Should schools remove junk food from vending machines and lunch menus? Think about health benefits versus student choice.
Should your school require uniforms or allow students to express themselves through clothing? You’ll need to consider both sides carefully.
Other school prompts include:
- Should schools ban homework on weekends?
- Do students deserve longer recess periods?
- Should the school day start later in the morning?
- Would year-round school improve learning?
- Should students help plan the next class field trip?
Social Issues and Real-Life Topics
Addressing real-world problems can help you develop stronger arguments and critical thinking skills.
Climate change gives you a chance to write about environmental protection and what your generation can do. Should your city ban plastic bags or require recycling programs?
Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote in local elections? You can discuss maturity levels and civic responsibility in regards to the voting age.
Animal rights topics work well too.
Should zoos exist or should all animals live in the wild? Can you argue for protecting endangered species?
Additional social topics:
- Should communities require community service hours for students?
- Do violent video games affect behavior?
- Should social media have age restrictions?
- Is it fair to ban certain dog breeds?
Creative Scenarios and Choices
Imaginative prompts let you have fun while building persuasion skills.
Should students be paid for good grades? This lets you explore motivation and fairness.
Should summer vacation be longer or should schools add more breaks throughout the year? You’ll debate how best to balance rest time against learning time.
Food debates get creative too.
Is pizza a vegetable?
Should candy be allowed in school lunches on Fridays?
These lighter topics still require solid reasoning and evidence to support your position.
Ideas for Engaging Persuasive Writing
Sixth graders connect best with topics that relate to their daily lives and strong opinions. These prompts encourage students to think about books they love, school activities they participate in, and the issues that affect their education.
Favorite Book Suggestions
Writing about your favorite book gives you a chance to share something you care about.
Should everyone be required to read your favorite book?
What specific book should all teachers be required to add to their class reading list?
Does a fantasy series teach better life lessons than realistic fiction?
Should graphic novels count as much as chapter books for reading assignments?
These prompts let you use specific examples from stories you know well.
Strong persuasive topics about books include:
- Comic books vs. traditional novels for learning
- Whether book series or standalone books are better
- Why the school library needs more books in your favorite genre
Physical Education and School Activities
Physical education and after-school activities give you lots to write about.
Should students have PE every day or just twice a week?
Should recess be longer or happen more than once during the school day?
Sports and activities raise valid questions about fairness and access.
Should your school offer more team sports or focus on individual activities like yoga and dance?
Should students who play sports have to maintain good grades to stay on teams?
Money matters come up with school activities, too!
Should schools spend money on sports equipment or use those funds for art supplies?
Should college athletes get paid since they bring in revenue for their schools?
Debatable Issues in Public Schools
Public schools face many decisions that affect students’ daily lives. They experience these issues firsthand, which makes their arguments more powerful.
Should school start later so students get more sleep?
Should students wear uniforms or choose their own clothes?
Technology use in classrooms offers another angle—should schools provide laptops to every student?
Grading systems spark debate too!
Should teachers give letter grades or use a pass-fail system?
Should good grades come with rewards like extra recess or homework passes?
Common school debate topics:
- School start and end times
- Dress codes and uniform policies
- Homework amounts and requirements
- Technology and device rules
- Grading systems and grade requirements
Age-Appropriate Topics for 6th Graders
Sixth graders need persuasive topics that match their developing critical thinking skills while connecting to experiences they understand. The right prompts challenge them more than elementary topics but remain accessible compared to high school assignments.
Comparing Prompts Across Grade Levels
Your 6th grader needs different topics than younger students.
In 1st grade and 2nd grade, kids write about simple choices like favorite foods or pets. Third grade students move into basic opinions about classroom rules or playground equipment.
By 4th grade, students can handle topics about school policies and community issues.
The jump to sixth grade means your child should tackle more complex subjects with multiple viewpoints. They can now consider ethical questions and social issues that younger students aren’t ready to explore.
When you look at 7th grade topics, you’ll notice they expect even deeper analysis of current events and abstract concepts.
Sixth grade sits smack dab in the middle. Your 6th graders should work with topics that require research and reasoning but don’t demand adult-level understanding of complicated political or economic systems.
Topics Relevant to Sixth Grade Experiences
Your 6th graders will connect best with topics from their daily lives.
School-related prompts work well, like arguing for later start times, dress code changes, or more recess. These issues matter to them right now.
Technology topics also fit this age group perfectly.
Your student has opinions about screen time limits, social media age requirements, and phone policies at school. They live with these rules every day.
Social situations also resonate with sixth graders.
Prompts about friendship, peer pressure, and extracurricular activities tap into real challenges they face. Environmental topics like recycling programs or school gardens let them argue for change they can actually see happen.
Community-focused prompts about local parks, library hours, or youth programs work because your student uses these resources. They’re old enough to understand community needs but young enough to care about kid-friendly spaces.
Key Elements of a Strong Persuasive Essay
A strong persuasive essay needs three main components: a clear point of view that states your position, solid evidence that backs up your claims, and an organized structure that guides readers through your argument.
Understanding Point of View
Your point of view is your opinion on the topic you’re writing about.
You need to pick one side and stick with it throughout your entire essay. Don’t switch back and forth or try to argue both sides equally.
State your point of view clearly in your thesis statement. This usually goes at the end of your first paragraph and tells readers exactly what you believe and what you’ll try to convince them of.
Think about who will read your essay.
What do they already think about your topic? What arguments might change their minds?
Understanding your audience will help you pick the best reasons to support your point of view.
Effective Arguments and Evidence
Good arguments need real evidence to back them up.
You can’t just say something is true because you think so. You need facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples from real life.
Each body paragraph should focus on one main argument. Start with a topic sentence that states your point. Then add 2-3 pieces of evidence that prove why you’re right.
Make sure your evidence comes from trustworthy sources.
Close reading of articles, books, and websites helps you find the best support for your arguments. Check that your facts are current and accurate.
Connect your evidence back to your main point.
Don’t just list facts and expect readers to figure out why they matter. Explain how each piece of evidence supports your thesis and strengthens your argument.
Organizing Ideas with a Graphic Organizer
A graphic organizer helps you plan your essay before you start writing. It shows you where each idea fits and makes sure you don’t forget important points.
Try using a persuasive essay map with these sections:
- Introduction box: Your hook and thesis statement
- Body paragraph boxes: One argument and evidence per box (usually three boxes)
- Conclusion box: Your final thoughts and call to action
You can also use a simple outline format. Write your thesis at the top, then list your three main arguments underneath with bullet points for evidence under each one.
Working with a graphic organizer during your writing process saves time.
You can see if your arguments are balanced and if you have enough evidence. It’s much easier to move ideas around in an organizer than to rewrite whole paragraphs later.
How to Teach Persuasive Writing in 6th Grade
Teaching persuasive writing to sixth graders works best when you build a structured unit and create detailed lesson plans. Breaking down the process into manageable steps helps students develop confidence in making and supporting arguments.
Planning a Persuasive Writing Unit
Start your persuasive writing unit by mapping out 2-3 weeks of instruction. Your unit should cover the basics of persuasive techniques, how to structure an argument, and ways to support opinions with evidence.
Begin with a fun classroom activity where students practice convincing their classmates about something they care about. This helps them see that they already use persuasive skills in daily life.
Your unit needs to include these key components:
- Introduction to persuasive writing and its purpose
- Teaching the structure (introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion)
- Exploring persuasive techniques like rhetorical questions and emotional appeals
- Writing practice with feedback
- Peer review sessions
- Final assessment
Make sure to include time for students to choose topics they feel strongly about. When students write about things that matter to them, they produce better work and stay more engaged throughout the unit.
Designing Lesson Plans
Your lesson plans should build on each other in a logical sequence. Start with teaching students how to identify persuasive writing in texts they read before asking them to create their own.
Each lesson plan needs a clear objective. For example, one lesson might focus only on writing strong thesis statements while another teaches how to address counterarguments.
Include these elements in your daily lessons:
- Warm-up activity to review previous concepts
- Direct instruction on one specific skill
- Guided practice where you work through examples together
- Independent writing time for students to apply the skill
- Sharing or reflection to close the lesson
Plan for mini-lessons that last 15-20 minutes followed by writing practice. Short, focused instruction works better than long lectures. Make sure you model each step before asking students to try it independently.
And…well…there you have it! With this collection of 6th grade persuasive writing prompts, all that’s left to do is get started.
Happy (persuasive) writing!
Disclosure: While all opinions are our own, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, at no additional cost to you.